| My first thought of Italy was “Prada.” Indeed, in Italy, I shopped until I dropped! If you were in Italy - - the birthplace of Prada, Gucci, and Giorgio Armani - - wouldn’t you? Three weeks in Italy was a fantastic experience not to mention the endless shopping with the euro, which looks like Monopoly money. Italy has many fabulous stores selling handbags, shoes, and clothes from places like “The Mall” or in Milan or Bologna. The Mall is located just south of Florence overlooking the beautiful hills of Tuscany where you can purchase famous brand names at one place at discounted prices. And of course, Milan is a glamorous city of fashion where Prada, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, and Furla have stores on every block. However, Italy offered more than fabulous handbags, shoes, and clothes from famous designers.
Italy is a fascinating place with an incredible taste for fashion, delicious wine, heart-shaped pizzas, romantic evenings with art and music, afternoon naps, truly natural flavored and yummy gelato (ice-cream), an enriching history and culture, and a language you may have no idea about but you can pretend you understand.
Other than fabulous fashion tips, Milan has unbelievably detailed architecture. The Domo in Milan is impressive and the meticulous sculptures and paintings on the windows are incredible. Shopping along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele - - or especially along Via Della Spiga, the famous street of high-fashion boutiques - - is simply a girl’s dream come true. Then, after a long day of shopping, enjoy a relaxing stroll through Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, which is a delightful park filled with families, business men, and lovers.
For serious site seeing, of course the gigantic Colosseum in Rome is magnificent but it is not anything like from the movie, “Gladiator.” The now old and deteriorated Palatine Hill reminds you of the glorious power Rome had, but also how long ago it was. From the far-reaching view from the top of Capital Hill you think about the abounding culture and history of Rome’s past. Outside of Rome, the statue of David and the other museums of Florence as well as the Grand Canal and tiny labyrinth-like streets of Venice are definitely worth visiting, even for just a day.
The miles and miles of marvelous stores in Milan was fun, the firsthand experience of Rome’s past history and power was exciting, and enjoying the charm of Florence was a pleasure, but one of my best experiences in Italy was visiting San Marino, one of the oldest and smallest countries in the world. The beauty of San Marino was splendid; the castles on top of the mountain were indescribable, and the hospitality of the people was friendly and inviting. The beauty of Italy from the top of San Marino was breathtaking and memorable.
On hot summer days like today, I miss the beach in Rimini, where you can relax and feel the ocean breeze off the Adriatic coast, or eating delicious gelato while wandering the cobblestone piazzas in Bologna. I cannot wait to go back! Ciao!
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