Tuscan Traveler

Sunday, February 7, 2016

RAVENNA - ITALY'S CITY OF MOSAICS ( MOSAICI)
Please click on the pictures to appreciate the artwork of these beautiful tile designs

BASILICA di SAN VITALE - has among the most celebrated mosaics in the Western world

Ravenna is one of the most beguiling destinations in the region of Emilia Romagna. As the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and then the seat of the Byzantine governor of Italy ( 400 - 750 A.D ), Ravenna became one of the greatest cities on the Mediterranean. It is best known for the many exquisite mosaics created during that time. The finest in all Western art and the most splendid outside of Istanbul.

The huge mosaics are of intense greens and golds, lit up by the translucent panels.

These are a blend of Roman and Byzantine styles

MAUSOLEO di GALLA PLACIDIA - the cupola glitters with almost 600 tiny gold stars.

These mosaics are alive with grace and harmony of vivid hues of peacock blues, moss green and Roman gold.

PIAZZA POPOLO

DANTE'S TOMB

BASILICA di SANT' APPOLLINARE in CLASSE

All of the mosaics above date back in the 5th and 6th century

Sunday, January 24, 2016

IL MIO RETORNO IN ITALIA

BUON GIORNO,

I have returned to Italy for another 3 months vacation, leaving NY on New Years day, only to find Florence full of life while celebrating the holiday spirit. The decorations are glamorous, the people friendly, the food superb and the Italian fashions unsurpassed. AND, there are clothing sales now (YES !!)
Franco is my host in a boutique hotel just off of Via de Tournabuoni. There are only 4 rooms here. However, I have a living room, dining area, balcony, an espresso machine along with the use of a private kitchen. Must I remind you how wonderful the espresso, cappuccino, gelato and morning brioches are?
Franco is nice enough to point out the local eating spots which are inexpensive. Yet, the restaurants cook with the freshest ingredients, all to open up your tasted buds as never before.
I am looking forward to not only the artwork of Italy but also to experiencing the different tastes that each region of Italy has to offer. They each have their own specialties.

HOLIDAYS IN FLORENCE

IL DUOMO AT NIGHT

LA PIZZA NAPOLI STYLE

LA MIA CASA

SHOPPING FOR THE LADIES

MODENA

My first excursion was to a town named Modena. It is a small town which it is called the "The land of motors" Home to all of Italy's famed sports car manufacturers. Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Ducati are all manufactured in the surrounding areas. Modena also happens to be the home of Luciano Pavarotti. Here are samples of some of the cars on display. The black Ferrari just sold for $40 million !!!! Only 300 of them were made.
Ferrari only manufactures 7000 cars a year but will be increasing their production to 9000 and halt it there.

ORVIETO
This weekend I toured the town of Orvieto, which is know for its LIQUID GOLD. Several grapes are used for this which turns into one of Italy's greatest wines, a pale straw- colored white called simply Orvieto Classico. There were some wonderful sites here as well as regional dishes which I just happened to experiment. One of my favorite flavors comes from truffles. This region is known for their black truffles. TARTUFO NERO. Extremely tasty!!