| Romantic Getaways In Italy As Perceived By Maria | | | | intensely blue that you will feel like you are in the middle |
| Liberati, Author Of The Basic Art Of Italian Cooking | | | | of a living painting- so to speak. |
| Today, and Sketchandtravel.com, are pleased to have | | | | It is amazing how revived you feel after taking the |
| as its guest, Maria Liberati, supermodel and author of | | | | water cure of the thermal baths- although I am sure |
| the soon to be released cook- book The Basic Art of | | | | the soaking in of the scenery has a lot to do with it |
| Italian Cooking. The cookbook will contain recipes Maria | | | | also. |
| discovered as a guest of various agriturismi (country | | | | There are also little towns to wander around in. Each |
| farms), as well as her family's vineyard. It also includes | | | | of the 5 towns in Ischia has their own little square, |
| her encounters with chefs of some of Italy's trattoria | | | | which is very romantic, and the main town of Ischia |
| (dining establishments). In addition, the cookbook | | | | has its own castle. There are also little romantic |
| contains stories about Maria's travels around Italy. | | | | outdoor cafes, shops and coffee bars as well as the |
| Maria is a former Miss Pennslvania and Miss | | | | glow of the moonlight basking on the sea and an |
| International World, however Maria has confided in me | | | | occasional outdoor musician singing old romantic |
| that she wouldn't consider herself a pageant junkie. It | | | | Neapolitan songs accompanied by mandolin music. Oh |
| just gave her a great deal of experience and self- | | | | the romance of it all!!! |
| confidence. She holds a degree from Temple | | | | If any of your have seen the award winning Italian |
| University in Foreign Languages, and is now in demand | | | | move- Il Postino- (The Postman), the island that it was |
| by many European type food companies to serve as | | | | filmed on (Procida) is right next to the Island of Ischia. |
| marketing consultant, as well as spokesperson on TV | | | | -ROME: The next place I would select would be the |
| and in print ads. | | | | city of Rome. Yes it is a big city, but as many |
| The following is an interview conducted by Norm | | | | well-traveled Italians will tell you- there is nothing like the |
| Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures. Com and | | | | city of Rome- if you know how to find your way |
| Sketchandtravel.com, with Maria, who provides us with | | | | around. |
| some very timely information pertaining to romantic | | | | WHY ROME? |
| getaways in Italy. Maria now lives six months of the | | | | To walk around Rome is analogous to living in an art |
| year in Italy. | | | | museum. |
| Norm: Please tell our readers something about yourself | | | | Rome is made up of different hills with magnificent |
| and your expertise pertaining to romantic getaways in | | | | views. My favorite is Monte Mario with its breathtaking |
| Italy? | | | | panorama of the city. Another is the top of the |
| Maria: My grandfather and his family owned a vineyard | | | | Spanish Steps, where in front of the steps you have a |
| in the mountains of Abruzzi, and I practically grew up | | | | beautiful fountain. If you go to the top of the steps you |
| learning a great deal about Italian cooking. Moreover, | | | | have gorgeous views overlooking the city and you can |
| due to my modeling career, I spent a great deal of | | | | also enjoy one of those impromptu picnics here. |
| time in Italy. | | | | Don't forget Villa Borghese- it was the territory of the |
| When I was not modeling, I had the opportunity to | | | | royal family. Borghese is now a beautiful park- dotted |
| study regional Italian cooking at what are known as | | | | with beautiful statues, ponds- another great place to |
| agriturismi. This is the Italian word for country farms | | | | savor a romantic walk and an impromptu picnic. |
| that are also bed and breakfasts serving meals | | | | One of the most romantic piazzas (square) is Piazza |
| produced from the fresh foods grown and produced in | | | | Navona, particularly at night, where you will find many |
| many different regions of Italy. | | | | outdoor restaurants and beautiful statues. There is the |
| Generally tourists tend to know about the popular and | | | | famous and beautiful-Bar de la Pace- which is located |
| crowded places that can be very impersonal. Traveling | | | | at a far corner of Piazza Navona. It is a favorite of |
| by car and foot throughout Italy has provided me with | | | | international celebrities. And if you want to have some |
| windows to some of the most spectacular venues. | | | | great pizza- again ask a local for a forno and you will |
| Norm: You mention that you have a great deal of | | | | experience some great, freshly baked pizza and |
| experience of staying in bed and breakfasts on | | | | bread. The Romans are famous for a type of roll |
| organic farms in Italy (agriturisimi). Could you tell our | | | | called a rosetta it is crusty but at the same time light |
| readers something about these B&Bs and why | | | | and airy. So ask for a rosetta, fill it with cheese and |
| you consider them to be appropriate as romantic or | | | | you have a wonderful picnic type lunch or snack. |
| honeymoon destinations? | | | | -Venice is a very romantic spot. I hesitate to |
| Maria: The agriturismi, aside from being great places to | | | | recommend Venice; although it is one of the most |
| learn about Italian foods, tend to be some of the most | | | | beautiful and romantic spots in the world, it has just |
| romantic vacation spots in Italy. They are usually | | | | become too touristy. However, if you visit Italy and can |
| located high up on a hill with breathtaking views of a | | | | do it, you must see Venice and experience its beauty. |
| town. If located in a city like Rome, they would be | | | | WHY VENICE? |
| found away from the principal areas. Consequently, | | | | Just riding on one of the water taxis that take you to |
| they are usually situated in peaceful, serene and | | | | the island can be romantic as you take in the beauty |
| picturesque settings. What could be more romantic | | | | that surrounds you. If you really wish to have a |
| than staying on a vineyard, and being able to take a | | | | romantic view of the city, take your taxi ride at night, |
| peaceful walk picking a fresh piece of fruit to munch | | | | when the moon glistens on the water and the beauty |
| on while your walking? | | | | of Venice is lit up by the glow of the moonlight. |
| Moreover, staying in an agriturismo you are | | | | You will fall madly in love with your romantic significant |
| guaranteed to always have an abundance of the best | | | | other, while experiencing this kind of view together. |
| quality freshly prepared foods. No doubt, this is far | | | | Of course, there are the other traditional things to do, |
| superior to eating at restaurants that cater to tourists | | | | as a visit to St. Mark's Square, or enjoying one of the |
| and which often are very pricey. | | | | outdoor cafes and restaurants, and exploring the little |
| All- inclusive packages are generally available and in | | | | canals and back alleyways. |
| most instances will prove to be much more | | | | As for eating establishments, the key in finding great |
| economical than a stay in a hotel. | | | | food is to find smaller more intimate dining places that |
| Norm: Why would you consider Italy a good choice for | | | | cater to the locals rather than the tourists. |
| a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon | | | | -TUSCANY |
| destination? | | | | Tuscany is a beautiful romantic destination. |
| Maria: Italy is beyond doubt one of the best places for | | | | WHY TUSCANY? |
| a romantic getaway or honeymoon- not only because | | | | Here you can find several romantic agriturismo serving |
| of the variety of breathtaking beauty and romantic | | | | wonderful fresh foods and located in out of the way |
| views surrounding you, but also the Italian lifestyle. | | | | places-you are away from the crowds, yet with the |
| Italians love romance, their songs are all based on | | | | possibility of day trips to Florence and Pisa. In this way |
| romance and about love. People love to see couples | | | | you avoid the pricey hotels and at the same time |
| walking hand in hand or arm in arm. Even just the | | | | experience the feeling of really living in Italy. |
| simple ritual of eating a meal has a romantic feel to it. | | | | The wines made in Tuscany are wonderful- be sure |
| When you sit down to eat dinner at a restaurant or | | | | to experience them. |
| even at a bed and breakfast it is meant to be a long, | | | | Florence is a city overloaded with beautiful works of |
| drawn out ritual. In other words, an activity that is | | | | art. |
| shared and enjoyed between two people, and not | | | | You have of course the Uffizi Gallery, which houses |
| something over with in 10 minutes. | | | | some of the world's most beautiful works of art. |
| Take for example picnics in Italy. If you opt to have | | | | Outside of the Gallery there are statues of some of |
| spontaneous romantic picnics, you have access to | | | | Florence's most famous citizens including Michelangelo |
| some of the most romantic locations in the world. | | | | and Galileo- all who had a rich Florentine patron to |
| Moreover, at your disposal are a variety of fresh | | | | support them in their works. |
| bread and pizza at the local forno (pronounced | | | | Two romantic spots in Florence are: the main square, |
| for-noh), as well as cheeses found in local cheese | | | | which is the Piazza Della Signoria, where you will find a |
| shops or supermarkets. | | | | replica of the statue of David (or as the Italians know |
| Even some of the major cities such as Rome, Milan or | | | | him- the Davide), and the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge |
| Florence, all have their quiet venues, where you can | | | | crosses over the Arno River and from the bridge you |
| savor your food and enjoy the romantic ambiance. | | | | have a beautiful views of the city. Add to this, the |
| The center of Rome has the Villa Borghese, and of | | | | walking tours of the vineyard regions- like Chianti or |
| course, if you don't mind the noise and crowds, there | | | | Montepulciano and you have yourself a winning spot. |
| are the Spanish Steps. | | | | -OLTRANTO |
| Not to omit the Coliseum and the Roman Forum that | | | | Oltranto is located in Puglia and is a sea resort. |
| are popular areas for impromptu picnics. | | | | WHY OLTRANTO? |
| If you are in a small town, it is certainly not difficult to | | | | If I may use again an Italian film to give you the feeling |
| find a beautiful view in a quiet place. One word of | | | | of this landscape- see the award winning |
| advice, please always remember to respect the | | | | film-Meditteranneo- a wonderful comedy about the |
| property you are on and clean up after your picnic. | | | | war, but the scenery is breathtaking. Most of the film |
| Norm: Why have cooking classes in Italy become so | | | | takes place in parts of Greece. However, Oltranto's |
| popular? | | | | deep intense blues of the water and stark pristine |
| Maria: Actually it is a new trend and my own company | | | | white colors of the surrounding buildings will bear a |
| has received many requests to put together these | | | | deep resemblance to the colors and waterfront |
| packages for couples. In fact, I am working with a | | | | scenery in this film made mostly in Greece. |
| journalist on an article that will shortly appear in | | | | Due to a lack of industry in Oltranto, the water is |
| February 2005 in Women and Fitness Magazine. Of | | | | crystal clear. |
| course it is themed around St Valentine's Day. | | | | Oltranto is also filled with outdoor cafes and shops that |
| Anyways, it is a trend for couples to take cooking | | | | overlook the deep blue sky and clear water. There are |
| classes not only in Italy but also in the USA. What | | | | many other beautiful towns near by that are worthy |
| better way to share a wonderful experience and | | | | of day trips. Lecce, which is about 30 minutes away is |
| create something together, and then enjoy the | | | | a beautiful, elegant art-filled city, most of the churches |
| romantic experience of eating what both of you just | | | | and statues are Baroque. Lecce is a perfect spot to |
| created? | | | | take a romantic walking tour. In any of these venues |
| It is time that Americans catch on to what the Italians | | | | you won't find the crowds of tourists found in other |
| have known for years- that cooking is a wonderful | | | | popular venues. Also worth a day trip is Alberobello. It |
| romantic experience. It is non-threatening in that you | | | | is a very touristy town, but worth it to appreciate the |
| can be creative at your own pace together- and then | | | | Trulli. |
| partake in a romantic meal together. It can be a | | | | Trulli are these cone shaped houses that are in certain |
| prelude to watching a romantic movie. You can even | | | | areas of Puglia. These were actually used as houses |
| go shopping together at a local fresh food market | | | | many years ago. In Alberobello most of the specialty |
| before you cook the meal. So it is a wonderful | | | | shops are located inside the Trulli. You can really |
| romantic trend and it is becoming more and more | | | | experience a lot of unspoiled countryside and the |
| popular. | | | | beaches are clean and not as yet commercially |
| Norm: What is the best time to visit Italy from the point | | | | organized. |
| of view of weather, costs, and crowds? | | | | Norm: How far in advance should a couple prepare |
| Maria: I have visited Italy during every season and | | | | themselves for a honeymoon or getaway in Italy? |
| there is almost no bad time to be there. However, if I | | | | Maria: For a honeymoon or romantic getaway, you |
| had to select my favorite time it would be summer | | | | should really start getting your ideas and plans together |
| and fall, when I can enjoy the beautiful Italian sun shining | | | | at least a year in advance. For reservations, etc for |
| down on the colorful scenery. | | | | hotels, destinations, you need to plan that at least 3- 6 |
| August is usually the most the sunniest, however it is | | | | months in advance. Italy is a favorite destination for |
| also the busiest. | | | | many, especially for weddings and romantic getaways. |
| If you don't want to chance the crowds of August, | | | | Certain times of the year tend to be more |
| July can be a great month because the weather is | | | | overbooked- especially in the summer. SO it also |
| usually warmer. | | | | depends on the time of the year. |
| Early fall can be great cost wise, and usually by the | | | | Norm: What people should know about planning a |
| end of August the Italians, as well as the tourists, are | | | | wedding in Italy as far as requirements, etc. |
| back to school and work. Late fall you would be into | | | | Maria: If you are an American citizen you mainly need |
| the rainy season. | | | | three documents to apply for the proper documents |
| Christmas is another possibility, and a very beautiful | | | | for an Italian Wedding: |
| season. However, it can be crowded and pricey, | | | | *A US Passport |
| unless you stay in agriturismo. It is less commercial than | | | | *A Birth Certificate |
| in the States, as houses are not all lit up with Christmas | | | | *If you were divorced or widowed- a death decree |
| bulbs. The foods you will experience and the feeling in | | | | The documents that the Italian government requires |
| the air are so romantic! Spending New Year's Eve in | | | | are: |
| the center of Rome and watching the spectacular | | | | *The Atto Notorio, which can be acquired on your own |
| fireworks display over the Coliseum is something that I | | | | in the USA. This basically consists of you meeting in |
| do every year and is an experience like no other. | | | | front of an Italian Consulate (go to one in the closest |
| Norm: If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Italy | | | | city near you in the USA) with your own witnesses. |
| for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding | | | | Each consulate has different requirements. (Call your |
| destination, what would they be and why? | | | | closest local Italian Consulate to get their requirements |
| Maria: First, I must say that it is really difficult for me to | | | | for the Atto Notorio). |
| narrow my choices down to 5 venues. Please also | | | | *The next document is the Apostille. This is a |
| note that some of my picks are not the usual places | | | | document you get from your Secretary of State's |
| people may choose. I like to find the unusual and the | | | | office. It is just a matter of contacting your Secretary |
| not highly commercial favorites. | | | | of State's office filling out a form and sending it to |
| -The Island of Ischia: In August 2004 I visited friends, | | | | them and they send back to you a seal that is |
| who own and operate a wonderful bed and breakfast | | | | considered an Apostille. |
| in the town of Forio. Located atop a 30-mile island that | | | | *Your birth, divorce and/or death certificates will need |
| is divided into about 5 separate, tiny cities, of which the | | | | to be translated into Italian by your Secretary of |
| city of Ischia is the principal one. | | | | State's office. |
| Why Ishcia? | | | | These documents expire after three months. You |
| It is famous for its spas as a result of the thermal | | | | cannot get these completed more than three months |
| waters. You find saunas that are not man made but | | | | in advance. |
| actually exist inside a cave on the side of the volcano | | | | Thank you Maria and good luck in all of your future |
| in Ischia. | | | | endeavors. |
| The view of the sea, while you are at one of the | | | | Maria has her own WEB SITE that is presently under |
| outside spas enjoying a thermal bath or on the beach, | | | | construction and will be completed by the spring of |
| is absolutely breathtaking and you will imagine you are | | | | 2005 in time for the launching of her cookbook The |
| in paradise. The blue of the water and the sky is so | | | | Basic Art of Italian Cooking. |