Joe, Kim and young Shelby, such a joy to have you as guests in our countryside apartment….and Shelby, thanks for your “arrivederci” note to us and counting on your promise to come back: ….after all, our cat Nerone is waiting for you (and so are the goats!): …and Signor Umberto in Perugia hopes you’ll return…
The discovery of America also included the discovery of zucchini. As of June, zucchini are abundant in every Italian summertime garden and will star in risotto, pasta dishes, main courses, antipasti and side dishes Ever have so many zucchini in your garden that some just grow far too large? The following recipe is a perfect way…
As you stroll the medieval hill towns, look down as well as up: art is often on the cobblestoned piazzas and alleyways. The “Madonnara” artists re-created art masterpieces in chalk – and inspite of their appellation, the subject is not always la Madonna. Francesco, Mexican Madonnara often kneeling on the streets in Assisi, frequently creates…
Patron saint and early Christian martyr, Santa Cristina reigns in Bolsena – and in unexpected ways. You’ll want to wander through the Basilica di Santa Cristina, finding the early Christian catacombs, remains of a Longobard cemetery, medieval frescoes, Renaissance Della Robbia glazed ceramic masterpieces and the altar linked to a 13th -century miracle. And if it’s…
Throughout Italy, the elegant majesty of rows of the pinus pinea – “umbrella pines” – hghlights lakeside paths, and many a country road: Here and there, loan pini seem like stalwart soldiers, often bent against the wind: On the ground below the tree, you might find the pine cones hiding the treasured pinoli (pine nuts): …and that pine cone is often featured…
Bud and Irma, “Mille grazie for your warm note to me after our rural life tour: “…… thank you for the wonderful rural life in Umbria experience, everything we expected and much, much more. ” It will be among our thoughts and conversations for years to come. Meeting Peppe and Peppa and seeing their farms as well…
As summer rolls around, we’ll spend many a week-end at Bolsena on Lake Bolsena. Bolsena’s medieval castle Lake Bolsena And no week-end is complete without a lakefish feast at Trattoria Da Picchietto in the back courtyard. Host Mario greets all guests, takes orders and serves up the goodness along with his beaming son, Emanuele Emanuele…