friends nearby, Seatter!
How do you know I am not one of them? :) Maybe my view just represents a concensus, at least among a selected sample of travelers.
You probably misunderstood my last comment. I was certainly not criticizing your choice of travel destinations, but simply quipping on your #1 reason to visit Italy. As I read through some of your journals, I know you travel to feel a place like locals, which is also my preferred way of traveling. People may come from different cultures and historic background. I believe Italy has something to offer to each traveler, through his/her own perspective. I am glad you are satisfied with your own unique findings.
Thank you for sharing your trip and thoughts along the way. I really enjoyed reading your posts.