I've fantasized about traveling to Italy forever.  I mean, who hasn't?  

Everything in Italy is about piacere.  Pleasure.  Shameless and unapologetic.  Food, design, art, cars, motorcycles, ice cream, coffee, fashion.  I could go on and on.  There is something uninhibited and passionate about the Italians (just look the other way when it concerns matters of national fiscal governance).  And we all covet what they have.  The enviable la dolce vita.

And two hour workday lunches.  

It has been a long-standing dream of mine to go to Rome and I never imagined I would experience it and much more of Italy in such an intimate way.  I did not have the privilege of travel growing up but I was relentless in my desire to travel and see the world.  I already prepared myself to visit even for just three days, backpacking, staying in dingy hostels, surviving on cheap bread - just to witness the glory of it.  I have kept tear out maps from National Geographic tracing my finger on the boundaries of Rome, wishing that I would make it there one day.

And I did.  After all, all roads lead to Rome. 

Time to go:  We went in May and it was astounding!  Summer is just arriving and we never really have to contend with crowds nor the high cost of travel that comes with it.  The weather is warm enough for short dresses, a light sweater, and bare legs.