2599 New member

Having been introduced to Italy via Milan, it was a great pleasure to travel south and discover some of the other less hectic and 'glamorous' locations.

During a visit in 2003 I was seduced by the rural and rugged natural beauty of the Valnerina between Le Marche and Umbria. That seduction led to a marriage between myself and a restoration project in the nearby northwest Monti Sibillini region, which is now complete.

I spent this Christmas there and, despite the physical coldness of the weather, the warmth of the locals, very few of whom can speak even a little English, was amazing. Being a small community it soon becomes known who you are. A neighbour mentioned that the last time we visited, she was told we were spotted at a certain restaurant a few villages away.

After my Christmas visit, I returned to England only to feel like I was away from home. My next visit to Italy seems too far in the distance, but I am looking forward to going home!:)

David