September 2003: “….it’s difficult coming back to Rome from the United States, as always. Each time I visit U.S.A., I feel once more like I am back at home. Not only do I visit new and old places, but also reacquaint with old friends, which always makes my trip even more special.

Predictably, keeping in touch soon after my visit, is easy, but as time ticks, the daily routine occupies the majority of our lives. And so, between the familiar American discussion on Buffalo Wings, that the wings in Buffalo are really the best compared to any other imitations and the daily routine, I received an email from Patrick at the beginning of September that changed my life forever.

The email said: “A friend of mine from university is moving to Rome in few days for about three months. I have given her your email and she will contact you. She is a writer. Her name is Elizabeth Gilbert…”