Experiencing Europe in the United States

I like having lunch with English speaking expats when I'm in the Lunigiana. I likewise enjoy meeting interesting travelers at events in the US. Nothing gets you ready for your European Vacation like going to an festival in your own city.

Where to go? Martha maintains a list of the major Italian Festivals in the US as well as a list of places where you'll find a little bit of Italy in the Americas. Kelby Carr maintains a list of places where you can Find France In The Americas, too.

For example, at the North Beach Festival in San Francisco this year, I met Susan Wheeler and some of the volunteers at Friends of Roman Cats, and we spent a long time discussing animals, our favorite places to stay in Rome, and other travel-geek topics.

Here's some information on those Roman Cats you see lurking around the Roman Forum. Have fun searching out a European festival in your own town.