For the love of god! I mean dog...

If there is one thing Europeans know how to do, they do know how to live. Like buying only what you need to eat for the day. And in some places, closing in the mid-afternoon for an afternoon siesta. Dinners are meant to be enjoyed leisurely. You don’t find servers dropping off checks when they notice you are at the end of a meal. In fact, you have to ask them, practically jump up and down in your seat to get their attention, for the check. Once you sit to eat, that table is yours until the rooster crows the next day if you wish. Almost literally as the culture tends to dine into the wee hours of the morning with the delightful entertainment of live music.


If ever I go back again, Porto and Paris are a must to see once more. These places got me daydreaming of finding ways to become a permanent resident.


I can imagine living in one of those kaleidoscope apartments, buying food for the day, washing only the necessary clothing because space to hang dry is so limited on a balcony, watering my little garden oasis amidst buildings and pavement and satellite dishes.

In the end, what I would really go back for is a visit with a little dog named "Maddie". Really, the only reason why I wanted to go in the first place. Oh yes, and also to eat at Casa de Castelli!