I’m sure you noticed (again) that my blog post didn’t appear the previous two weeks. Went on a little vacation. Went to Italy to visit husband’s family and experience the wide world. (And caught walking pneumonia on the flight home, but all’s well now, thanks for asking.) Here’s what I discovered:

THE BEST PLACE FOR ANY AUTHOR, READER, BOOK LOVER:

This is the Ristobiblioteramuseo L’Osteria del Buonconvento (a library/art museum restaurant!) The place is gorgeous, and the food…. *chef’s kiss. If you’re ever in Sorrento, GO THERE.

BUCKET LIST CHECK OFF!

I put a lot of things on my bucket list. Never want to climb Mt. Everest, but Mt. Vesuvius! DONE! A driver takes you most of the way up (those road are scary sharp, steep, and don’t have enough guide rails to suit me. Always feared we were inches away from sliding off the mountain). And no, I wouldn’t really throw the hubs off.

STEPPED INTO THE TRAGIC PAST…

Pompeii is HUGE. I believe it’s 175 square acres. And yet when Vesuvius erupted, it buried the town in about seven FEET of ash. Some places are still being excavated. Learning about the human tragedy, and seeing the casts of the people caught in the pyroclastic flow… I can’t imagine such agony and terror. (There are seismic sensors all over, the mountain is steaming- and people live on the side of it!!!)

LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH (BUT NOT ME)

Ah, the glorious Amalfi Coast. Pirate territory. Cliff dwelling ultra rich. Breathtaking views. Did you know that the waters of the Mediterranean Sea are navy blue? So different from the dark green of our Atlantic. And the grottoes…

AND THE FOOD…

I don’t care if it’s a 5-star restaurant in NYC, the food in the little bistros you find down quiet side streets is unbeatable. Everything is fresh, and there is no better tomato in the world than Vesuvius tomatoes. (Follow the maître ‘d’s suggestions!) And ALWAYS go with the local wines. *faints

MY FAVORITE THING

Capri and Positano were delightful, especially since the major crowds were gone and the weather was cool, perfect for all the hiking and walking we did. (Hey, we stuffed our faces and only gained one pound.) But what I loved most (in addition to the food, architecture, history, culture, and people), was the charm of meandering through side streets and discovering little markets, cafes, and churches being restored.

BACK TO WORK

Vacations are wonderful, but everyone has to go home. Get back to work. Take up the routine. My project manager, Mr. Mink, finally stopped sulking that I left him home alone. He’s urging me to finish those revisions an editor wanted on my next book (a holiday romance, stay tuned).

And it’s always nice to come home to your own bed.

Coming!

So I think I’ll do a holiday giveaway. (Gotta be on my email list and not have won anything previously to be eligible. Sorry, USA only.) Keep following for details.