The Bronze Pig | Florence, Italy The Bronze Pig Fountain or Il Porcellino, as the Italians call him, means “the little pig.” He is located to the side of the Mercato Nuovo in Florence, Italy. You’ve probably walked past …
Complete Itinerary for an Awesome Week in Florence
This post is more than just a suggestive travel itinerary in Florence. To experience this city to its fullest – you only need to step out into the street. And while you’re walking, watch for the wine windows! As one …
Rental Ban Changes the Florence Historic Center
Florence has announced a rental ban on new short-term rentals such as Airbnb’s in the Renaissance historic center. Were you aware? This crackdown is an attempt to make more homes available for locals. Rental Ban in Florence As one of …
Forte dei Marmi in Tuscany: Lavish, Glamorous, and Enticing
Forte dei Marmi is a seaside town in Italy known for its beaches and high-end shopping. Recently, I had the opportunity with two different adventures to discover the shopping component, as well as, the lovely beach. The town has a …
The Island of Elba: Our First Adventure to Tuscany’s Treasure
I wasn’t sure what to expect when disembarking the ferry on Isola d’Elba in June. What I am sure about is Napoleon would never recognize it today. Definitely more congested than when the emperor was exiled to the island in …
Lucca Comic & Games 2022 | Big Invasion
The Lucca Comic & Games event takes place every year between the end of October and the beginning of November. Lucca’s event It is the second largest of its kind with Tokoyo, the event is called “Comiket” being number one. …
Leaning Tower of Pisa: The Amazing Climb
The Leaning Tower of Pisa The Leaning Tower of Pisa is iconic and easily recognizable when in this town, or even just passing on the train or roadway. All the times we’ve visited the Field of Dreams as it’s called, …
Puccini is Found Everywhere in Lucca
It’s July and the beginning of the 2022 Puccini Festival in Italy! Opera Gary and I have had the pleasure of attending several operas in Italy, but all of them have been by composer Giuseppe Verdi. To date, we’ve seen …
Balsamic in Modena: Outstanding Experience
Balsamic Vinegar: What is it about that “black gold” liquid that’s so special? Who doesn’t love balsamic vinegar? A recent trip with our good friends JoAn and Jim took us to an amazing family-run place in Modena. They’ve enjoyed visiting …
Top 12 Things To Do in Florence
Top 12 Things to do in Florence, Italy The top 12 things to do in Florence is a list of our favorite sites. We were very fortunate to recently spend 90 days in the historical center of Florence. Our apartment …
Thrilling Day Driving a Vintage Fiat 500 in Tuscany
What an unforgettable experience driving a Vintage Fiat 500 in Tuscany! Not too long ago, friends Gina and Jay arrived in Lucca from their home in New Orleans, USA. They mentioned they had already booked this nostalgic event prior to …
Dario: The Man, The Legend, My Hero
Dario Cecchini In 2019 Ilene and I were introduced to a few cooking shows by our daughter Ally and her significant other Brett. There was a bigger-than-life character in all three shows. His name is Dario Cecchini. He is a …