Everybody loves birthdays and anniversaries. It’s a way of celebrating milestones in our lives. This week, Gary and I are celebrating a different type of anniversary. The anniversary of publishing our first book, Our Italian Journey. As authors, we want …
The Bargello National Museum The Bargello Museum is located in the Palazzo del Bargello and is one of the oldest buildings in Florence dating back to 1255. Initially, the building was the headquarters of the Captain of the People, Capitano del Popolo, and later …
Italian Bank Account | A Funny Financial Adventure Opening an Italian bank account recently took a great deal of time and patience. Thankfully, we had the help of a gentleman here in Lucca known as “Tony- the Guy.” Tony was …
The Field of Miracles in Pisa, Italy The Field of Miracles is the most popular attraction in Pisa and one of the most famous places in the world. This walled 8.87-hectare area (22 acres) consists of The Leaning Tower, the …
The small town of Norcia is located in the province of Perugia in southeastern Umbria. Norcia is located in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. It’s one of those small …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
The Ponte Vecchio The Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is found in Florence, Italy, and spans over the narrowest point of the Arno River. The bridge is made of wood and stone and dates back to the Roman era. It is …