My name is Gina Mussio. I am a travel writer and teacher living near Milan, Italy. After studying the language for years and then, of course, falling in love with an Italian, I moved here post-college in 2013 and have been happily building a life in Italy ever since. I currently split my time between writing about Italy and teaching in a bilingual elementary school. Both careers are about culture, communication and caring, and more often than not the skills developed in one field work perfectly in the other.

I write about Italian culture, food, expat life and travel in Italy for publications such as Transitions Abroad, The Culture Trip, Columbus Weddings and Matador Network, and I manage the comments and write regular blog posts for Walks of Italy, an Italian tour company.

On top of writing, traveling and teaching I also enjoy reading, running, yoga and a good cup of coffee. One of my favorite things to do, however, is learn more about Italy’s food culture. Italian food, Italian recipes, geopolitical leanings for the hyper-local recipes – I’m into it all!

This blog is a space for me to explore and experiment in my storytelling and writing. It’s for people interested in Italy, food, literature and culture, hopefully with a laugh or two thrown in for good measure.

Italy is a popular destination – nearly 48 million people visit every year – and many come back more than once! Whether you’re planning your first trip, returning for the millionth time and looking for something new or simply dreaming about one day having your own Italian adventure, I’d love to be there. From Italy, With Love isn’t about the top restaurants to eat at or the top sights to see (though that can be covered within some posts). Instead, I’d like to give you a little bit of background about what it is you are seeing. What’s the history? What’s the culture? In a land steeped in history and with micro-cultures that change from town to town, truly understanding the nuances can be a bit complicated for a part-time traveler. Luckily, you have me!

There he is!

I live here and travel like a local, but of course with an American perspective. I regularly head into Milan for aperitivi with friends, but I’ve also done all the tourist things and loved them – climbing to the top of the duomo, seeing the Last Supper, shopping, strolling and sightseeing. My Italian husband and I travel to the major cities – Rome, Florence, Venice, etc – but we also eat out in towns with a population of 20. These aren’t places that a tourist would go, but they give more insight into the area than any big city day trip.

Travel to Italy with an idea of the geography, the history and the food and your trip will be completely different than the Euro-rail waving, wham bam thank you ma’am tourists. Whether you have one day or a month, your trip can still be meaningful. Hopefully my personal experiences, different travels and narrative blog posts can help, even if it doesn’t come in a listicle.

If you’re intrigued but would like more guidance, I’m available for one-on-one trip planning from beginning to end. From flight suggestions, best itineraries, and skip-the-line tickets to all your must-see sights. However, at a fee. It’s impossible to individually answer every readers travel questions, so while I search to write posts that benefit you, if you want more please contact me for my trip planning rates! Sessions can range from simple advice giving to detailed itineraries – whatever you need! The benefit is that each trip will be tailored to your likes and dislikes, your goals for the trip and your long-term Italy dreams.

If you want to work together, ask questions or would like more information about one-on-one travel consultations, contact me at gina.mussio@gmail.com