As a 17-year old Italian American from New Jersey, Debbie became obsessed with the idea of traveling to Italy, and during the summer after completing her junior year in high school, she realized her dream when her parents agreed to send her on a student tour for 40 days with no one she knew.  Friendships form with another American student, and with Cesare, an Italian medical student living in the same hotel.  But what transpires is something no one ever expected, especially her mom. 

Over the next 45 years, Debbie returns 11 more times, mostly alone.  Other trips...