Seeing Italy Through His Eyes: A Father's Day Reflection

There's something magical about watching your father experience wonder for the first time in places you've already fallen in love with. A few years ago, we had the privilege of taking my parents on their dream trip to Italy—Rome, Vatican City, Florence, and Venice—and seeing these beloved cities through my father’s eyes transformed them completely.

For decades, my father gave endlessly to our family. He worked tirelessly, sacrificed his own wants, and always put our dreams before his own. So when the opportunity came to plan something special for my parents, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Finally, it was our turn to give back to the man who had given us everything.

The Explorer's Heart

My Dad has always been an adventurer at heart, and Italy awakened every bit of that spirit. Standing in the Colosseum, he wasn't just a tourist taking photos—he was completely captivated, absorbing the weight of history around him. In Florence, he stood before the Duomo with the same awe I'd felt on my first visit, marveling at the intricate details and sheer scale of Brunelleschi's masterpiece. His enthusiasm was infectious, and watching him pose eagerly for every camera angle reminded me that joy doesn't diminish with age; it just becomes more precious.

Venice brought out his most playful side. He loved the novelty of a city built on water, delighted in the daily farmers markets (a fellow market enthusiast!), and dove headfirst into the seafood scene. Some of our best moments happened by accident—like taking a wrong turn that led us to the most incredible hot chocolate and coffee, the kind of serendipitous discovery that makes travel memorable.

But it was the food that truly won his heart in Italy—every meal became an adventure, every local delicacy a discovery to savor. He fell hard for pizza amatriciana, declaring it his new favorite (a title it still holds to this day), and developed quite the appreciation for limoncello. Even now, years later, he'll light up talking about both discoveries, and I love how those flavors became permanent ambassadors of our Italian adventure.

His happy place with another favorite: pizza Capricciosa.

Our journey between these iconic cities became their own mini-adventures. I'll always cherish the memory of the high-speed train whisking us through the Italian countryside, Dad gazing out the window with childlike wonder at the passing landscapes. We'd share snacks, point out interesting sights, and simply enjoy the relaxed pace of travel between our destinations. The rhythmic clatter of the train provided a comforting soundtrack to our journey.

Sacred Moments

The most touching part of the journey happened at the Vatican. Visiting the Sistine Chapel had been on my parents' bucket list for years, but what made it truly extraordinary was the timing—they received a special blessing on their wedding anniversary. Watching my parents in that sacred space, surrounded by Michelangelo's masterpieces, was a moment I'll treasure forever. Some experiences transcend sightseeing and become something deeper, more spiritual, more like a pilgrimage.

The Daily Rituals

Often, it's the small moments that capture the essence of a trip. Every morning in Rome, my parents would venture down to the bakery on the ground floor of our apartment building. Despite the language barrier, Dad would chat with the locals over espresso and Italian pastries, communicating through smiles, gestures, and shared appreciation for a good cornetto. These weren't planned tourist activities—they were authentic connections, the kind my father has always been naturally gifted at making.

A Gift of Perfect Timing

We had no way of knowing that this trip would happen just before the world changed. COVID arrived shortly after we returned home, and travel became a distant memory for so long. Even more significantly, Dad faced some health challenges that reminded us all how precious these shared experiences truly were.

Looking back, this journey feels like a gift of perfect timing—not just for my parents, but for all of us. It marked the beautiful moment when the tables turn in families, when we finally get to be the ones planning something special for the people who spent decades putting our dreams first.

The Art of Wonder

These days, our travel dreams with my parents might look a little different. The adventures ahead may be simpler, closer to home, or shorter in duration. But that doesn't make them any less meaningful. If anything, it makes each trip more precious, each shared meal more significant, each moment of wonder more valuable.

The gift of seeing Italy through my father's eyes reminded me that wonder doesn't have an expiration date, and neither does the desire to explore. Sometimes the greatest adventure is simply being present with the people you love, sharing their excitement, and creating memories that will warm your heart long after you've returned home.

This Father's Day, I'm grateful for a Dad who taught me that the best adventures aren't about the destinations you check off a list—they're about the curiosity you bring to each moment, the connections you make along the way, and the joy you find in experiencing something new.

Here's to more adventures together, Dad—whatever form they may take.

Cin cin, papà—sei una forza!