Carla Coulson had it all, or so everyone told her—a glamorous inner-city apartment, a successful business and a designer wardrobe. One lonely Christmas Eve, however, she realized what was missing: excitement, work she was passionate about and, most of all, love. So, Carla packed up her life and boarded a plane. Italy was her first port of call and became her true destination. With a camera and nothing to lose, she found herself immersed in Florence, tasting the food, learning the language, meeting the people, discovering a new career and country—and photographing her new life. Carla's evocative text and rich photographs bring alive the laughter, warmth and passion of Italy. We meet the people who have embraced her; we see the streets, bars, churches and markets that have enchanted her; and we feel her gioia (joy).