Shannon here: Katy Lee shares her romantic trip to Italy, plus a chance to win a copy of her latest Romantic Suspense, Grave Danger. Comment on this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: April 26th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Katy:
L’amore in Italia by Katy Lee
In September of 1999 my husband and I set off for our very first trip abroad to Italy, an experience that will forever be etched in our memories as beautiful and nostalgic, but also filled with love.
I say beautiful because of all the sites and scenes Italy is famous for: The watery canals of Venice, the art and architecture of Florence, and the trending fashion of Milan to name a few. I say nostalgic because of the delicious life-altering meals we came across in small, tucked away eateries that matured our palettes forever after. But, when I say love entered in to our trip, it came in by not only candlelight dinners by the Rialto Bridge or gondola rides with serenading gondoliers, but by the unexpected authentic occurrences that we happened upon in the least likely of places.
There was one night in Venice, after all the day travelers departed for home, my husband and I strolled through the deserted streets. To be honest, we were lost, and eventually, we found ourselves in a neighborhood and away from the tourist attractions. A street vendor closing up for the evening beckoned over a young girl. He handed her a bag full of his fish, and she beamed with his generosity as she scooped up the bag and ran home. We walked on, hand-in-hand and came to a square of sorts where an old black-and-white film projected off the side wall of a building. Locals gathered together to view the film, but also to come together in community and friendship. We found a bench to nestle in and watch, even though the movie was in Italian, and we had no idea what was being said on the screen or around us. We just felt content to sit and be a part of this scene.
It’s the moments like these that I remember most. It’s these moments that make me say, “If I ever disappear, check Italy, because that’s probably where I am. Tucked away in one of those intimate neighborhoods, away from the bustle of the world, but surrounded by a loving community.”
There was another time we took a bus ride out of the city of Florence and spontaneously got off in a tiny town in the hills. It was there we came across recently unearthed Roman ruins. A huge amphitheater that once offered seating to the ancient Romans now gave us a glimpse into another era. As the two of us sat on these stones in awed silence, we were pulled together more with this shared experience of wonder as we imagined a community of people gathering in the very place we sat.
I could go on and on with the unexpected experiences that came our way as we got off the beaten path, but instead I will encourage you to tell me about some of yours. Before I go, though, I will tell you about the picture with me on the balcony. The photo was taken while we were in Verona. For those of you who know their Shakespeare, Verona was the city where Romeo and Juliet were from. Sweet love, especially when Romeo calls out to his Juliet from below her balcony…and the balcony in the picture is the replica of Juliet’s balcony, and I am listening to my love call out to me. Verona couldn’t pass that touristy idea up, I guess.
So, like I said, Readers, I would love to hear about your little unexpected adventures when you veered off the beaten path. I do hope you will share.
About Katy: As an inspirational romantic-suspense author, Katy Lee writes higher-purpose stories in high-speed worlds. Through her writing, ministry work, and teaching, Katy dedicates her life to sharing tales of love– from the “greatest love story ever told’, to the sweet romantic tales of falling in love. Katy and her husband are lifelong New Englanders, and have been known to travel far and wide on a whim with their three adventuresome children. Connect with Katy anytime at www.KatyLeeBooks.com. There you will see her Facebook and Twitter links to connect with her further.
GRAVE DANGER
BONES OF CONTENTION: When skeletal remains are found on a small Maine island, forensic anthropologist Lydia Muir is sent to investigate. It’s Lydia‘s job to determine whether the homicide happened long ago—or more recently. Island sheriff Wesley Grant seems sure the murder didn’t happen on his watch. But when Lydia uncovers the victim’s identity, someone goes to great lengths to get Lydia off the island. Wes vows to protect her, but is the handsome lawman holding something back?
4 1/2 Stars! Fantastic…A Keeper! “Multiple false leads will keep the reader guessing. The action is intense in this character-driven suspense. Fans of the TV show “Bones” will enjoy Lydia‘s character and her knowledge of the field of forensics.” ~Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine
Come back April 18th for Ginger Solomon!
I have only been to Milan (it wasn’t for pleasure, my SIL passed away) and was amazed at the architecture and the different way of life compared to the USA. I also enjoyed strolling around and seeing all the different “neighborhoods”. Your book sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win.
Katy, thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of Italy–they brought back memories of my own, from our trip to Italy about a year ago. My husband travels for work, and since our children are all grown, I follow him around (otherwise I would never see him, since he is only home 1 week out of 5).
Our trip included 4 weeks in a 2 BR apt. In Milan. On weekends we went to other areas of Italy, including Lake Lugano (actually across the border in Switzerland), Venice (of course included a gondola ride) and one weekend we found Portofino (a cute little fishing town where celebrities are sometimes known to visit to ‘get away’). The last few days we drove from Milan to Rome and hit a few highlights, such as Verona (& yes we have the same pic on ‘Juliet’s balcony’).
A fun ‘had to be there’ memory was when we needed to get more cash for the gondolier. He said he could stop at a place where their was a nearby ATM machine, and Jon could climb out to use it. When he started to climb out, he kinda pushed out on the gondola, nearly landing himself in the canal! Lesson learned–don’t push off on the gondola when trying to get out. LOL. And yes, we also got lost in the small streets of Venice–a literal maze of tiny cobbled streets, many of which deadend at a canal. ;-). We missed our bus back to the hotel, & had to call for the hotel shuttle which cost extra.
ROME! Must go back for an undetermined time in Rome! So much history to be seen–just overwhelming. Here’s hoping the next Italy work trip means 4 weeks in Rome!
Vicki
On the road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii, we used a great guidebook called “Maui Revealed.” It told us all the secret spots to park and explore that many travelers miss as they drive past. One hidden path off the side of the road took us on a rocky trek into the woods that ended with a pool fed by waterfalls. The water slid down over a vertical wall of rock that dwarfed us, and we were totally alone with nature. It was magical!
Hello ladies! Thank you for sharing your memories. I totally understand how off the beaten paths can be magical. 🙂
I really enjoyed my first visit to Italy like you did. While on a day trip to the Isle of Capri, my fellow travelers encountered a couple from there who invited some of us into their home to view her artwork. It was all uexpected and a treat since I was on a Design tour with my university.
I love that! That happened to us, too. And old woman invited us in for a drink while we were walking. It was neat and so hospitable.
I have never been to Italy, but would certainly love to go.
Grave Danger sounds like a wonderful story. Can’t wait to read it!
I would love to win this book!
Havent ever been out of the USA, but know all about taking unexpected paths and finding beautiful spots
Your book sounds great very suspenseful
God bless u
Chris
Hi Shannon. Thanks for having Katy here. I really like the sound of her book. I love the romance mixed in with the suspense. I love it too when it is hard to figure what is coming next. I love to watch Forensic Files on TV. It amazes me how they figure things out. I enjoyed the talk by all of the adventures, but don’t have any like that to tell. Hardly ever got to see other places here in our own country. When we traveled was straight through to see our parents on vacation. Had no money for traveling. In later years I did get to go to Colorado and Wyoming. That is beautiful country and all new to me. I even lived in Jackson Hole, WY. for six years, then back to Houston, Texas area. And, I did get to go to Carlsbad Cavern in NM. It was amazing what we saw down underground. I would still say WOW. And, when my kids took me to a sister’s funeral in NM, they took a route that I had never been that went to the line of Mexico. You could look over the fence at this curve we made and see many tiny little houses with but one window or none. And, that was Mexico. Nearest I’ve been to being out of the USA. I would love to win this book., Grave Danger. Please put my name in for a chance. Maxie Anderson
Maxie, I think you have lots to share! 🙂 And I’ll be heading to NM this year, so I’ll get to see Carlsbad, too!
Chris, Love you darling!
I have a winner! Vicki won the drawing. I appreciate Katy for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.