Category Archives: Italian Travel

Caccia di Blu!

Caccia di Blu! How do you write about travel when you’re not traveling? We’re sequestered, our wings are clipped and we’re in “a fallow period.” Here are some of our favorite pieces while we wait to continue our travels (we … Continue reading

Posted in Italian Travel | 3 Comments

My Montecatini

Montecatini Terme is a happy Tuscan mix of art, culture, and legendary spa scene. Belle Époque is the graceful era between 1890 and 1914 when Montecatini developed its elegant spa-style. Art Nouveau bathhouses set in a verdant, landscaped parks offered … Continue reading

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Opera, Theater, Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Montecarlo

This jolly uphill street is in Montecarlo, a charming town nestled in the Tuscan Hills. The quaint historical center is surrounded by small shops and maze of city walls. Once called “Vivinaia,” Montecarlo has nearly 20 wineries — an astonishing … Continue reading

Posted in Italian Travel | Leave a comment

Siena: Golden Light

I am honing my far niente skills in the golden light of Siena. Home is a fifth-floor walk-up overlooking the bell tower and zebra-striped cathedral of Santa Maria della Scala. Much of this quaint Tuscan town is della scala — … Continue reading

Posted in Italian Travel | 1 Comment

Boo! Halloween in Pistoia

In Pistoia’s historic Piazza del Duomo, it’s Halloween. Patron saints San Zeno and San Jacopo supervise as children whirl and shout. Their hysteria is charmingly muted and they’re modestly costumed, with small bags of cookies from local merchants. I notice … Continue reading

Posted in Italian Travel | Leave a comment

Florence: Fashion & Friendship

I arrive on a golden Tuscan morning, hire a car and check into centrally located Hotel Malaspina. The B&B’s cheerful staff, robust breakfasts, Wifi, rooftop terrace, cozy rooms and free valet parking (yes, I said free valet parking) make it … Continue reading

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Saveur et Savoir: Montreal Jazz 2018

Our stylish neighbors to the north give a spectacular party every year, and we are all invited. The last weekend in June and first week of July always brings us to the Montreal Jazz Festival. We love skipping the promiscuous … Continue reading

Posted in Italian Travel | Leave a comment

Como Cool

We’re in the heart of downtown Como on via Dante, across from the imposing peaks that characterize the lake. We watch the changing light from our expansive, columned deck.Our apartment is a comfy version of Italian modern — upscale, sleek and … Continue reading

Posted in Food and Wine, Italian Travel, Lake Como, Off-the-beaten-track | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Election Day

Interesting to be here during a national election, as Italian populists and far-right reveal their mutual discontent with taxes, unemployment and immigration. David has been wearing his “Bernie” shirt which yesterday inspired a €3 discount on a liter of Artumes.

Posted in International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Travel, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Mediterranean Mother Lode

In Sicily I often wonder, “Where are the women?” Sometimes it seems they’re behind closed doors, as men stroll the streets in affectionate pairs and groups. At last, we find the mother lode of Sicilian women in Catania at the … Continue reading

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Sicily, Travel | Tagged , , | Leave a comment