This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 180 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here.
On my most recent trip to Italy, I was craving salt air so I took the opportunity to visit my friend Paola Vojnovic, who recently moved from Florence to Viareggio. I have always been curious about this part of the Tuscan coast but have never visited. I stayed at the Hotel Plaza e de Russie where not only was I pampered but my dog was too! Over the next few days, as Paola showed me the treasures of Viareggio, I asked if she would write about her new hometown for this issue. Paola, who is full of great passion, threw herself into the job! You can use this article to make Viareggio your homebase to explore the part of Tuscany known as Versilia.
Our last issue with a big feature on extended stays in Italy, including “adult study abroad” programs, was a big hit with readers. While researching that topic, associate editor Danielle Abbazia discovered this intriguing adult study abroad opportunity in the small but mighty region of Molise and the fascinating backstory behind Scott and Meagan Holcomb’s decision to make their dream of Italy come true.
Danielle grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Rome. When I asked her what she thought of as a “dream day,” she didn’t hesitate to answer: “Exploring the Castelli Romani. Probably eating porchetta.”
A Southern Italian at heart, Danielle was moved to see the caffè sospeso Naples made famous make its way to her local bar in the Garbatella neighborhood of Rome. To read more about this lesser-known corner of the city, check out her feature on Garbatella in the September 2018 issue.
I always welcome your feedback, questions and comments, so feel free to reach out to me at kathy@dreamofitaly.com.
-Kathy McCabe