Italy- The Best Place to Live?
"I know a place where there is no smog and no parking problem and no population explosion... no Cold War and no H-bombs and no television commercials... no Summit Conferences, no Foreign Aid, no hidden taxes - no income tax. I could go back....Robert Heinlein. "The Glory Road"
And in the same vein I know a place - a proverbial land of milk and honey basking in a Mediterranean climate. A place where adventure, incredible vistas, music, friends, camaraderie, gourmet delight and amore await you around every bend. I will go back...
I am American born and bred - 2nd generation from European roots. Gratefully privy to all the wonderful opportunities the USA offers. Grew up in the mountainous beauty of rural northern California. Educated at a fine university (UC Davis). And for the last 30+ years have lived in Fort Worth, Texas, for many good reasons, the second fastest growing city in the US. Having traveled throughout the US, Europe, Asia, Caribbean, India, South America and the Mideast I have had the opportunity to work and play in a variety of diverse settings. Overall, I feel very lucky to have been raised in the US.
That said, there is a region outside the US, that from my travels stands above the rest as a place to live holistically, commune and grow. For me that place is northern Italy. And the nexus is is the town of Arona
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| Piazza Popolo in Arona |
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| Rocca Castle above Arona host concerts & picnics |
It's distinction? Where to start? Exquisite unique food and drink, diverse recreation, breathtaking vistas of mountains and lakes, Mediterranean climate and an inviting community imbued with energia, charisma and music. Beautiful people with an affinity for engaging in philosophy discussions (often over leisurely dinners) and a deep appreciation of history and holistic living. A culture that reflects 2500 years of great ideas and failed experiments. A lyrical language that sings. A vibrancy energetically on display in groups of children exuberantly playing together, ladies riding their bicycles in dresses, friends and lovers strolling along the lake after dinner watched silently by an ancient monastery across Lago Maggiore, cyclists traversing steep roads, ongoing cultural events and talented street musicians. An abundance of bella donna's (young and old) who know how to dress. Ubiquitous little chiesas (churches) adorned with priceless 500 year old murals and art tucked inside every village.
Never ending terraced vineyards climbing a 1000 feet up the sides of alpine valleys and clear mountain lakes overlooked by hamlets and watchtowers carved into cliffs each holding an osteria (restaurant) gem. Jagged mountains that rise like Yosemite cliffs around each bend guarded by medieval castles. Ocean beaches, glaciers, skiing, truffle hunting and ancient cosmopolitan cities less than a half days drive.
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| Free Concerts in the Rocca above Arona |
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| Switzerland in the background |
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Can places like this be found in the US? Certainly some aspects particularly the geography and climate in the Pacific Northwest. But not the culture, ambience, antiquity or the abundance in such close proximity. Perhaps like a fine wine American culture may be too young and needs to mature for a 1000 years? But what seems to be also lacking is a widespread desire to live holistically, taking time to contemplate great ideas and interact with the outdoors on a daily basis. For example strolling in nature after a leisurely lunch or dinner considering the profound ideas that were shared. In Italy a table is yours for the evening and the staff understands how to serve expertly without being intrusive (no . In little Arona or Bormio I can find a dozen quaint restaurants housed in century old sites all within a 10 minute walk - each offering one of a kind exquisite dishes and a tranquil ambience that would rate 4 stars and can only be found in an American city. The perfect place to hold meaningful conversations.
To illustrate I was eating another fabulous unique plate of millefoglie at Cafe de la Sera- one of my favorite Arona restaurants. I was dining solo, but not alone. The manager Nicola and my water knew me by name- even though I dine there infrequently. I was in the outdoor veranda with the transfixing Lago Maggiore on one side and an equally beautiful table of bella donna's on my other side. People were walking by along the lakeside and I would occasionally see a familiar face or couple. As I practiced my rudimentary Italian with the staff two young Italians sitting behind me engaged me in conversation. It that started with normal pleasantries, but quickly became more profound discussing engineering career choices, life, and the meaning of love eventually leading to a discussion of "The Way to Love" ala Anthony de Mello to being OK. We made plans to get together. A wonderful engaging evening that is not unusual. In fact for 7 of the 10 days of this stay in I enjoyed dinner with new acquaintances and old friends learning and growing with meaningful conversations while eating gourmet dishes that wouldn't be available in a U.S. venue unless one went the the finest upscale city venues. Mornings would include a walk along the lago with picturesque vistas that can't be fully captured in a photo.
In contrast American dining excursions are often a fast paced production prodded on by wait staff that wants you in and out. I will continue attempt to recreate Italian dinner and social experiences in Fort Worth, hoping for a breakthrough, but it won't flow ala naturale...
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