It Began Here
Thoughts on how I fell in love with Florence and how the city changed my life - of course it began with a painting by Leonardo
The Oltrarno, Forence
The Oltrarno, or ’other side of the Arno’, is a place of winding streets and artisan shops, cafes, street markets, workshops, small piazzas and quiet spots - little has changed since medieval times.
Some Non-Touristy Ideas For Rome
Some things a little different to do in Rome, away from those places often thronged with tourists.
A Day Sailing the Cinque Terre
Memories of a day spent sailing (and swimming and eating) along Italy’s Cinque Terre.
Beneath the Duomo, Florence
Beneath Florence’s Duomo lies an archeological treasure trove: remnants from the old Roman town Florentia, an early 4th C Christian Church, Santa Reparata. This was later rebuilt as the Cathedral Santa Reparata, only to be demolished in 1379 for the new Duomo.