Tuscany and Rome… again??

Several people have asked me why I was going to Tuscany and Rome AGAIN… With all the many places in the world, why wouldn’t I visit someplace new? I have already been to Cortona and Florence once and I’ve visited Rome FIVE times (I had to go back and count).

While I agree that my “To Travel” list just keeps growing, there is something to be said about exploring one place multiple times. The first time you travel somewhere you only scratch the surface, so it is often not until you revisit a place that you truly begin to learn the feel for the city or culture and find all of the hidden gems. 

Plus, why not? I love experiencing Italy’s culture. Their focus on food, wine and a slower pace of life, is what I aim for in my daily life (it’s just a bit harder living in the go-go-go American culture). I mean, there are even university classes on it! I love that in both Italy and France (and I’m sure other places that I’m just not thinking of right now), a meal is something to be savored and enjoyed with friends and family. It’s not  something to rush through, sitting in front of the television (*she says from experience*).

Also, from a purely logistical perspective, since I had been there before, it was easier to help plan everything. I could visualize where all of the apartment options were located and had first hand experience wandering around most of the areas. 

Are there any places you go back to over and over? What makes you choose to revisit somewhere?