While there are many Italian peculiarities I've grown accustomed to — moody public transport, lack of peanut butter, and disdain [...]

After living in Italy for around six years (seven if you count my time as an abroad student), I've convinced [...]

I recently traveled to London just short of my 28th birthday. The first time I visited the British capital I [...]

In a chest, an author finds a family lineage of devotion to opera — and the past comes alive.

It's too bad pet turtles can't write because they get to see the wide acres of a human lifetime.

Being anointed "cultural advisor" to 19 visiting American college students can make for a class of its own.

The author bids a bittersweet farewell to her "accidental" vocation of Rome tour guide.

Harry Potter was as much a companion as a fictional character. Which makes what he's up to now less interesting.

A writer's love of Michael Phelps resurfaces just in time for the Rio Summer Olympics.

How a gift given in passing became a creation capable even of rekindling a love affair — with a city.

A doe-eyed guest is one thing. A doe-eyed pregnant pigeon you fall for quite another.

A lifelong relationship with Spanish brings a stunning realization: you were never friends.