Pistoia: a hidden gem in Tuscany and its curious streets’ names
8 September 2019
Curiosity about my birthplace : Pistoia a hidden gem in Tuscany … More Pistoia: a hidden gem in Tuscany and its curious streets’ names
Tag: italy
Florence cultural tours with yummy stops in harvest time
6 September 2019
September it’s harvest time in Tuscany so in this period of the year we can find by bakery a special sweet focaccia made with grapes called : schiacciata con l’uva ; just simple ingredients but very very yummy : ideal for breakfast or as a cake for a tasty snack . This could be your … More Florence cultural tours with yummy stops in harvest time
Sardinia: you shall have no other seas before me!
3 September 2019
This is my first commandment since I was ten years old. Sardinia took my heart away soooo many years ago and still nowadays I can’t miss one summer without its clean and emerald sea and I love it not only because of this : its coasts are so beautiful and each one is different from … More Sardinia: you shall have no other seas before me!
Summer colors of Pistoia : sun is here,on our food market today
5 June 2019
Buongiorno from my birthplace, Pistoia! This morning I after having visited the clothes market that as I wrote in another post of some time ago, it is on Wednesday’s & on Saturday’s in the main square of Pistoia since the Middle Age, I took a walk at the vegetable market on the “Piazza de La … More Summer colors of Pistoia : sun is here,on our food market today
Locanda Cipriani : a must in Venice
24 September 2018
What a great, sunny day in Torcello island with a fab group of American and English people sharing excellent food in a relaxing ,charming and historical location such as Locanda Cipriani ! Antipasto di astice was so delicious with the perfect Bellini cocktail ( just invented in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani owner of the renowned … More Locanda Cipriani : a must in Venice
A bite of France in Florence
15 September 2018
What about having a taste of France in piazza della Santissima Annunziata in Florence? Not just food but even scented soaps ,parfums, herbal infusions , clothes , lovely hats, table cloths and much more. As soon as I ‘ve been arrived in the piazza suddenly I felt like being in France but on the back … More A bite of France in Florence
A museum about lies:ever heard?It exists and it is on Pistoia’s mountains
19 June 2018
I am pretty sure you have heard about Pinocchio, one of the most worldwide known lier with his long long nose and the theme park dedicated to him that is near Pistoia – in Pescia – but have you ever heard about a museum of lie? It exists and it is just twenty minutes driving … More A museum about lies:ever heard?It exists and it is on Pistoia’s mountains
Pistoia : in Italy today we celebrate Carabinieri institution since 1814
5 June 2018
You can’t imagine how times foreign people in the last past years asked me : what is a carabiniere? This morning I have had the pleasure and the honor to be invited to the annual celebration of this important and historical institution founded in 1814 by Vittorio Emanuele I of Savoy – King of Italy … More Pistoia : in Italy today we celebrate Carabinieri institution since 1814
Easter time : it’s Colomba sweet time in Italy!
19 March 2018
Have you ever tasted Colomba Pasquale ( Easter dove in English )? Not yet? Here follows some photos I took on the ‘backstage’ of Fratelli Lunardi bakery in Quarrata – Pistoia – http://www.fratellilunardi.it This special kind of soft pastry needs many rising hours to be ready for the oven in this case the Lunardi brothers … More Easter time : it’s Colomba sweet time in Italy!
Firenze : Il Grande Museo del Duomo, bellissimo!
30 January 2018
When you are in Florence you can’t miss this museum : in a stunning location ( that reminded me the Victoria & Albert Museum in London ) you could find all the original statues of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral façade and the original Baptistery ‘s doors by Ghiberti and Brunelleschi – with just … More Firenze : Il Grande Museo del Duomo, bellissimo!
Wild boars in the garden – Sardinia Mon Amour
19 August 2017
Have you read ” Elephants in the garden ” by Kuki Gallmann? I did , many years ago & loved it very much for the great ability of the author to describe her beloved Africa, her second home . So it comes so easy to my mind this book’s title when I saw wild boars … More Wild boars in the garden – Sardinia Mon Amour
A brand new mayor for Pistoia & an historical change
9 July 2017
Yes, we can , we can change . Pistoia just voted for a new mayor but this is not the of only news , the real news is the change that this is means . Pistoia has always been a so called “red city” for about 70 years but since 2017 June 25th it changed … More A brand new mayor for Pistoia & an historical change
A typical Italian – freak – market in Florence
22 May 2017
Love markets like this : full of nice stalls with organic food & aromatic herbs coming from the countryside full of different kind of people, a real melting pot !any kind of food fresh straight from the producers , hard hands & tanned faces so different from the citizen ones I love the feeling they … More A typical Italian – freak – market in Florence
Pistoia : Domenicans library ~ another old library just restored
5 April 2017
Last Saturday I’ve been invited by one of the two architects who projected the restoration of this beautiful old library , Antonella Galli , to the new opening . Another old library in the heart of Pistoia , at the disposal to Pistoia’s people , open three days a week but previous reservation even in … More Pistoia : Domenicans library ~ another old library just restored
Pistoia : the old Fabroniana library since 1726
4 April 2017
I’m sure you can’t imagine how many libraries Pistoia has ! This is such a great location in the heart of Pistoia : open just twice a week ~ Tuesdays & Thursdays morning . You can find more info here https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Fabroniana Cardinal Carlo Agostino Fabroni was the founder & still today after so many centuries you … More Pistoia : the old Fabroniana library since 1726
Made in Pistoia : embroidery museum & the precious Tuscan stitch
10 March 2017
Pistoia & its territory , especially in Casale & Casalguidi area, have been considered since the 17th century a centre of excellence and top quality handmade embroidery first made by convents & enclosed orders for the ecclesiastic pomp and later for noble families . The “Whitework” it is how they call this kind of embroidery … More Made in Pistoia : embroidery museum & the precious Tuscan stitch
Pistoia & “Il Funaro”a special space/place for artists
23 February 2017
Pistoia reveals hidden gems behind its doors or its gates , as in this case. http://www.ilfunaro.org Il Funaro is an indipendent cultural center founded in 20o9 by four women : passion for theatre leads them to renovate this forgotten ,ruined building – from which the street takes its name too, Via del Funaro – that … More Pistoia & “Il Funaro”a special space/place for artists
Made in Pistoia : how to make croccante
13 February 2017
Ever tried ‘croccante’ ? It’s an onomatopoeic word thst sounds like ‘crock’ & in fact it crocks under your theeth! When I was a child I was used to have it during the traditional Carnival in Pistoia ,when the street food trucks were coming to town & spread all over a yummy smell of caramelized … More Made in Pistoia : how to make croccante
To be a working woman in Italy : a business speed date to meet other women – Confcommercio Pistoia & Prato together
7 February 2017
Have you ever took part to a speed date? For me it has been my first time last Thursday evening & I’m sure it will not be the last one! Not to know a new man for a love story but a business “one-to-one” meeting of just 3 minutes each to introduce ourselves to another … More To be a working woman in Italy : a business speed date to meet other women – Confcommercio Pistoia & Prato together
Pistoia : Vinicio Polidori an artist with a special touch
6 February 2017
Vinicio Polidori : born in Pistoia same year as me ( so, a young man indeed !) met him first through its drawings explosed by Bar Nazionale in the library room & then met him personally through my friend Alessandra Vannetti who is the owner ‘s bar. Vinicio ‘s life is made of success & … More Pistoia : Vinicio Polidori an artist with a special touch
Pistoia : happy 50th anniversary Bar Nazionale !
1 February 2017
What a great coincidence : Pistoia has been crowned Italy’s capital of culture in 2017 & just in this year , Bar Nazionale celebrates 50 years of activity! Run by the same family with the same kindness , with the same smile from 5:30 in the morning ( very hard to smile at that time … More Pistoia : happy 50th anniversary Bar Nazionale !
Migliacci pistoiesi : traditional crêpes made with pork blood (Made in Pistoia – Italy’s capital of culture 2017)
18 January 2017
My grand-grandmother Inès introduced me to these particular kind of food when I was a child. I didn’t know what they were made of and so I tasted them & loved them inmediately. Nowadays , as my daughter knows what they are made of , she doesn’t want to try them : she really can’t … More Migliacci pistoiesi : traditional crêpes made with pork blood (Made in Pistoia – Italy’s capital of culture 2017)
A special sweet , yummy roll from Pistoia!
16 January 2017
Have you ever heard about “scole” ? In Italian it sounds like “scuola – scola ” = school in English but it has nothing to do with this . When I was telling about how tasty they were to my friends living just 10 km from Pistoia , they told me they have never heard … More A special sweet , yummy roll from Pistoia!
Where is Pistoia? More than 10 reasons to visit this hidden gem in Tuscany , Italy’s capital of culture in 2017!
13 January 2017
Why should you visit Pistoia? Not just because it is my birthplace , of course! ( or maybe…. just for this ?) not only because it is crowned Italy’s capital of culture in 2017 but first of all for its geographic position in Italy in the second century BC it was chosen by the Romans as a … More Where is Pistoia? More than 10 reasons to visit this hidden gem in Tuscany , Italy’s capital of culture in 2017!
Welcome 2017 & may all your dreams come true as these ones…
3 January 2017
Are you ready for the new year? As I already told you in my previous posts this upcoming year , 2017 , will be very important for my beautiful little town Pistoia and for me , of course , as I feel as being part of my birthplace. Just about 50 years ago nobody could … More Welcome 2017 & may all your dreams come true as these ones…
Buon Natale from Pistoia !
25 December 2016
My best wishes for a peaceful Christmas with your family & friends for a very happy relaxing day! Here some of my photos I took by Chiesa del Carmine in Pistoia – that is not open to public usually – but for this special exibition with handmade original Nativities made with different materials even recycled … More Buon Natale from Pistoia !
Food & feelings about cooking
16 December 2016
This morning I was prepearing lasagne for tomorrow lunch to celebrate my daughter 18th birthday at home, and was thinking the importance of cooking for someone you love, thinking of her/him/them while you are doing this . Both my daughter & me decided to do it at home not just because it is the best … More Food & feelings about cooking
Pistoia : a jewelry that is jewel itself
13 December 2016
Sometimes you have treasures around you , you could never thought about & you discover them just because you are a curious person! That’s exactly what happened to me some days ago : I went – for the first time – into a Fabiani jewelry in my birth town , Pistoia, and while I was … More Pistoia : a jewelry that is jewel itself
Pistoia dressed for Christmas 2016!
8 December 2016
Goodmorning my friends ! It’s December 8th & in Italy it’s time to drees up the Christmas tree : it is an Italian tradition only? or even in your Countries is it the same ?Today offices are closed & shops open for Christmas presents. People are free from work & can enjoy a day off … More Pistoia dressed for Christmas 2016!
Who wants to buy a breathtaking property in Tuscany?
1 December 2016
When I saw it I couldn’t resist to think how it could be living in such a great place forever , calling it home! The emotion to wake up in an old restored tower & look around in one of the most breathtaking landscape of the world. So , as I can’t afford to buy … More Who wants to buy a breathtaking property in Tuscany?
Pistoia : the longest hypogeous in Tuscany & Tibetan harmonia
28 November 2016
Yesterday I had the best experience of relaxation in a stunning original location : in the longest hypogeous path in Tuscany ,maestro Iuri Ricci – a skilled musical therapist & musician – played for us , a small group of people, his beautiful Tibetan bells . The sound was fantastic & the good vibrations … More Pistoia : the longest hypogeous in Tuscany & Tibetan harmonia
The new logo for Pistoia : Italy’s capital of culture 2017
21 November 2016
As some of you couldn’t see it very well in my previous post, here is it! Please let me know what do you think about it. Thank you
Pistoia : the new logo for Italy’s capital of culture 2017
20 November 2016
Just three days ago has been presented to public the new logo for Pistoia as it will be the Italy’s capital of culture next year as you already know it frim my previous posts. After its presentation by the Pistoia’s mayor & the young designer from Pistoia who created it , a lot of rumors … More Pistoia : the new logo for Italy’s capital of culture 2017
Why Pistoia ? my interview to American expats who decided to live here.
15 November 2016
I love my birtplace Pistoia, as a part of myself, althought I wanted to escape from her when I was young as I thought it was too small , too NOT open mind for the big dreams I had..after many years I fell in love with her just because I have been so fortunate … More Why Pistoia ? my interview to American expats who decided to live here.
Prato : Centro Pecci reopened with 12,125 square metres of contemporary art!
14 November 2016
This post is dedicated to my blogger friend Yvonne from Australia , who is going live in Prato for some days in the new year ! It has been a great surprise for me this beautiful location & its masterpieces inside. I suggest you to visit not just the museum but even the brand new … More Prato : Centro Pecci reopened with 12,125 square metres of contemporary art!
Pistoia : cots of arms of noble families from Pistoia
13 November 2016
As promised to my blogger friend Yvonne who visited Pistoia some months ago & asked me the meaning & the belonging to two cots of arms she found in Pistoia during her walks , here it is the first she met : Cancellieri family one of the most powerful family of Pistoia since 1200 . … More Pistoia : cots of arms of noble families from Pistoia
Made in Pistoia : ever visited a Tuscan farm with cows?
10 November 2016
With me, yes, you can! Visit a family run business with the owners , explaining their experience about the Chianina cows ( it is one of the best meat quality you can find in Tuscany) they started with just 3 animals & now they are almost 100 .Their passion for this job : to feed … More Made in Pistoia : ever visited a Tuscan farm with cows?
Made in Pistoia : morning in a Tuscan old mill pressing olives
7 November 2016
Every November I really need to find an old mill to …smell the aroma of the new extra virgin olive oil ! I said “I need ” because without this sensorial deep experience I can’t start winter time :for me it’s the easier way to try to forget summer time & live the autumn mood … More Made in Pistoia : morning in a Tuscan old mill pressing olives
Pistoia , a must see but ..where is it?
1 November 2016
Everybody speaking about Pistoia but I am sure you are wondering : where is Pistoia? in Tuscany, of course! in the Norhtern part of it! close to many more popular and touristic cities such as Florence 30 km Lucca 50 km , about 67 km from Pisa (International airport ) just near the Appenine mountains … More Pistoia , a must see but ..where is it?
Pistoia : Lonely Planet travel guide crowned it as a “must see” in the world!
28 October 2016
Oh yesssss!!👏👏👏👍👍👍🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🍾🍾🍾 So proud to be featured ( not me , my birthplace Pistoia but it is part of myself indeeed! ) in this worldwide renowned travel guide , the Lonely Planet!!! Seeing Pistoia in a list of the 10th must visit cities in the WORLD….close to Lisbon & Cape Town makes me cry of … More Pistoia : Lonely Planet travel guide crowned it as a “must see” in the world!
