Olive trees and palms… the sacred and the profane!
29 Mar 2010
Olive tree pruning season in Tuscany generally falls around Palm Sunday, and it’s a big deal.
Minestra di Pasta e Fagioli
27 Mar 2010
The politically incorrect guide to Italian cuisine… for bad housewives and lazy slackers like me.
Capodanno Pisano: New Year’s Day on March 25
25 Mar 2010
Pisa celebrates New Year’s Day on March 25 with a parade and a sunbeam lighting a marble egg in the Cathedral at midday sharp. A fabulous event that commemorates an ancient tradition!
Off-the-beaten-path Pisa: Via San Martino
24 Mar 2010
My favourite street in the city: beautiful buildings, an imposing medieval church, excellent restaurants, popular pubs, very interesting locals, and several peculiar stores.
Off-the-beaten path Pisa: the Church of San Francesco
23 Mar 2010
It is not always true that the off-the-beaten-path attractions in a city are smaller or more modest buildings. The imposing Church of San Francesco is hardly included in self-guided tours of Pisa, let alone the guided tours. Yet it is one of the most beautiful churches in Tuscany, with a wealth of treasures to discover and enjoy.
Hidden gems and popular spots
21 Mar 2010
Over the last few days, I’ve had many interesting opportunities to think about the eternal struggle between what’s local and what’s global, interested promotion or objective commentary, etc. I have to thank Lara and Terence of the Gran Tourismo Project for this one.
Slow Living Day in Tuscany
17 Mar 2010
Monday was Slow Living day, and we celebrated it by taking a really slow drive in the countryside!
Feeling at home
15 Mar 2010
I’ve been wondering for some time what makes one “feel at home”. Now I know what makes me feel at home in my home village.
A relaxing job…
10 Mar 2010
A cold day in Pisa, a slow morning for the guardians of the Leaning Tower!
Women’s Day in Italy
08 Mar 2010
On March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day, so on the occasion I am giving this “virtual” mimosa flowers to my favourite women on the web (and in real life too!).
