An Italian Addiction

Four and a half months ago I was dreaming up another trip to Italy. In those intervening 17 (plus) weeks, the focus has been one of discovery. We have spent most of our time (in Italy) north of Rome and little time south...that will change next trip...

I am hesitant to get specific, because the location we have chosen is not a regular tourist destination and I fear that if I rave about it too much and get too specific, it will be discovered (like my ego thinks that I am the discoverer???). We have not been to this place but have reports from the "Italians" that it is an excellent choice. Since one or more of the "Italians" will be here in February we will firm up the next phase...an extended trip...perhaps as much as three to six months, to Italy...sort of a test to see if we really want to live there part time. To date the longest we have spent there is slightly under four weeks. Suffice it to say that we are aiming at Calabria, very near, but not quite on the Mediterranean. We have a place to stay for an extended period that is right on the Mediterranean so we will likely spend some time there as well as up in the hills (about ten to fifteen kilometers from the water).

The good news...airfares are dropping, especially winter airfares...today (11/11/2008) I found a RT fare to Rome from Seattle...$748...(Delta)...almost a s cheap as when the Euro was at $1.25 in 2006. And check out the Euro today...$1.25...this winter might just be a great time to head for Europe, before the exchange rate jumps. I will check out some Italy hotels and let everyone know what I find...