Tuscany in October

01 Oct 2011

October is the month when the fall starts to set in. The weather is usually still very pleasant, but some rain should be expected. However, normally, October is a great month to visit Tuscany. Don’t expect the spectacular north American foliage though! Unfortunately, we don’t get the spectacular shades of red… but we get porcini mushrooms and chestnuts!

pane e coperto

“Pane e coperto”: service charges in Italian restaurants

26 Sep 2011

“Pane e coperto” literally means “bread and tableware” but it is essentially a service charge that restaurants add to the bill for each guest. It is one of the most controversial issues in travel forums. I say it’s part of the Italian way of life, and we have to learn to live with it.

tenth anniversary of september 11

My September 11

11 Sep 2011

I don’t have any deeply moving story to tell to honor America on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. But it’s with great affection for all the American friends and guests we have had the pleasure of meeting over these 10 years that I decided to write this post. It’s not special, but it’s our way to remember a day that changed the world forever and hopefully honour those who were deeply affected by it.