We’re back. A lot has happened in the three and a half years since we were last in Italy, not least being the global pandemic that shocked and rocked the world. Covid certainly made us more cautious about travelling, and more grateful for the freedom to do so.

In other, happier updates since 2019, our daughter has married the love of her life, our older grandchildren have grown into fine young adults, the younger ones are as much fun as ever, and two new little girls have arrived to light our lives.

In the midst of all that, Greg and I decided it was time to return to Italy. We touched down in Milan with the idea of getting our bearings as we settled back into life here. But after only a few days, just like that, we’ve fallen madly in love all over again with this happily familiar, wildly unpredictable country. Our plan, as always, is to savour every moment. And we can’t wait to get going. Andiamo!