Spring has sprung in the Eternal City, and along with the warm Mediterranean sunshine comes oppor-tunities to experience Italy like never before. In recent weeks restrictions on travel for international tourists have eased and there is a palpable excitement among the Italian-American community here in America.

Flights are being booked and daydreams of “La Dolce Vita” are growing. A familiar question from family and friends rings true: “When are we going back to Italy?” My response is always the same …“As soon as possible!”