August 24, 2016 will be a birthday to remember, in many ways. Although we did not feel it there on the island of Ventotene, an earthquake rocked central Italy at the start…
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When you get off the ferry or the hydrofoil at the Ventotene port, you’ll see a landmark: mustached Vincenzo in carefully-ironed cotton shirt and shorts near his Ape (literally, “bumble bee”), piled…
When heading off on vacation to the seaside – either the Mediterranean coast or the Adriatic – Italians must leave behind their center of town life, the main piazza, but they simply…
Even though I’ve been speaking Italian for more than half my life, words still flee me; at times, I feel that my perception of the exact translation of a word is imprecise.…
L’Aquila’s Christmas-market booths are backdropped by scaffolded buildings, devastated in the 2009 earthquake. A towering Christmas tree laced with dim twinkling lights in the main square stands tall in front of the…
Fewer guided Umbrian hill town requests in November means I have more time to join Pino on his frequent trips to L’Aquila. His restoration team – Impresa Edile Alagna – is nearing…
To fully experience Umbria, “Italy’s green heart,” you’ll have to connect with the people. Meet our rural neighbors, those most directly connected to our Umbrian land. Each one, a “national” (as well…
A recent guest, Barbara put it this way: “Your farmhouse apartment is spacious, clean and well-appointed: a lovely retreat after a day of touring.” Barbara, delighted to host you and Brad in…
What’s the highlight of a visit to our rural neighbors? Sharing in eighty-year-old Peppe’s pride in his prosciutti? Tasting his wine? Meeting Peppa, “Earth Mother,” as I call this warm and joyous…
I missed Woodstock – but I was in Naples on January 7th for the addio to Pino Daniele. How not to be with the napoletani for their final tribute to beloved poet/songwriter…