As a traveler with a longing to realize my childhood dream of visiting Italy, it is with anticipation I begin to read “Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore” by bestselling author and travel writer Barbara Conelli.
Divided into 15 equally enchanting chapters, her book tells tales of unexpected meetings, magical moments and love in Milan.
For Ms. Conelli, love doesn’t require lavishness or grand gestures. To her, it means something else; simple pleasures, new discoveries, little things, and much more.
In Milan, love can surround you everywhere. You just need to know where and how to look.
With grace and elegance, Ms. Conelli shares the city’s special spots, only known by locals and passionate lovers of Milan. Her unique way of capturing the magic of places and people she writes about is ever present, guiding you through Milan – by morning, day or night. Every part of the book brings a different perspective to the essence of love.
Mariella taught me that when the streets of Milan ask you to dance, there’s nothing else to do but put on your ballet shoes and surrender with confidence to the arms of the city that has materialized the visions of courageous, fearless people.
You will see Milan from a new angle rarely discovered by tourists, learn the origin to Pizza Margherita, shop for exclusive fashion in the Golden Quadrangle, find out where to go for a divine snack of crispy panzerotto (and where to savor it), come along on a romantic evening tram adventure, experience the sublime nature of ballet, and dine at an extravagant restaurant whose entire interior is for sale (because the owner believes “…every space must evolve and grow so that life energy can flow through it continuously…”).
It is as if you follow the author every step of the journey and you feel an unavoidable desire to walk the streets of Milan on location, not only through your imagination.
In Milan, there are very few things you can rely on. Life here is fast and loves constant changes.
The final chapter and Ms. Conneli’s unforeseen encounter with an American outside Tiffany’s, as taken out of a Hollywood movie, excellently summarizes what dolce amore is really about.
As part of her virtual book tour, Barbara Conelli is with us today to answer a few questions relating to her new book:
1. What inspired you to write “Chique Secrets of Dolce Amore”?
Italy is my eternal inspiration. After ”Chique Secrets of Dolce Vita” that indulged in the Italian sweet life, I wanted to write a book that would show how much there is to love about Italy, and how much there is to love about our life. My intention was to take my readers on a magical journey around the most charming places of Milan and let them experience the same sensations I feel when I’m in my beloved city.
2. Which is your favorite aspect of Milan and the Italian lifestyle?
It’s definitely the joy of life. The ability to truly live in the present moment and see the real beauty of life, rejoice in the little everyday things that matter so much – friends, delicious food, sunshine, laughter… We often think that happiness must be grandiose, yet it’s so ridiculously simple. Italy really helps you realize that life is a gift, with the good and the less good, and it’s to be appreciated and savored.
3. If only one thing, what are you hoping readers will garner from the book?
A little bit of sweetness, a pinch of romance, a touch of dreaming, a hint of bliss, a whisper of passion. That’s what Italy is about, every single day.
