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Romantic Italy
oday, Norm Goldman, Editor
of href="http://www.Bookpleasu Maria is a former Miss
es.com" Pennslvania and Miss
title="http://www.Bookpleasures.c International World, however
om" Maria has confided in me that she
target="_blank">www.Bookpleasures wouldn't consider herself a
.com & href="http://www.Sketchandtravel. her a great deal of experience
com" and self- confidence. She holds a
title="http://www.Sketchandtravel degree from Temple University in
.com" Foreign Languages, and is now in
target="_blank">www.Sketchandtrav demand by many European type food
el.com, is pleased to have as companies to serve as marketing
guest of Thetimesharebeat.com, consultant, as well as
Maria Liberati, supermodel and spokesperson on TV and in print
author of the soon to be released ads.
cook- book The Basic Art of
Italian Cooking. The cookbook
will contain recipes Maria
discovered as a guest of various The following is an interview
agriturismi (country farms), as conducted by Norm Goldman, Editor
well as her family's vineyard. It of Bookpleasures. Com and
also includes her encounters with Sketchandtravel.com, with Maria,
chefs of some of Italy's who provides us with some very
trattoria (dining timely information pertaining to
establishments). In addition, the romantic getaways in Italy. Maria
cookbook contains stories about now lives six months of the year
Maria's travels around Italy. in Italy.
When I was not modeling, I had
the opportunity to study regional
Italian cooking at what are known
as ‘agriturismi.' This is the
Norm: Italian word for country farms
that are also bed and breakfasts
serving meals produced from the
fresh foods grown and produced in
Please tell our readers many different regions of Italy.
something about yourself and your
expertise pertaining to romantic
getaways in Italy?
Generally tourists tend to know
about the popular and crowded
Maria: places that can be very
impersonal. Traveling by car and
foot throughout Italy has
provided me with windows to some
My grandfather and his family of the most spectacular venues.
owned a vineyard in the mountains
of Abruzzi, and I practically
grew up learning a great deal
about Italian cooking. Moreover, Norm:
due to my modeling career, I
spent a great deal of time in
Italy.
You mention that you have a
great deal of experience of
staying in bed and breakfasts on
organic farms in Italy your walking?
(agriturisimi). Could you tell
our readers something about these Moreover, staying in an
B&Bs and why you consider them to agriturismo you are guaranteed to
be appropriate as romantic or always have an abundance of the
honeymoon destinations? best quality freshly prepared
foods. No doubt, this is far
superior to eating at restaurants
that cater to tourists and which
Maria: often are very pricey.
All- inclusive packages are
generally available and in most
The ‘agriturismi,' aside from instances will prove to be much
being great places to learn about more economical than a stay in a
Italian foods, tend to be some of hotel.
the most romantic vacation spots
in Italy. They are usually
located high up on a hill with
breathtaking views of a town. If Norm:
located in a city like Rome, they
would be found away from the
principal areas. Consequently,
they are usually situated in Why would you consider Italy a
peaceful, serene and picturesque good choice for a romantic
settings. What could be more getaway or wedding and honeymoon
romantic than staying on a destination?
vineyard, and being able to take
a peaceful walk picking a fresh
piece of fruit to munch on while
Maria:
Take for example picnics in
Italy. If you opt to have
Italy is beyond doubt one of the spontaneous romantic picnics, you
best places for a romantic have access to some of the most
getaway or honeymoon- not only romantic locations in the world.
because of the variety of Moreover, at your disposal are a
breathtaking beauty and romantic variety of fresh bread and pizza
views surrounding you, but also at the local "forno" (pronounced
the Italian lifestyle. ‘for-noh'), as well as cheeses
found in local cheese shops or
supermarkets.
Italians love romance, their
songs are all based on romance
and about love. People love to Even some of the major cities
see couples walking hand in hand such as Rome, Milan or Florence,
or arm in arm. Even just the all have their quiet venues,
simple ritual of eating a meal where you can savor your food and
has a romantic feel to it. When enjoy the romantic ambiance.
you sit down to eat dinner at a
restaurant or even at a bed and The center of Rome has the Villa
breakfast it is meant to be a Borghese, and of course, if you
long, drawn out ritual. In other don't mind the noise and crowds,
words, an activity that is shared there are the Spanish Steps.
and enjoyed between two people,
and not something over with in 10 Not to omit the Coliseum and the
minutes. Roman Forum that are popular
areas for impromptu picnics.
am working with a journalist on
If you are in a small town, it is an article that will shortly
certainly not difficult to find a appear in February 2005 in Women
beautiful view in a quiet place. and Fitness Magazine. Of course
One word of advice, please always it is themed around St
remember to respect the property Valentine's Day. Anyways, it is a
you are on and clean up after trend for couples to take cooking
your picnic. classes not only in Italy but
also in the USA. What better way
to share a wonderful experience
and create something together,
and then enjoy the romantic
experience of eating what both of
NORM: you just created?
Why have cooking classes in It is time that Americans catch
Italy become so popular? on to what the Italians have
known for years- that cooking is
a wonderful romantic experience.
It is non-threatening in that you
Maria: can be creative at your own pace
together- and then partake in a
romantic meal together. It can be
a prelude to watching a romantic
Actually it is a new trend and movie. You can even go shopping
my own company has received many together at a local fresh food
requests to put together these market before you cook the meal.
packages for couples. In fact, I So it is a wonderful romantic
trend and it is becoming more and busiest.
more popular.
If you don't want to chance the
crowds of August, July can be a
great month because the weather
Norm: is usually warmer.
Early fall can be great cost
wise, and usually by the end of
When is the best time to visit August the Italians, as well as
Italy from the point of view of the tourists, are back to school
weather, costs, and crowds? and work. Late fall you would be
into the rainy season.
Christmas is another possibility,
Maria: and a very beautiful season.
However, it can be crowded and
pricey, unless you stay in
agriturismo. It is less
I have visited Italy during commercial than in the States, as
every season and there is almost houses are not all lit up with
no bad time to be there. However, Christmas bulbs. The foods you
if I had to select my favorite will experience and the feeling
time it would be summer and fall, in the air are so romantic!
when I can enjoy the beautiful Spending New Year's Eve in the
Italian sun shining down on the center of Rome and watching the
colorful scenery. spectacular fireworks display
over the Coliseum is something
August is usually the most the that I do every year and is an
sunniest, however it is also the experience like no other.
-The Island of Ischia: In August
2004' I visited friends, who own
and operate a wonderful bed and
breakfast in the town of Forio.
Norm: Located atop a 30-mile island
that is divided into about 5
separate, tiny cities, of which
the city of Ischia is the
If you had to choose 5 principal one.
unequalled venues in Italy for a
romantic getaway, honeymoon or
wedding destination, what would
they be and why? Why Ishcia?
Maria: It is famous for its spas as a
result of the thermal waters. You
find saunas that are not man made
but actually exist inside a cave
First, I must say that it is on the side of the volcano in
really difficult for me to narrow Ischia.
my choices down to 5 venues.
Please also note that some of my The view of the sea, while you
picks are not the usual places are at one of the outside spas
people may choose. I like to find enjoying a thermal bath or on the
the unusual and the not highly beach, is absolutely breathtaking
commercial favorites. and you will imagine you are in
paradise. The blue of the water
and the sky is so intensely blue Postino- (The Postman), the
that you will feel like you are island that it was filmed on
in the middle of a living (Procida) is right next to the
painting- so to speak. Island of Ischia.
It is amazing how revived you
feel after taking the water cure
of the thermal baths- although
I'm sure the ‘soaking in of the
scenery' has a lot to do with it -ROME: The next place I would
also. select would be the city of Rome.
Yes it is a big city, but as many
There are also little towns to well-traveled Italians will tell
wander around in. Each of the 5 you- there is nothing like the
towns in Ischia has their own city of Rome- if you know how to
little square, which is very find your way around.
romantic, and the main town of
Ischia has its own castle. There
are also little romantic outdoor
cafes, shops and coffee bars as WHY ROME?
well as the glow of the moonlight
basking on the sea and an
occasional outdoor musician
singing old romantic Neapolitan To walk around Rome is analogous
songs accompanied by mandolin to living in an art museum.
music. Oh the romance of it
all!!! Rome is made up of different
hills with magnificent views. My
If any of your have seen the favorite is Monte Mario with its
award winning Italian move- Il breathtaking panorama of the
city. Another is the top of the pizza- again ask a local for a
Spanish Steps, where in front of ‘forno' and you will experience
the steps you have a beautiful some great, freshly baked pizza
fountain. If you go to the top of and bread. The Romans are famous
the steps you have gorgeous views for a type of roll called a
overlooking the city and you can ‘rosetta' it is crusty but at
also enjoy one of those impromptu the same time light and airy. So
picnics here. ask for a rosetta, fill it with
cheese and you have a wonderful
Don't forget Villa Borghese- it picnic type lunch or snack.
was the territory of the royal
family. Borghese is now a
beautiful park- dotted with
beautiful statues, ponds- another -Venice is a very romantic spot.
great place to savor a romantic I hesitate to recommend Venice;
walk and an impromptu picnic. although it is one of the most
beautiful and romantic spots in
the world, it has just become too
‘touristy'. However, if you
One of the most romantic piazzas visit Italy and can do it, you
(square) is Piazza Navona, must see Venice and experience
particularly at night, where you its beauty.
will find many outdoor
restaurants and beautiful
statues. There is the famous and
beautiful-Bar de la Pace- which WHY VENICE?
is located at a far corner of
Piazza Navona. It is a favorite Just riding on one of the water
of international celebrities. And taxis that take you to the island
if you want to have some great can be romantic as you take in
the beauty that surrounds you. If
you really wish to have a Tuscany is a beautiful romantic
romantic view of the city, take destination.
your taxi ride at night, when the
moon glistens on the water and
the beauty of Venice is lit up by
the glow of the moonlight. WHY TUSCANY?
You will fall madly in love with Here you can find several
your romantic significant other, romantic ‘agriturismo' serving
while experiencing this kind of wonderful fresh foods and located
view together. in out of the way places-you are
away from the crowds, yet with
Of course, there are the other the possibility of day trips to
traditional things to do, as a Florence and Pisa. In this way
visit to St. Mark's Square, or you avoid the pricey hotels and
enjoying one of the outdoor cafes at the same time experience the
and restaurants, and exploring feeling of really living in
the little canals and back Italy.
alleyways.
The wines made in Tuscany are
As for eating establishments, the wonderful- be sure to experience
key in finding great food is to them.
find smaller more intimate dining
places that cater to the locals Florence is a city overloaded
rather than the tourists. with beautiful works of art.
You have of course the Uffizi
Gallery, which houses some of the
-TUSCANY world's most beautiful works of
art. Outside of the Gallery there
are statues of some of Florence's
most famous citizens including WHY OLTRANTO?
Michelangelo and Galileo- all who
had a rich Florentine patron to If I may use again an Italian
support them in their works. film to give you the feeling of
this landscape- see the award
Two romantic spots in Florence winning film-"Meditteranneo"- a
are: the main square, which is wonderful comedy about the war,
the Piazza Della Signoria, where but the scenery is breathtaking.
you will find a replica of the Most of the film takes place in
statue of "David" (or as the parts of Greece. However,
Italians know him- the Davide), Oltranto's deep intense blues of
and the Ponte Vecchio. This the water and stark pristine
bridge crosses over the Arno white colors of the surrounding
River and from the bridge you buildings will bear a deep
have a beautiful views of the resemblance to the colors and
city. Add to this, the walking waterfront scenery in this film
tours of the vineyard regions- made mostly in Greece.
like Chianti or Montepulciano and
you have yourself a winning spot. Due to a lack of industry in
Oltranto, the water is crystal
clear.
Oltranto is also filled with
-OLTRANTO outdoor cafes and shops that
overlook the deep blue sky and
Oltranto is located in Puglia and clear water. There are many other
is a sea resort. beautiful towns near by that are
worthy of day trips. Lecce, which
is about 30 minutes away is a
beautiful, elegant art-filled
city, most of the churches and How far in advance should a
statues are Baroque. Lecce is a couple prepare themselves for a
perfect spot to take a romantic honeymoon or getaway in Italy?
walking tour. In any of these
venues you won't find the crowds
of tourists found in other
popular venues. Also worth a day MARIA:
trip is Alberobello. It is a very
touristy town, but worth it to
appreciate the ‘Trulli'.
For a honeymoon or romantic
Trulli are these cone shaped getaway, you should really start
houses that are in certain areas getting your ideas and plans
of Puglia. These were actually together at least a year in
used as houses many years ago. In advance. For reservations, etc
Alberobello most of the specialty for hotels, destinations, you
shops are located inside the need to plan that at least 3- 6
Trulli. You can really experience months in advance. Italy is a
a lot of unspoiled countryside favorite destination for many,
and the beaches are clean and not especially for weddings and
as yet commercially organized. romantic getaways.
Certain times of the year tend to
be more overbooked- especially in
the summer. SO it also depends on
the time of the year.
NORM:
NORM: The documents that the Italian
government requires are:
What people should know about
planning a wedding in Italy as *The Atto Notorio, which can be
far as requirements, etc. acquired on your own in the USA.
This basically consists of you
meeting in front of an Italian
Consulate (go to one in the
MARIA: closest city near you in the USA)
with your own witnesses. Each
consulate has different
requirements. (Call your closest
If you are an American citizen local Italian Consulate to get
you mainly need three documents their requirements for the Atto
to apply for the proper documents Notorio).
for an Italian Wedding:
*The next document is the
*A US Passport Apostille. This is a document you
get from your Secretary of
*A Birth Certificate State's office. It is just a
matter of contacting your
*If you were divorced or widowed- Secretary of State's office
a death decree filling out a form and sending it
to them and they send back to you these completed more than three
a seal that is considered an months in advance.
Apostille.
Thank you Maria and good luck in
*Your birth, divorce and/or death all of your future endeavors.
certificates will need to be
translated into Italian by your
Secretary of State's office.
Maria has her own WEB SITE that
is presently under construction
and will be completed by the
These documents expire after spring of 2005'.
three months. You cannot get
About the Author:
Norm Goldman is editor of the travel site, www.sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing site, www.bookpleasures.com.
Norm and his artist wife, Lily, are a unique husband and wife team who meld words with art focusing on romantic and wedding destinations.
They are always open to invitations to romantic destinations in the New England states and Florida.
To find out more about them click on www.sketchandtravel.com
Source: www.isnare.com
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