Your Happiest Place on Earth

We've had enough bad news. It's summer. Some of us are locked in, locked down, locked up. Let's revive my Happy Places feature -- post a photo and a few words about your happiest place on earth.

Here's one of mine -- the walled garden of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, with a view of the majestic Duomo. For years, this serenely beautiful estate -- renovated from a 15th Century palazzo -- was presided over by general manager Patrizio Cipollini, who sadly died too young (of cancer) in 2019. Patrizio was the consummate host. He had sparkling eyes and an impeccable sense of fashion. Constantly on the run, he always seemed to be watching every aspect of the hotel's operations. (He started out in the hospitality business as a bus boy in Germany.) But Patrizio always made time when he saw that you desired his company, sitting at lunch or cocktail hour with my colleague Karen Croft and me and her Italian friends. He had a special affection for writers, and he spoke with great feeling about Firenze. I didn't know him well, but I associate his unfailing magnanimity, courtesy and warmth with my travels to Italy.

And the hotel garden! My walks through this paradise, with the city bustling outside its ancient walls, always calmed my nerves. When I need solace in my life, no matter where I am, I conjure this quiet retreat. (I can see why friends want to be buried there.)

Tell us about YOUR happy place.