One of my favourite things about the Italian lifestyle is l’aperitivo, that quintessential Italian ritual that epitomises la dolce vita. So come with me on a stroll along memory lane to carefree times when we could enjoy a drink in a piazza with friends and loved ones.
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Cultural visits in the Veneto and Lombardy
Like many regions in Italy, the Veneto is a rich cultural centre, and along with Mantova in Lombardia, there’s lots to see and do at any time of the year. These are a few of the current exhibitions I visited over a few days.
Continue ReadingMarvellous Mantova
Marvellous Mantova! For everything from its delicious Tortelli di zucca, to its magnificent palaces which are surrounded by beautiful gardens and filled with art
Continue ReadingItalian celebrations – Ferragosto
Italians love celebrations and Ferragosto on 15 August, is a national holiday which has its origins in the year 18BC in the time of the emperor Augustus.
Happy holiday and Buon Ferragosto!
Italian train etiquette
Train travel in Italy can be a fraught experience for the uninitiated. Here are my 8 tips for getting the most out of your train ride.
Continue ReadingTasting Soave in the Veneto
Una bella giornata per un’escursione alla cantina di Baldestri Valda. (A beautiful day for an excursion to the Baldestri winery) The winery is in the middle of a picturesque postcard view of the slopes of Soave. We are taken on a tour of this modern cantina by Laura, and then a tasting of the wines produced by […]
Continue ReadingCooking with Luca
This evening we have a cooking lesson with the lovely Luca. On the menu: Pomodorini ripieni Salsa verde della nonna di Luca Tagliatelle con il pesto Salami di cioccolata A great evening learning to make simple, but delicious dishes and afterward sharing the fruits of our labour. Buon appetito! Isabella […]
Continue ReadingSpettacoli al’Arena di Verona
Spectacular is the word to describe the two shows I’ve been lucky to experience at The Arena, in Verona. Cats, the musical, sitting four rows from the stage (courtesy of my wonderful host, Lodovica) was magical, with the orchestra almost close enough to touch. The Zucchero concert, from high up in the unnumbered seats under […]
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