Rome’s Rare Pocket Park

Jan 7, 2023 | blog

Rome’s Rare Pocket Park A friend of mine who is a fellow longtime Rome resident recently started to excitedly recount a new discovery in the heart of the city. I invited her to share the excitement with you, and here is her account: Pocket parks, those petite oases...

Sandal maker

Jan 7, 2023 | blog

Sandal maker – Made in Italy! Ok…these sandals were definitely “MADE IN ITALY!” Antonio Viva has been at it since 1958 at his shop, ‘L’Arte del Sandalo Caprese’ on via Giuseppe Orlandi al n 75 in the center of Anacapri on the island of Capri....

Villa Rufolo – a jewel on the Amalfi Coast

Jan 7, 2023 | blog

Villa Rufolo – a jewel on the Amalfi Coast On a recent trip to the Amalfi Coast I discovered the jewel of Villa Rufolo in the town of Ravello. Although situated in the center of town, the Villa is hidden from view rewarding the unsuspecting visitor with the most...

Fake Fish and Any Excuse for Burrata

Jan 7, 2023 | blog

Fake Fish and Any Excuse for Burrata Judy Witts Francini put up a photo on Instagram yesterday of a dish called ‘pesce finto’, meaning ‘fake fish’. I am not sure it’s the sort of recipe that would appeal to people outside Italy. Which is a shame because I, and Judy...

Destroyed once, nearly again, Pompeii is enjoying a “rebirth”

Jan 7, 2023 | blog

Destroyed once, nearly again, Pompeii is enjoying a “rebirth” Can a dead city be reborn twice? In the case of Pompeii, the answer is shaping up to be yes. The ancient Roman city, a bustling, lively place of artisan workshops, stores, eateries and residences near the...

Carmen’s Corner – March

Jan 7, 2023 | Carmen's Corner

Carmen’s Corner – March It’s March! This is the time one starts dreaming and planning a trip to Italy. I’m often asked, “What’s the best time to travel to Italy?” My answer is: “All year round.” April and May are lovely — not too hot, less chance of...