Why Italy?

I could spend the whole month in France. At least I have studied the language and know more than three words.But I've been to France, never Italy.
Throughout my life, I find myself amidst Italians. Its a case of  attraction of opposites. When my now-neighbor Terri fished with me, she would breath life into our daily drudgery. When she cooked, she would sing, curse, slam cupboards, and clatter pans. The girls on the boat would  try not to wet our pants while Terri entertained us with her quick wit.
Now Terri studies Italian, and with another Italian friend, visits her family in Tuscany.
Summers, we marvel at the abundance of basil an rosemary in our gardens and use fresh tomatoes and garlic for sauces.
Today I immersed myself in Italian gastronomy picking tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme and parsley, I made sauce and put three containers in the freezer.
I love the  exuberance of the Italians. I wonder if I'm too old to learn to talk with my hands.
The three words I know? I guess it is more than three if you include ciao and buon giorno---Grazie mille (a million thanks) and chiacchaierata(a chat). I love the onamonapia  of the word. It sounds like gossiping neighbors. I'm going to have to have Terri review my pronunciation before I leave.
Only biked a couple of miles today--down the road to take pictures of naked ladies(the flowers).