“All Roads Lead To ROME”

Choosing to settle in the unspoiled area of Lago di Bolsena in the province of Viterbo, just 90 minutes north of Rome by car or less by train, I had the Eternal City along with other historic cities and towns, some that predate Rome, almost at my doorstep. Equally important was the access to Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport, as I was still commuting back to Los Angeles several times a year.

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After seven years, I am still discovering all this region has to offer. Seasonal olive harvests are followed by the production of some of the best extra virgin olive oil in Italy, accompanied by wine also produced locally. There are unlimited varieties of ZERO KM products, such as numerous cheeses, fresh vegetables sold roadside on the land where they were grown, and so much more.

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Destino

From my first day in Grotte di Castro, I began friendships that, to this day, have become so important in creating my life in Italy. I went to the Commune to register for my water, trash accounts, etc., and upon completing my registration, the lady helping me shyly asked if I could meet her husband. Why? Accomplished at reading English, his level of speaking English was at a lower level. “Absolutely,” I replied. Later that evening, I received a call, “I am Paolo, we can meet in Cafe Angelo in ten minutes; we take an aperitivo?" An hour and a half later, after a quick drink, I am sitting in their home at the dinner table enjoying a home-cooked meal.

Now, years later, this serendipitous meeting friendship was the first of the many beautiful friendships that lay ahead for me in Italy. Grazie Maria and Paolo….