The tempranillo grape is a lesser-known grape in all the grapes found in Spain. It is also an important grape for Spanish winemakers as creates an integral part of some of the most popular blends. But why am I talking …
Cathedral San Martino | Something Special in Lucca
San Martino We’ve visited San Martino several times, but each time Gary and I notice more and more. Isn’t that the way it usually happens? The first time you go into a museum or church, you usually pick up the …
Giacomo Puccini | Inside the Fascinating Museum
A Look At Giacomo Puccini Recently, Gary and I along with our friend Victoria from Florence went and visited the Puccini Museum in Lucca. Frankly, I was surprised to find the building in such wonderful condition. However, I read later …
Lucca Biennale | Unique Paper Art Festival
Lucca Biennale Lucca Biennale has arrived in Lucca for its tenth year! Gary and I were riding our bicycles and came across a beautiful piece of art hanging in Porta dei Borghi. “What is that?” I asked Gary. He shook …
Santa Maria Novella | Not To Be Missed!
Santa Maria Novella Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful church in Florence, Italy. It is located very close to the railway station named after it. The church has a magnificent facade inlaid with green and white marble. The price of admission …
Beautiful Night Under the Stars | Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli Gary and I have had a few magical and beautiful nights when it comes to classical music. We have been fortunate enough to see Andrea Bocelli twice in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. As amazing as those evenings were, there …
Our Italian Apartment | The Good, Bad, and Ugly
We are finally settled in our Italian apartment. Home sweet home. This was no easy feat, mind you. If you follow our journey, you know we had several contenders for our “perfect Italian city.” Parma, Arezzo, Lucca, Spello, and Conversano …
Wine Windows of Florence | Product of the Plague
It is said that history repeats itself and in the case of Florence’s wine windows that statement is true. Wine Windows – An Ingenious Concept Wine windows were an ingenious idea when they were introduced in Florence during the 1600s. …
Magnificent Flowers Found in Italy
Flowers Found in Italy Spring and now Summer have arrived with gorgeous flowers in Italy – found everywhere you look. This explosion of color and fragrance is around almost every corner in Tuscany and Umbria (other regions too) – and …
4th Largest Cathedral in World | Florence, Italy
The 4th Largest Cathedral The 4th largest cathedral in the world is located in Florence Italy. Florence’s cathedral is the fourth largest in the world after Saint Peter’s (Rome), Saint Paul’s (London), and the Duomo in Milan (Italy). The cathedral …
Explore the Unique Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro
The uniqueness of Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro in Lucca is given by its singular elliptical shape. Also, by the frame of medieval houses that embrace it. They cover the entire perimeter, increasing the charm. If you have ever been to Lucca, …
Padua: An Overlooked Town in the Veneto Region
Padua (Padova in Italian) is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in northern Italy. The picturesque city is full of piazzas, old bridges, canals, and rivers, and the famous University of Padua (founded in 1222) with a history of more than eight …