New Coastie – La vita è bella

Summer is creeping into our lives. We are on that seasonal cusp when we sometimes wear shorts during the day and turn the heat pump on during the night. Many of us are planning our summer holidays. I have noticed that all of my friends’ holiday plans are based in the southern hemisphere. Well, e hoa mā, today I am going to make the case for having the summer holiday in the cold northern hemisphere. Specifically, Italy.

In 2018, my wife and I emptied out our savings and visited Italy for two weeks. Italy’s charm in the winter is unmatched. The cool, crisp atmosphere, festive ambiance, and fewer tourists make it an ideal time for exploration. Each city has its own personality with its own unique blend of culture and history.

We landed in Milan on Christmas eve. The city, known for its fashion, was transformed into a stunning winter wonderland. A Christmas morning visit to the Piazza del Duomo, with its grand gothic cathedral, was the best start to a Christmas day. Most of our time spent in Milan was just walking the streets and using public transport to visit random locations. Even  now whenever I think of Milan, I can smell the scent of mulled wine in the air.

Short stint in Milan and then off to Venice. Personally, the canals got boring real quick. My highlight was the visit to Ghetto di Venezia. This is where you find the muti-faceted history of Venice grounded in love, prejudice, perseverance, and community. This is where you find the true people’s history of Venice.  

Next stop Florence. Famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, the city was abuzz with energy ahead of New Year’s celebrations. Everybody can google “things to do in Florence”. Ours was a unique experience. We found a tour guide named Nicola Bernini on Airbnb, who showed us Florence through the eyes of Michelangelo. We walked the streets of Florence just as Michelangelo would have. It gives you a unique perspective of the city culminating in the visit to Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze and the viewing of Michelangelo’s David. I highly recommend this city. 

After Florence, we headed south to Naples, which was all about food. The cramped winding streets with Vespas buzzing around use reminded me of the bustling city of Karachi, Pakistan, where I grew up. Our Airbnb spot was right in Naples’ historic centre opposite the legendary Pizzeria Sorbillo where you line up to get a table and it is worth it. Remember that it is the one with the blue and white logo. Classic family rivalry has led to a couple of other Sorbillos on the same street. A stint in Naples cannot be complete without a day trip to Pompei. I recommend renting the audio guide which supercharges your experience.

Finally, Rome. Winter in the Eternal City is magical – fewer crowds at the Colosseum and Vatican meant I could fully immerse myself in the city’s grandeur. Tip: Start your visit to St Peter’s Basilica with a guided tour of the underground Vatican Necropolis and St Peter’s tomb rather than entering though the main entrance. Just beautiful and historical.

Italy in winter should now be on your bucket list. Some final tips. Follow the recommendations of your Airbnb host for restaurants – they never failed us; never eat at restaurants with pictures of the food outside or in the menu; and try to speak Italian for ordering food or asking directions, you will be loved for it.