Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and Italian Kisses

Italy is a land of beauty and love.  Our Italian grandmother and great-grandmother often told us tales of 'the old county. America was the new country and in school we learned of the man who supposedly discovered the land on which we live and love.

But here are some conflicting facts about Chistopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci. 

Here also are romatic tales and advice, Italian Kisses, often told us by "a nonna" and inspired by a great-grandmother, 104 when she departed this life leaving behind a broker-hearted younger lover.

The real story behind the Columbus story

While Columbus was convinced that HE discovered America, some of us are learning a few new tales.  And we are reminded on this day that we should not foget  Amerigo Vespucci, the man for whom our land is named, although, it was Columbus who sailed here. Amerigo Vespucci

Despite his role as a businessman and navigator Amerigo Vespucci - Wikipedia, the Daily Journal says:

"So, while some folks enjoyed the day off  [Columbus Day] and others bought that couch they wanted, remember this about this holiday: There is not one statue dedicated to Vespucci on this continent. There are no Knights of Vespucci. There is no District of Vespucci.

"The lesson to be learned today is basic -- timing is everything, even if you don't know where the heck you are. Columbus Day all about timing " Kankakee Daily Journal

And here are some more little known tibits about Columbus

• Happy Columbus Day: 10 Columbus Day Facts