Novella and Assisi Springtime
It’s all backwards here in March this year: the month came IN like a lamb and is moving out like... View article
Anne's Blog / Rural Life
Umbria Hazelnuts: the Heart of the Problem
The “heart of the problem” is the hazelnut itself; ironically, the idiomatic expression “the heart of the problem,” is translated as... View article
Near Assisi, Stay with Us and Live the Rural Life
Gina and Mike, Byron and Melinda, mille grazie for having brought such a lovely group along with you for a stay... View article
In Cascia, Roveja, Saffron, Coppiette……. and Not Only
Crispy bruschetta with a hardy red wine, tastes of pecorino cheeses, and roasted chestnuts were a buonissimo prelude to Cascia’s January song competition... View article
Van Gogh in Rural Umbria
Actor Willem Dafoe’s comment about the Van Gogh film “At Eternity’s Gate” (at the Golden Globe awards) struck me: “It... View article
In January, Le Pasquarelle Warm Up Cascia
On the week-end after the feast of the beloved St. Anthony Abbot (January 17th), the blessings of the animals takes... View article
A Warm Winter at Peppa’s
It was an icy January day outside but warmth enveloped in Peppa’s house. And it wasn’t just the warmth of... View article
Near Norcia, a Preci Tradition Lives On
You might know that Norcia, Umbria medieval mountain- town gem, is famous for its norcinerie. “Norcineria” can’t be translated with a... View article
Near Assisi, a Christmastime Rural Feast with a Torrone Ending
Even the torrone – Christmas nougat – closing our mid-December Christmastime feast with a sweet note, was homemade. A Nello... View article
Black Pigs, Saffron and Mountain Wines
Groveling black pigs, sprouting saffron, the harvesting of mountain grapes and a banquet lunch turned an October outing with our... View article
Agenzia Viaggi Stoppini in Assisi handles all technical support for my guided visits (bus transportation, organization of meals, etc)