The “heart of the problem” is the hazelnut itself; ironically, the idiomatic expression “the heart of the problem,” is translated as “il nocciolo del problema” in Italian, i.e., “the hazelnut of the problem.” A…
When I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an exciting school field trip might have been to Great America in Illinois to ride the roller coasters. If you’re in school here in Umbria,…
Heavily damaged in the October 2016 earthquake, Norcia’s “resurrection” just might have started: the early March street fair, Nero Norcia (“Black Norcia”), starring black truffles – and not only! – animated the…
Never postpone. I have thought about Graziella Viterbi now and then over the past few months, wondering how she was and hoping to look her up in Rome. Alas, I can’t now:…
Gina and Mike, Byron and Melinda, mille grazie for having brought such a lovely group along with you for a stay in our countryside apartments. A joy to share Assisi wonders with you…
Umbria’s’ mountainous Valnerina – Nera River Valley – unveils splendors at every curve in the road: And at the foot of tiny mountain village Piedivalle, a small restaurant in a pre-fab now…
For years now, Pino and I have raised our glasses and clinked “saluti!” to each other in Orvieto on December 30th, our anniversary. We’re always there for a couple of days for…
Crispy bruschetta with a hardy red wine, tastes of pecorino cheeses, and roasted chestnuts were a buonissimo prelude to Cascia’s January song competition of rural Epiphany-time music, The groups competing in the song contest would…
On the week-end after the feast of the beloved St. Anthony Abbot (January 17th), the blessings of the animals takes place all over Italy. Many a medieval hilltown fetes Sant’Antonio for days…
It was an icy January day outside but warmth enveloped in Peppa’s house. And it wasn’t just the warmth of the wood stove where Pino toasted us la bruschetta …nor the warmth of…