With a Bonfire and Chestnuts, Assisi Awaits La Madonna
That huge crackling and spitting focaraccio (literally, “big ugly fire” i.e., “bonfire”) near Assisi’s massive medieval fortress, La Rocca Maggiore,... View article
Anne's Blog
Perugia Sardines Don’t Swim
No, Perugia Sardines don’t swim. They protest. Le Sardine are gathering by the thousands in cities all over Italy demonstrating... View article
Our Olive Oil: “Green Gold of Umbria”
Yes, our olive oil just back from the mill certainly is “green gold.” And this gold is more precious than... View article
Wine-making in Umbria: il Vino di Pino
It’s still un vino giovane (“a young wine”) but buonissimo. Pino had assured me that it would be when he’d... View article
Cappuccino Nostalgia in Perugia: a Fiftieth Anniversary
Today, as an elderly Umberto served me his famous cioccolato caldo con la panna (hot chocolate with whipped cream)….. ….what... View article
Naples, City of the Infinite
I’ve written many times on one of my favorite Italian cities, Naples. A city to celebrate. A city always celebrating.... View article
At a Pisa Lunch, an Italian TV Star and Bistecca Fiorentina
There’s no doubt that most people head to Il Ristoro for the succulent organic meats – and not only –... View article
Pino’s Artistry: From Stonework to Culinary Creativity
Pino’s creativity has moved into the kitchen, now that retirement from stone restoration is (partially) underway (though not quite fully... View article
Pino’s Feast for Twelve: Orvieto Peppers, Peppa Asparagus…..and More
A recent dinner in our Assisi farmhouse cooked up for Mary and friends – Pino doing most of the dishes... View article
Sharing Umbria with Our Assisi Apartment Guests
Vicky, Mary, Dorothy and Christina, such pleasure to have you in our Assisi countryside apartment, sharing Umbria with you all.... View article
Agenzia Viaggi Stoppini in Assisi handles all technical support for my guided visits (bus transportation, organization of meals, etc)