Dolce Vita Bloggers: A Love Letter to Italy

My Dearest Italy,

We’ve known each other for some time now and I think it’s time you knew how I truly feel.

I remember the first time we met. A young girl, impressionable and discovering the world around me. You must have known this. You embraced me with your words, smells and sentiments.

love letter italy

I think you knew long before I did that we were destined to be more than just a passing moment.

Although we were miles apart, you always found a way to me – I’d see you in the faces of people around me and hear you in the sounds that floated through the air. It was bewitching to me – how such a brief moment, so many years ago, could have such an impact on my heart and soul.

There was a string that bound us together – the push and pull like a mystifying dance, a dream, a childish wish. Only we were miles apart, an ocean between us.

But, you knew. You knew the evil game destiny had in store. The crushing, life-changing heartbreak I would have to endure. That push, that would bring me back into your arms again.

I returned to you, only this time broken, insecure and uncertain, but deep down hopeful.

They say to truly fall in love you need to let go of your inhibitions, be vulnerable, open yourself up to let love in. You were definitely out of my comfort zone, and you knew this. You enticed me, you teased me and made me question everything.

You’ve changed me, or perhaps showed me who I really am.

You aren’t perfect and you never pretend to be. You taught me to embrace imperfections, after all, they are part of life, a part of all of us. They are honest and they are beautiful.

You know how to push my buttons, and at times you frustrate me, making me wonder if what we have is really right.

But then, you do something, so unexpected, so glorious, so perfect and I’m swept off my feet and falling back into your arms, once again bound in our unbreakable bond.

Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to – there are rough days, bad dreams, but you are always there. You remind me, in your at times quirky and unpredictable way, that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously – just breath, la vita e’ bella.

The intoxicating energy of your piazzas.

The enchanting labyrinth of your cobblestone streets.

The divine aroma and flavors of your cuisine.

The immaculate sunsets that capture my soul, evoking an explosion of emotions.

And the late nights tangled in each others embrace – the world outside blurred if only for just a moment in time.

There’s no question,

I’m in love with you.

I’ve always loved you.

I will always love you.

Forever Yours, LuLu

Thanks to our wonderful Dolce Vita Blogger hosts – Kelly of Italian At Heart, Jasmine of Questa Dolce Vita and Kristie of Mamma Prada for organizing this great link up!

You can check out the other bloggers taking part in this month’s blog link up by clicking on the image below!

What do you love about Italy? I’d love to know, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Arlene
April 7, 2018 at 8:49 am

Well said! You know how I feel about this country
1. LuLu
  April 7, 2018 at 10:54 am
  
  Thanks, Arlene! I loved your blog post about your move to Italy and how it has made an impact on your life. I found it very inspiring! 🙂
Fkasara
February 23, 2018 at 10:56 pm

Oooh, amazing letter, Lulu!
I love that you mentioned Italy encourages to embrace imperfections and that it “showed you who I really are”. <3 Being a native, I'm frustrated with Italy most of the time, but I totally get the relief of being able to embrace imperfections that you experience in this country. In many other cultures, it's not like that. But hey, here you must be perfect with your food and in the dress code, haha.
1. LuLu
  March 4, 2018 at 10:22 pm
  
  I like to look at the idea that you have to always be “perfect” as a constant challenge to be the best you that you can possibly be! 🙂
Angela
February 19, 2018 at 1:01 am

“You’ve changed me, or perhaps showed me who I really am.” I resonate with this line sooooooooo much Lulu! So much that I sat there staring at it for a good minute. Beautiful writing!!! Amazing photos as well!
1. LuLu
  February 19, 2018 at 8:42 am
  
  Thank you so much, that means a lot! I often wonder how my life would be different, how I would be different, if I stayed in Canada or moved back when things got a bit tough here.
Cassandra Santoro
February 17, 2018 at 2:50 am

“You’ve changed me, or perhaps showed me who I really am.” This is my favorite line but really I enjoyed it all! It’s so true and well said! Thank you for sharing!
1. LuLu
  February 17, 2018 at 12:30 pm
  
  Thank you so much! 🙂
Kelly
February 12, 2018 at 6:52 pm

I can feel the love for Italy in your letter LuLu! I think that’s what is so disarming about Italy…not pretending to be perfect, just authentic, and then the flaws become charming (well some of them at least). But I think the power of Italy is teaching unconditional love, a love that spans oceans and generations. I especially love your childhood photo! Thank you so much for sharing your love story <3
1. LuLu
  February 14, 2018 at 7:57 am
  
  Thanks, I took a little trip down memory lane with that photo. My mom sent me some photos because I don’t have any here in Italy. That first encounter with Italy I think really set me on the path that led me here.
cookingandcarafes
February 11, 2018 at 6:53 pm

What a beautiful letter too, I love it – amazing what power a country and it’s people can hold over us. A special place in our hearts for sure x
1. LuLu
  February 12, 2018 at 9:17 am
  
  It truly is beautiful how a place can have such a profound impact on our lives! 🙂
Image Earth Travel
February 10, 2018 at 10:17 am

You’ve captured Italy beautifully and intimately; this resonates with me, totally!
I’m always asked “But why did you move from Australia to Cosenza?” At least you understand the reason, even if the incredulous locals don’t. 🙂
1. LuLu
  February 10, 2018 at 10:52 am
  
  Grazie mille!! I’m so pleased! Italy has attracted and broken up with so many people because they weren’t able to see past all the imperfections that it has. But, it really does have so much to offer and I’m grateful for everything it has taught me. I don’t know how long this “relationship” will last but Italy will always have a place in my heart!
  1. Image Earth Travel
    February 10, 2018 at 11:34 am
    
    Understand. For some, it can be a ‘love, hate’ relationship but every country has it’s positives and negatives.
    Italy sneaks quietly under your skin and embeds itself permanently.
Lucy and Kelly
February 9, 2018 at 9:29 pm

Aww. This i s such a sweet post. We can feel the love! <3
Lucy and Kelly xx
http://www.theblossomtwins.com
1. LuLu
  February 10, 2018 at 10:51 am
  
  Thanks! 🙂 I’m so glad it came across, I really enjoyed this creative writing topic! 🙂
Carmela
February 9, 2018 at 8:39 pm

Bellissima! 🙂 I love your photos, all “pin-worthy”. Followed you on Pinterest. 🙂
1. LuLu
  February 10, 2018 at 10:50 am
  
  Grazie cara!! I’m glad you liked them! Thanks for following on Pinterest, I followed you back!
Britta
February 9, 2018 at 2:35 pm

Italy oozes frustration but then you’re so right when you say something wonderfully unexpected happens it changes your feelings! I share a lot of your same feelings, Italy has definitely taught me a lot of life lessons. Thanks for sharing 🙂
1. LuLu
  February 10, 2018 at 10:49 am
  
  It’s all part of its intrigue, I think! Thanks so much for taking the time to read! 🙂 It’s been such a pleasure reading everyone’s letter, it’s been great seeing how people feel about Italy.
Angela Holohan
February 8, 2018 at 4:32 pm

I live part time in Pizzo, Calabria. It is truly a wonderful place with lots of history and character. We enjoy swimming in the sea followed by lovely passeggiate on the recently revamped Marina. We have made many friends with the locals as we ramble down to the Centro Historico for a Tartufo and some vino. The food is marvellous and there are lots of restaurants and pizzerias. It is totally unspoilt and when we arrive there it is like stepping back in time. Of course, there is huge dereliction with many buildings neglected and in need of repair. But that is part of it’s charm. Unemployment is high too and those who do find work in the tourism sector are badly paid. It’s a bit like Ireland but lots warmer.
1. LuLu
  February 9, 2018 at 8:54 am
  
  I’m really hoping to get to Pizzo this year, possibly the Spring. Do you have any suggestions places (restaurants, shops, etc) to check out?
Lorelle Catalano
February 8, 2018 at 12:12 pm

This is such a beautiful letter Lulu. So deep with emotion, showcasing your true love for Italy. 🙂
1. LuLu
  February 9, 2018 at 8:52 am
  
  Thank you so much! 🙂
KareninCalabria
February 8, 2018 at 5:13 am

Beautifully heartfelt, well-written post. Thank you for letting us into your world and great selection of accompanying photos.
1. LuLu
  February 8, 2018 at 9:39 am
  
  Thank you so much Karen. I really enjoyed this month’s topic – it was nice to reflect on my relationship with this country. I never imagined it would become so much more than my father’s birthplace.
Lisa DeNunzio
February 7, 2018 at 9:38 pm

Lovingly expressed. I am always working out of my comfort zone when we are in Italy. Mostly it is the lanquage or not enough knowledge of the language that trips me up. Ma provo…….
1. LuLu
  February 8, 2018 at 9:38 am
  
  Just one of the many things Italy teaches us – patience! I remember how frustrated I was not being able to truly express myself in the beginning. One of the great things I’ve noticed here is that most people are open to you trying to speak their language and are so patient. You also have to be adventurous and not be afraid to make mistakes. In bocca al lupo cara! 🙂
Kristie Prada
February 7, 2018 at 6:48 pm

Oh Lulu this is beautiful! It’s amazing how some places have this effect on us. I always feel I can breathe better when I’m in Italy. I don’t know it makes no sense at all. Thank you sharing your gorgeous story of a transformation maybe and making you truly comfortable in your own skin.
1. LuLu
  February 8, 2018 at 9:36 am
  
  YES, it doesn’t make sense but it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who has this inexplicable feeling about a place! It’s comforting to feel like you are where you are meant to be – regardless of how short or long term it might be! Un bacione bella!
Jasmine
February 7, 2018 at 4:40 pm

LuLu, I’m so sad, I started writing you a comment and then a student came and I accidentally exited out! I loved so many parts of your letter. It’s been wonderful to read them because just as you read one, you think you can’t read a better one and then you do! How you came to Italy feeling vulnerable and broken…all the feels. I adore this part: “But then, you do something, so unexpected, so glorious, so perfect and I’m swept off my feet and falling back into your arms, once again bound in our unbreakable bond.” That’s exactly the bond, it works in a cyclical manner. Ups and downs hey!
1. LuLu
  February 8, 2018 at 9:34 am
  
  It definitely is a roller-coaster ride at times, but it keeps things interesting. Italy has, without a doubt, changed my life and given me so much. I’m grateful for the experience and lessons it has taught me. I often wonder how different I would be had I stayed in Canada. Sending you lots of love cara mia!
Martina
February 7, 2018 at 3:49 pm

There’s just so much that I love about Italy; the fresh mountain air, the warm breeze in the summer, the delicious yet simple food, the huge array of great wine, all that amazing architecture. I know I’m currently just a long distance lover, but am eagerly awaiting the time when I can get up close and personal to Italy and rediscover her flaws too!
1. LuLu
  February 8, 2018 at 9:32 am
  
  You’re right, the beauty in Italy seems endless. I’ve met people who have come here and just couldn’t accept the “flaws”, it’s sad because Italy really is an incredible place and has so much to offer!