Monica Pileggi
Roaming in Rome
Rome, ItalyRome is a land of hills, cobbled stones, and uneven pavements which can wreak havoc on your feet. One of the first rules of traveling is, “Bring comfortable, broken-in shoes for walking.” You can plan your days in Rome by dividing the city out. For example: Ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill); Vatican City; and… (more)
Burano Reflections
Burano, VenetoBurano, located just 30 minutes by vaporetto (water bus) from the Fondamenta Nuove stop in Venice, is a delightful island to visit in the morning or late afternoon. The homes are painted in an array of bold and pastel colors: Purple, blue, lavender, red, orange, pink, green, peach, and even yellow. Many of the windowsills… (more)
A Taste of Local Wines
Venezia, VenetoWhat could be more Italian than some wine as an aperitivo before dinner or a glass with your meal? While you can buy inexpensive bottles in wine shops, do what the locals do… Seek out the local wine shop, the kind that typically has five to a dozen vats of wines to choose from. For… (more)
A Walk Through Time
Rome, LazioRome is a city with a pulse. It’s crowded with tourists moving from sight to sight, trying to see ‘Rome in a day’ while the Italians quickly down their espresso at their favorite local bar (café) before heading to work. Speeding vespas and cars zip in and out of the small streets, horns blaring, visitors… (more)
Bologna “La Grassa”
BolognaBologna is a beautiful, old city, not to be missed, not only because of its great sights, but also because of its food. Called la grassa (the bountiful) due to its hospitality in general and its tortellini, prosciutto, cured hams and other delicacies specifically, you can spend part of your day exploring the small streets… (more)
Ravenna
Ravenna, Emilia RomagnaTired of the “big three”… Rome, Florence, Venice? Ravenna, known for its fabulous Byzantine mosaics, is a hidden gem not to be missed. Start your morning with a quick visit to Dante’s marble tomb, which is located off Piazza Garibaldi. The tomb isn’t as interesting as the history of the poet yet still worth a… (more)
The Splendors of Italian Markets
ItalyOne of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Italy is to visit the local food markets. Each display of foods is a feast for the eyes. Various fruits are piled perfectly into pyramids or grouped into baskets. You can see baby zucchini with their flower blossoms still intact, plump red Roma tomatoes, shiny… (more)
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