Tag: Italy

The Book to Bring to Positano, Italy

An image of the cover of the novel One Italian Summer

Looking for a book full of charms, a story with a bit of romance and a dose of magical realism, a novel with a setting most desirable—Positano, Italy—and characters in a healthful range of ages? Then pick up One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle.

Where to Eat in Milan

Coconut cake at Biffi in MIlan. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

With So Many Restaurants in Milan, Italy, How Do You Choose? Headed to Milan seemingly just minutes after making all sorts of fastidious New Year’s resolutions, I vow to put denial aside during my adventure and eat in Milan with…

Tips for Visiting Saint Mark’s Basilica

The Bashful Adventurer in Venice: The four horses at upstairs at Saint Mark's Basilica. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini.

The Basilica di San Marco Is the Crown Jewel of Venice—and Everyone Knows It   It is possible to travel to Venice without visiting Saint Mark’s Basilica—those crowds! the wait!—but why would you want to skip it (except for those…

That Castle in Naples

The castle in Naples, Italy, pictured here in 1989, seems to be more of a fortress. Photo credit: L. Tripoli.

The Massive Castel Nuovo in Napoli, Italy Endures and Impresses   Heading south from Rome 29 years ago, my first stop is Naples where I cannot help but notice a certain domineering building on the waterfront: the Castel Nuovo, which…

Appreciating the Riace Warriors

Reminiscing about my first trip to Italy, I think about my brief, hot stay in Reggio di Calabria one August. I am making my way by train from Sicily back up to Rome to meet a friend, but I have…

Destinations Worth a Second Look

Looking out at the world from Machu Picchu, Peru Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

Deciding on Places to Visit in the Coming Year ’Tis the season for reflection. Here are some destinations worth considering in the coming year—along with some different ways to contemplate them. United States: Where We Should All Be on July…

Spooning in Florence

An art installation called "I Eat Earth" by Simone D'Auria at the Lungarno Collection’s Gallery Hotel Art in Florence. Photo credit: M. Ciavardini

Discovering Contemporary Art in a City of Masterpieces Taking the scenic route from the Ponte Vecchio back to the Soggiorno Battistero in Florence, the Brawny Sherpa and I become a little lost. Wandering a bit aimlessly, we try to work…