I enjoy reading Teresa's essays (http://tlc-travels.blogspot.com/2006/06/ive-got-new-attitude.html)on Italy....never having been there, they are nice windows to a dream.
Today I found another blog/site by an American writer/artist who has lived in various places in Italy for five years, and I really like her essays too. For anyone who likes a good read, especially when it is about Italy, here is the link:

http://www.slowtrav.com/mindseye/020504.htm