When my marriage broke up almost ten years ago I needed to run away from home to get my head around everything that was happening. I ran to Italy. Interestingly, the movie Under the Tuscan Sun came out just before I left. And while I didn't buy a villa, I did find myself. I went for 10 days all by myself. First time I had done that. I arrived in Venice and enjoyed the splendor. It was the perfect place to be alone without being alone. And in solitude I watched people more, listened to the cadence of the Italian language, and fell in love with the land and with my self. I highly recommend a trip abroad alone. Of course you want to pick somewhere safe. But it can open places that you may not visit when in a group or with someone else. I wandered and that's how I discovered the Piazza Michelangelo high atop Florence with it's spectacular view and delicious gelato stands. Be a risk taker and know that surrounded by food, culture, history, and did I mention gelato you will find a new side of yourself. LorenaBBooks

This deserves an answer, even after few years. I do understand how you felt then and totally agree with you, although my opinion might be seen as "partisan", since I am from Rome. 13 years in the U.S. haven't spoiled the surprise in every trip I take to go home and visit, and, yes, Venice and Florence (and gelato) can get you in touch with a new part of your inner self... next time, try a summer sunset in Rome along the Tiber.

I hope life has been treating you better since then. If you ever need to hear speaking some Italian again... yell! Ciao.

LorenaB,

Have you ever seen the movie, Rome Adventure? Is is from 1962 and stars Suzanne Pleshette. Your story sounds like hers.

Jim Colyer

LorenaB - I absolutely agree! My first time alone in Europe was spent exploring Venice. I've been back several times since then. I'm actually taking my husband there on a tour (we're splurging on [url=http://www.travcoa.com/find-a-journey/destinations/europe/italy/venice-and-lake-como]this one![/url] ) I'm absolutely thrilled. And even though I've been there before, he's a bit of a nervous traveler. I think he'll really enjoy the group atmosphere - of course we'll have to steal away to get some of our own private sightseeing in. I can't wait!