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Mary  Jane  Cryan's avatar

One life is not enough to see and pleasure in all the beauty we have here in Italy. While I still have not been to Ninfa I do enjoy the magnificent sunsets of Tuscia and the Renaissance garden s close to home ,

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

We need at least three lifetimes!

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

Wow, Ninfa looks amazing. It's been on my list for a while-- this seems like the perfect season to visit. And I completely agree with you about the need for art and beauty. We relocated to Rome from NYC late last year-- sometimes I feel a bit guilty enjoying the ceaseless flow of beauty in this amazing city while friends in the US are dealing with whatever it is one could call what's happening there. But your post helped me banish my guilt. Here's to the restorative powers of the creative spirit.

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Surprisingly it's not all booked up yet; it's only open in the spring and summer, and only on weekends and select days. Don't feel guilty—as Americans we are still impacted by what's going on there, whether it's financially or because we have family there, etc. We can do our share to help change things even from afar. In the meantime, there's no reason not to enjoy where we live.

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

Ah the eternal Italian battle with the closed days... Will definitely try to get there!

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Giorgia Meschini's avatar

The "eternal Italian battle with the closed days" has a reason: OVERTOURISM.

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Go! Now! & then have lunch in Sermonetta & watch the sunset in Anzio.

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Anzio is on my list!

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

It is one of my favorite places 🏖️

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Good to know!

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Charlie Kennedy's avatar

I am still gasping: those chandeliers!

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

I know!

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Antonella's avatar

𝘷𝑎𝘭𝑒 𝑙𝘢 𝘱𝑒𝘯𝑎 / 𝑒̀ 𝑣𝘢𝑙𝘴𝑎 𝑙𝘢 𝘱𝑒𝘯𝑎

How did I never know that the past participle of valere is valsa/o?! I guess I never had to describe something worthwhile in the past.

I enjoyed the photos from your UrbEx! (Urban Exploration)

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Oh, just one of those pesky irregulars (technically, you can say valuto too, but I don’t think it’s used much). Glad you liked the photos!

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O.O's avatar

I'v read an article a couple of weeks ago about a project where doctors were prescribing museum visits to people with some issues exactly because there are studies about how looking at art can be beneficial to our mental health. Personally, I always feel uplifted when in a museum. Museums are such a gift.

I've been to Rome and while I loved the History and the art (how could I not, those are two of my favourite things in the world), there was something about the city that unsettled me and I can't explain what exactly, even after some years.

I am glad to know you had a nice time there and in your further travels.

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Oh, that's so interesting! Thank you for alerting me to it; I did a quick search and found this one: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/art-therapy-swiss-doctors-prescribe-museum-visits-2025-03-12/

As for Rome, I say give it another chance. So often other factors influence our experiences (of anything, really; for example, sometimes I can't get into a book for whatever reason—but it's not the book, it's me; the timing is just wrong). I adore Rome and plan to go more often than I have in the last few years. Of course, your feelings may not change and that's perfectly valid.

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O.O's avatar

Yes, that’s the project I read about too. I do intend to give Rome another chance when I can. I did love Florence and Venice so much when I went there, so it puzzles me even more that Rome felt weird for me.

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Jan Peppler's avatar

What wonderful get-a-ways and soul soothers! And, as always, I learn something from you: Ninfa, I had no idea! Glad you're taking care of yourself in this very insane time.

(I only have 15 days left to this stay in Sicily and I'm already mourning my departure - while continuing to soak in everything I love. reeeeaaaallly not looking forward to returning to the States!)

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Hope the rest of your time here is stupendous! Safe travels ✈️

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Cristina's avatar

Dear Cheryl, We landed a few days ago for an extended stay (maybe forever) and I have been in mourning for all that may be lost, so your words of encouragement are very timely. Thank you. We had already made plans to visit Rome (my favorite city) and now we will add the Giardini. La belleza fa bene.

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

Benvenuti! I hope you enjoy your stay, however long it is. Here's to a spirit of adventure and discovery!

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George Krivda's avatar

Drink it in under a minute but stop and smell the roses. 😀

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

Should have known you'd have a list to go with it :)

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Cheryl A. Ossola's avatar

What list?

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