dear italy,
i have lived with you now for nearly 7 years. your language still evades me, but i am trying, i really am. not sure if i will ever fully understand your verbs (or your driving) but truly that is minor. you see, you have provided so much adventure, hospitality, beauty, art, food, and friendship over the years and it's those moments that i hold so dear. the friendships you have placed in my path here, are the ones i will forever treasure.
you have delivered winters that were just cold enough to make for a wonderful opportunity to hibernate in the house for a few months. and you have painted every spring with a palette that seems to be increasingly more beautiful than the last. your summer days extend long into the night with music, laughter, food, and wine and truly some of the happiest moments with family and friends. and fall, well, she simply shines - while wrapped snug in a gorgeous scarf and boots.
oh, it's not lost on me your flaws and sore spots, italy. sometimes they are noticeable and sometimes they are not - but i know they are there, we all have them. however, i always come back the people i have met here....they make my experience memorable and for that i am truly grateful.
with gratitude,
suzanne
