I took early retirement to travel, read, write, spend more time with friends and family, and enjoy life to the fullest. I'm not Italian, but I've had a passion for Italy and the Italian way of life since I first met Italians on the soccer pitch over 20 years ago. Through Italian language classes and annual vacations in Italy (the only place I wanted to go!), that fascination turned into a full-fledged love affair with the country. Those trips to Italy have created enduring connections and a sense of belonging to a country I otherwise had no connection with. I can no longer imagine what life would be like without my Italian connections, but I knows that it is richer for them! I live in Alberta, Canada with my husband, but am always looking for ways to spend more time in Italy. All suggestions welcome!
Recently published ITALY THROUGH THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR: Finding Connection and Belonging arose out of my extended travels through the 20 regions of Italy over a span of 15 years. My background as a lawyer fed my inquiring mind, as did my passion for travel, which I blogged about for several years (before the site I was using unfortunately shut down). The book weaves together heart-warming and humorous stories focused on characteristic aspects of Italian culture--its traditions and rituals, its food, and of course its people and their engaging approach to 'living life in the piazza'. But, as you will discover, these are just the backdrop for an even more compelling narrative. Travel was the vehicle and Italy the teacher, helping to illuminate how we are all wired for connection, how we crave a sense of belonging, and how simple human encounters can feed our soul.
