…until now! Before moving to Italy in 2011, I’d been enjoying an Italian summer almost every year for about 10 years. I’ve lived the waves of tourist movements through the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and parts of Sicily. But after travelling extensively around these areas, I felt the need to continue exploring and wanted to beach with the locals. So Puglia and Sardegna and even Lazio started making my love
When I was recently invited to visit Lazio’s Ciociaria region, everyone I mentioned it to in Rome said one and the same thing: You’re going to love the food. This area is located in the region’s south-east, around an hours drive from Rome in the province of Frosinone. Featuring quaint towns, medieval villages, sprawling green hills, the borders of Ciociaria are still up for discussion by the locals. One thing
Going to a fraschetta-type restaurant in Rome is always entertaining. Going to a fraschetta in Rome on the night that Roma wins the derby (against Lazio). Well that’s another story! A fraschetta is the name given to the casual style places historically found in the Castelli Romani (the Roman countryside where towns like Frascati, Albano, Ariccia and Grottaferrata sit) and where you’d go to eat porchetta and drink wine in
This weekend Because We Can Can-Can debuts in Gaeta – a small coastal Lazio town which has become my home away from home (and Rome!). The amateur musical production is set to premiere today at the town’s Ariston Theatre ahead of opening night on Monday 16 March. I met the organisers, Sopra Le Righe through special friends of mine and they have taken a very special place in my heart.
My answer to the question, ‘What is Italy’s best kept secret?’, changes kind of often. Yes, I’m fortunate enough to know Italy quite well and have traveled extensively across the country over the past 15 years. I’ve seen many a beach, mountain, lake, UNESCO heritage site, church, monument and island. But then came, Ponza. One of the Pontine Islands, Ponza is located off the Lazio coast, just a 1-1.5 hour
I use olive oil or consume it just about every day. In fact, I’m sure most of you do. But after my recent Italy Food Roots tour I will never think about it in the same way. Last weekend I attended their Olive Oil Grove & Mill Tour in north east Lazio. Founded by friends Louise and Adam earlier this year, the aim of the initiative is to promote the
Today is my last day in Rome for 2012 and I must say, leaving this city never gets easier for me. But I am so excited to be going home for Christmas and to become an aunt for the first time! In times of travel, change or departure you look back and reflect. And doing so on the last year in Rome, I can really only smile. Of course there
Last weekend I finally made the trek down to Gaeta. This most beautiful seaside resort is in the Lazio province of Latina and is situated 120km south of Rome and only 80km north of Naples. My friend who lives in Rome is from the town and for months – almost a year even – we have been planning this weekend away and it finally happened! And with perfect timing. Rome
Through living in Rome, blogging and social media, I’ve met so many wonderful and interesting people. And some real authorities on the city who I turn to when I’m searching for that perfect restaurant, event or when I’m in need of some Roman inspiration. I get asked all the time for city tips so I thought I’d be ever so kind to share them with you… for fun or to
Last night I ate at a picnic table indoors. I sat on a long wooden bench stool. Had cold meats and porchetta served to me on brown paper. There was no menu. I drank wine and water out of the same glass and food was eaten on a paper plate. Then waiters and customers broke out into Roman folk songs. The food was fantastic and I could have just about
