One can be tired of Rome after three weeks and feel one has exhausted it; after three months one feels that one has not even scratched the surface of Rome; and after six months one wishes never to leave it.

the islands of Italy combine all the elements - fire, water, earth, and air - and that is irresistible.

Unhappiness makes beggars or accountants of us all.

Sometimes I think that just not thinking of oneself is a form of prayer. . .

I don't think I know a single woman who knows what she looks like.

Nothing is more democratic, less judgmental, than water. Water doesn't care whether flesh is withered or fresh; it caresses aged flesh and firm flesh with equal love.

There are places one comes home to that one has never been to.