Why these countries...
Italy: because I am Italian and I have travelled Italy extensively for personal and business reasons and I love to share insights about my beautiful country with others.
Germany: because this is where I live. I have lived in the North, in the Center West, and now I am in the South - I have also travelled Germany extensively for personal and business reasons. I consider Germany my second "Heimat".
Austria: because of its vicinity to Germany and its function as the bridge between Italy and Germany, a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, interesting history and good food.
France: because I have been in touch with this country since I was a teenager and its historical and artistic heritage is one of a kind, not to forget fashion and savoir-vivre.
Spain: because of its vibrant and proud personality, interesting landscapes, beautiful historic and natural sites and particularly welcoming people.
Finally but most importantly I speak all the languages that allow me to travel, organize and make arrangements in these countries.
Interesting tidbits...
Italy
Did you know that Normans (Vikings) left a considerable testimony of their presence in Southern Italy? In Sicily, for example, there is a defensive network of Norman fortifications along the entire coast. These towers, within sight of each other, gave alarm to the entire network in case of enemies approaching by sea - the fortification sighting the invaders would light a fire, and so would those to the left and right of that giving the signal - by means of repeating the signal, the whole island would be alerted.
Germany
Did you know that Germany has some of the best preserved Roman ruins? They are located in Trier (Augusta Treverorum), which was conquered from the Celts in the first century A.D. and named after Emperor Augustus. It has several archaeological treasures from this period: the Roman baths, a city Gate to the North (Porta Nigra), a Roman amphitheater and a Roman Bridge.
Austria
What comes to mind when thinking of Austria: the Alps, Vienna, Empress Sissi, Walzer... These are all correct. However, Austria is also one of the wine strongholds within Europe. The most popular grape is the Grüner Veltliner. The wine tradition in Austria goes back to the Roman Empire in the first centuries A.D.
France
Marking the strong bond between France and the United States, the Statue of Liberty was donated by the French people to the US to commemorate the 100th anniversary of independence. It was designed by the French sculptor F.A. Bartholdi and built by G. Eiffel... Yes, the same architect that built the Eiffel Tower of Paris! Did you know that it has a little sister? It is located on the Île aux Cygnes in Paris. The Statue of Liberty in Paris used to be faced eastward looking at the Eiffel Tower, but since 1937 she's facing westward to her big sister in NYC!
Spain
Did you know that in the Basque region (Northern Spain), proudly known locally as Euskadi, they speak the Basque language? Well, you may say that it is typical that in Europe people speak many different languages and dialects, however they are all somehow related to each other. But not Basque! This language is related to no other known language. A fascinating story! Also, you can start the North pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in San Sebastián, in the Basque Country; it leads through breathtaking landscapes along the Biscay Bay and interesting cities like Bilbao.