To get a true taste of the essence of Italy, many travelers take to the countryside to explore the rustic villages and sprawling vineyards which have made Italy synonymous with old-world charm.

A Type-A personality obsessive planner/thinker/semi-regular doer, I thought I had considered all potential Italian disasters, feigned or real. Ha.

If I make it to see another day here in Pugliola, I will write about it. At this point, the Communists running the gambling down at the bar aren't betting on it.

It is the perfect summer to head to Europe.

The folklore of Vernazza and Monterosso will be enlivened with tales of the flood of 2011.

The people of the Cinque Terre are being taught a tough lesson. It's their beautiful land that brings the tourists.

Vernazza is built around one street and the surrounding hills funneled flash-flood waters right through the middle of town. After six months, the upper half of town still feels like a war zone.

We just enjoyed our annual all-staff meeting and our art department shared some of the best of the new photos in our arsenal.

More than just decorating the Via Roma, this avenue of art is designed to inspire all who love Vernazza to play a role in her recovery.

This evening, Vernazza has been completely evacuated in anticipation of heavy rain in the next few days. Only the military is allowed in the town.

One of the joys of my work is sending travelers to Vernazza. And today I read an email from one Vernazzan who fears they may not rebuild and it could become a ghost town.