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A Farmhouse Holiday Florence Style

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

A farmhouse holiday in Florence is sure to be the vacation you never forget. Many old farmhouses in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan region were once the estates of the country’s nobility. Now they are the places where families and friends can all get together in one large, warm, friendly place and make it their home base for discovering all that Tuscany has to offer.

Amenities and Activities at a Florence Farmhouse

The farmhouse holiday Florence style is one that is filled with adventure and relaxation all at once. Situated in the hillsides of Tuscany, a farmhouse is central to some of the region’s best tourist attractions. You are close to cities for their museums and culture, yet away from the noise and hustle and bustle of the nightlife. You are short walk or bike ride from the best pizzerias, cafes, and restaurants, or you can choose to eat a quiet meal at “home.”

Many farmhouse rentals come with some meals included. Also included are the equipment and “toys” round at the homestead. For example, bicycles, swimming gear, even motorcycles can often be borrowed or rented. You can also have use of the pool or drive or walk a short distance to the beaches along the coast, depending on where your farmhouse rental is located.

Both long and short term rentals are possible at a Florence farmhouse. The rates are generally between 400 and 800 Euros per week depending on how many people are in your party. The price will also be higher if meals are included.

Why Choose a Farmhouse

A farmhouse offers the space and flexibility to explore the region at a relaxed pace. It is also great for families with smaller children who may need the room for running and playing. A quieter atmosphere and the close proximity to attractions, make a farmhouse an attractive alternative to hotel living for families with young children.

If you prefer nature and the outdoors to city life, then this is a vacation where you can hike, ride horses or bicycles, and swim by day and then eat, drink, dance, and get a good night’s rest by night. The owners of the farmhouses have usually had the homes in their families for generations and make visitors feel like long lost relatives with their warmth and hospitality.

What is Included?

More advantages to staying in a farmhouse are the home like amenities that are included with your rental. You will access to the kitchen, more than one full bath, laundry facilities, and the room for family members to have their own space, instead of crowding into a couple of small hotel rooms.

The best of both hotel life and home life are combined at the farmhouse. You will have housekeeping services that change bed linens and take care of making sure you have plenty of clean towels. You will also be able to get to know your hosts, many of which will cook meals according to your preferences and requests. There is nothing quite as inviting as an Italisan Mama making the pasta just the way you like it!

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A Review of the Travel Guide to Florence

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Florence, Italy is one of the finest places to visit in the entire world. Many consider it a dream vacation and for others, it’s become a yearly adventure to see everything they can. If you’ve never been to this area before, you will want to know everywhere to go and enjoy during your stay. According to Suzanne Morrison and the Travel Guide To Florence they have all the answer for you in this eBook.

As an avid traveler, Suzanne takes a trip to the Florence area every year according to her sales page. So it’s safe to say she is well informed about the surrounding area there for those of you who are skeptics. So what you will find below is information we found on her site, along with a few testimonials along the way that will hint towards other things involved in the eBook she is presenting to you.

Free Tips By Mail

Once you reach about half way down the page you will see a little paragraph or two talking about additional photos and tips. These are in addition to what you will find on her sales page. It’s just something optional, but if you want to see more then it’s definitely worth taking the time to do so. You might end up finding something that interests you even more then what Suzanne has already shown you.

Some of the Learning Involved

When it comes down to it, this is about education. Your goal with the information provided in the Travel Guide To Florence eBook is to learn as much as you can before you actually get there. Things like all the towns and villages you can visit. Then of course, the essentials like how to get a train, bus, or car. Most important, how you can keep from spending all your money while you’re there and come home stress free.

The Time and Research

We’re talking about hundreds upon hundreds of hours Suzanne has admitted to put into this project. Not to mention all the money that has been spent over this time traveling, eating, purchasing enlightenments and many other experiences over that time. Now, obviously you won’t see everything there is to offer, but once you reach the last third of the page you will get an in depth look at some sample parts to the eBook.

Our Overall Analysis

Even though the book is based off the ins and outs of Florence, Italy, there is much in store. We saw a few bonuses at the end that will intrigue you that much more. The first is getting an eBook on how to learn Italian, which will be essential during your stay. Also, each time Suzanne makes her way to Florence then you will get updated photos and information along the way.

This could be what you’ve been looking for in a travel guide to this area. You will just have to see it for yourself. However, we will warn you, the price that comes along with this is so mind boggling you probably will be ready to take that trip by year’s end. Then again, it’s just our opinion, it could be sooner.

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Hello From Chicago – Part 5 – A Visit To The Pullman Historic District

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Chicago, Arlington House, Sunday, October 23, 2005, 6:25 am

After being appropriately prepped as a result of our visit to the Chicago Cultural Center we decided to head off yesterday to visit the Pullman Historic District, a planned industrial and residential community dating back to the 1880s, on Chicago’s South Side.

In order to get there we took the red line all the way to the end and then connected onto the 111 bus. What was very interesting to note was that the population on Chicago’s south side is predominantly black, as much of the black population from the US South had migrated northwards after the 2nd World War. Actually Chicago was known as one of the most racially segregated cities, and today, with the demolition of many of the bleak urban housing projects, the city is attempting to create more integration between its black and white population.

The Pullman Historic District is the manifestation of a very interesting social experiment: It was built between 1880 and 1884 as a planned model industrial town by George M. Pullman for the Pullman Palace Car Company. George Pullman (1831 to 1897) arrived on the scene with a design for the Pullman sleeping carriage which he originally developed to carry the dead body of Abraham Lincoln to his funeral. As a result the Pullman Sleeping Car Company was established and a whole town was built around the business and named after its originator.

We went to the Visitor Center and saw an 18-minute movie that described George Pullman and his ambitious plans for his development of a model community, a total environment, that he intended to be superior to that available to the working class elsewhere. By so doing, he hoped to avoid strikes, attract the most skilled workers and attain greater productivity as a result of the better health and spirit of his employees.

To achieve his vision, George Pullman hired Solon S. Beaman, landscape architect Nathan F. Barrett and civil engineer, Benzette Williams. The town was constructed by Pullman employees, using local red clay from Lake Calumet and component parts that were produced in the Pullman factory. This project is one of the first examples of industrial technology and mass production in large-scale housing. The town was a complete planned community and included schools, a library and hotel all run by the company.

Pullman’s large Arcade building (now demolished and the present location of the Visitor Center) featured a restaurant, a bank, a library, a post office, a theater, and numerous shops. It was a forerunner of the modern shopping center. The town was completely self-contained. Pullman residents enjoyed the manmade Lake Vista and plenty of parks and promenades, features typically missing from Chicago’s working-class neighbourhoods.

The town of Pullman was a model of financial efficiency. Pullman demanded that the company return an 8-percent profit and the town return a 6-percent profit. A huge engine pumped sewage from the town to a nearby Pullman-owned farm, where it was used as fertilizer for produce that would be sold back in the town.

George Pullman maintained ultimate control over the town, even restricting workers’ access to alcohol, as the Hotel Florence only sold alcohol to out-of-town visitors. Resentment towards this paternalistic despot started to build. Misfortune struck with the decline of the Pullman car’s success which forced George to slash wages. Workers responded with a strike, fuelled by Pullman’s failure to reduce grocery costs and rent, but George simply fired them. The situation deteriorated as railway workers refused to handle Pullman cars and President Cleveland had to intervene, sending federal troops to the scene. The workers were forced to sign documentation declaring that they wouldn’t join a union.

Although the strike collapsed, George Pullman’s model for handling the “labour problem” had failed. Pullman had prided himself on his paternalistic approach with his workers, and he could not see how his heavy-handed methods had resulted in this worker rebellion. Criticized and scorned, Pullman died a bitter man in 1897.

In 1898, the Illinois Supreme Court ordered the Pullman Company to sell the non-industrial land in the neighborhood to its inhabitants, determining that the Pullman Palace Car Company did not have the proper authority to provide nonmanufacturing services such as renting property. Finally, residents could buy their homes.

Robert T. Lincoln, the son of President Lincoln, became head of the company after Pullman’s death and simplified its name to the Pullman Company. The Pullman Company continued to produce its famous cars at 111th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. But with the explosion of automobile ownership, rail passenger traffic went into rapid decline. In 1957, Pullman Incorporated closed its plant in the neighborhood.

Only three years later, the city of Chicago included Pullman on a list of “blighted and deteriorating areas” that required clearance and redevelopment. Residents responded by forming the Pullman Civic Organization and began working to gain landmark status. The Historic Pullman Foundation, which formed in 1973, helps ensure the area’s preservation and restoration by sponsoring various events such as neighborhood walking tours, annual house tours, Sunday brunch at the Florence Hotel, and presentations at the Pullman Visitor Center.

In many ways the housing development was ahead of its time. Each building, most of them townhouses, had gas and water, complete sanitary facilities and abundant quantities of sunlight and fresh air, which was a rarity at that time, when the working class was mostly housed in squalid tenements. Originally the town of Pullman housed about 12,000 people while today it still has a population of about 2,000, with an ethnically and economically mixed background.

Other famous buildings on the Pullman grounds include the Hotel Florence, named after Pullman’s favourite daughter. It opened in 1881 as a hospitality showcase for visitors to George Pullman’s perfect town and originally had 50 rooms, a dining room, a billiard room, a parlor and the only bar in Pullman. The Historic Pullman Foundation managed to save the hotel from demolition and today the hotel is closed to the public while it is undergoing a capital improvement program to restore it for use with the State Historic Site.

The Pullman Clock Tower and Administration Building was built in 1880 for the executive offices of the Pullman Palace Car Company, at the time one of the most beautiful industrial complexes in the United States. In 1998 the Clock Tower and Administration Building were seriously damaged by a fire set by an arsonist. Since then the building has been stabilized and the restored Clock Tower was put back on just a few days before our visit. Future use of the site is currently being debated by a task force institute by Chicago Mayor Daley and Illinois Governor Ryan.

Another interesting building located on the Pullman Historic District is the Queen Anne-style Market Hall which was built in 1881. The Market provided a venue for fresh fruits, meats and other goods. The original market was destroyed by fire in 1892 and a new market was built on the existing foundation. The market is surrounded by four colonnaded circular apartment buildings that were built with the new Market Hall in 1893. Unfortunately the Market Hall Building was destroyed by fire in 1973 and today it awaits restoration.

The Greenstone Church, located centrally in the Pullman Historic District, has an exterior facade of serpentine stone quarried in Pennsylvania. The sanctuary is unchanged with the exception of the chancel arrangements. All of the cherry wood is original. Today the church is still occupied by a Methodist congregation.

The visit to the Pullman Historic District was very interesting. It taught us about a different time of ultimate laissez-faire capitalism, industrial growth and immigration, labour unrest, urban planning, architecture and the ultimate failure of a rather unique social experiment.

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Traveling Single and Happy in Italy

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Want to travel to Italy but nobody you know wants to go? Have specific dates for your holiday in Tuscany but none of your traveling friends can get away then?

You’re not alone–you’re part of the fast growing single traveler market. As a frequent single traveler in Italy for many years, here are my tips on companionship, safety, money matters, and quality of life for traveling solo in Italy.

Companionship

1. Look for restaurants or hotels with communal tables. Sit down, relax, eat with whoever is there, smile and start a conversation. Sharing food and wine around the table opens people up and conversation flows easily. Also look for restaurants with tables close together so it’s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow diners.

For example, I’ve enjoyed staying a family-run B & B in Sorrento where I’ve happily chatted to people from all over the world around their big dining tables.

2. Offer to help other travelers as a spring board to start a conversation. For example, while traveling on the Amalfi Coast on a bus to my hotel in Praiano, I overheard a man asking about the area.

Knowing the coast, I gave him directions and advice. It turned out we were staying at the same hotel. That evening we shared a lovely dinner of fish and cool, white wine and a good conversation on a restaurant patio at the sea’s edge.

3. Break up your time alone with half or full day guided tours that focus on something you’re passionate about like food, art or gardens so you have fun with people with similar interests.

For example, in Florence you’ll find city walking, cycling, garden, leather & gelato, history and food tours.

4. Find tours that cater to single travelers. For example, two Italian families offer cooking tours, one in the Chianti hills and one in Sorrento, and accept solo travelers for any dates they request. Generally other people are staying in their B & Bs so you have congenial company. A family member takes the single traveler on the same excursions as a group.

Safety For Solo Women

5. Use your common sense and intuition. No matter what hour of the day, if a street is deserted you may not want to walk there. In general, stick to streets where other people are walking.

Strolling along the Arno River in Florence at 10:00 p.m. admiring the reflections of illuminated buildings along with lots of people is wonderful. Walking down a deserted little street in Palermo in mid-afternoon may not be wise.

6. Out and about, dress down in ordinary clothes and leave your jewelry at home, so you avoid becoming a lone and profitable target for theft.

7. Take a handbag with a shoulder strap you can put diagonally across your chest. Wear a money belt under your pants. Be alert to who is around you, especially in crowded places where pick pockets thrive.

8. Walk with a strong, confident bearing, so you don’t look like a victim. All the above apply in any big city. In small country towns you can relax, since little happens there.

9. What about men chatting you up? Just like at home, stick to public places until you’re comfortable with him. If you’re not interested in him, politely say “no thanks” as many times as it takes.

Over the years, I’ve found Italian men respect my boundaries. I only got into one “tight” situation in my 20s where my fast running made up for my clueless behaviour. Other times I’ve met new friends and big loves of my life.

Money Matters

10. Find tours that have no single supplement. They do exist. Many tour companies in Italy match you up with a roommate. For example, I went on walking tours in Tuscany and Sicily, shared rooms and found hikers are generally a nice, down to earth, fun bunch. Be open to new people, make new friends by getting to know your roommate and avoid the supplement.

11. When looking for a hotel in Italy, I like to e-mail the hotel directly about a single room and not book online.

When you email, fax or call them, you can ask for a double room for single use (often a small double at a lower price than a double room) or for a single room. Since single rooms are scarce, asking for a double for single use will often get you a room.

By email or phone you can also make other special requests like a quiet room not overlooking the street.

Quality of Life

12. To give yourself the best eating experiences in Italy, go to restaurants on the early side (12:30 for lunch, 7:30 for dinner or 7:00 in big tourist cities) and get the best seat.

For example, at these hours in the beautiful Cinque Terre town of Vernazza, I find no one minds if I occupy a table for two with a front row view of the sea at a restaurant patio on the main piazza.

13. Accept help and reach out to other travelers. If someone offers to help you carry your suitcase up the stairs in a train station, say yes, thank them and give them a big smile. Look around for other travelers who may appreciate your help in small ways.

As a single traveler, if you extend your friendship to fellow travelers or local people, especially in places conducive to conversation, look for people with your interests on tours, take sensible safety precautions and pay attention to your quality of life, you’ll have a fabulous time and some fun adventures in Italy.

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Ideas for great vacations

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

There are a number of ideas for a great vacation, and it would be impossible to name them all here. However, some of the best vacation destinations aren’t necessarily well known. Frequent travelers get together with other frequent travelers, sharing their experiences.

Just because a brochure tells you a particular vacation destination is a great place, there’s no guarantee that you will enjoy it. Take a look at what frequent travelers are saying and get some ideas for a great vacation.

EUROPE:

Rome:

UNESCO has listed Rome as the World Heritage Site. This magnificent ancient city was the core of the Roman Empire and is rich with awe-inspiring historical sites. Ancient ruins, historical museums, and so much history can be found in this fascinating city.

Iceland:

The City of Ice and Fire is what Iceland is appropriately called with arching waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes. The sites on this amazing island are like none you’ll see anyplace else.

London:

The thirty-foot, fully functional clock tower of Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, underground transportation to just about anywhere, excellent shopping, diverse dining and entertainment. This is what the city of London is all about.

Amsterdam:

The flowers of Holland are breathtaking with such brilliant colors, textures and arraignments. Canals carrying literal floating gardens run all around this lovely city among the many museums. You’ve never seen flowers the way you’ll see them in Amsterdam.

Paris:

Unless you are an absolute genius at organizing your time, likely as not, you will not see all that Paris has to offer in one trip. The incredible Eiffel Tower is only one of the many attractions along with fine museums, endless shops, dining, art, and exceptional nightlife.

Venice:

The atmosphere of Venice is one of romance with its flowing canals, which is the main mode of transportation in this serene city. For someone who may be looking for a little leisure and perhaps a little romance, Venice is the place to go. Small cafes, art museums and shops of all kinds make Venice a city you simply want to get lost in.

Florence:

The architecture is incredible in Florence with the huge churches and ancient sites that are filled with history. Known for its wine, Florence is also a good city for leisure browsing and relaxation. Visit their many art and historical museums.

UNITED STATES:

North Carolina:

The majestic mountains along the Blue Ridge

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Discover the Amazing Florence – One of Italy’s Most Beautiful Towns

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Being a frequent visitor of Italy I can say with some level of authority that if you are planning to take vacations in Italy, then you might want to add a trip to Florence to your itinerary. I’m a big fan of Italy, and indeed Florence is the pride of that country. Three things come to my mind when I think of Florence. These are the beautiful museum complexes, the Duomo and of course the Italian wines, especially the Tuscany wine.

Florence is situated on the banks of Arno river and is walled in by hills in the south and the foothills of the Apennines in the north. These natural boundaries are key determinants of its climate. Florence is a gastronomical paradise for travelers of all budget ranges – low to high. Having visited and traveled deep down into Italy (and Florence by extension) more than a dozen times, I can confidently guide you through Florence with ease and efficiency. The best time to visit Florence is in what they call the low season, April to June and in September to October, when the climate is generally pleasant and would cost lower to travel. Also early winter in December can also be surprisingly pleasant.

Once in Florence, there are some places that you cannot afford to miss.

The first one is the Palazza Pitti, a 32,000 square meters of artistic splendor is a must visit for every museum lover and others alike. It is also the entrance to the Boboli Gardens, which is a relaxing place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is filled with many beautiful fountains and statues and if you can make it all the way to the top of the hill, you could get some wonderful views of city of Florence.

Then there is Palazzo della Signoria – a lively square that has lots of restaurants, bars and ice cream parlors and is a great place to grab a bite as you take a stop from your travel for the day. History has it that this square has been the political epicenter of Florence for many centuries and is dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio with a copy of the statue of David by Michelangelo in front of the palace. Right next to the Piazza della Signoria is the promenade Via dei Calzaiuoli, a lively shopping street, connecting with the Duomo of Florence – a popular place in the evenings with locals and visitors alike. If you are smitten with Italian food and have planned for some space in bags with Italian cookbooks, save some more room for the goodies that you could buy in here: everything you need for that Italian kitchen of yours, from polenta-stirring spoons to artisan ceramics.

Also do go for a carriage ride through Florence starting from Piazza della Signoria. It is absolutely romantic during the summer. The Duomo – Florence’s cathedral is easy to spot with its huge terracotta colored dome. It is one of Florence’s most distinctive sights and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries. Arrive early to miss the crowds and if you have the energy you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the cupola, you would be rewarded by a fantastic view of the city. Alternatively climb the 414 steps up to the top of the bell tower for a slightly different view.

And finally taking a stroll along the Arno River is a great way to end your day of sightseeing. The Ponte Vecchio crosses the River Arno and the area houses many goldsmiths, jeweler’s shops and medieval workshops that overhang the bridge. The sunset is the best time to view the bridge. Take a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the Arno River and everything there seems absolutely magical.

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Classical Italy

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

I’ve always dreamed to go to Italy. Luckily, dreams do come true. One day my boyfriend and I went to the travel agency and purchased 2 tourist vouchers. To. The. Wonderful. Italy. I was beside myself with joy. “Classical Italy”- Venice, Padua, Florence, Rome and San-Marino. We were told there were 17 people in our group, one guide and a witty driver. Quite a company.

From the airport we were delivered to the tiny Italian town in the surroundings of Venice. Many people in our group were dissatisfied with the fact that we were to spend 2 nights in “a countryside”. But I was really glad as I wanted to feel the spirit of real Italy. Besides, the hotel (better to say, a boarding house) was very nice and the hostess was hospitable and kind. We spent there 2 days – enough to fall in love with the local quiet way of life. Every day in the restaurant nearby gathered handsome (very handsome!) black-haired Italians. They dined, talked very loudly and emotionally and drank the local spirit – grappa. Some people oppose Italian expressiveness to their courtesy. They really speak loudly but it doesn’t prevent them from being polite!

But let’s come back to our journey. In the morning we went to Venice. The city fascinated me! After the city sightseeing tour we began to stroll along the streets leading to the city squares. Interesting to mention that there’s only one square, which is calle “piazza” – Piazza San Marco, thus emphasizing its particular status in the eyes of the Venetians. Other squares are called “campo” (“meadow”). They really resemble meadows rather than squares. Narrow streets (“calle”) go different ways from them.

We couldn’t resist a temptation to go out boating. Venetian gondolas are famous all over the world but Venetian gondoliers are even more famous! It seems that their look serves as a main criterion for the employment…they are tall, handsome and dressed in snow-white shirts. What a picture! I was told they are unsurpassed singers. And it turned out to be true. The only minus is the price. 45 minutes of pure pleasure cost us 100 EUR. But it is really worth that!

Then we moved to Florence. Frankly speaking it didn’t impress me as much as Venice, Rome or even Padua…I think that’s because it is too big and noisy. It doesn’t of course mean that I didn’t like it at all…the most interesting moment was the ascent of Santa Maria Del Fiore. It was no easy task but we were rewarded by the splendid view opening from the height!

The most impressive city was of course Rome, where we stayed for three days. We planned the routs beforehand and then tried to stick to them although we sometimes turned aside from the initial route when something interesting appeared in our field of view. We managed to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forums, the Capitolium, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. I was slightly disappointed by the Colosseum. I think that’s because one should better go there at night when there’s no crowds of tourists and the barricading gratings are not seen…I can’t tell you about everything we saw in the city…Rome simply made me fall in love with it. All the places we visited afterwards didn’t impress me as much as the Italian capital did!…

When we took a plane home I had to control myself not to give way to tears. I preferred to think that the two coins I threw in the Trevi Fountain would certainly help me to come back to Rome!

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Romantic Italy

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of www.Bookpleasures.com & www.Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have as guest of Thetimesharebeat.com, Maria Liberati, supermodel and author of the soon to be released cook- book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking. The cookbook will contain recipes Maria discovered as a guest of various agriturismi (country farms), as well as her family’s vineyard. It also includes her encounters with chefs of some of Italy’s trattoria (dining establishments). In addition, the cookbook contains stories about Maria’s travels around Italy.

Maria is a former Miss Pennslvania and Miss International World, however Maria has confided in me that she wouldn’t consider herself a ‘pageant junkie’. It just gave her a great deal of experience and self- confidence. She holds a degree from Temple University in Foreign Languages, and is now in demand by many European type food companies to serve as marketing consultant, as well as spokesperson on TV and in print ads.

The following is an interview conducted by Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures. Com and Sketchandtravel.com, with Maria, who provides us with some very timely information pertaining to romantic getaways in Italy. Maria now lives six months of the year in Italy.

Norm:

Please tell our readers something about yourself and your expertise pertaining to romantic getaways in Italy?

Maria:

My grandfather and his family owned a vineyard in the mountains of Abruzzi, and I practically grew up learning a great deal about Italian cooking. Moreover, due to my modeling career, I spent a great deal of time in Italy.

When I was not modeling, I had the opportunity to study regional Italian cooking at what are known as ‘agriturismi.’ This is the Italian word for country farms that are also bed and breakfasts serving meals produced from the fresh foods grown and produced in many different regions of Italy.

Generally tourists tend to know about the popular and crowded places that can be very impersonal. Traveling by car and foot throughout Italy has provided me with windows to some of the most spectacular venues.

Norm:

You mention that you have a great deal of experience of staying in bed and breakfasts on organic farms in Italy (agriturisimi). Could you tell our readers something about these B&Bs and why you consider them to be appropriate as romantic or honeymoon destinations?

Maria:

The ‘agriturismi,’ aside from being great places to learn about Italian foods, tend to be some of the most romantic vacation spots in Italy. They are usually located high up on a hill with breathtaking views of a town. If located in a city like Rome, they would be found away from the principal areas. Consequently, they are usually situated in peaceful, serene and picturesque settings. What could be more romantic than staying on a vineyard, and being able to take a peaceful walk picking a fresh piece of fruit to munch on while your walking?

Moreover, staying in an agriturismo you are guaranteed to always have an abundance of the best quality freshly prepared foods. No doubt, this is far superior to eating at restaurants that cater to tourists and which often are very pricey.

All- inclusive packages are generally available and in most instances will prove to be much more economical than a stay in a hotel.

Norm:

Why would you consider Italy a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination?

Maria:

Italy is beyond doubt one of the best places for a romantic getaway or honeymoon- not only because of the variety of breathtaking beauty and romantic views surrounding you, but also the Italian lifestyle.

Italians love romance, their songs are all based on romance and about love. People love to see couples walking hand in hand or arm in arm. Even just the simple ritual of eating a meal has a romantic feel to it. When you sit down to eat dinner at a restaurant or even at a bed and breakfast it is meant to be a long, drawn out ritual. In other words, an activity that is shared and enjoyed between two people, and not something over with in 10 minutes.

Take for example picnics in Italy. If you opt to have spontaneous romantic picnics, you have access to some of the most romantic locations in the world. Moreover, at your disposal are a variety of fresh bread and pizza at the local “forno” (pronounced ‘for-noh’), as well as cheeses found in local cheese shops or supermarkets.

Even some of the major cities such as Rome, Milan or Florence, all have their quiet venues, where you can savor your food and enjoy the romantic ambiance.

The center of Rome has the Villa Borghese, and of course, if you don’t mind the noise and crowds, there are the Spanish Steps.

Not to omit the Coliseum and the Roman Forum that are popular areas for impromptu picnics.

If you are in a small town, it is certainly not difficult to find a beautiful view in a quiet place. One word of advice, please always remember to respect the property you are on and clean up after your picnic.

NORM:

Why have cooking classes in Italy become so popular?

Maria:

Actually it is a new trend and my own company has received many requests to put together these packages for couples. In fact, I am working with a journalist on an article that will shortly appear in February 2005 in Women and Fitness Magazine. Of course it is themed around St Valentine’s Day. Anyways, it is a trend for couples to take cooking classes not only in Italy but also in the USA. What better way to share a wonderful experience and create something together, and then enjoy the romantic experience of eating what both of you just created?

It is time that Americans catch on to what the Italians have known for years- that cooking is a wonderful romantic experience. It is non-threatening in that you can be creative at your own pace together- and then partake in a romantic meal together. It can be a prelude to watching a romantic movie. You can even go shopping together at a local fresh food market before you cook the meal. So it is a wonderful romantic trend and it is becoming more and more popular.

Norm:

When is the best time to visit Italy from the point of view of weather, costs, and crowds?

Maria:

I have visited Italy during every season and there is almost no bad time to be there. However, if I had to select my favorite time it would be summer and fall, when I can enjoy the beautiful Italian sun shining down on the colorful scenery.

August is usually the most the sunniest, however it is also the busiest.

If you don’t want to chance the crowds of August, July can be a great month because the weather is usually warmer.

Early fall can be great cost wise, and usually by the end of August the Italians, as well as the tourists, are back to school and work. Late fall you would be into the rainy season.

Christmas is another possibility, and a very beautiful season. However, it can be crowded and pricey, unless you stay in agriturismo. It is less commercial than in the States, as houses are not all lit up with Christmas bulbs. The foods you will experience and the feeling in the air are so romantic! Spending New Year’s Eve in the center of Rome and watching the spectacular fireworks display over the Coliseum is something that I do every year and is an experience like no other.

Norm:

If you had to choose 5 unequalled venues in Italy for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

Maria:

First, I must say that it is really difficult for me to narrow my choices down to 5 venues. Please also note that some of my picks are not the usual places people may choose. I like to find the unusual and the not highly commercial favorites.

-The Island of Ischia: In August 2004’ I visited friends, who own and operate a wonderful bed and breakfast in the town of Forio. Located atop a 30-mile island that is divided into about 5 separate, tiny cities, of which the city of Ischia is the principal one.

Why Ishcia?

It is famous for its spas as a result of the thermal waters. You find saunas that are not man made but actually exist inside a cave on the side of the volcano in Ischia.

The view of the sea, while you are at one of the outside spas enjoying a thermal bath or on the beach, is absolutely breathtaking and you will imagine you are in paradise. The blue of the water and the sky is so intensely blue that you will feel like you are in the middle of a living painting- so to speak.

It is amazing how revived you feel after taking the water cure of the thermal baths- although I’m sure the ‘soaking in of the scenery’ has a lot to do with it also.

There are also little towns to wander around in. Each of the 5 towns in Ischia has their own little square, which is very romantic, and the main town of Ischia has its own castle. There are also little romantic outdoor cafes, shops and coffee bars as well as the glow of the moonlight basking on the sea and an occasional outdoor musician singing old romantic Neapolitan songs accompanied by mandolin music. Oh the romance of it all!!!

If any of your have seen the award winning Italian move- Il Postino- (The Postman), the island that it was filmed on (Procida) is right next to the Island of Ischia.

-ROME: The next place I would select would be the city of Rome. Yes it is a big city, but as many well-traveled Italians will tell you- there is nothing like the city of Rome- if you know how to find your way around.

WHY ROME?

To walk around Rome is analogous to living in an art museum.

Rome is made up of different hills with magnificent views. My favorite is Monte Mario with its breathtaking panorama of the city. Another is the top of the Spanish Steps, where in front of the steps you have a beautiful fountain. If you go to the top of the steps you have gorgeous views overlooking the city and you can also enjoy one of those impromptu picnics here.

Don’t forget Villa Borghese- it was the territory of the royal family. Borghese is now a beautiful park- dotted with beautiful statues, ponds- another great place to savor a romantic walk and an impromptu picnic.

One of the most romantic piazzas (square) is Piazza Navona, particularly at night, where you will find many outdoor restaurants and beautiful statues. There is the famous and beautiful-Bar de la Pace- which is located at a far corner of Piazza Navona. It is a favorite of international celebrities. And if you want to have some great pizza- again ask a local for a ‘forno’ and you will experience some great, freshly baked pizza and bread. The Romans are famous for a type of roll called a ‘rosetta’ it is crusty but at the same time light and airy. So ask for a rosetta, fill it with cheese and you have a wonderful picnic type lunch or snack.

-Venice is a very romantic spot. I hesitate to recommend Venice; although it is one of the most beautiful and romantic spots in the world, it has just become too ‘touristy’. However, if you visit Italy and can do it, you must see Venice and experience its beauty.

WHY VENICE?

Just riding on one of the water taxis that take you to the island can be romantic as you take in the beauty that surrounds you. If you really wish to have a romantic view of the city, take your taxi ride at night, when the moon glistens on the water and the beauty of Venice is lit up by the glow of the moonlight.

You will fall madly in love with your romantic significant other, while experiencing this kind of view together.

Of course, there are the other traditional things to do, as a visit to St. Mark’s Square, or enjoying one of the outdoor cafes and restaurants, and exploring the little canals and back alleyways.

As for eating establishments, the key in finding great food is to find smaller more intimate dining places that cater to the locals rather than the tourists.

-TUSCANY

Tuscany is a beautiful romantic destination.

WHY TUSCANY?

Here you can find several romantic ‘agriturismo’ serving wonderful fresh foods and located in out of the way places-you are away from the crowds, yet with the possibility of day trips to Florence and Pisa. In this way you avoid the pricey hotels and at the same time experience the feeling of really living in Italy.

The wines made in Tuscany are wonderful- be sure to experience them.

Florence is a city overloaded with beautiful works of art.

You have of course the Uffizi Gallery, which houses some of the world’s most beautiful works of art. Outside of the Gallery there are statues of some of Florence’s most famous citizens including Michelangelo and Galileo- all who had a rich Florentine patron to support them in their works.

Two romantic spots in Florence are: the main square, which is the Piazza Della Signoria, where you will find a replica of the statue of “David” (or as the Italians know him- the Davide), and the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge crosses over the Arno River and from the bridge you have a beautiful views of the city. Add to this, the walking tours of the vineyard regions- like Chianti or Montepulciano and you have yourself a winning spot.

-OLTRANTO

Oltranto is located in Puglia and is a sea resort.

WHY OLTRANTO?

If I may use again an Italian film to give you the feeling of this landscape- see the award winning film-“Meditteranneo”- a wonderful comedy about the war, but the scenery is breathtaking. Most of the film takes place in parts of Greece. However, Oltranto’s deep intense blues of the water and stark pristine white colors of the surrounding buildings will bear a deep resemblance to the colors and waterfront scenery in this film made mostly in Greece.

Due to a lack of industry in Oltranto, the water is crystal clear.

Oltranto is also filled with outdoor cafes and shops that overlook the deep blue sky and clear water. There are many other beautiful towns near by that are worthy of day trips. Lecce, which is about 30 minutes away is a beautiful, elegant art-filled city, most of the churches and statues are Baroque. Lecce is a perfect spot to take a romantic walking tour. In any of these venues you won’t find the crowds of tourists found in other popular venues. Also worth a day trip is Alberobello. It is a very touristy town, but worth it to appreciate the ‘Trulli’.

Trulli are these cone shaped houses that are in certain areas of Puglia. These were actually used as houses many years ago. In Alberobello most of the specialty shops are located inside the Trulli. You can really experience a lot of unspoiled countryside and the beaches are clean and not as yet commercially organized.

NORM:

How far in advance should a couple prepare themselves for a honeymoon or getaway in Italy?

MARIA:

For a honeymoon or romantic getaway, you should really start getting your ideas and plans together at least a year in advance. For reservations, etc for hotels, destinations, you need to plan that at least 3- 6 months in advance. Italy is a favorite destination for many, especially for weddings and romantic getaways.

Certain times of the year tend to be more overbooked- especially in the summer. SO it also depends on the time of the year.

NORM:

What people should know about planning a wedding in Italy as far as requirements, etc.

MARIA:

If you are an American citizen you mainly need three documents to apply for the proper documents for an Italian Wedding:

*A US Passport

*A Birth Certificate

*If you were divorced or widowed- a death decree

The documents that the Italian government requires are:

*The Atto Notorio, which can be acquired on your own in the USA. This basically consists of you meeting in front of an Italian Consulate (go to one in the closest city near you in the USA) with your own witnesses. Each consulate has different requirements. (Call your closest local Italian Consulate to get their requirements for the Atto Notorio).

*The next document is the Apostille. This is a document you get from your Secretary of State’s office. It is just a matter of contacting your Secretary of State’s office filling out a form and sending it to them and they send back to you a seal that is considered an Apostille.

*Your birth, divorce and/or death certificates will need to be translated into Italian by your Secretary of State’s office.

These documents expire after three months. You cannot get these completed more than three months in advance.

Thank you Maria and good luck in all of your future endeavors.

Maria has her own WEB SITE that is presently under construction and will be completed by the spring of 2005’.

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Dining in Italy

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Eating in Italy

The first thing you should know about eating in Italy

is that it is different from eating in the US. Italian

cuisine and customs are very location specific. There

is no typical nation-wide “Italian Cuisine”. The food

you enjoyed in Rome may not be available in Florence

or, if it is, it may taste differently. A little

research and conversation will reveal the specialties

of each region.

The second thing you need to know is enough of the

language to understand what to expect from the name of

the establishment that sells food and drinks. A good

reference for learning the culinary language of Italy

is “Biba’s Italy”, 2006, by Biba Caggiano. In the

first few pages of her book she describes 12

establishments where food is sold, 13 different names

for espresso and lists the Italian names of the 8

courses, in sequence, of an Italian meal.

From Biba we learn that Trattoria is less formal than

a ristorante in that it may not have a printed menu,

prices are lower and it is often a home-away-from-home

for students and young families. Enoteca (Italian for

wine seller) is a more gentrified, high-quality wine

bar where some food dishes can be more ambitious than

those served in a humble osteria.

History has had a great influence on Italian cuisine.

The history of Italy is that of once powerful and

proud city states competing with each other:

differentiated geographically, culturally, and

politically. Conquering armies, political alliances,

religious powers and changing commercial practices all

left their culinary footprints on what were once

agrarian communities.

Other nations and cultures as we now know them once

controlled certain parts of what we now know as Italy.

German, Swiss and French influences infiltrated from

the North, Spain from the West left its influence on

some of the off-shore islands. Southern immigrants

from Africa and traders from the East had a profound

impact on culinary customs in Southern Italy. What

remains is not a culinary melting pot but what can

better be described as stew pots- each with individual

flavors.

Nor has the culinary exchanges been all one way.

French cooking and eating was changed when a daughter

of the Medici family married the King of France.

Likewise, Pilgrims to Rome upon returning to their

home countries introduced their home countries to

olive oil, antipasti and artichoke.

Artichokes are native to central Mediterranean lands

(Sicily, Italy ,Greece)

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10 Reasons To Visit Florence, Italy

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

It’s is your city of flowers and fragrances, parks and gardens, and fragrant airs full of love and romance. It’s your destination for mesmeric hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, and skyline; it’s your city of beautiful churches, monasteries, museums, galleries, and palaces.

Certainly, you’ve a multitude of reasons to visit Florence, Italy. Your city of lilies is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Florence is one of the most celebrated cities for fine art and architecture. Lying on the Arno River, Florence is the ‘Renaissance capital’ of the art world. Often dubbed as “Athens of Italy,” Florence was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It is a fantastic destination for lovers of art.

Home to the world’s most telling masterpieces and artistic works, Florence is one of the frequented cities because of its museums and art galleries. The city offers one of the finest museums of the world. Some of the renowned museums and art galleries are Galleria degli Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia, Bargello, History of Science Museum, Casa Buonarroti, and Archeological Museum.

You can visit Florence to savor its fine churches. The city really does offer some of gorgeous and splendid churches. Some of the best-known churches are Sant’Ambrogio, SS. Annunziata, Santi Apostoli Badia of Florence, Orsanmichele, Basilica di Santa Croce, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Duomo Church, Santa Felicita Church, San Firenze Church and San Gaetano Church.

Florence is your city of Palazzos. You can find a number of fine Palazzos in Florence. Some of the most notable palazzos include Bargello, Palazzo Davanzati, Palazzo Fenzi, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Palazzo Mozzi, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Rucellai, Palazzo Spini Feroni, Palazzo Strozzi, and Palazzo Vecchio.

Florence is perhaps one of the best places for food and wine lovers. You can find a treasure trove of delicatessens, Enotecas (wine bars), gourmet shops and appealing trattorias almost in every passageway of the city. You can relish the Italian cuisine, delicious soups, risottos, seafood, and the unforgettable fiorentina in restaurants of Florence.

You can double up your pleasure, enjoyment, and excitement in Florence by visiting the city during festivals. Some of the major festivals are Biennale Internazionale d’Arte Contemporanea di Florence: December, Mostra Internazionale dell’artigianato: April-May, Maggio Fiorentino: From April to June, Fochi di San Giovanni: 24 June, Pitti uomo: November and June, Pitti casa: January-February and Pitti Moda pelle: September and February.

Florence is fantastic place for shopping. You can a number of well known shopping centers in Florence, which include Antonio Esposito Antiquario, Beltrami, Bottega Artigiana del Libro, Casadei Dolce & Gabbana, Ducci, Eredichiarini, Farmaceutica de Santa Maria Novella, Gallori-Turchi, and Genny.

Nightlife is another charm of Florence. Florence offers the most vibrant nightlife in Italy. Florentine nightlife is usually orienting around pubs, clubs, discos, fashion venues, and fashion houses. Florence offers a wide range of reasons for night outs. You can find Irish pubs, English pubs, American pubs, and Spanish pubs.

You can visit Florence for its remarkable bridges. The Florentine bridges are one of the most romantic sites in Italy. The Ponte Santa Trinità is a Renaissance bridge on Arno, constructed by the Florentine architect Bartolomeo Ammanati from 1567 to 1569.
The Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge over the Arno River famous for numerous small shops, is known as a centre for goldsmiths and jewelers. The Ponte alle Grazie is another remarkable bridge over the Arno River.

Florence is the city full of a myriad of tourist attractions. Some of the notable tourist attractions include Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Tower, Boboli Gardens, San Lorenzo Market, Santa Maria del Carmine, Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte, Santa Trinita, and Belle Donne.

The University of Florence is also a good reason to visit the city of Florence. It is one of the largest and oldest universities in Italy. Some of the points of interest at the University of Florence include Institute and Museum of the History of Science, Museo di Storia Naturale di Firenze, and Orto Botanico di Firenze.

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