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|  People often ask why I keep going back to Italy. Either they have never been there, or they haven't discovered the magic that permeates this beautiful country.
Ischia is surrounded by water. After spending 20+ years living land-locked, I never tire of seeing the sea. To the left is a portion of a beach in Lacco Ameno, Ischia. Can you imagine sitting here, basking in a Meditteranean breeze? 
To the right is Sorgeto, a natural hot spring that is only accessible by boat or by the hundreds of stairs. 
Forio is a beautiful community on the island. To the left is a view from behind the famous Chiesa del Soccorso. Notice the Greek influence in Ischia. 
Being an island, the only way to arrive---except via your private helicopter---is by boat. When you enter Ischia Porto, it's like the island reaches out its arms to embrace you. You're home. 
Of course, the waters aren't always calm and relaxing. Storms hit this paradise with a vengance. It is no fun crossing the sea from Naples on days like these. Waves angrily crash against the rocks and cliffs. Yet, the storm always passes. My favorite scenes of the sea are viewed from high above the shoreline, in Serrara. As many of you know, this is where my grandparents were born and where most of my Italian relatives still live today. The family I stay with has more than a 180-degree view of the sea. One can see Capri (in the photo to the right), Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast. They are also right at Il Belvedere ("scenic overlook" to Americans) with a spectacular view of St. Angelo, Ischia's crowning jewel. There are few things better than to sit under one of those umbrellas with one of Tony's cappucinos. 
Although my father felt that dawn was the most beautiful part of the day (thus my name), I adore sunsets. My father loved daybreak because it was a symbol of a fresh beginning, a new start, and the past is gone. We could start again. I certainly agree with him. Yet, being the hopeFUL romantic that I am, I love sunsets because that's where you ride off into and we all live happily ever after. Yes, I'm still seeking that "happily ever after". Wait a minute. Every time I remember a beautiful sunset, or the smile of a loved one or a touching song, I am happy. And, as long as I keep remembering, I will be happily ever after. You can, too! | | |
|  From my family's terrace on Ischia, one can see Mt Vesuvius. Yet, this was the first time I was able to visit the ancient city of Pompeii.
On that ominous day in 79 AD, Vesuvius suddenly erupted. The ash, fumes and lava arrived so quickly that most could not escape. 
This unfortunate event left an archeological treasure that shows what happened in every-day life in Pompeii. The average resident lived in crowded apartments. The upper class had grand homes with several rooms.   
Pompeii was a seaside playground for the wealthy who came from all over Italy. One popular attraction was the numerous thermal spas. These were opulent and luxurious with beautifully frescoed walls and ceilings, majestic statues and enormous pools.  
Pompeii's streets were masterfully designed. The "stepping stones" (above) were to allow pedestrians to cross even if the streets were flooded with rain water. The spacing between the stones was to allow chariots to pass through the cobblestone streets.  
Gladiator games were quite popular in the days of Pompeii. The city has a large stadium that reminds us of the Colesseum in Rome. One can imagine the gladiators pacing the hidden corridors as they awaited their fate in the arena.  Aside from the games, the "oldest profession" was another reason visitors came to Pompeii. Since this is a G-rated blog, I won't post the photos of the "house of ill repute" where frescoes of a girl's---uh, hem---specialty was clearly depicted above her room.
It's no secret that Pompeii was a then-modern-day Sodom or Gamorrah. Some say that Vesuvius erupted to destroy the sin and corruption. Many scientists today say that Vesuvius will again erupt and that it will be worse than what blanketed Pompeii many centuries ago. So, maybe in our lifetimes, we'll have the choice of visiting New or Old Pompeii? | | |
| One of Bologna's nicknames is "La Grassa" which means "The Fat One". However, they are not referring to the size of its people...that would NOT be a bella figura! The nickname instead alludes to Bologna's rich culinary traditions. 
My dear Canadian friend, Adriana, and I were able to meet in Bologna. Her last weekend in Italy was my first. Of course, we had to sample the local cuisine. I had the famous hand-made tortellini and Adriana had the pasta bolognese. Un pranzo magnifico!! 
Aside from the waist-expanding adventures and the oldest European university, Bologna is also famous for its porticoes which cover most of the city's sidewalks. So, even if the weather outside is frightful, strolling around Bologna is always a pleasure.  
One unique place that you won't find in the guide books is what I call The Whispering Place. Two porticoed walkways intersect and create a parabolic messaging system. (Huh? Let me explain.) Two people stand facing into a corner, diagonally across from each other. You can whisper, sing or whistle and only your partner will hear it. As an engineer, I had to figure it out: there is NOT a smooth path from corner to corner and there are no microphones or holes. I guess I'll just leave the explanation as this: magic. Hey, it's more fun that way, anyway!! 
To the left is Neptune's Fountain which is very close to The Whispering Place. Adriana and I had a great day exploring the town, laughing and---of course---having gelato! 
That evening, Adriana returned to Venice and I went to Marco and Silvia's place. My cara amica, Antonella, and Silvia are sisters. We all met a few years ago when the Bolognese Connection came to the bustling metropolis of Overland Park, KS. My baloney has a first name and it's not O-S-C-A-R...it's "bella"! | | |
|  Buon compleanno, Dolly! ("Happy Birthday, Dolly!)
For the past 5 years, I have been able to celebrate Dolly's birthday on Ischia. This year she turned...hey, it's not polite to ask a lady her age!!! 
As always, the event was filled with fun, food, friends and family. We started the festivities the night before: at the stroke of midnight, we broke open a bottle of champagne.  
Throughout the day, bouquets of flowers arrived at La Floreana. Family, friends and co-workers stopped by with gifts and hugs.  
Yes, a birthday party at La Floreana is always a special event! | | |
|  Montecatini Terme was---and still is---Tuscany's center for the Healing Waters, frequented by the likes of Pirandello and Verdi.
 I had the pleasure of spending the day with my dear friend, Lorenza, and her family.
Her mother prepared a fabulous lunch. (I think great cooking skills is just in the Italian DNA.) Montecatini Terme abounds with thermal spas, swank boutiques, heavenly bakeries and memorable restaurants. 
Rising above the "new" city is Montecatini Alto. Being atop a 1,000-foot hill, this was a strategic location for many a Tuscan battle. Today, the only conflict is deciding which outdoor cafe' to enjoy your espresso. After our delectable lunch, Lorenza, her sister (Stefania) and I hiked up to Montecatini Alto. Since it had rained that morning, the trail was a bit slippery. Note to self: if Lorenza (a professional ballerina) says that a walk is "easy", don't believe her. From Montecatini Alto, you can almost see forever. 
Not wanting to risk sliding down the slippery slope on our bottoms, we took the funicular for our return to Montecatini. 
The two cars pass each other once every hour, from morning 'til night. 
If you're looking for a quiet slice of Tuscany, Montecatini is the place to go! | | |
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