Ahhhh, bella Italia! There is no other country quite like it. Often referred to as God's Pantry it is a feast for the mind, body and soul; all five senses heightened and on alert. The sweet smell of the olive trees mingling with the salt air along the rocky coastline eased me gently out of my jet lag. The opulent lush greenery of the palm trees (yes - really) throughout the country but most surprisingly in the city of Rome was an unexpected treat for the eyes. The velvety texture of seasonal pumpkin ravioli prepared simply with butter and fresh herbs lingered on my palette long after the last bite. As I listened to the melodic highs and lows of the Italian language echoing through the canals