Located 40 minutes south of Milan, the capital of the Lombardy region, is the town of Pavia, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe (1361). And, just across the river from Pavia sits the region of Oltrepò Pavese, which means just that. It is “on the other side of the Po River from … Continued
Milan, in the north of Italy, is famous for its fashion. But, most people I know don’t see the point in visiting the city. I disagree. On almost every trip I take to Italy, I find myself spending a day, or two, in this large beautiful city where I do a little shopping, of … Continued
It is midnight in St. Mark’s Square in Venice and the entire piazza is under water. Special tidal conditions and a full moon have caused the water levels to rise a metre and give the impression that one of the world’s most beautiful cities is sinking. A knee-deep flash lagoon covers what Napoleon referred to … Continued
When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie That’s amore When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine That’s amore Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling And you’ll sing “Vita bella” Dean Martin – That’s amore That song was the first thing to come to my mind the second … Continued
Crossing the Bridge of Sighs At my first job right out of college, I spent eight-plus hours a day getting people to “Call now!” and “Learn more online!” for clients of a small-but-ambitious ad agency in Chicago. Needless to say, I wanted to put my writing to work in a way that was actually productive … Continued
My husband and I were finally able to indulge in that long-awaited sojourn to Italy this past summer. One of the most captivating places we were fortunate enough to visit was Isola Bella, an island located in Lago Maggiore in the resort district of Northern Italy. Isola Bella is renowned for its historic baroque palace … Continued
I hate cats. In fact, cats and I have a mutual hatred for each other that works out well. I pretend I don’t see cats, they pretend they don’t see me. In a twisted way, we’re sort of perfect for each other. But despite our differences, for some reason, when I went to Rome, Italy, … Continued
Italy Re-Mastered I always forget my camera. ‘How will you remember?’ My mother asks, brow furrowed. My response: ‘If I forget something, then it wasn’t that important.’ A philosophy that has not always worked out. So, on my trip to Italy, I was determined to record everything. Not only to save my memory but my … Continued
I pound on the door, knuckles slamming against the hard wood. I wanted to call out for help, but other guests in the hotel were sleeping. Pressing my head to the door, I jiggled the handle and felt my heart fall as it jerked to a stop with a solid clunk –I was locked in. … Continued
Finding Freedom In My Grandparents’ Footprints In the summer of 1912 a young couple, Sabato and Palma, boarded a mule cart in their southern Italian town of Vallo della Lucania for the day-long journey to Salerno. From there a train took them to Naples, where they boarded a ship for a two-week ocean voyage that … Continued