Landing in Rome!

Well it has been two days since we left from Rome to board our beautiful home on The Beyond. I have done some serious reflecting from when we started to land over Rome and the three days we just enjoyed the romance, food and beauty of Rome and Tuscany. What captured my heart was when my eyes first saw a traditional Italian home, with its famous worn brick and clay tile roof’s as we were landing, AND I realized we were finally back in Italy. When Covid struck, as many of you know, had a profound affect on me, as life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. And one thing that Doug and I, both were somewhat paralyzed by, was the thought of not being able to travel abroad. It felt like a death sentence, and for a few years my heart ached for travel which included Europe and other destinations we love for diving.

Let me share with you the beautiful pleasures we have experienced and also expound on the absolute simplicity and beauty of Italy, since we have landed.

Everywhere you go food is a way of life. Italians love their food (so do Greeks, but that’s a different post)! People embrace the art of dining. They love the whole ritual and two hours can go by before you know it. Every meal, including breakfast, was somewhat of a little celebration. Cappuccino, Lattes, Prosecco, Wine, still water or bubbles (mostly bubbles), OLIVE OIL, limoncello, tiramisu, gelato, PASTA, fish and I could go on and on. Add to its importance that every single waiter was donned in formal attire, and live entertainment was always present for dinner. Italians and most Europeans have very mobile lifestyles so food is a human connection.

Tuscany was like painted art throughout the entire landscape. The region is breath-taking with giant Cyprus trees all gathered together to make a statement. Vineyards everywhere and all owned by local families. We had the honor of going to a private tasting with the son and the father. The father spoke no English, but stood delighted the entire time we tasted. We were sent off with hugs and new friends.

Of course, the history almost goes without saying. Everything is old here and it is charming and historical and totally different than what we know in the states. We heard church bells, AN AMAZING TRUMPET PLAYER, (a true Maestro) entertaining us on our first evening and even this immensely talented woman who broke out in opera in the middle of one of the squares, which brought crowds in awe that she could just stand there and sing so stunningly well and with such clarity.

We love ITALY and we love Rome and our hearts are always so easily transformed into a magical place in time and experiences.

We have had two days on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and feel like our souls are once again satisfied. We keep saying to each other, that we wish things would slow down, please Lord slow it down.