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July 26, 2009
Today I learned an interesting coffee tidbit from a couple of Italian friends and coffee connoisseurs; the best coffee in Italy, can often be found in the rest stops on the highway (Autogrill). In fact, some Autogrill/rest stop restaurants apparently even make it into Italian Guide Books! Continue Reading »
Posted in Italy tips & suggestions, Travel | 3 Comments »
July 18, 2009
To get around the Ligurian Riviera without a car (Camoli, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita, Finale Ligure, Varigotti, La Spezia, Portofino – you need to take a boat or bus from Santa Margherita) from Genoa on public transportation one may take the increasingly infamous Trenitalia. Continue Reading »
Posted in Italy tips & suggestions | 1 Comment »
July 12, 2009
July in Genoa and things are heating up. It is time to find ways to get out of the heat. Temperatures in the sun often surpass 90°F, even with low humidity, it is HOT.
One the best places to be is on my 100m² terrace, enjoying my panoramic view of the city and port. Continue Reading »
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July 2, 2009
If you’re yearning for a summer getaway, it’s not too late to make the most of the warm weather! We are currently offering 25% off ANY STAY at our fabulous Tuscany villas, Haybarn, Poggio and Capriolo. In the heart of one of Italy’s most popular and historic destinations, enjoy your private pool set among rolling hills in between excursions to the markets and towns nearby, deliciously drawn-out meals and, of course, siesta!
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June 20, 2009
Focaccia in Genoa is a mouthwatering mix of chewy, salty and olive oily. At its best it is crunchy on the edges and soft and warm in the middle. The Genovese wholeheartedly consume Focaccia all day long, but they especially devour it at breakfast. Initially I was skeptical at this seemingly odd combination of sweet and salty, but I was quickly converted. There is something magical about the combination of focaccia and cappuccino. I should know, I have nicely accustomed myself to the mix – every morning.
Posted in Italy tips & suggestions, Travel | 4 Comments »
June 17, 2009
Have you ever noticed that when the Italians hang their laundry out to dry, they hang it all out? Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I am particularly prudish (al contrario), but I have to admit I am intrigued. I am not sure I how keen I am to have my neighbors, not to mention the neighborhood, sharing intimate knowledge of my bras and underwear.
When asked, my Italian friends see nothing strange about the hanging or the viewing. Hmmm, it is me?
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Posted in Italy tips & suggestions, Travel | 2 Comments »
June 15, 2009
Genoa, June 2009: The search for the perfect cappuccino is on. It’s hard to go wrong when drinking any sort of coffee in Italy, but the smiling cappuccino from the Cafe in Piazza delle Vigne, although good, but not the greatest, takes the award for most adorable. Continue Reading »
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June 10, 2009
So, what do I do here friends want to know? This is my third trip to Genoa, and I still have not been to the Aquarium, to the famous museums that dot the city, or even to see the house where Christopher Colombus supposedly lived. I have thoroughly walked on the winding passageways (caruggi), in and around Genoa’s old medieval center (said to be the largest medieval center in Europe).
I have criss-crossed my neighborhood Castelletto, and I have made it my mission to find the best gelateria, the best focacceria, the best cappuccino,
Posted in Italy tips & suggestions, Travel | 1 Comment »
June 8, 2009
Photo: Erica Berman -The path that leads to homeIn Genova, finally, until July 17! My third trip. Inquiring friends want to know why I chose Genova. No-one has ever heard if it. They think it is Geneva, and that I am in Switzerland. The story is quite simple. In the fall of 2007 I needed a flat with high speed Internet in order to participate in an Intensive Italian language class and learn Italian, finally. Not wanting to be in the tourist mecca’s of Florence, Venice or Rome, it was proving difficult to impossible to find a flat that was both nice and had Internet (sounds implausible, but it is true). Finally, I came across a penthouse flat with terrace in Genova that seemed beautiful, and had Internet. Although I knew next to nothing about Genova aside from the fact that it was not touristy with the anglo community, that it was a port not far from Portofino and Cinque Terre, that it was home to the best pesto in Italy, that the ferry leaves from there to go to Sardinia, and that Chistopher Colombus was born there, I decided to check it out.
Part of the door to my friend Maria’s houseThe irony, and beauty of the whole affair is that in my wonderful penthouse apartment, despite the efforts of numerous Italians, the Internet just would not work with my Mac.
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June 4, 2009
May 20, 2009 Day 5
Setti Archi – Lunch at a seafood restaurant in the nearby marina, Bocca di Magra. Discovered this gem last year and were delighted to return to the wonderful seafood and service in this family run hotel and restaurant . Their tasting menu of 5 different seafood dishes is amazing (see photos). A short hot hike into the hills behind the Marina took us to a small rocky cliff and beach where we read for a while and headed home.
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