Italy
Italy is easily recognizable. After all, a map of Italy is shaped like a boot! The proper term for this boot-shaped country is a peninsula and an Italy map will show that it is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the tip of the “boot” is the country of Sicily.

The Italian culture is widespread. After all, many famous people like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci have shaped both art and science and how people view the world today. The Vatican is housed within the country and serves as the cornerstone of Catholicism. In fact, even the Italian flag is easily identifiable. The green, white and red vertical stripes on the Italy flag are commonly seen at practically every Italian restaurant in the world!

Of course, the mention of food leads to the influence of Italian food all over the world. Who can resist, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, pesto, calzones and marinara sauce? The answer is not many as the prolific number of Italian restaurants suggest. However, did you know that some of their influence on Italian food has gone through some transformations when making its way to other countries? As a visitor to Italy, you will discover that their Italian recipes for pizza and pasta differ quite a bit from those in the United States and other countries.

Music from Italy has enjoyed its heyday as well. If you have been to an opera or are a fan of classical music, then you have been exposed to Italian music. Have you ever heard of Verdi, Vivaldi and Paganini? These were all famous composers whose music is heard throughout the world. One fact on Italy is that this country is a leader in its impact in the art and music world. After all, in addition to some of the composers listed above, this country turned out many celebrated Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Raphael and Boticelli.

In Italy, everywhere you turn, you are looking at history. It is a tourist’s dream as there is plenty to see and do. Go to Rome to see the Coliseum; go to Pisa and see the leaning tower. Partake of the delicious food and wines in Tuscany. And that is just the tip of the iceberg! Christmas in Italy is a great experience to tourists. Among the activities that occur, the Pope will address and bless the crowd at the Vatican on Christmas Day!

If you plan to travel to Italy, be sure to try and learn a little Italian. While some people might speak some English, it is always better to be prepared. Better yet, carry an Italian dictionary with you as back-up.