Want to travel, even if only in your mind? Consider living out your 'Inner Italian' in everyday life

Some of us who don't get to travel overseas as much as we'd like find ourselves "acting out," or living AS IF we were visiting those cultures we so adore. For my former newspaper colleague and friend Sharon Sanders and me, that place is often Italy. In fact, although Sharon lived and worked in Florence, Italy, for many years, Italy's never left HER. That's why she created a gorgeous, award-winning blog called "Simple Italy: Italian Food, Culture, Lifestyle and Travel." Essentially, it's an ongoing love letter--albeit a high-tech one anyone can read--to Italy.

Years ago, she and I bonded because of our shared love of Italy and all things Italian--its cuisine, its culture, the beautiful people. Recently, Sharon honored me big-time by featuring me and my "Inner Italian" persona in a recent post on her blog. This occasional Q&A feature highlights "wannabe Italians or expatriate Italians--who try to 'live Italian' wherever they are."