"Our Paesani" is a column written by Francesca Di Meglio. Its purpose is to help bridge the gap between Italians in Italy and Italians throughout the world.

6 Ideas for a Fantasy Vacation in Italy
In my quietest moments, I dream of Italy -- a refreshing banana gelato, a bright Versace gown, Totò singing Malafemmena, the comforting sound of the ocean on Maronti in Ischia. I pretend I'm as desirable and elegant as Sofia Loren or Monica Bellucci. I'm on the arm of someone as handsome and charming as Adriano Giannini or Gianluigi Buffon as we stroll along the Via Veneto. Here are 6 things you should do the next time you're in Italy -- even if only in your imagination.

Consider Taking a Trip to an Italian Farm
Agriturismo is the word Italians use to describe bed-and-breakfast-type residences on farms in southern Italy. These hotels are popping up all over the countryside in southern Italy, especially in places like Benevento, and Tuscany. The idea is to give tourists a tranquil setting in which to taste country living.

Daydreaming of Italy in the Spring
At this moment, I'm lying on my boyfriend Antonio's bed in Ischia, a small island off the coast of Naples. And it's a chilly yet sunny February afternoon. I've been coming to Ischia in the winter since I was 2 years old. But a few times I made the trek in April. Nothing is more beautiful than Italy - and especially Ischia - when everyone wakes from hibernation in the springtime.

Garden of Eden in Italy
In 2004, I was supposed to have my first date with my now boyfriend Antonio Gerenini - and our destination was going to be La Mortella, the lovely public gardens in Forio in Ischia. Having read all about it before traveling to Italy, I could hardly wait. But before I could get there, I had a serious accident that eventually resulted in three surgeries to my knee. I never made it to La Mortella - that is, until now. And I want to take you there, too.

Good Eats in Ischia
I just returned from another spring jaunt in Ischia, the small island off the coast of Napoli and neighboring Capri from which my family originates. I always come back with wonderful memories of my relatives, my boyfriend and his wonderful family and the natural beauty of the island. But it's the food that leaves the best taste. Ischia is after all the island, where "si mangia, si beve, e si fischia." ("one eats, drinks, and whistles"). If you ever get the chance to go to Ischia, here are some restaurants that will have you whistling too.

Greetings From Italy
The rain is falling in Italy, but not in my heart. I arrived in Ischia, an island off the coast of Naples, a few days ago for a month-long stay that will combine business with pleasure. Consider this the first of my postcards to you while I work and vacation in the homeland.

How to Make the Move to Live in Italy
Since I started writing this column, many of you have written to me. Every so often, you can help me offer information to the masses. A reader, Felice Berenson, 56, is an ESL and Italian teacher in Boca Raton, Florida. Before she moved to the Sunshine State, she lived in Florence, Italy from 1969 to 1993. I asked her to answer some of your most common questions about moving to Italy, and she responded thoughtfully in an e-mail. Below are edited excerpts of her responses.

How to Pack for the New World
The summer might be coming to its unofficial end in the United States, but Italy will remain ripe with tourists through October. If you're among those heading to the motherland in the fall, then you probably already know that new security measures mean you'll have to put that toothpaste and shampoo in your checked luggage - or you'll have to leave it at home. But there are certain gadgets that will help you bring all your favorites - even those hand-painted ceramic plates - back home with you. Here are some ideas.

Italy's Gifts
As soon as my family hears I'm going to Italy, the requests for souvenirs start rolling in. The foodies want authentic Italian ingredients, the fashionistas want a scarf or designer purse. Just about everyone wants a hand-painted ceramic plate. Then, there are the kids, who usually ask for T-shirts and chocolate. Even though the gifts weigh down my suitcase, I love shopping for my family. And I love - even more - seeing their glowing faces when I hand over the memento of our homeland.

A Love Letter to Napoli
If Napoli, Italy's southern capital, was a man, it would be the "bad boy" of every woman's dreams. As famous for its relatively high crime rate as for its breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples and the magnificent Vesuvio, Napoli is sensitive with an edge. Much like mischievous men who always get the girl in the end, such a place produces the best sort of contradictions -- fast and slow, sweet and sour.

Prepare for Summer Italian Style
Americans celebrated the unofficial start to summer last weekend. But nobody does summer like the Italians, who are known for taking off work for the entire month of August. Now, that's what I call the lazy, hazy days! Just because summer is practically underway doesn't necessarily mean that you're ready for it. Maybe you can take your cues from Italy - and get prepped for fun in the sun. Here are some things Italians are doing to get into gear for the hot season.

Southern Italy's Hidden Gems
Summer is the time of year for vacations. Although the weakening dollar and rising cost of gas is making trips to Europe seem impossibly expensive, many Italian Americans are still returning to Italy. I can testify to this because my recent Eurofly flight to Naples, Italy was full to the brim. After all, many of those flying to Italy on that airline are like me - they have to pay for the costly plane ride but they save on accommodations by staying in their own Italian homes or with family and friends. If you're among those making the trek to Italy, here are some hidden gems of the south - some in the most obvious of places - that you might consider.

Take It Easy Italian Style
This week Pope Benedict XVI, on holiday in the Italian Alps, suggested that everyone, especially those who live in cities, take a vacation to meditate and contemplate life's meaning. The Italians will be doing just that in a couple of weeks because most of the country takes the entire month of August off. They'll be heading to the mountains, beaches - or even the United States to take it easy and get away from life's mundane worries. Really, the Italians are great at maintaining stress levels, and Americans could learn a thing or two from them. Here, a few tips from the Boot on how to relax.

Through the Looking Glass
I left Venice over a week ago, but the vacation has sweetly stayed with me. At certain moments during the day when I have a chance to catch my breath, I find myself daydreaming about my most recent Italian sojourn. Often, my thoughts turn my heart to glass, Murano glass that is. On the Venetian island of Murano creating artistic, high-quality glass art - from picture frames and clocks to crystal clear, three-foot tall horse statues - is a way of life. And tourists are welcome to observe the artist at work firsthand.

Tour Ischia from Home
It's that time of year again, when I start planning my next trip to Ischia to be with my fiancé Antonio and our friends, and family, who live there. This trip is going to be especially special because Antonio and I will wed in a civil service ahead of our church nuptials in Ischia in October and a vow renewal in the United States in November.

Travel Diary: An Italian American in Ischia, Italy
I've been back in Ischia, home of my ancestors and fiancé and the location of my upcoming fall nuptials, for a little more than a week. I thought I'd share my travel diary with you to give you an insider's look at life on a small island off the coast of Naples, Italy.

Travel Log: What Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt When Vacationing in Italy?
This is Francesca's first hand experience on just what happens if you get hurt or sick while on vacation in Italy. This three part article includes "Dark Days on the Green Island", "Live Nude Girls! At the Hospital?" and "My Italian Boyfriends Give Me Lots to Think about".

Traveling to Italy Gets Easier
It's the time of year when folks start thinking about summer vacation. If Italy is among your destinations for the lazy days, you have wonderful options. Here are some possibilities that you might want to consider.

An Unforgettable Venetian Journey
No city is more romantic than Venezia. And now I know firsthand, for sure, with certainty. After arriving in Roma on Monday, my boyfriend Antonio, a native of the Neapolitan island of Ischia, picked me up and surprised me. At first he wouldn't tell me where we were going. Then, he mentioned the town of Jesolo, which I did not know. As we inched closer to our destination, I saw the signs for Milan and Venezia. In my gut, I knew then we were on our way to see the city on water in all its glory, which had been a long-held dream of mine. But having a native Italian plan the trip for me made all the difference; this surprise was affordable, yet met every expectation I had and then some.

Visit Italy: Florence's David Gets a New Look
Recently, Italians gave a bath to Michelangelo's masterpiece David. The decision to restore David in time for his 500th birthday was a controversial one. Art critics said the cleaning was unnecessary because the statue has been indoors at the Galleria dell' Accademia for more than 130 years. They argued that other works of art already had been damaged after much-too-harsh cleanings, and that risking one of the world's greatest works was downright wrong.

Visit Italy: A Historic Venetian Theater Heats Things Up
The roof was on fire – and not just in the figurative sense. Teatro La Fenice in Venezia (campo San Fantin, San Marco) has a history of burning down. According to Knopf City Guides, the San Benedetto opera house, the theater's first incarnation, burned down in 1774. The first Fenice was destroyed by fire in 1836 and again in 1996. This year the theater finally reopened - this time, with the hopes of igniting passion instead of flames.

Visit Italy: A Southern Italian Treasure in Caserta
Just outside of gritty Napoli in Caserta lies Italy's version of Versailles. An emulation of the decadent French palace, La Reggia di Caserta is about the size of three soccer fields with 1,790 windows. Carlo III di Borbone, then-king of the two Sicilies, commissioned architect Luigi Vanvitelli to construct the palace in the mid-1700s.

Visit Italy: Travel like an Italian Celebrity
Practically all of Italy goes on vacation in August – and the country's most glamorous stars are no different. Celebrities have money and need to relax and pamper themselves, so it's always wise to take your travel cues from them. Here are some suggestions for itineraries from the rich and famous.

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