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Report 1104: Perfect Piemonte and Bella Bologna: A Succulent Journey for the Senses and Soul

By Palma from California, Fall 2006

"Live Italian"

We’ve been home a week. I still have my “Italian glow.” The laundry is done, the luggage is back in the garage, and the Italian shopping treasures are put away, or ready to gift-wrap for Christmas. I dream of Italy every night. I have Italian ingredients in my refrigerator and pantry. A plate of fresh ravioli, while nice, doesn’t get me there. Brad says, “A part of your heart, and much of your soul are in Italy.” I love my home and life in Palm Desert, but the deep sense of belonging I feel on Italian soil is missing.

We were charmed again. We ventured to Piemonte, and magicians Diana and Micha introduced us to the “potions” (wonderful wines) of the area, shared and served us wonderful meals with local flavors, and suggested captivating towns to enhance the spell. In Bologna, we discovered a cauldron of food artistry, wonderful shopping, and a charismatic piazza that called us back, time after time.

The Italians are masters of distilling life to its essence. It is most easily seen with food. Take some olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and throw it on ANYTHING…pasta, meat, fish, veggies. There are endless combinations. Keep it simple. Relax. Sip some wine. Share it with someone you care about. Laugh, feel, communicate. It’s all about passion.

If you are in Italy, soak up that magic.

We will do our best to “Live Italian” at home. We will return in 275 days.