What Italian cities and design awards in L.A. have in common

Dear F.T.,

It's been a while since I've been to Italy. My feet are missing the round cobblestones soaked in the smell of morning espresso that is infusing the already perfumed Mediterranean air.

There is nothing like a deep breath of air in that sea-surrounded country. You can almost see the molecules, swirling happily around your nose in a pleasant, olfactory dance so beautiful that it renders all your senses mesmerized.