by Francesca Di Meglio

This is the time of year when folks get off their computers and go out into the world. Today, I decided to switch things up and get back on my computer - but I still went into the world. More specifically, I headed to Italy via blogs about the country on the Internet. These are the places I visited:

Travel Blog Italy
This one, which focuses on traveling in bell' Italia, is a little clunky looking, especially at the top of each page. But there seems to be a long list of hostels and hotels, and the photos are unbelievable. You'll feel like you're seeing a professional photographer's personal photo album of Italy.

Wandering Italy
Anyone who wants firsthand perspectives on the Tuscan region or finding truffles in Italy will appreciate this attractive-looking blog. These blog posts are an easy read and the photo on the site right now offers a beautiful view Equi Terme just as nature starts to wake from its winter slumber.

At Home in Rome
I love this blog. The blogger, an American, has a great sense of humor as she shares her experiences living in Roma. One of her recent blog entries featured a photo of a sign for a missing leopard that was the pet of some resident in Italy. The short and sweet entries make it an easy blog to keep up with often.

TravelPod: Italy
A terrific reference, this blog leads you to many travel blogs. People can write in about their trips - and there are tons of interesting photos. Be warned, however, that when you click on a city, you may still see photos from other cities. I went to Naples and saw images of Perugia mixed in the bunch.

The Life I Chose…
Written by a British woman who traded in life in London for life in Positano, this site has a lovely layout and gets personal. A recent post has the blogger asking readers to name her new kittens. It makes you feel as though you could really get to know the blogger, which is a definite plus on the often impersonal Internet.

My Life Italian
Wow! I discovered a Texan blogger who lived and worked in my Ischia, a small island off the coast of Napoli, which is the home of my ancestors and my future husband Antonio. In fact, I'm leaving for Ischia in just a bit to get married in a civil service, which is a requirement for us to get married in the fall in San Pietro church in Ischia Porto. Among Americans, Ischia is far less popular than neighboring Capri. But it is an island paradise, and this Texan blogger is well aware of the treasure upon which she stumbled. The best part is she shares her joy with readers.

Di Meglio is the guide to Newlyweds for About.com, where you'll find information on everything from open marriages to cooking for two. For more information on all things Italian, visit www.francescadimeglio.com.