We have been in Italy for about a week now and have found ourselves happily and thoroughly returning to the first layer of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
The smell of fresh baked pastries lazily draws us out of bed well into the morning and we soon find ourselves sitting around an outdoor table under the warm Tuscan sun sipping creamy cappuccinos and sampling a collection of Italian treats. By the time breakfast is finished, there is only an hour or two left to wander the streets to find a good restaurant for lunch, where home-made pastas, crusty pizzas and samples of fresh fruit, dry ham, sausage and cheese are followed by perfect tiramisus and/or panna cottas... not even to mention the chocolate!
Afterwards, how can you say no to a little nap and a walk through the shops to find a gelateria or cafe for a Cantucci di Prato or Panforte di Siena. By this time, the sun is settling softly on the city and it is time to start thinking about dinner and the selection of delicious food that only Italians in Italy can master. Four courses later, there is the walk to the hotel amid the sights and sounds of Italy at night.
Back in our room, and after baby is in bed, a little relaxation activity to get ready for a good night of sleep.... in sipping a glass of vino santo.
And then??? Start again. Delightful.
What is self-actualization anyway? ;-)
you summed it up precisely!!!! I can't wait to eat my way around Italy some more :)
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