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Riding in Tuscany – bike tour with ibikeitaly

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • Leave a comment

Jumping for joy for a gorgeous spring day escaping from the city is absolutely something worth getting excited about, even if I really can’t jump. People who are almost 5’10” really shouldn’t if I’m honest – falling means a lot further than that of someone who is 5’5” {that’s what I tell myself..}. Silliness aside, …

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How to survive your next permesso di soggiorno renewal in Florence

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 23 Comments

[Disclaimer- These pigeons did not need a permesso di soggiorno to enjoy this view of Florence] This is you – a dreamer who wanted to leave corporate America, UK, Australia [insert said country here] for a simple life in Italy. A life of picking fresh veggies at the market, leisurely chatting over a cappuccino to …

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One night at the Four Seasons

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 6 Comments

When I started planning our road trip from the south-west of France to Lisbon, Portugal – I really wanted to stay in a variety of places in order to get a well-rounded view about the types of accomodation available in the city. We started at a place in hip area in Bairro Alto for two …

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March events in Florence, Italy

Posted on March 1, 2014 by ggnitaly84 • 16 Comments

March is slated to be such a fun, exciting month in Florence. We all hope that the rain will be less, and the sun will come visit us more. Picnics, food fairs, musical concerts and much more. Don’t forget that ‘feste delle donne’ aka. women’s day is on the 8th [not that anyone cares] but …

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Odd in Florence 2 – embrace the weird

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 6 Comments

After the success of ‘Odd in Florence’ part one featuring weird things I spotted around town, I knew i had to make this a continuous series. Of course the pretty pictures of panoramas overlooking Florence, foodporn that will make anyone fail their diet and colorful vintage fiats won’t stop anytime soon. But just like a …

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Photo diary of Belem & Lisbon from above

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 10 Comments

[The Tower of Belém - UNESCO World Heritage Site] There’s a lot of things about Lisbon that I wasn’t expecting. The city that happens to be older than Rome {second oldest European capital after Athens} is full of surprises and hidden corners that would delight anyone, especially my curious self. I already explored my first …

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Daytrip to Pisa – more than just a tower

Posted on February 21, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 13 Comments

[A high Arno river in Pisa - Photo credit: Svebor Karaman] Pisa, oh Pisa why do I not give you enough attention? This city on the sea seems to be most famous to many Florentines as the place where you get your ryanair flights and of course the famous leaning tower of Pisa. That being …

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Locals I Love – Dario Trovato

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 2 Comments

Meet Dario Trovato, Italian, a videomaker/sound designer, loves beer Locals I love is back, and this week we are getting to know Dario, a guy I met while working at Nana Bianca in Florence. A talented videomaker who is part of Balzo, a 4-person team making video game apps and doing a pretty great job …

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A thermal spa weekend – Play your Tuscany

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 6 Comments

Photo credit: Saturnia By Roberto Ferrari from Campogalliano (Modena), Italy. Sometimes a girl needs to escape the dog poop on the sidewalks of Florence and head to the countryside for a dip in paradise. In this case, I am referring not to the mediterranean sea or an infinity pool in Chianti, but rather the many …

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Undercover Palazzo Pitti – exploring women artists

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 4 Comments

“‘My Lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.’ - artist Artmesia Gentileschi Throughout the centuries women have had to work tremendously hard to make their voice heard, especially in renaissance Florence where most women’s destinies lied in childbirth and taking care of the home. Their voices rarely heard nor seen which is why …

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Where to get a Moscow Mule in Florence

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 11 Comments

Ask anyone what my favorite cocktail is and in 3…2…1 seconds if that person gets me even a little – they know that I absolutely adore a Moscow Mule. I am much more of a wine drinker in general, the older I get, the less I go for hard alcohol. The headaches you can get …

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Eating your way through Lisbon

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 12 Comments

“Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what’s for lunch.” ― Orson Welles I theorize that Mr. Welles was rather onto something. I know I talk a lot about food on this blog but living in Italy has catapulted my respect for the l’arte di mangiar bene [art of eating well …

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Fresco painting 101 in Florence, Italy

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 9 Comments

If there was thing I never thought I would ever get to try in my life, it was probably learning the basics of fresco painting techniques in my city of Florence. When I think of frescoes, all I have to do is look around me. They hold such an important artistic role from the Medieval and …

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First impressions of Lisbon, Portugal

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 13 Comments

Lisbon – the city of seven hills, though I am pretty sure there are more than seven – at least my glutes claim that to be so, is an European city worthy of an extended visit. In fact, CNN just wrote this article about why it could just be Europe’s coolest city! The whole point of …

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Locals I Love – Alexandra Lawrence

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 18 Comments

While it’s taken me a few weeks to get back into the swing of things regarding my Locals I Love series - interviewing people I know who live and work in Florence and around Italy. I am super happy to finally interview Alexandra Lawrence, a wonderful art guide who I met via The Florentine, and who has shown …

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CB Firenze – new restaurant in the Oltrarno

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 4 Comments

When a new restaurant opens in Florence it can be a little bit like Russian roulette. A lot of places have the desire and passion but perhaps not always the means to put together as memorable an experience as they could hope. One example of a recent place that hasn’t had the best reviews since …

Driving on the Ponte Vecchio, nope wouldn't try that!

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Things I didn’t do before coming to Italy

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 50 Comments

It’s impossible to live in a country without getting influenced by local habits. While I consider myself a pretty adaptable gal {can I list that as a skill on my linkedin?} – invariably it’s hard to shake off habits that carry with you from your native country. That being said, with every year that I reside …

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One day in Toledo, Spain

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 17 Comments

Until you’ve seen Toledo, you have not seen Spain {a famous Spanish saying}. Ah, Toledo – I only got to enjoy walking around your beautiful cobblestone streets for one night and one morning but one thing is for sure - you certainly know how to leave a great first impression. The reason I happened to be in …

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Living in Italy : What is it really like?

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 31 Comments

I’ve been meaning to write this post for some time, and of course being an overworked expat – overplanner extraordinaire, I just haven’t had the time. But since I get a fair amount of emails weekly about people all over the world looking to move their life overseas, I thought it the right time to …

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Luxury spa day at Inuu Thermal spa in Andorra

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 10 Comments

Looking at the photo above makes me feel like I am in a sort of galactic enterprise on top of a ship in Star Trek. Instead, this is the inside of an amazing spa called Inuu located in the country of Andorra. The country of Andorra itself is pretty cool, located in the southeastern Pyrenees …

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A Multilingual Christmas

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 15 Comments

Christmas time always happens to be an adventure if you happen to be an expat. If not jetting off with the masses to whichever city you hail from, chances you are you are spending the holidays wherever you feel like, no pressure for the nomad! In my case, this year’s Christmas happened to take place …

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January events in Florence, Italy

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • 8 Comments

For some reason, January has creeped up on me without any warning. One second we were departing from the Florence Peretola airport headed to France for Christmas and then suddenly, we were in Lisbon, Portugal bringing in the new year with plenty of Rose and now, I’m back in my chilly apartment in Florence. Of …

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Why you should visit the Toulouse Christmas markets

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • Leave a comment

I am no stranger to the south-west French city of ‘pink brick’ otherwise known as Toulouse. I visited a few years ago for the first time with my then friend Nico (and now boyfriend-partner in crime otherwise known as ‘Frenchy’. he is from a smaller town called Castelnaudary that not many know about other than …

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Where the Locals go – my excerpt in National Geographic

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 16 Comments

Practically before I could read, I used to flip pages of books and magazines forever curious about the stories that lied beneath. Anyone who knows me well, remembers me constantly with a book by my side, whether it be a friend’s house, the supermarket, at school – probably I annoyed many people by the amount …

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A night at Palazzo Borghese

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 4 Comments

The amazing thing about Florence is that you really never know what is hiding behind the gray facade of any building. It could be a dusty interior, a crabby old lady who mumbles at you or perhaps the most opulent palace your eyes have ever laid on. Which is what I think when describing Palazzo …

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Locals I Love – Elena Angeli

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • Leave a comment

Despite slacking a bit on my ‘locals i love’ series, interviewing cool people I meet around Florence (and Italy) – I am happy to introduce you to my latest interview – Elena Angeli whom I met via the Yelp community in Florence. A sweeter person you could not meet, she always has a smile on …

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One week in Florence, photo diary in December

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 9 Comments

I know things have been a bit quiet of here but I call it the fault of colder weather. While yes, technically I should be holed up at home tapping away my computer while sipping mug after mug of hot tea. Ps. Hot tea & coffee is my Florentine version of a ‘heater’. Houses are …

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December events in Florence, Italy

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 4 Comments

You know what time it is.. basically its the time when I put on my writing hat and find the coolest events around Florence & Tuscany for the month of December, a beautiful time to be in town. I have been snapping photos of the Christmas lights set up around the city and Florence definitely …

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Happy Thanksgiving from Girl in Florence

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 13 Comments

While I honestly can’t remember the last time I actually spent Thanksgiving with my family, tis the life of a maybe-forever expat, I do however still value the holiday – or rather any day that prompts you to reflect on the things you should be grateful for. Personally, I truly feel thankful to have so …

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Sweet escapes at the Dolce Lab in Florence

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 10 Comments

While I wouldn’t consider myself a person that constantly craves sweets, when I do – it’s an itch that pretty much is mandatory to scratch. Luckily, living in Italy has provided a plethora of ‘sweet escapes’ to indulge in like tiramisu, panna cotta, various torte and much more. Thank god I live on the third …

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Zuppa di Cavolo Nero – Black Kale soup

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 6 Comments

A Florentine winter – while this year the cold has creeped in a lot slower than normal, personally I officially class the first day of ‘inverno’ as the day I finally turn on the riscaldamento (heater) in my house. If you don’t already know, gas & electricity are very pricey in Italy and this is … Continue reading →

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A bit of Bavaria in Florence, Birreria HB Firenze

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 12 Comments

You might be wondering why I am talking about Bavarian food living in the gastronomic heaven that is Florence, Italy. Of course, when you live here and enjoy the fruits of the mediterranean diet on a daily basis – and trust me, you know I do, you sometimes crave a little something else. While I … Continue reading →

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5 ways to sightsee with a vintage Fiat 500

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 16 Comments

Have you ever dreamed about zipping around in a vintage car in the hills of Tuscany pretending to be in a cheesy yet romantic movie based in the 1950′s where everyone clothes stayed crisp in the hottest temperatures (makes you sort of imagine that everyone must have had some serious body odor) with Frank Sinatra’s Moon … Continue reading →

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Overdosing on truffles in Marche

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 6 Comments

“Truffles – anyone who does not declare himself ready to leave Paradise or Hell for such a treat is not worthy to be born again.” - Maurice Goudeket, ‘Close to Colette’ (1955) Some people hate them, some people are so obsessed they pay 1,000′s of euros for them. Of course I am talking about truffles. While, I … Continue reading →

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Who needs meat! Vegetarian restaurants in Florence

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 12 Comments

Normally, you would never think of Italy as a place for vegetarians. This is a land known for bistecca, cured meats and all sorts of delicious goodness. That being said, the traditional Mediterranean diet is very vegetable based and healthy to boot. Personally, I tend to eat very little meat – just out of habit … Continue reading →

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Meet Mario, a Florentine Institution

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 20 Comments

“Please take a look at my business card, I find it the best way to meet ladies.” chuckles Mario as he cheekily slid a card across the table with the words ‘are you free’ and ‘I am single’ written among the typed details of his work. I had to give him a bit of credit, at … Continue reading →

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November events in Florence, Italy

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 16 Comments

Yep, we have finally arrived at the month of November when tourists start to dwindle and the air (might) just get a little chill to it. Actually I don’t want to say a word because this past week was so gorgeous in Florence, that I just want to pretend that the real winter won’t ever … Continue reading →

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Autumn flavors – Easy Minestrone recipe

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 10 Comments

Minestrone soup Minestrone in Italian literally means ‘big soup’ and is considered a true staple in the Mediterranean diet. The cuisine that is best well-known in this country are normally the ones with humble beginnings which is fabulous because I am pretty poor myself {take a look at average salaries in Italy} yet I like … Continue reading →

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Marvelous Marche part one

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 4 Comments

To be honest, if you asked me about the Italian region of Le Marche a few months ago, I would have likely sported a blank stare and admitted that I absolutely knew nothing of this area of il bel paese. And what a shame that was! While I am slowly but surely trying to visit … Continue reading →

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Do-it-yourself wine tour in Florence, Italy

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 22 Comments

Sometimes you just need to take the bull by the horns and make Florence your own personal tourist destination. With the recent news of my good friend Katie’s approval from the US embassy for her and husband to move to the states, a few of my friends decided to celebrate with a Saturday funday with … Continue reading →

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Angles of Anghiari

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 7 Comments

I’m slightly ticked at myself for taking so long to write about my adventures in beautiful Anghiari, in the province of Arezzo. I was there during my whirlwind in Sansepolcro for the Palio della Balestra earlier this month. This small town is best known for the date of June 29, 1440 when Filippo Maria Visconti {Duke of … Continue reading →

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Making friends in Florence, Italy

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 15 Comments

I often get asked ‘Where do you meet people’ in Florence, Italy?’ It’s a subject I have touched on before but I really thought it worthy of its own post. It is true that The Florentines as people have a reputation for being very closed and I really don’t have a ton of Florentine girlfriends, more acquaintances. Instead … Continue reading →

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Why you should visit Capo Caccia {Sardinia}

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 3 Comments

Let’s get lost in the mysterious Capo Caccia – a few kilometers north of Alghero with underground caves discovered in the 1700′s by local fisherman. The most famous cave being the Grotta di Nettuno or ‘Neptune’s Grotto’ which is only reachable by boat or by the treacherous 645 Escala del Cabirol {goat’s steps} staircase carved into the rocks … Continue reading →

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Town of Sansepolcro and the historical Palio della Balestra

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 4 Comments

This coming weekend I am joining a group of Italian bloggers and special guests {Ernesto de Matteis, Gian Luca Sgaggero, Milena Marchioni, Ramona Pizzano, Valentina Dainelli, Valentina Piccini } for a trip back into time to visit the ancient town of Sansepolcro in the province of Arezzo. Legend is that saints Arcano and Egidio returned from the Holy … Continue reading →

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September events in Florence, Italy

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 12 Comments

I absolutely love September in Florence. The weather gets a little cooler, the Florentines have returned to town and to work and there is a lively buzz around town. There are lots of events around town, cool art, Vogue’s Fashion night out, truffle sagra, harvest festivals and this girl wishes she could clone herself to … Continue reading →

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Golf resort in Tuscany – Castelfalfi paradise

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 12 Comments

This past weekend me and Frenchy went to the town of Castelfalfi located in Tuscany as part of a blogger event touring the 800 year old village. I was actually really excited to go since I read about this place in The Florentine a few years ago. Previously a ghost town, a German Travel company … Continue reading →

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How to dress in Florence, Italy

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 38 Comments

I love this photo. I like it so much that I bought it for myself, my dad and pretty much anyone who likes anything in black & white. The enigmatic appeal of the American girl in Italy. One has to look at a photo like this and say, wow – those Italians were so elegant. … Continue reading →

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Beware of these Italian words

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 30 Comments

When anyone learns a new language – its invariable that they will often make mistakes early on. Some are fairly innocent, after all Italian has a lot of false cognates {words that seem similar to English words but aren’t, like camera which in Italian means room.} A fun conversation I like to have with my Italian-is-a-second-lnaguage friends … Continue reading →

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Odd in Florence – what you won’t see in your guidebook

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 25 Comments

Living in Florence, Italy for as long as I have – I could easily provide you with amazing photos of my city every day of the week like the one below {and I often do}. Of course as fun as that is – what about showing you some of the other things I have spotted … Continue reading →

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Italy blogs I love

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 13 Comments

When I first came to Florence, Italy – long before I ever decided to start writing this blog, I used to absorb myself in different blogs based here as inspiration. While now I tend to read a variety of both Italian and English ones, at the end time my Italian wasn’t so great and I … Continue reading →

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February events in Florence, Italy

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Georgette Jupe • Leave a comment

I’m taking a break from obsessively gazing at pictures and video of our rising arno river with the rest of Italy to finally get cracking on my February events’ post. This month has surprised me with just how much cool things there are to do including classical music aperitivos, chocolate fair, karaoke night, free film … Continue reading →

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Chocolate cheesecake recipe by Jessica

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Georgette Jupe • 9 Comments

Some people choose the people they live with at random, but when I was looking for someone to share my little peice of heaven in the oltrarno, I asked a very important question – Do you like to cook. Not only did I get a yes, but a ‘I love to bake’ which is a skill … Continue reading →

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