People often ask why I love Italy so much especially since I am not Italian myself.  Initially, I could not put my feelings to words.  There is so much to love about Italy from the beauty of her diverse landscapes, the rich culture and history, the language, to the museums and churches.  I love the winding, cobblestoned streets and the way you can often find the Blessed Virgin Mary looking down at you from the corners of buildings, often with a vase of flowers at her feet.  I love the cuisine and wine and the way dinner is never rushed and of course, the gelato.

There is a long list of writers who have also fallen in love with Italy:  Mark Twain, Henry James, Erica Jong and Frances Mayes just to name a few.  But for me, E.M. Forster best describes my feelings when he said:

“Love and understand the Italians, for the people are more marvelous than the land.” 

The Italian people are gracious and welcoming, kind and generous and they have a profound love of family and their heritage.  I have experienced these things not only when I visit Italy, but here at home in the States.  I have been blessed by my friendship with the entire Simone Family.  Much like doting parents, they indulge my love of everything Italian.  I have been invited to their homes here and in Italy and shared dinner with them many times.  Canning tomatoes, making cannoli and pasta are just a few of the family traditions that they have shared with me.  I am welcomed at many of the polenta parties, wine tastings, picnics and barbecues that the Secinarese Club of America have hosted.  The members of this association are much too kind to ask why someone who has no ties to this small village in the Abruzzo region frequents so many of their activities and I am very grateful for their loving support and for sharing their family and heritage with me, Grazie!