Italy Now
ITPC Secrets
What Do You Love Most About Italy? The people! By all means, the people. “When we stop to look at present day Italians, their amazing heritage is openly visible on their faces,” says Mario Scalzi, President of Parker Villas. “While Italy is nowadays officially one country, it still remains an ancient melting pot of competing city states and tiny principalities inhabited by a mix of people whose origins are lost in the mist of time. First and foremost among them, the Abruzzesi stun us with physical good looks, dark hair, and light eyes. They are perhaps the friendliest, most generous people on the peninsula. At first encounter they are filled with questions that often lead to laughter and kinship regardless of the language barrier you may pose. The fun-loving Romans live next door to the Abruzzesi and are the descendants of an empire. Nothing you can say or do shocks this jovial bunch; after all, they ruled the world, have seen it all, and tomorrow is another day. In Naples, everyone seems to be related to one another, so its no mystery that on arrival they strive to make a connection, however fanciful, that will make you part of their family. The dark complected, island dwelling Sicilians, sprinkled with six-foot tall Norman-era redheads, seem the most respectful lot on earth. This may be due to Sicily being the most invaded place in Europe, or maybe it stems from having to deal with Homer’s Cyclops, Vulcan’s Forge buried deep within Mt. Etna, or the host of other deities that long ago called this Garden of Eden home — it makes good sense never to anger the gods. Sicilians also resemble their wines. Like a Marsala, they are filled with sweetness and warmth. All the way north, at the foot of the Alps, are the Piemontesi. Just like their wines — Barolo, the king of wines and the wine of kings — they are big, robust and intense. Give them time to open up and the effects are worth the wait. The Tuscans, on the other hand, are the marketeers of Italy. They are both famous and complex. Like their Super Tuscan wines, each one holding a secret variety of grapes, it is often impossible to know what brews behind those intelligent Tuscan eyes until you really get to know them. Speaking of Tuscans, go to Voltera and walk along the 3000 year old walls of the city filled with carvings of angular Etruscan faces whose ears, like those of Spock on Star Trek, seem a bit too pointy. Now look at some of the people walking by… Observing and getting to know today’s Italians will add untold dimension to all the monuments, art, and architecture of those who have preceded them. Combine this with their food, wine, and love of life, and you may never leave.
Company Profile Founded in 1993, Parker Villas has raised the standards of the villa rental industry year after year. Returning guests cite unparalleled dedication to customer satisfaction, detailed and accurate descriptions and photography, the ground support through Parker’s offices
rates as their top reasons for coming back and selecting from Parker’s exclusive collection of homes, villas,and apartments for rent throughout Italy.
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Photo courtesy of Parker Villas.
in Genova, and affordable weekly
CONTACT INFORMATION To obtain a free color catalog and learn more about how Parker can turn your dreams of Italy into an unforgettable experience, call 800 280 2811 or visit www.parkervillas.com
The Official Guide to Italian Tourism