The Italian Spirit

Explore Italy through the eyes of an Italian American and escape into the romantic nature of travel. Unearth the essence of Italian culture and spirit with wit and a bit of Italian wisdom. The author's fascination began when at 12 years of age a large book of Italian Renaissance Art leaped off the library shelf and became the subject of her term paper, like destiny. 'The Italian Spirit' sings of the Italian creative genius, family, faith, and community. Hear voices singing an opera aria, feel the pull of mountain roads winding up to a villa, and soak in soothing Terme--Roman baths. Close your eyes to hear church bells ringing across the valley or monastery monks chanting. Taste the sweet gelato on your tongue -- Capture the aromas and flavors from Mama's cucina with Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy a window view into the cultural connections of Italian influence and inventions. Take a leap of faith in search of ancestry and discover a mosaic of Italy's twenty distinctive regions. The influence of Italian faith in the Divine, family, and values creates a sense of belonging. Their genuine graciousness and generosity are like a warm embrace. Discover the cultural connection and secrets of happiness in Italian life. Steep yourself in Italian traditions, nurture their influence, and carry their values into every day.

'I turn the rhythm of dance to the rhythm of writing.' Since age 12, Nancy Mondi has been infatuated with Italian art and culture. After watching 'A Room With a View', she ventured on a solo trip to Florence and landed in her room with a view of the Arno River. She has worked in creative advertising at 20th Century Fox, taught ballet at the San Francisco Ballet Education and Colorado Ballet Academy, obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and served as a Board Member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild. She was Divinely inspired to write 'The Italian Spirit' after 20 years of adventures across Italy. Mondi now lives in Loveland, Colorado near the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park with her husband and Westie dog, Madalena. Nancy enjoys gardening, walking beaches, singing in the church choir, and staying active with baseball, tennis, and ballroom dancing alongside her husband Raymond.