Continuing with The Dark Heart of Italy, the author makes a point that the Catholic church has a lot to do with family dynamics. I heard from my friend, Sara, who spent the summer in Italy, that the families stay together. I looked it up, and children usually live in the same town as they grew up it, or very close. The author made an interesting correlation, saying that because of the church, and the Madonna in particular, this is what underlies all of the family values and traditions found in Italy. I wonder if it is true. It seems to make sense.

On a side note, I am very excited to see some of the churches in Venice. I also plan on going to Rome, to see the Vatican, which has some of the best religious and historical art in the world. Only 12 days left!