It’s become obvious I have a bit of an obsession with Italy. Recently, I asked myself: Why do I love Italy so much? I’ve come to realize the answer is deeper than I studied in Florence during my junior year of university. The tagline after–I even met my husband there, but he’s not Italian. This has been my standard reason for as long as I know. But, if I’m honest with myself, it began even before then during those formidable years of growing up. 
Recently I remembered about this couple that babysat my siblings and me when they went out of town. I hardly remember the male, but the lady, THE donna! I remember her! Silvana was from Florence, Italy, and she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met. She was stunning, but she also had style and of course a gorgeous accent. The couple had fallen in love during the fella’s year abroad; he had studied at Gonzaga University, Florence. That couple–well more specifically Silvana, nor where they met, never faded from my academic memory.
In fact, when I was in high school pleading with my dad to study my junior year in Mexico, he had reassured me. When you’re a junior in college you will get to go to Gonzaga in Florence. My dad held tight to his promise, and I did study abroad that junior year. So yes, the easy answer is the year I spent in Florence–not to mention falling in love with Kevin there! But when I dig deeper I remember the infatuation, no the love affair, that began with Silvana. She was my first Italian love!
Now, how did one year create such a love for Italy? Well, it just did. I gained my independence in Florence. I also found my confidence. I can vividly remember at the end of that monumental year leaving the pack behind and finding my own way. This isn’t to say I didn’t make long lasting friendships–I did! The most important one being the relationship I have with Kevin Krembs. Yet, it was the first time I was forming friendships as the confident me. That makes such a huge difference!
Whenever I go back to Florence, it’s essential that I visit our old school. We had the extreme pleasure of studying in Palazzo Antinori! Yes, a palace, an yes a famous family vineyard. It was so lucky for all of us. I don’t think we realized how very special this building was at the time. Now it has a tourist sign in front of the building offering a paid tour if desired of the palace and the home of the Antinoris. I take a picture in front of it every time I go to Florence. It’s a definite must–despite the number of similar selfies in my iCloud.
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