Life in Italy is a love-hate thing. I admit to being seduced by Tuscany’s magical golden light, besotted by the Renaissance, tantalized by Sicily’s sensuous pastry shops, charmed by the Italian language and then quickly disenchanted by the brutal reality of getting almost anything done. I’ve suffered heartless years of waiting for an insurance claim, submitted to diabolical rules for getting a driving license, and wept broken-hearted sobs when the plumber never called back. The tempting dream to live in Italy may sound like a romantic endeavor, but it helps to be nuts.
Posted In: Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Italian Wine, Cellar Visits, and Wine-Tasting in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
When the grape harvest begins in Chianti, it’s time to start thinking about vipers.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
Accepting an invitation to dinner on a cashmere goat farm in Tuscany can be an unusual experience in veterinary training.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
Foraging for wild asparagus is just an excuse to enjoy the beautiful countryside while walking in Sicily. Then there’s lunch, which may or may not be asparagus risotto.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
Winter is the season for arance rosse, the blood oranges of Sicily, with the tarocco orange being the most highly prized. Find out why.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
The festival of San Sebastiano in Sicily is a big deal – not to be missed for the colorful mix of religion and folklore – with stunning special effects that will blow your mind. Join the patron saint celebrations in Palazzolo Acreide and experience a festa you will not soon forget.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
In Sicily, residents open their homes to visitors to view tables laden with a stunning variety of traditional sweets and intricate festival breads during the Tavolata di San Giuseppe.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
There have been initiatives in several towns in Italy, where the town is selling unrestored houses for the starting sum of 1 euro. The latest town to announce this offer is Sambuca di Sicilia, a town located in southwestern Sicily. Since this news item was picked up by CNN, the town’s mayor has been inundated […]
Continue Reading »Posted In: Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
What do whole cheeses, a live rooster and a trumpet have in common? Come to the food auction in celebration of San Giuseppe and find out what a real feast day is like in Santa Croce, Sicily.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Interesting Festivals & Events in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily, Understanding the Culture & Customs of Italy
Horses decked out in elaborate flower-laden cloaks and headdresses, with necklaces of jangling bells, are the centerpiece for the sumptuous Cavalcata di San Giuseppe celebration in the town of Scicli in Sicily. The Festival of St. Joseph becomes a theatrical event during this unusual festa.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
Ever wondered how to make limoncello? Try your hand at homemade limoncello, with this easy limoncello recipe.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
When lemons are in profusion in Sicily, this easy Sicilian lemon cake recipe is a must. Find lots of other uses for lemons, too.
Continue Reading »Posted In: Hiking & Walking Trails in Italy, Italian Food Traditions & Recipes, Provocative People & Cool Places in Italy, Stories of Life in Tuscany & Sicily
New fixed-price menus at lunch are an enticement for discerning diners at the 2-star Michelin restaurant Il Duomo in Ragusa Sicily. They’re a great way to sample chef Ciccio Sultano’s superb cooking.
Continue Reading »