Around Town in Bologna
The visual lushness in Italy thrills me. Architectural details. Signage. The artistic sense. And the character of the people. As an artist, I am fed deeply as I explore this country. I expect that...
Meeting Signora Ada
Last September, with just a few clues in hand, I wandered around Venice in search of Trattoria da Ignazio. Having heard about the exquisite meals freshly prepared by Signora Ada, I was disappointed...
After La Montanara, Why Eat Again?
"I don't have to eat anything the entire rest of my life. Nothing could be better than this meal", said Sally. It's worth a trip to Bologna just to eat at Trattoria La Montanara. This small...
Sally in Milano
Sally flew over from Seattle a week ago to share the sights of Milano, the wonderful food treats available and the simple efficiency of my apartment. She came off the plane and out of customs...
My Room with a View
This two-room apartment of mine is really pretty great: A bedroom with lots of storage, two skinny little less-than-twin beds, and a table for sorting things. A well-functioning bathroom. A loft...
Certosa on a Sunny Day
A sunny holiday in the middle of the week calls for a bike ride. Apparently every family in Milano had the same thought; the bike path along the canal was crowded with those rolling tra-la-la along....
Festa della Repubblica
While here in Milano for the cycle of a full year, I've tried to get some sense of every holiday or special occasion. I've attended, or found myself caught in the middle of, festivals, parades,...
The Milanese Man Purse
Two "fashion" trends persist for men around here: orange-colored pants and the Milanese "man purse", a sleeker, chic-er version of the multi-pocketed, safari vest. U.S. travel outfitters sell them...
Tall Corn and an Alpine Arc
The corn stalks are more than knee-high. The rapeseed has been harvested and the poppies cut along with it. Workers are driving tractors along the canal, using flail-choppers to cut the meter-high...
Memorial Day
This day was not set aside to mark the beginning of barbeque season. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those that have given their lives while in service to their country… OUR country....
300-Year-Old Pages
Another day at the Antiques Market along the Naviglio Grande. Summer is in full swing and tourists have found this hot spot. It's "the" place to be on the last Sunday of the month for anyone wanting...
Striped Hat and a Red Violin
I liked his smile. I liked his black and white striped hat and the color of his violin. I liked his playing. So I smiled back and pitched some money in his box. He smiled again.