La Stampa, an Italian newspaper, reported that a five-year deal worth 2.1 million Euros (4.18 million dollars) has been struck between Venice, Italy and Coca-Cola. Reportedly there will be 38 vending machines placed across the city especially at vaporetti stops. According to the city council, Coca-Cola is not buying Venice. But La Stampa does not agree saying that the city is “selling itself” to Coca-Cola and that Coke machines will be placed in St. Mark’s Square. ”'Coca-Cola drinks up Venice,'' said La Stampa.

Coca-Cola vending machines in St. Mark’s Square? Say it ain’t so. It won’t make much of a photo opp to have a picture of a gondola with a Coke machine in the background or the Bridge of Sighs with the trademark red and white logo visible through the window.

As a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, the home of Coca-Cola and being a long time fan of a cold Coke on a hot day I find it disturbing that Coke is going to have a strong presence in Venice, Italy.

I understand that cities are suffering from the same economic crisis as the rest of us, but a deal between the city of Venice and Coke seems to be a little extreme. Vending machines with Orangina, sparkling water or wine seem more appropriate.

Up at the Villa is part travel journal, part cookbook (yes, there are recipes!) and part poetry book. There are even a few travel tips and language guides. It is just the kind of book I love because you never get bored reading it. Linda Dini Jenkins has done a superb job of capturing the joy of traveling whether it is a day trip or a two week adventure in Italy.

Jenkins is a storyteller and a poet which is an interesting combination in an author. Some of her stories read as poems and some of her poems tell a story. Ms Jenkins tells stories of traveling in groups or with her husband Tim both of which bring their own challenges and joys.

Anyone who has traveled will relate to the stories in Up at the Villa. I laughed out loud when she told the tale of arriving in Italy at the rental car agency only to find that instead of the smaller car her group had requested they were given a SUV – one that would be difficult, if not impossible to navigate in the narrow streets of the small towns in Italy. Having had a similar experience I found myself remembering and laughing at my own trip. Maybe that is what makes Up at the Villa so much fun is that the stories are so different and varied and common that everyone can relate to at least one of them whether they are experienced world travelers or never venture further than an overnight trip a few hours from home.

Travels in Italy are the primary theme of Up at the Villa, but there are also stories of trips to Paris, Brussels, Vermont and even South Orange, New Jersey (which happens to be where I was born).