ON THE PAGE
So Many Stories of Joy
Everything beamed to the world from Milano-Cortina made me want to go. (Again.)
Poland’s Pierogi Plush stole my heart. Luge Relay is insane. And I was truly happy with the number of medals and personal bests scooped up by #TeamQueer. The 2026 Winter Games in Italy’s Milano-Cortina area were So. Much. Fun. With so many compelling stories.
My wife is a total Olympics nerd and we watched the recordings of live feeds when possible, avoiding what networks packaged as interesting – guaranteed to be Americans mostly. Trust me on this: excellence, bravery, commitment, and resilience are traits all Olympians share.
For example, the American media mostly missed the Cross-Country 4×7.5km Relay somersaulting fall, broken ski mishap wherein Sweden’s Ebba Andersson recovered enough to still help her team to a Silver medal.
Her time wasn’t a personal best, but what a personal best!
Some of my favorite moments were the venues that showed off the stark, captivating mountains and the deep blue winter skies. Some feeds, during breaks, roamed over random video from downtown areas where, in spite of the cold, people were sipping coffee or having a pastry at tiny tables along cobbled streets. There were the occasional glamor shots of vineyards and country houses. Quick peeks at onlookers peeling open croissants and even enjoying gelato as snow drifted down on the scene.
The Figure Skating Gala had numerous nods to Italian music regardless of the skater’s nation. That includes Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama’s choice of Pavarotti’s “Nessun dorma” from Turandot. I’m not an opera buff, but knowing that the aria says, “None shall sleep … look at the stars that shiver in love and hope,” really resonated for me. The final cry, three times, of “I will win!” (my god, that man could sing) – it all fit these games so well.
Only a few get medals, but many, many of the competitors were winners by their own history, struggles, and standards.
A Diversion to Gelato is Necessary
For no reason at all (eyelash flutter), here’s what gelato looks like in Italy.
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- More Venetian gelato. Probably coffee and salted caramel because Us.
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- Venetian, beautifully textured gelato, rich dark chocolate. Hand’s down best ever. So far.
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- Roman gelato from Verde Pistachio after a very long hot day seeing everything.
At home I make do with the very good Talenti cold brew coffee gelato paired with a good story that captures the raucous chaos and simple serenity that a single moment in Italy can be.
In a Heartbeat
Oh Italia. Italia. Doesn’t all of that make you want to visit? I would go again, in a heartbeat. However, I accept that budget and time aren’t going to allow for that any time soon, but – as I said above – I know how to travel without leaving home. So do you! And I Heart SapphFic is here to help!
I Heart SapphFic is Here to Help!
This week the IHS Reading Challenge has a selection of books set in Italy. You’ll find books by Fiona Zedde, Miranda MacLeod, Kim Pritekel, Brey Willows, Edale Lane, and many more, including Velvet in Venice by yours very truly.
Never heard of the IHS Reading Challenge? Um, you need to go right here, right now. (And I just gave myself a Fatboy Slim ear worm. My mind is truly a weird place most days.)
There’s also a giveaway of 10 books – Italia for free! Included are books by Catherine Maorisi and Georgia Beers.
Traveling by Book
Traveling via reading is something I have always loved, and I truly think it’s second only to actually being there when it comes to immersion in a place. Inevitably I want the food too, but that’s what kitchens are for. Tonight the menu is capellini with shrimp, lemon, and capers. Super simple, and very Italia, oh Italia to me.
Happy reading – and happy travels!
