Cari amici,

No season may be sweeter or more welcome than la Primavera (Spring). Recently I came across some of the reasons that Italian students gave for why they love Spring:

• blossoming trees (gli alberi fioriti)
• longer days (le giornate più lunghe)
• more intense light (la luce più intensa)
• hanging out (andarsene a zonzo)
• tasting "i primi gelati" of the season
• playing soccer, volleyball or basketball outdoors (giocare all'aperto a calcio, a pallavolo o a basket)
• running, sweating, getting dirty in the grass and mud (correre, sudare, sporcarsi di erba e fango)

And another indisputable reason to love Spring: Le ragazze, nei loro abiti leggeri, sembrano ancora più belle. The girls, in their light dresses, seem even more beautiful.

Spring also is a time of new beginnings. For some of you, I'm delighted to hear, this means studying Italian, travelling to Italy or both. I applaud your enthusiasm and look forward to hearing about your adventures.

If you want to share your experiences, come join fellow Italy- and Italian-lovers at the La Bella Lingua group page on Facebook. You'll find many kindred spirits. An Australian who quit her job and sold her house is now taking singing lessons in Florence. Three women who never travelled without their husbands have rented an apartment in Florence for the marvelous month of May. Others have asked about cooking lessons, hotels, travelling with kids. I may not have answers, but my readers always come up with helpful suggestions.

And if you, your friends, family, or most casual acquaintances are travelling to Italy this Spring or summer, please keep in mind that La Bella Lingua can make you feel like you're already there. Buona primavera!

Con affetto,

Dianne