In my long life time I’ve visited some 35 countries, especially when I ran for the U.S. government the international Fulbright Scholars’ Program.  Whenever I was asked, “What’s your favorite country?” I responded faster than immediately: “Italy”! No other country was in close second place — and I don’t say this just because I’m writing this piece for an Italian website.

Why is Italy my first choice? Because no other country satisfies the five senses as Italy does. The food — my god; the art history; the beautiful countryside; the fun-loving, happy Italians; Verdi, Pavarotti. Some bloke once said to me that he preferred Placido Domingo to Pavarotti. No way — Pavarotti was smoother, more fluid, with no operatic grunting.