Hi everyone, such an honour to be part of the #dolcevitabloggers link up. Thank you Kelly, Jasmine & Kirstie. You guys really are a unique kind of awesome to put this together.
So, let’s begin. I have to be honest, this was so hard… I really struggled, mostly because I am probably the worst decision-maker in the entire world. And let’s be completely honest, there are just so many incredible places in Italy. I cannot choose for the life of me. But I will give it a try.
We all know those famous places, right? I have never been to Rome (this must change) but I know all about the incredible history and crowds. And seriously I just want to go to every city. If I won or had enough money, I would literally travel from the very start of Italy in the far North-West (isn’t that Kim Kardashian’s kids name? Sounds familiar). And I would work my way all around, eating, dancing, chatting, drinking, absorbing and enjoying each moment. But alas, I’m not financially rich (I am rich in a different way) so I guess I will see each place or site around this beautiful country shaped like a boot over my life time.
Milan & the lakes, to Verona, to Vicenza, to Venice, then Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Naples, Rome, all the way down to Sicily. I want to go to every single province/region (travel like Christopher Columbus ๐)… I have my whole life, so I have no fear, it is possible.
But these places, despite how incredible they are, and make my eyes pop out because of their architecture, art, & culture, don’t show the real Italy.
I used to want to just only see these famous places. Where I could tell everyone and instagram/ Facebook that I had “been there, done that”. Now all I truly care about is seeing the real Italy and learning all I can about it.
For me, the real Italy is the charming villages and awesome people. Not forgetting the scrumptious food.
All the Italians I speak to, tend not to go to the famous sites. I guess it makes sense… I am the same here in the UK. But my excuse is our disastorous weather.
But let me get to the point, instead of just waffling.. it is my other horrendous habit along with incredible indecisiveness ๐
My favourite city/ place well, technically I have two… mostly because I am greedy and I literally whittled a huge list to just two. So I am extremely proud of myself.
First favourite place:



The final photo does not show my level of sunburn. Sebastian the crab had nothing on me ๐
Mugello ๐ฎ๐น
Honestly, the most incredible experience of my life.
I travelled all the way from Milan on a motorbike to Tuscany. The journey was an eye opening moment. I saw so much and it was a wonderful start to the summer. I’m pretty sure it was around 40 degrees and I was dressed like a power ranger!
Once at the Mugello circuit, the atmosphere was electric. Only have I seen something close to it on television. How lucky I am to experience this.
We journied around the whole Florence area to get our hotel. And this is when I realised, that what I read in my art books was true. There is a reason that the most famous artists chose Tuscany for their works. The lighting is the most spectacular. And the sunset… legendary. I am in awe. But what I love the most, is that because I’m a lucky girl…and have a wonderful Italian companion that shows me the real Italy. I get to see places like this, true Italian landscape and villages:

How charming? I should try to recall this place name and will add to the blog. But look at the colours… how I truly miss the summer.
Now for my other favourite place which is Varese, or more specifically Lake Varese.





Here at lake Varese, I feel my most happiest and at peace. On a clear day, you can see the snow capped mountains (wow) and other days where it is more foggy or drizzle, you feel like you are in a scene from sleepy hollow. The mood is serene and romantic.
You can watch the ducks and swans. In the summer you can see many rowing or doing water sports.
There is something for everyone here.
Each season brings its charm to this lake for me.
Here at the lake, I usually walk around. Take photos and have aperitif. It’s the life… seriously.

I love that when in Italy and I drink the amazing spritz… you get awesome snacks. In the UK, you’d be lucky to have a straw ๐ (just joking)
Around the lake Varese area, there are some very lovely places and towns which I get to visit once I land at MXP.

So to sum it up… I love all that I see in Italy but these two places mean the most to me.
Any questions, let me know. I’m going to proof read this and change anything that sounds horrid. So I apologise in advance if this sounds haphazard. ๐
I feel like I’ve missed something.


Favourite area from the sky (leaving Malpensa airport)
Another reason I love Varese area. I learn so much Italian and meet so many fantastic people.
This place truly is special for me and has captured my heart.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend everyone. I’ll be reading all the other posts this weekend. So excited…
Ciao a presto.
Rachel ๐โ๐ฎ๐น