Whenever I am far from Italy there are certain sights, aromas and sounds that bring all those wonderful Italian memories flooding back. We'll share our list with you today.

Then we take a look at southern Italy, so often stereotyped in the media and stigmatized. What is the reality? Completely different - we share what southern Italy means to us.

Lastly, I discuss earthquakes. The reason? Well, it's rather strange but I think this pandemic must have made a lot of people more wary of dangers, more fearful. That's the only way I can explain the increase in messages lately asking me about the dangers of floods, earthquakes and volcanoes in Italy. As if the pandemic wasn't already enough to worry about!

Anyway, the chance of any of them happening to you, while on vacation in Italy, is miniscule. But earthquakes are worth taking into account if you are in Italy for a longer period or thinking of buying a home in Italy. We'll share the risk profile for each region with you and link to a great map.

Reminders of Italy

Earthquake Danger?

I know that isn't very scientific; however, it does go to show that the risk of experiencing anything on vacation is very slight - even in a high risk zone.

But, if you wish to buy property I would recommend you consider the risk: I know of a fair number of British, American and German families in Abruzzo who bought homes and were left devastated by the earthquake - losing everything.

Here is our earthquake risk guide.

Southern Italy - True or False