My love affair with Italy started in 1972 when I spent two weeks near Venice, at Lido di Jesolo, camping with my family. I was 14 then, and though a deep love for the country found its special place in my heart already then, it took me 29 years to come back. For the last 6-7 years I have visited the country every year, most years even several times.
There are so many things about Italy I love - the people, the language, the atmosphere, the art, the architecture, the food, the climate, the colours.......and the knowledge that I will come back again and again. The door to the the room in my heart where I keep my Italian memories is easy to open.
I sit here working on my Moleskin travel diary, writing down memories, glueing photos, tickets and bills, finishing a few sketches and drawings......dreaming of my Italian days.
Marta is developing her own love of the country, a love which deepens for every new visit. She sits beside me here at the diningroom table now, our favorite work table, wrapping small travel gifts for her friends and cousins, remembering small episodes from our two Italian weeks.