Christmas Holiday in Italy

Lifelong travel dreams can come true.  The first step towards that dream is often the hardest (at least for me) because that means once I take that first step, I am committed to the project until it is complete, whether it is travel or not.  

Once that first small step towards a dream holiday is accomplished, the following actions don't seem insurmountable because you know you can just focus on one tiny step at a time.  One of these "bucket-list" travel dreams of mine has been to experience a European Christmas.  

As a first-generation Canadian, I am close to my European roots.  Germany is near and dear to my heart.  Bratwurst & sauerkraut dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by opening gifts?  You bet!   This seemed a strange tradition to many Canadians, which is why my spiritual focus has always been on the Winter Solstice.  Spending quiet moments of gratitude and celebrating the return of the sun and the longer days ahead.

This year is going to be different.  I am going to fulfill a lifelong dream by spending a  European Christmas in Italy!  I will fly into Rome on Christmas night and spend time with my dear friends Sara and Tomasso.  Then I will rent a car and travel the ancient Roman Road called the "Via Flaminia", North to Umbria.  Umbria is called the "Green Heart" of Italy, and traditional life remains very strong in this Region.  Following along the Via Flaminia to its end at the Adriatic Coast, I will celebrate the arrival of the New Year with my close friend Giulia in Riccione. 

Continuing North along the Adriatic Coast, I will spend the last days of my Italian travels in Venice with Giulia.

Christmas food and wine in Italy have solid traditions, and I will be celebrating in four Regions: Lazio, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto.  Each Region has its own Provincial specialties that I am excited to try, including some of the best wines in Italy.  Umbria is also known as the land of the Saints: St. Francis, St. Ciarra, St. Benedict and St. Valentine are all Umbrian.  The misty mountains of Umbria will provide me with some beauty for my eyes, food for my soul, and some incredible nourishment for my body!

So this year, instead of Christmas gifts (no time spent in the mall), holiday entertaining and dinners (no cooking stress and no mess to clean),  I will give myself the gift of romance & adventure.  I will be accompanied on my journey of discovery by my dear friends in Italy, who are fellow world travellers, and I will meet some new friends and hope they will become part of my global family.

I hope you join me on my Christmas trip because the more of you who come along, the merrier it will be!

Buon Natale to all from Gypsy Monika🎄