I have always been attracted to all things Italian. When planning my first trip to Italy, I had built my hopes up so high that I was sure I would be disappointed. In fact it was 1000 times better than I could have ever imagined. The possibility of visiting Italy, for someone who grew up never even considering the prospect of going to Europe, was ignited when I was introduced to the book “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes and her subsequent writings about Italy. “Each, in its own way, was unforgettable. It would be difficult to — Rome! By all means, Rome. I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live.” —Audrey Hepburn as Princess Anne in “Roman Holiday”. “He who has been in Italy can forget all other regions. Who has been in Heaven does not desire the Earth.” —Gogol “In the heart of every man, wherever he is born,…there is one small corner which is Italian, that part which finds regimentation irksome, the dangers of war frightening, strict morality stifling, that part which loves frivolous and entertaining art, admires larger-than-life-size solitary heroes, and dreams of an impossible liberation from the strictures of a tidy existence.” —Luigi Barzini “…the pernicious charm of Italy worked on her, and instead of acquiring information, she began to be happy.” —E. M. Forster “Room With a View”