I dream of an Italian Summer.

So I’m avidly convinced that I was born to be an Italian. Just ask my husband…he can attest to the amount of time I spend with my head in the clouds…dreaming of the sun-filled country that’s rife with olive and citrus trees, salty air, and a culture that seems to revolve around a slower pace of life, and drinking good wine. I mean…they had me with the wine, let’s be honest. And I am not so naive as to think there are zero cons to immersing oneself fully in the Italian lifestyle. I’m sure there are plenty. Like, too much fresh seafood to choose from? And many of the beaches do have pebbled shores instead of buttery sand? Oh, and volcanoes (Pompeii, anyone? I’ve been there…I’ve seen what volcanic ash can do). But at this point, it would take a whole heck of a lot to convince me that becoming Italian isn’t worth a good try. And giving it a good, solid try is certainly on my bucket list.

And can we talk about how innately chic the Italian eye is for architecture and design? Their effortless-style is quite enviable, and seems to be rooted in a history that’s prioritized beauty, intention, and craftsmanship, for century upon century. Anyway, I certainly have an appreciation for the elaborate architectural triumphs that radiate magnificence and wonder, but it’s the charming Italian villas, Grecian in nature, that lure me in with their humble facades, natural materials, and super chic use of restraint and simplicity. In fact, I’m so intensely drawn to these villas that I’ve convinced my soul that it belongs in the Puglia region, which is rife with quaint villas (specifically named Trullia) amid olive and cactus groves that reach for the sun and the sea. And Sicily. Sicily just seems to be the dreamiest of dreamy seaside villages…so naturally my heart belongs there as well.

Anyway, I dream (intensely) of a summer with my family in Italy. A summer spent floating through the seaside regions…eating our way through the days, with fresh produce from charming village markets, seafood straight from the Mediterranean sea…espresso at the ready. And sipping our way through the salty-aired evenings, beneath the moonlit olive trees, with crisp Italian wines. I dream of soaking up the sun, while swimming with the kids in the cerulean-hued sea, with a backdrop of olive tree groves in the distance. But I mostly dream of taking a pause from our busy, work-dominated lifestyle that’s filled with school and clients and deadlines and employees and birthday parties and stress. To relish the wisdom that the Italians know and love so well - that life should be less about hustle, and more about time spent in the beauty of nature, in the presence of your loved ones, savoring the things that light your soul on fire.

So, welcome to my dreams…my dreams of an Italian summer. Fueled by the stunning images from several of my favorite instagram accounts to follow…@hendersonjayne, @aendthesea, @yoli_and_otis (and each photo is linked to its owner if you want to dive in more). Ciao, friends. I hope you enjoy this dose of travel inspiration!