"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life."

I grew up in an Italian-American household where I was engrained with a special fascination with Italy at a young age. My Sicilian grandmother taught me to love her homeland and have an interest in my roots. Early on I began to read and research the Italian peninsula and its endless offerings.

 

In high school I studied the Italian language and culture, including trips to experience Italy firsthand. I went on to attend The George Washington University where my Italian education continued through the rigorous study of language, culture, and literature. While in college I decided to spend semesters abroad in Italy. My first semester I lived in the small medieval town of Siena, Tuscany, where I explored the most famous countryside in the world. I studied Medieval and Renaissance art and learned about the volatile history of this resiliant little town. My second semester was in the ancient city of Syracuse, Sicily. During my time in Sicily I visited tiny towns with unique cuisine, architecture, and landscape. Ancient roots anchored this journey as I got to tour the Italian region often neglected by American tourists.

 

Like you, I too have much of this incredible peninsula I still wish to visit and explore. As a self-proclaimed Italo-phile, curiosity fuels my education of Italian studies…not to mention makes for a great excuse to go back! I don't claim to know everything about Italy, but I am always learning and sharing my passion with the world. If you are curious about an area or city I may not know as well I will do a little research to let you know what I discover!