When I was a student in 2005, the ‘other side of the river’ or ‘oltrarno’ to the locals was considered a scary place for us young Americani. All I knew about Piazza Santo Spirito was that drug addicts liked to hang out on the steps and that beyond the Ponte Vecchio bridge lay a very … Continue reading »
Lets be honest for a moment here, no matter what anyone says, to put it quite simply January can kinda suck. I say that with the nicest of intentions but really after the initial “The new year just started! how awesome!” not much time passes until you hit mid-month and reality sets in, normally at the same … Continue reading »
For those of us who are expats or immigrants in Italy one bone of contention is the price of a gym membership. In Florence, there are a variety of options for those who live both in and out of the center but one fact is clear. If even slightly semi-clean, not filled with sweaty guys … Continue reading »
I am always on the lookout for a cool new bar in Florence or even an older one that I forget is a real find. Surf Ventura just happens to be one of those situations where I stupidly forgot this gem of a place existed. Maybe it’s the hidden location on a side street near … Continue reading »
Italy is known for their coffee. No one would ever dare dispute the fact that Italians just… do it better. What is missing at times however, is a comfortable spot for a tea, coffee and a chat with a good friends or for moms with strollers near the center. I have compiled a list of … Continue reading »
October has snuck up on us yet again and it’s shaping up to be another fun-filled month of events that I am very much looking forward to. I complain sometimes about how fast time seems to be flying – but let’s get real for a moment. It’s flying by because there are so much to … Continue reading »
Our last day of adventures in the Basque led us to San Sebastian or Donostia (in Basque language) which is located near the Bay of Biscay and near the French border – with three famous beaches Concha, Ondaretta, and Zurriola. We decided to park our car in Hendaye and take the Euska train to San Sebastian since we … Continue reading »
Interpret what you may from the above photo but quite frankly, I couldn’t agree more. Aside from the double innuendos - Chianti Classico held their 42nd annual wine festival expo in Greve in Chianti this past weekend and we hopped in our car on Saturday to try a few wines (ok maybe a lot) and see … Continue reading »
As I sit upon my used Ektorp Ikea couch while one sad half-broken fan is struggling to keep me cool while I type, I implore you and myself to remember that August isn’t so bad. We had the Olympics to go crazy about – in fact I just discovered this week the hilarious/bewildering sport … Continue reading »
Italy’s annual summer sales have been going on since early July and yet I am only finding time now to write about it. We only get about two huge sales a year in the boot and people are all over them as if an apocalyptic fashion-disaster was impending. No really. So far I have been pretty … Continue reading »
