Happy Valentine’s Day to my Cara Italia (Dear Italy)

We first met in 1971. But, it seems, I have known you all my life. As an Italian-American, I was so proud of you.

I heard stories about you from my Nonni and my Bisnonna. Many were melancholy. Others were glorious.

I had to meet you.

I read your stories while still in school, the good, the bad and the ugly.

And still, I had to meet you.

It was amore at first site. Throughout our encounters, our dates, as I understood more about you, I discovered more about myself. We share so many traits, even some not so perfect.

And we accept each other as lovers of art, food, wine, family and veracity. We both are curvy, unique and beautiful. We both need to be surrounded by the sea and in the sunshine whenever possible.

We can be loud and boisterous. We can compartmentalize. We can be superficial, thinking of la bella figura (looking good) too much. We appreciate music and beauty of all types. We can be elegant or coarse together.

And, still, we love. I am yours, cara Italia, sempre. Happy Valentine’s Day.

We at Take Me Home Italy wish you the best on Valentine’s Day. Celebrate with someone you love, a partner, a child, a friend. Next year, you can come to Italy to celebrate with my love too.