A Love Letter to Italy

When I saw the topic for this month's Dolce Vita Bloggers Monthly Link-Up, I was excited to write about a topic so dear to my heart.  Read below, my love letter to my "Valentine," Italy:

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Dear Italy,

Where do I begin... I was first introduced to you when I was four years old.  You impressed me with your beautiful language, lush scenery, fresh mountain air, amazing food, fun festas and so much more.  It wasn't long before we became good friends, and I was excited to be able to visit you time and time again over the years.

With each visit I grew more fond of you. You opened up and showed me new and exciting things about you that kept me coming back for more. New landscapes, new traditions, new ways of truly enjoying life.  Soon I longed for the times when I would see you again, as the time spent apart felt like agony.

While I was away all I would do is compare others to you, but no one else could steal my heart quite like you, not even my own native land.

As I began my life as a young adult, I decided it was time to get serious and take our relationship to the next level.  As I started to plan my move over to your quarters, I was quickly cautioned.  People told me I had simply fallen under your spell and they warned me of your faults. They insisted that Italy wasn't just all about "la dolce vita."  It pained me to hear but I knew deep down they were right.  I had seen the faults they were talking about - the lack of work, the disorganization, the political troubles - but I had ignored it all.  Instead, I chose to concentrate on the special things that only you could offer the way you do - the appreciation of art, the zest for life, the passion for love, and of course, the mastering of "il dolce far niente."

Yet, I never did make that move.  My dear Italy, you were simply the one that got away.  And so now, I content myself with our happy memories from the past, and relive that happiness by continuing to admire you from afar.  You've touched my heart like no one else, and each time we meet again, we exchange a sweet smile that only we understand.  Until next time amore...