tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29610374558851583762011-11-28T00:38:16.135+01:00Where does this lead?Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.comBlogger3131100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-19364017669205992022011-11-10T01:59:00.000+01:002011-11-10T01:59:25.335+01:00

Once upon a time it wasn't just letters that were deliverd to your door. Pane = bread

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-91467902268664924732011-10-31T16:55:00.001+01:002011-10-31T16:55:48.697+01:00

There is a great article already written in Italy Magazine on All Saints Day or All Souls Day so I rather direct the attention there than write about it again. I remember going for a motorbike ride a couple years back, before I realized just how celebrated this day is in Italy and was extremely thankful we were on two wheels. It enabled us to pass all the cars making their way through clogged

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-92078659931379947162011-10-29T19:17:00.000+02:002011-10-29T19:18:27.439+02:00

I know I've many times looked at the churches around Italy as grandiose and overwhelming, but nevertheless beautiful (mostly the structure from the outside as the inside is usually a bit too ornate for my taste). In their enormous shadow I can't help but feel puny and humbled and I enter the towering doors with a sense of awe and respect. Today I am feeling a little desolate and as though I have

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-25026421346924467942011-10-17T22:25:00.000+02:002011-10-17T22:28:39.805+02:00

We've had unusually warm weather for October but lately the mercury is having trouble edging up past 50 F if even that.  I've discovered that one of the more effective ways of chasing away sleep is to get into a freezing bed. Seeing I don't have warm flannel sheets, I believe it's time for other bed warming measures. Not listed in order of preference or availability: 1. Brick heated in a

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-39842145555207565152011-10-08T22:41:00.000+02:002011-10-08T22:41:13.782+02:00

An indian summer, a weekend without A, and the call of the wild were the reasons for an overnight in the Alps. Italy's mountains are generously covered with mountain huts; some offer food and lodging, others just food. Alpe Campo, one of the closest to the town Alagna in Northern Italy's Valsesia region, falls into the latter. However, when I called to make sure they were still open for the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com013021 Alagna Valsesia Vercelli, Italy45.8542447 7.937363745.7657717 7.7794352 45.9427177 8.0952922tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-46472242935711497412011-10-06T00:10:00.000+02:002011-10-06T00:10:49.701+02:00

   There was a time when I didn't know the Italian names for different types of meat so I never went to the butchers where I'd have to actually say something in order to get an order. Instead I'd go to the supermarket where I could stare at all the names and try to identify them by the appearance of the meat. I like to do things the hard way, I know. Now, in addition to asking for whatever

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-75524520093733913912011-09-23T12:17:00.000+02:002011-09-23T12:17:06.639+02:00

NASA and other organizations have calculated that lovely Italy ranks highest as the possible recipient of America's space debris. First McDonalds and now UARS!  They estimate the defunct satellite will enter the earth's atmosphere sometime today. Although they anticipate debris will fall somewhere over central to north Italy, (not near to me) I have the news on so I'll know. I'm unusually

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-78013455885076011942011-09-13T12:32:00.000+02:002011-09-13T12:32:26.554+02:00

The clock tower in Tende skirting the edge of the cemetery.  The neat doorways of the cemetery looking over the town of Tende in France Cars parked at a dead-end but with a view :-) With the steep hills surrounding, it's not surprising that gliding would be a popular sport

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0Tende, France44.089097 7.59345400000006544.0217845 7.466660000000065 44.1564095 7.7202480000000655tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-60066792852175397582011-09-11T18:03:00.002+02:002011-09-13T12:15:42.835+02:00

The Via del Sale or the Salt Road is the name for the various old stretches of dirt roads or trails that run from the inland areas of northern Italy to the coast. They were used in ancient times to transport goods such as wool or weapons to the Ligurian ports to trade for precious salt to preserve their food. For one reason or another, it's taken four years to finally go in search of one of

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-4960884962806061952011-09-05T09:39:00.000+02:002011-09-05T09:39:06.869+02:00

Summer is over, the vacation as well as the weather. The mornings of having my rooms bathed in the soft morning light has been exchanged for the dismal quiet that comes with the closing in of the fog. Blue above is practically non-existent and droplets of rain are par for the course. So reminiscing a little, these photos highlight our awesome summer. Of course, Tala is a huge part of it.... Our

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-11422173617002414332011-08-29T00:38:00.000+02:002011-08-29T00:38:42.868+02:00

This is all about Tala, the socialite. Let me back-up a little. I am somewhat of a recluse; I like my alone time and although I am a socialized individual, if I had the choice to be with people or alone, I'd choose the latter. Well, I have to say good-bye to all that if I decide to go out with her. She attracts people like a magnet and I am forced to chit-chat while she gets all the cuddling and

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-34475735758333107472011-08-24T07:54:00.000+02:002011-08-24T07:54:14.336+02:00

This morning I rose early enough to see my living room tinged in red. I love sleeping with the balcony doors wide open so in the stillness of the early morning, the only "movement" is the fiery red tint on the chestnut wood cupboard and brown leather sofa slowly fading into light.   View from the balcony doors off from the kitchen. In addition to this wonderful visual experience, a moment

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-11739628650849525792011-08-19T14:13:00.000+02:002011-08-19T14:13:59.664+02:00

We went to the Mercato della Badia, the annual festival at Bivongi in Reggio Calabria and stopped at one stall for a meal. We heard the strains of the traditional tarantella and before long the musicians were standing amongst us. The musical instrument that arrived first was the ciaramedda, native to the rural areas of Calabria (and parts of Sicily), and is usually paired with a tambourine. If

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-29498762879305117462011-08-11T10:41:00.000+02:002011-08-11T10:41:31.787+02:00

Placanica is another charming hilltop village in Calabria that is filled with ancient ruins and a very old historic center. I am always amazed at how villages are constructed with homes practically one on top of the other and then ends up charming. The poster announced that the town would be lit up only by candlelight, which I thought would be an enchanting sight. We headed out from Riace where

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-30356012807583217272011-08-04T17:46:00.000+02:002011-08-04T17:46:02.093+02:00

One impressive bloom and then kaput for this particular cactus After 10 days of playing house alone with my wonderful four legged friend, A has finally joined me. Despite bad weather, he packed his motorbike yesterday, pointed it south and is currently crashed out after dealing with many hours of traffic and a short night's sleep. He overnighted in Battipaglia and hoped for a good night's

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-20474407749236274852011-07-31T23:11:00.000+02:002011-07-31T23:11:11.950+02:00

Mount Tovo, color photo, but thanks to the cloud cover it looks black and white. It's been a week since I drove 16hrs from Borgosesia to Riace in Calabria. I left almost continuous thunderstorms and fog for sunshine and surf..oh, and mosquitoes. I waged war on one solitary soldier who left  considerable damage on the war-field before retreating to summon back-up for a future encounter. Seeing

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-2629279421320215662011-07-15T20:18:00.000+02:002011-07-15T20:18:06.405+02:00

I love the doors in Italy, their form, their engravings, the beauty of the marble or stone thresholds, the size. I can go on and in this blog, I've posted so many photos of doors that caught my eye. This one is not one that captivated me for it's aesthetic, but for its construction. And then I learned that even doors can tell a story, almost like a person, such as the part of Italy that they are

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-52975272579064373622011-07-11T14:44:00.000+02:002011-07-11T14:44:20.538+02:00

Weekend visit in the Bergamasc Alps in Lombardy for trekking. Belltower at Schilpario church, Piazza Cardinal Maj   Piazza Cardinal Maj                                            Piazza dell'Orso We went without making reservations, thinking we were still out of the high season. Wrong, wrong, wrong. This little mountain town is not that far from Milan and even closer to the bustling

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-2341881612182914122011-07-02T18:07:00.000+02:002011-07-02T18:07:08.944+02:00

A short drive from the shores of Lake Orta will bring you to this small village that boasts and enormous church. The Chiesa San Rocco in Miasino is one of the largest in the province and dates back to the 17th century.  Well, it was re-constructed to the current baroque design by a milanese architect in the 17 century but was a romanesque church for a century before that. Although it was

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-29310950463417079872011-07-02T01:02:00.001+02:002011-07-02T22:14:51.076+02:00

  Walking around the cobble stoned streets like these in the town of Miasino, I noticed little purple butterflies hanging from many windows. At first I thought it was a baby announcement, but unless the lucky parents had twins.... These lovely little cards were hung around Miasino which lies above Lake Orta (about 479 m above sea level for those who want to know). Rossella and Raffaele were at

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-37932852667314383192011-06-27T13:16:00.001+02:002011-06-27T13:17:50.196+02:00

      The other weekend I went for a morning walk to one of the nearby refugios, Refugio Meggiana near Piode. Rifugio Meggiana is accessible, not only by one of the well-marked trails, but also by road...which is of course how I arrived. These buildings, many times set in very remote parts of the mountains, provide food and lodging for trekkers or for a place like Rifugio Meggiana, a good place

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-88014479776453679292011-06-08T00:09:00.000+02:002011-06-08T00:09:15.021+02:00

I always enjoy a holiday and more so when it gives me a long weekend. This year's Festa della Republica which fell on a Thursday (June 2), gave a large majority of Italy the excuse to also take Friday off and Italians were on the move this last weekend, ourselves included. Calabrian hillsides covered with flowering Broom.  The north came under seige as Mother Nature unleashed storm after storm

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-57167496834274151412011-05-31T06:25:00.001+02:002011-05-31T06:25:00.477+02:00

I wrote about the new addition to my book family, the Kindle, which of course is not really a book, but brings all kinds of wonderful books to my fingertips within seconds - okay, minutes. I know it's selfish, that I don't love the Kindle for itself but for what it can do for me, but oh well....it's not a person. Which brings me to the book I am reading now, "Italy since 1945". Seeing that I

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-51838758410244387362011-05-30T15:25:00.000+02:002011-05-30T15:25:21.421+02:00

I love to read and seeing I live in an area where English books are rare, and finding a selection even rarer, I decided to get an e-reader. I chose the Kindle with the 3G version so I can download wherever I am without having to have an internet connection. There are other versions to choose from but since this works globally, there really was no doubt which one I'd choose. I thought I'd be

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-40397206376051063502011-05-29T06:07:00.007+02:002011-05-29T06:07:00.866+02:00

The San Francisco Symphony was invited to Vienna to participate in the International Festival celebrating the life and music of Gustav Mahler, which comes as no surprise to the music world as Tilson-Thomas is renowned for his interpretation of Mahler's music. However, although I am sure it was moving, I came for the Beethoven 5th that they performed on Sunday. We lunched with an old friend

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-59730906722997311312011-05-28T12:06:00.000+02:002011-05-28T12:06:57.078+02:00

I come from a conservative family, lived my childhood years on an island in the Caribbean, moved to the very large and impressive US, then changed my lifestyle for a small mountainous village region of northern Italy. So many different cultures and lifestyles separated by large bodies or water. Yet, separated by a mere border or two, life is so different in each of the European countries. I was

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-22006454529449186232011-05-26T10:08:00.000+02:002011-05-26T10:08:52.496+02:00

How does one get around the city of Vienna? Easily. Take the metro, ride the train, walk, take a horse and carriage, cycle. After our unusual beginning to our stay, the remainder turned out well.     Rathaus - Town Hall used for events. AIDS Life Ball took place May 21 The big question - "How to get from the airport to the city" had a simple answer. Bus, train (slow), train (fast), taxi. The

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-28238763312804857202011-05-24T12:23:00.000+02:002011-05-24T12:23:55.257+02:00

I love the fact that travel from one country to another is quite easy especially if you plan ahead so we made plans for a weekend trip to....  VIENNA!!!! St. Stephens Church roof mosaic, Vienna The Beginning and End     Romanesque & Gothic architecture in the heart of Vienna  On arrival at Vienna International Airport (Flughafen Wien as it is called in German) the plane taxied to a stop

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-54114400216837798292011-05-07T23:25:00.000+02:002011-05-07T23:25:09.471+02:00

Perhaps you've heard of some of these Old Wives' Tales... "Those who go swimming less than one hour after eating will get a cramp and drown." or "Earthquakes are most likely to happen when the weather is hot and dry." If that were true....hmmm, or how about "Fruits or vegetables canned by a menstruating woman will spoil in the can." I came back to Italy when everything was in bloom. Beautiful

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-45601666270357666752011-02-18T06:09:00.000+01:002011-02-18T06:09:24.699+01:00

Bergamo, the town of two centers - with the medieval hilltop "Città alta" or upper city and of course, "Città bassa". Bergamo's historic upper city, surrounded by 17th century Venetian walls, was the obvious draw for me and easily accessible by a cable car.  Since a friend was visiting, the bar at the top of the lift was a great place to hang out for a chat over a coffee with a view of the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-70073749979139273562011-01-25T23:02:00.001+01:002011-01-25T23:03:31.270+01:00

  One would have to be blind to miss Castello di Aglie'. One of the pleasures of exploring, is actually getting a little lost, or taking a road to see where it leads, even if it means searching the map to see where you've actually ended up. That is how I found this little gem. Well, "little" is not the right word for it.   I walked in to see what it had become...a hotel, restaurant, museum? It

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-46982822547208237912011-01-23T12:02:00.000+01:002011-01-23T12:02:14.812+01:00

Montalto Dora is situated on S26 in the Province of Torino, close to Ivrea on your way toward Aosta. The fortress is one of many, as Piemonte has been generously sprinkled with castles, monasteries and churches. Ivrea is not that far from Borgosesia, so I packed my furry companion and off we went in search of the old. Castle at Montalto Dora The castle changed ownership many, many times and

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-69438071544961835862011-01-09T12:21:00.000+01:002011-01-09T12:21:48.375+01:00

We are back up in the foggy, rainy, cold and incredibly grey north. For the trip, by car, I'd purchased a CD set  - 100 Songs of Love which turned out to be 50 American and 50 Italian. I have a bad habit of not remembering artists, title and far less, the words. A, on the other hand, ranked a good 47 out of 50 for the italian songs which ranged from the 60's to today....artist, title and words.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-33629730286725542402010-12-31T22:30:00.000+01:002010-12-31T22:30:35.295+01:00

My love affair with the old things in Italy took me to an abandoned village near Bivongi in southern Italy. I see this group of homes every time we go to visit A's parents and finally, we crossed the river bank to see what was left behind almost 40 years ago. Behind the ruins, the dirt road led us past an olive grove that has been in existence for hundreds of years. The trunks tell it all.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-12478203586379058202010-12-29T00:14:00.002+01:002010-12-29T00:17:32.085+01:00

From the Chiesa di San Vidal in Venice.  Giambattista Piazzetta 1683-1754 The Archangel Raffaele and the Saints Antonio from Padova and Luigi What do you see in this painting? Courage, strength, peace, protection, direction?  Maybe all of them. And perhaps we interpret things according to what we need at the moment.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-75815122314850420732010-12-25T01:28:00.000+01:002010-12-25T01:28:33.308+01:00

  At the end of every year, we join our feathered friends and head south in search of warmer weather. We arrived just in time for an unusual snow storm that almost reached sea level. I feel it's quite typical that the weather would change from 24 degrees C to 10, the day we arrived (!!!) However, if the weather was a bit chilly in welcome, the southern hospitality made up for it. I don't ever

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-37623609159361846902010-11-30T23:43:00.000+01:002010-11-30T23:43:25.223+01:00

A couple years ago we took the dogs for a nice long walk and found ourselves at a church sitting among the trees on top of the hill. I thought I'd take Tala there as there were several trails leading away from the church; the only difference this time, I didn't want to walk there. I had the brilliant idea of driving her to the top and THEN we'd walk around. Pity I couldn't remember the name of

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-84399095934806199932010-11-28T11:59:00.000+01:002010-11-28T11:59:33.601+01:00

...or the lack of it. Take note of their hours (at least here) and their impeccable customer service. I have an account that I needed three years ago when I first came here. I use it so little since then that what balance I had was slowly eaten up with bank fees. I kept it open with the thought that I might need it again but I recently decided to close it.  Unlike banks in the States, an open

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-7867809846639266732010-11-02T23:10:00.000+01:002010-11-02T23:10:18.009+01:00

At the beginning of October, my good friend Mary came for a short visit. It was too short for me and it seems like ages ago that she was here. In no particular order, here are photos that cover our mad cap trip around Italy. Montepulciano. Of course, with all the good memories of this place, I had to take Mary there and we again stayed at La Casetta just outside of the town. We walked around

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-14301535327600113002010-11-01T18:31:00.001+01:002010-11-01T18:32:46.684+01:00

It's the Day of the Dead, November 1, and a holiday in Italy. It's gloomy outside, what with the non-stop rain since Saturday afternoon. Tala is working a bone over and I am sitting by the fire thinking about what a weekend it has been. A lot of firsts for me, all packed into two days. When I opened my eyes early on Saturday morning, a red haze stretched across the sky and urged me to get up and

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-59873488979547180982010-09-05T20:08:00.000+02:002010-09-05T20:08:53.319+02:00

When the heat gets too unbearable, we head for the hills and settle for a bit of cool 2,600 feet above sea level at a town called Serra San Bruno. We had previously eaten at the Agriturismo "Fondo dei Baroni", but this year we landed at another Agriturismo "La Cascina del Monastero" near Certosa. The food was delicious. We were just about to leave when I passed a woman standing just outside the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-7636657017321699452010-08-30T10:06:00.000+02:002010-08-30T10:06:09.355+02:00

In a land where dryers are a rarity and space is at a premium, being neighborly comes in very handy.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-43085712838900765512010-08-26T16:54:00.000+02:002010-08-26T16:54:52.440+02:00

The water is crystal clear, the round stones the line the bottom easily visible. We had settled down for a relaxing morning, me reading and A soaking in the hot sun when we heard the rumble of an engine approaching. Not a boat, that would have been normal, but from above. A blue plane with 'Polizia' emblazened on the side, flew by low enough for even someone like me to throw a stone and hit its

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-86184827798569134292010-08-24T21:05:00.000+02:002010-08-24T21:05:31.149+02:00

Millions come to this region to get lost in the ancient beauty that is Venice, or to wander in awe among the rugged mountains. I passed by so many large villas with gorgeous gardens imprisoned behind iron gates; curious gawkers like myself find ourselves standing under the protective gaze of the lifesize statues that flank the entrance. Veneto has so much to offer as it is so diverse with sport,

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-75451116337852365122010-08-23T16:09:00.000+02:002010-08-23T16:09:36.828+02:00

I've had another "first" in Italy...attending a baptism. A's brother chose this vacation, with the natural migration of family that comes with the month of August, to mark this milestone in his son's life. On Saturday afternoon, we gathered at the church doors and waited for the priest. He was late. A's sister and her son were honored with the responsibility of being godparents and when the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-22091492495649031512010-08-18T21:20:00.000+02:002010-08-18T21:20:29.170+02:00

In the early morning hours, I load up the car with leash, treats, water and bowl, towel and the all important ball, in order to head to this beach on the Calabrian coast near Riace.    Those seeking solitude will be the only ones found on this sandy turf as there are no facilities nearby; no refreshments, no shower service that is found on other beaches, no bins for garbage. Nothing, just sand,

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-89095842512289884632010-08-16T13:49:00.000+02:002010-08-16T13:49:29.935+02:00

It happened when I was riding to Grignasco one morning. At the open space in front of the one lane bridge to Serravalle Sesia, I saw the Polizia set up to stop vehicles passing by. I wasn't going fast so I was dismayed and confused when I saw his hand holding the large red dot raise up to stop me. I was even more dismayed to see that I'd not remembered to put my insurance and paperwork for the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-30686408457181361482010-08-12T22:19:00.000+02:002010-08-12T22:19:57.245+02:00

It's raining in Borgosesia, but I don't care now. I am absorbing the hot Calabrian sun and letting myself succumb to afternoons of laziness. My day starts early as Tala and I walk to the beach to enjoy a private frolic before the crowds arrive. Not everyone is open to dogs on the beach. Today was stupendous...it's the most appropriate word that comes to mind as I overheard two people use the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-33504582546715914092010-08-01T18:46:00.001+02:002010-08-01T18:59:19.778+02:00

It started on the coastal town of Portoroz with a small stand that brought back memories of my childhood as it blared the music "Eres Tu" on the street. Photo taken minutes before a thunderstorm. I then visited Piran, seen here. before heading for the hills. On the way up to the mountains, I took a short detour underground, to Postojnska caves. A train, similar to the ones on roller

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-37958111477078455622010-07-27T09:02:00.000+02:002010-07-27T09:02:10.816+02:00

Since coming back from the States in February, it seems life has picked up pace consistently over the months, May being the most hectic. June let up a bit and July has finally wound down to practically zero. The holidays are coming along. I decided to take a trip before our annual Calabrian jaunt. I wanted to get away from the daily routine, the weather, the language...the norm. I like the feel

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-22218382803570478492010-07-26T21:20:00.004+02:002010-07-27T22:37:30.258+02:00

Piran  The benefit of a motorbike...the roads were closed to traffic, but they let bikes pass through. While trying to evade very large raindrops yesterday, I took shelter at what turned out to be the tourist info center. I learned that right next to Portoroz, was an old medieval town of Piran. Naturally I had to go.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-6857060329920080382010-07-25T20:14:00.001+02:002010-07-27T21:19:52.652+02:00

The Italian border was within reach, I just had to decide if I'd enter from Nova Gorica or from Trieste. I chose the latter because I was curious to know what it was like. The coastal street was lined with cars, probably a regular Sunday event in the summer. At most places, there was a healthy hike to the beach below. I stopped long enough in town itself for gas and then continued to the border.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-84847251682869949652010-07-25T18:25:00.006+02:002010-07-27T19:53:24.025+02:00

I left Padova along the surface streets and passed villa after beautiful villa. A ferry and other private boats were parked along the canal. I would have liked to stop again in Venice, but this trip was about getting to Slovenia. I stopped at an Osteria or Cantina along the road for lunch....and for the first time since being here in Italy, experienced Italian rudeness. I sat at a table outside

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-49286769596324002712010-07-24T16:32:00.021+02:002010-07-27T18:24:17.001+02:00

My adventure started in a rather boring way....miles and miles of freeway. I'd left late and wanted to eat up some miles. So the first stop for the night was in Padova. I heard the old town was worth a visit and against my better judgment I decided to go out to eat and check out the town.  At the end of the evening, I decided that there were some things that I had to make into law.          --

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-81801339204770533812010-06-27T23:15:00.000+02:002010-06-27T23:15:03.886+02:00

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. It's the end you're after." Anthony Robbins If the outcome I was after was to enjoy this weekend, then I succeeded more than I can imagine, but not with the plans I had. Being flexible was truly the ticket.  We didn't make it to the mountain village of Otro on Saturday, but instead, spent a lazy day at home before

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-75067042906986500322010-06-26T09:56:00.000+02:002010-06-26T09:56:00.792+02:00

Today I am taking a moment to relish the quiet, to listen to the finches sing and let Tala rest until this afternoon. The world seems unusually still, no breeze, no movement, just sound. Now the church bells, ringing out the new hour, have joined the birds song. It's nice. My neighbors will be celebrating their sons' wedding today. Arturo, or Atuo as his wife calls him (she has trouble with the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-86584879669111929542010-06-15T06:58:00.000+02:002010-06-15T06:58:22.606+02:00

The rain will not end. It is JUNE and we've hardly seen the sun and I am thinking perhaps it's time to haul out the wood again for a crackling fire. What weird weather. Oh, it's like that HERE, because it's fricking blazing hot almost everywhere else. Sardegna on the last weekend of May was also struggling to find the sun, which means I didn't really get to see the amazing beaches that are so

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-42806441951257709182010-05-27T09:11:00.000+02:002010-05-27T09:11:31.714+02:00

Imagine that....it's been raining. And today, we are going to pack up the big bike and head off to Sardegna...in rain. Who'da guessed the end of May would be so wet. Well, the weekend jaunt includes lots of sunshine on Sardenian beaches, tango only for me as A doesn't dance and a brief tour of the island. Nice...for me...as I look around and absorb the island beauty. For A, I'm told he'll have

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-610002227504792462010-05-26T23:58:00.000+02:002010-05-26T23:58:05.577+02:00

May has been unbelievably busy and I haven't written or visited anyone for practically the entire month. This post is one of the reasons why I have been occupied. The time I usually spent online, I am now spending with this little one. Why does she look like a scrawny little rat? Because we went for a walk with Argo and as A took hold of Argo to toss him into a pond, Argo's protesting legs

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-58833943681546869702010-05-17T08:42:00.000+02:002010-05-17T08:42:03.203+02:00

It was the first day of real sunshine with little to no threat of dark clouds or rain and we decided to go to the piazza for icecream. On the way, a small call passed quietly, but with a huge flag held out the window. My first thought was that a school team had won their match and these were on on the way back from the field.  At the square, I saw more flags being waved madly around so, I had to

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-67716737326343343322010-05-12T22:37:00.000+02:002010-05-12T22:37:35.078+02:00

It was raining a little during the day, what we call drizzle, but it was enough to keep Sunday strollers out of the town center. We threw on our rain jackets and headed out because there was to be a motorbike exhibition at 6pm in the main square. We were disappointed to see that the show was already underway and after a mere 20 minutes or so, they wrapped it up. The culprit? This blasted weather

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-47259974391063436602010-05-09T12:09:00.001+02:002010-05-09T12:11:11.420+02:00

The mountain militia or "Gli Alpini" are celebrating today in a parade through Bergamo streets, a celebration that is likely to last all day. It's not the best weather for an outdoor celebration but from coverage on TV, it hasn't stopped the crowds from jamming the "sidewalks".  I am fascinated with war stories, both for the men on the front lines and also the stories of the women left behind.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-5647953444728565882010-05-07T18:00:00.000+02:002010-05-07T18:00:49.891+02:00

Like many people who love Italy and absorb anything Italian, whether wine, food or movies, I found fulfillment with a dose of the online magazine Italy. It covers so many topics it becomes a springboard for further exploration into other areas all about Italy. I didn't expect to one day find myself IN it. Thanks to Pat Eggleton from Sicily Scene, who writes for Italy Magazine, Romancing Italy

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-86639307392774129112010-05-03T07:46:00.000+02:002010-05-03T07:46:24.368+02:00

Today there is glorious sunshine and that makes me happy. It's going to be a good day! And that made me think of happy things, like travel. Which made me think of this pic that I took on one of our trips some time ago. How clever is this... Solar panels used to provide shade in the parking lots. What a great way to "kill two birds with one stone".

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-73876778983810413112010-05-01T19:55:00.001+02:002010-05-01T19:55:24.362+02:00

Some time ago we made arrangements to add a new puppy to our household...a black lab. Seeing it was only 10 days old at the time, I understood I would have to wait until it was the right time for it to leave its mamma. By the way, don't know if I mentioned that black labs are not popular over here. The light color labs are "it". I just asked about it (haven't seen it, and don't know if it will

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-88762953593883861822010-04-24T22:51:00.000+02:002010-04-24T22:51:19.537+02:00

It never is a good idea to go to an old medieval town at lunch time. It will inevitably be deserted. With the grey skies as a background, it had an even sorrier feel, a world crumbling, fading and abandoned. I still find it attractive though. This old complex, one end abandoned, and the other still occupied, sported a sun-dial on its wall. Restored, but still evidence of a time gone by. The

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-81310947123327527542010-04-19T14:25:00.000+02:002010-04-19T14:25:55.072+02:00

It's been crazy here lately and I am hardly at home, hardly plunking away at the keys to leave messages and keeping in touch. Not writing one single bit it seems. I'm bummed. Life sometimes picks up speed and if your legs don't abituate soon enough, everything gets rather messy. I decided to buy some bath foam to relax in the evenings....so you can guess, my legs didn't keep up the beat. For

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-13360794797661070232010-04-17T10:13:00.000+02:002010-04-17T10:13:31.442+02:00

The search is finally over. There's tango lessons nearby at Torchio in the Grignasco area on Friday evenings. Photo from Tango in Buenos Aires site I live about 5 minutes from Borgosesia, one of the hubs of this area, where most people come from the surrounding villages to do business. It's fairly large, but not only is it not a very pretty place, I can't seem to find anything that interests me

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-72750298943220003862010-04-12T14:10:00.000+02:002010-04-12T14:10:47.342+02:00

Candelo, noted as one of the 100 most beautiful Italian villages, happens to be "just around the corner" from where I live. I decided to drive the hour or so to find it and see for myself. That view has to count for something. At first I thought they'd hidden the old center - I saw only one sign and nothing more. I passed condominiums, and other modern buildings, several churches, and must have

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-46289824831217971112010-04-10T14:43:00.001+02:002010-04-10T14:45:33.054+02:00

I can tell spring is in the air, my eyes are starting to itch, along with my nose and throat. I'm not sure if I'm happy or not. It's time for the drugs. I know a lot of the rest of the world is in bloom, but around here, apart from a few daffodils and four tulips, this is the only bit of striking color in my hood. Ha, this is more like my neck of the woods, almost literally. Those trees are

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-20301823482535106012010-04-05T12:46:00.000+02:002010-04-05T12:46:39.794+02:00

Yesterday we headed out to celebrate Pasqua, Easter, at a restaurant about 2.5 hours away. We chose it for the setting as the Monferrato area is known for its beautiful hills and generous sprinkling of castles. Unfortunately, the landscape was obliterated by a crystal wall of water and finally with a soft white mist. It was apparent there would be no view and no need for a camera. We arrived at

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-55751025810488785362010-04-03T22:44:00.000+02:002010-04-03T22:44:40.955+02:00

There is a new dog in the family, a setter of 8 months, an uncoordinated mass of fur and boundless energy. Furio has come to join us as A's new hunting partner. Argo just doesn't have the interest and Macchia has put in a good 15 years of an awesome partnership and it is time to retire. Here is Furio, running like there is no tomorrow behind A. All that running makes a little dog thirsty,

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-64673823145603598472010-04-02T21:36:00.000+02:002010-04-02T21:36:38.146+02:00

Thursday was a day to take everything with a grain of salt. I don't remember adults playing April Fool's jokes in the States as much as kids did. Here, it seems all of Italy gets into it somehow. At the end of the day, I told A about the news I'd heard on TV including a story about breast implants.  In France, thousands of women had had this surgery and due to a fault in the product, the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-31291873794276570852010-04-01T01:01:00.000+02:002010-04-01T01:01:12.610+02:00

I looked up from the table and on TV I saw Tiziano Ferro in concert somewhere here in Italy and I thought "It's one thing to go to a stadium for a concert, even if it is a great set up for the stage and audience. and it's another to go to a concert set up in a piazza, or an ancient arena.... with the old stone soaking up every beat, every vibe....the mortar probably crumbling faster than it

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-75868199539329489342010-03-29T11:10:00.000+02:002010-03-29T11:10:09.059+02:00

I can't help but compare things between America and Italy. It usually occurs of course, when I find myself thinking something should happen in a certain way and it doesn't. What am I talking about? Okay, for instance, A was buying a magazine for which he has a subscription and I asked why. He said it didn't arrive in the mail. Naturally, I wondered why he didn't call the company and tell them it

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-60574054430272807242010-03-26T19:25:00.000+01:002010-03-26T19:25:33.619+01:00

March isn't leaving much for April and its showers. A slight drizzle on Wednesday deepened into a shower by Thursday, that became a torrential downpour by Friday afternoon. I had driven to nearby (a geographically lower) Grignasco and missed this at home. Hail. Note that plant, the lemon plant that is sitting in the driveway? We had only just put it out to get some rain, thinking the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-33168508716530325012010-03-24T12:45:00.001+01:002010-03-24T12:54:49.288+01:00

At noon every day there is a cooking challenge, La Prova del Cuoco, where two cooks prepare their dishes in an alloted space of time. The hostess converses with each as they go through the steps before the on-show cook  judges the entries. Many times a wine connoisseur appears with suggestions for appropriate wines. Beppe Bigazzi was a regular on the show, preparing various dishes and giving

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-84928663993204742362010-03-16T00:34:00.000+01:002010-03-16T00:34:24.837+01:00

I am almost in tears tonight. I am watching the transmission "Amici" which is a talent competition for both singers and dancers. It starts the season like a reality show where you see and hear all the behind the scenes commotion. I begin watching when the contestents are weened down to the final few and it's just the competition . It's very much like American Idol where contestants are often

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-81358439200563742702010-03-10T14:56:00.001+01:002010-03-10T14:58:02.923+01:00

Back in the day of Pope Clement XI, this larger than life sundial was constructed in the Basilica on the property where the southern facing Roman baths were already in place. Part of the reason was to have a Meridian line in Rome that was as important as the one already constructed in the Bologna's San Petronia Cathedral by Cassini. (Nothing like following the Joneses.) Francesco Bianchini

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-53030156452149773612010-03-08T19:27:00.001+01:002010-03-08T19:30:16.893+01:00

Yesterday we woke up to another snowy day, right after we'd put out our more fragile plants for a nice sunning and then killed them. It seemed a good enough reason to go in search of comfort food and we headed for the Cascina Cavenago or Agriturismo Cavenago owned by the Martinoli family of Ghemme. The Castle's summer look The property, and old castle, stands on a little hill overlooking

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-42740022871890371962010-03-06T20:01:00.000+01:002010-03-06T20:01:01.896+01:00

Basilica of Saint Mary and the Angels and Martyrs at the Piazza della Repubblica in Rome. Photo by Ricardo André Frantz We took a quick weekend trip to Rome, taking the high speed Freccia Rossa train from Milan. On one of our aimless walks, just following distant monuments and signs, we passed the Piazza della Repubblica and the nearby Basilica. It is another monument that testifies to the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-27519051931729347002010-03-03T10:56:00.000+01:002010-03-03T10:56:37.043+01:00

This is my second year experiencing the popular San Remo Music Festival and I was propelled to attempt to understand the process better. Why? Because two of the three winners had been eliminated during the first two days of the competition!!! I guess only in Italy can two booted contestants find their way into the winner's circle. The week following the competition you couldn't turn to a single

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-61582263298808851092010-02-07T16:52:00.000+01:002010-02-07T16:52:39.579+01:00

I am now in Whidbey Island visiting an old college friend. She now has two sons who are taller than I am, well that is not a hard feat, now that I think of it. What I notice on my "vacation" is that I never seem to have time. I am in more of a hurry than when I am in Italy. Aha...another darn good reason to love Italy!!!!! Here are a few photos to give you a peek into what I'm up to. Around

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-47548287104187067302010-02-02T02:04:00.000+01:002010-02-02T02:04:43.158+01:00

I used to complain about being backward in Italy but (and I think I may have mentioned this before), my parents house in California rivals them in time travel. A year ago they didn't have DSL...today, they are still using dial-up service. I am sitting at the library - one of my favorite places anyway, trying to get as much stuff done as possible before going back to the dark ages. So this will

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-47090841974041704152010-01-28T08:20:00.000+01:002010-01-28T08:20:31.952+01:00

My dad offered to let me drive his car around while I am here...a '72 Buick station wagon, complete with wood paneling on the side. As you can imagine, I just couldn't wait....the words "This is my ride!!" were bursting forth from my lips. But, hey, wheels are wheels and I took it on the road. And then this!! It had a good run though, happily playing amongst the younger generation on the

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-4947449799052352742010-01-25T17:24:00.000+01:002010-01-25T17:24:48.982+01:00

One of my favorite parks in the East Bay is the Briones Regional Park. I've spent many hours on its hills alone and with friends, animal and human. This past weekend, I got to spend a few precious moments amongst the oaks and the wide open spaces. It was the day between storms and perfect for a stroll in my old playground to break in a new pair of hiking shoes I bought. I give rave reviews for

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-66028629470494943092010-01-23T21:54:00.000+01:002010-01-23T21:54:16.242+01:00

Only a week in "sunny" California and I am really missing Italy and A. Never mind that it is frickin' freezin' there right now. Here's a couple photos he sent recently of a morning when it didn't rain...it just turned the trees into an electrified white. Bare fruit trees at the side of the house and my azalea plant.It's supposed to have PINK blooms Here in Cal, I've been holed up indoors

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-30343711329203626112010-01-20T14:18:00.000+01:002010-01-20T14:18:51.217+01:00

It seems right that I would spend my first few days in San Francisco and with my good friends. 'Course the thunderstorms that waited for this very week to pound the California coast prevented me from really going out to see old places. BUT, we managed a short walk down to Fisherman's Wharf...a little less crowded for the weather. One of the unique sights in San Francisco are their cable cars.

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-90771590505154181562010-01-18T14:55:00.001+01:002010-01-18T14:57:56.584+01:00

Okay, so I've already left and am now on California soil, and I do know when I'll be back to Italy again.... After last year's hellish trip, I was prepared for the worst but I am pleased to say that this trip was vastly different...all flights left as scheduled and the barely filled domestic leg into SF actually arrived EARLY - a whole 45 minutes. I was able to sleep like a log. What did I note

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-8641929123170406092010-01-08T20:31:00.000+01:002010-01-08T20:31:43.755+01:00

I've visited the Duomo several times so yesterday's trip was not really to see one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals and second largest Catholic cathedral in the world. I took photos anyway before heading off to see what Milan shopping is like during this heavily discounted period. This is the time of year for big, big sales in several European cities. I don't know if my friend Mary knew this

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-76929346555742971722010-01-06T21:44:00.004+01:002010-01-06T21:56:24.749+01:00

Sandy from Traveling Suitcase sent me the Kreativ Blogger award and ended my 2009 on a wonderful note. Thank you for thinking of me Sandy!! Just from the name of her site, you can guess what Sandy writes about. Check it out and travel all over with her. The instructions for this award are as follows: 1)  Thank the person who sent the award.        a)  Copy the award to my blog        b)  Link

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-27357076463416995272010-01-05T15:06:00.000+01:002010-01-05T15:06:44.044+01:00

A Special thank you to my visitors especially the following who came by even when I was so frequently absent. Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the new year. Humor Blog Health Body My Poem New York Traveler   Freaky Frugalite Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles Neal and Rochelles OE  

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-70794786577866833382010-01-01T18:49:00.001+01:002010-01-01T18:49:29.106+01:00

2009's New Year's Eve celebration took place at the nearby Partenone hotel in Riace and I went with preconceived notions about ringing out the old year. What comes to mind at a NYE party? Usually champagne, music, noise-makers, little pointy hats, dancing and lots of glitter, sparkles and everything festive. Last night we arrived at the party and found everyone (except four people, counting me,

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-51814348377917877322009-12-25T19:45:00.001+01:002009-12-25T19:46:32.847+01:00

Merry Christmas to YOU!! My Italian day is almost spent. It has been a full day of family and food with lots of wine, coffee and more wine and after dinner drinks. One of the best gifts we can give our friends and family is the gift of our time; I think with the exception of one young man, A’s nephew, who was eager to get out on the town with his friends, the rest of us were content to linger

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-6140024137487643692009-12-21T14:10:00.002+01:002009-12-21T14:13:58.939+01:00

The skies were bright and clear in the town of Borgosesia, and about 4pm I decided to go to visit my friend who lives near Novara, a town about an hour south from us in Piemonte. As I headed down the autostrada, I kept looking for a place to stop for a photo of a magnificent, florescent orange sun that was sinking below the tree line. I stopped at the first break in the trees but was too late

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-25204317285617550182009-12-19T22:55:00.002+01:002009-12-19T23:14:37.941+01:00

Chiesa di Sant'AntonioShort walk around Borgosesia It's the day after Borgosesia's first snow fall with a temperature maxing out at 0C. Yet I still wanted to see what the town looked like in its winter clothes. If you can believe it, after two years here, today is the first time I've walked around town other than the center. There is soooo much I've missed from driving around. I was enchanted

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-38863452481741848042009-12-18T10:40:00.006+01:002009-12-18T13:21:47.866+01:00

12.18.09I never fail to be amazed at the artistry I see here, sometimes it is showcased in stone, sometimes metal and also pottery and ceramics. It's when this artistry pops up in mundane places like a gutter that I have even more of an appreciation for it.Very old method of roofing with curved tiles. Long slabs of brick with rounded edges were laid over the wall, with each successive layer over

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-7663505875269928432009-12-11T12:31:00.004+01:002009-12-16T12:10:20.104+01:00

Once again the naked trees have decided to don the very pristine look of white. Even the midday sun can't coax them to shed their new look. It's only near the end of the day, ready for dark evening wear that they slowly refresh themselves, allowing their crystalline clothes to fall into a damp mass at their feet. What will they wear tomorrow?

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-61350990676198166592009-12-11T11:07:00.005+01:002009-12-14T14:20:25.066+01:00

The day was bleak and the surrounding forest was bare of its leaves. They now adorned the rolling countryside in a brown and yellow carpet that invites one to frollick and play as children.Our destination was the Alpe Raclette, a restaurant set deep in the woods. We didn't expect so many cars but there is a reason. The food is excellent.Even in this out of the way place, A ran into a group he

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961037455885158376.post-53141316413951096752009-12-11T10:32:00.005+01:002009-12-11T12:26:41.379+01:00

How convenient to have the world at your feet. Well, the world of artisans in all different crafts. The enormous FieroMilano, the same building that hosted the Motor Show, opened its many doors to reveal the work of artists and vendors from around the world.Two halls were dedicated to the craftsmen from Italy, another to those from other countries in Europe and yet another to the Orient (or "non

Bevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05309020440645127953noreply@blogger.com0