My Weekend: Prosecco, Snails and Card Games

This weekend, the house at Mandrione was positively sparkling with various and sundry members of the Gay Mafia in from the far-flung corners of Europe… and snails.

Read Full Post »

Walk With Me to the Bar at the End of the World

Almost every day, I walk down the best street in the whole wide world to pick up some cigs and/or a tramezzino, which is a triangle-cut white bread sandwich half with no crusts filled with a slice of prosciutto and formaggio, or artichoke and hot dog, or salami and hard boiled egg, or mushroom and [...]

Read Full Post »

Picture Post: The Windows of Viterbo

I recently visited Viterbo as the guest of our friend Marica for a marathon lunch and a lovely walk about town. When I looked at the pictures I had taken, I realized I had apparently become transfixed by… windows. Boh? But with windows like these – can you blame me?

Read Full Post »

Scathing Movie Review: Under the Tuscan Sun

Marco and I just watched Under the Tuscan Sun. It had wonderful cinematography. The house, Diane Lane and Raoul Bova were beautiful. Now. Please pay attention. If you A) loved this movie, and/or B) think I’m swell, and/or C) you think this film has a plot for which I might give away spoilers I am [...]

Read Full Post »

Pictures: Neighborhood Religious Icon Niches in Rome

You see these all over Rome, but these are some of my favorites that I see almost every day while I’m traipsing around my neighborhood. This one is carved into the aqueduct.

Read Full Post »

Pictures From The Wisteria Lanes of Rome

I called these “Easter flowers” for years because of when they are in full bloom, but Leo has informed me they are wisteria. Without further ado, some stunning pictures from my Easter passeggiata in Rome.

Read Full Post »

The Unbearable Lightness Of Being In Rome

I’ve been trying for four days to describe what I did Easter Sunday. It’s really annoying, because I want to write well; but I can’t find the words that put you there with me. So, I’m just going to go ahead and talk about it anyway, and if it sucks, I’ve got pictures coming later [...]

Read Full Post »

Travel & Technology: How Times Have Changed

My mother has discovered video calls on Skype, which has made me a frequent guest at various family gatherings recently. It’s been amazing, seeing everyone and talking and laughing with them. We’ve joked how years from now, we won’t be able to remember how I was able to attend all these events while obviously living [...]

Read Full Post »

Of Tectonic and Other Priceless Plates

I had lunch this weekend with Leo, Vincenzo and Hasan, a Pakistani student here in Rome whose parents are friends with Leo from his Pakistan years. We took the poor kid to Frascati, home of pork and wine; being Muslim, I’d say he was less than thrilled, but Leo and Vincenzo prepared a delightful meal [...]

Read Full Post »