In the Oltre Arno villages, there is a rotating market –on Saturday the market is held in San Giovanni, one town south of Figline. Despite the blowing rain, Elettra and I head out (with Zampa of course) early this morning. Years ago I was introduced to the cheese man, who some claim has a […]
italian culture
The Mega Hardware Store, all-you-can-eat sushi and more
When Anna asked me to accompany her to OBI, the mega hardware store, I couldn’t say no. We both hate going to these kinds of emporiums alone and over the years we have supported each other on trips to stores like IKEA and helped each other through the experience. Anna’s daughter Lise and […]
Sunday In Florence
Today I had a private tour of the Palantine Gallery at the Palazzo Pitti, courtesy of Anna. The rooms are chock full of art, with frescoed and sculptured ceilings. I could have stayed in one room for hours! Anna was able to show me the most important , as well as her favorite pieces, […]
On the Andrea del Sarto Trail
Anna took me to three sites, rarely frequented by tourists, to discover the work of Andrea del Sarto. He was a High Renaissance and Early Mannerism painter whose work was eclipsed by Leonardo and Michelangelo. First we visited the Chiostro dello Scalzo where there is a series of gray on gray frescos, (style is […]
Visit to Poggio a Caiano
Because I am staying with Anna, who is an official Italian tourist guide, I am able to see some wonderful places that are off the beaten path and tourists rarely get to appreciate. This morning she took me to the first Medici Villa near Prato, named Poggio a Caiano. We were the only people there. […]