One Week ’til Blastoff
One week from today, at this time, I will have schlepped my bags by taxi and train to Milano Malpensa airport; checked in, with machine gun carrying guards in the mezzanine above me; gone through...
Goodbye Mary
It would have been impossible to leave Milano without saying "goodbye" to Mary. Our first meeting is a story in itself, finally happening last March after much anticipation. We've seen each other a...
My Raw Meat Salad
I'm going to miss my Insalata di Bresaola, my salad of dried, cured (raw) beef. Boo hoo. They can't bring bresaola into the U.S. from Europe because of the mad cow disease X years ago… But a nice...
Hot Like a Sauna
It's been toasty-o here in Milano lately, with temperatures in the high 80s to high 90s, and humid. When I walk out of my apartment, it's like walking into a sauna! I'm grateful to have air...
Carlotta Café – Milano
Octopus as tender as a dream, served warm and simply, with potatoes, olives and olive oil. Fish and pasta prepared and presented with an expert hand. Warm-hearted hosts, all family, welcome their...
Another History Lesson
My "History Buff on Wheels", Angelo, went rolling past me along the canal this morning. In a cycling daze and not recognizing him, I nodded and said the usual "ciao" as one cyclist to another. Mere...
Hanging “58”
"What's the 58 for?" "You don't know? It's all over the internet. It's supposed to repel flies. Two weeks ago I had flies all over the place before I hung that up. Now I just have a couple of flies....
Full But Not Scholarly
This is not a scholarly blog with a foundation in formal Art or European History. I'm the first to admit my ignorance in those realms. And on the web, one can find formal information and imagery on...
Fish Snob That I Am
I have caught and cooked a LOT of fish in my life and I cook it well enough that I'm a snob about eating fish at a restaurant. My friends know this about me. I've sent fish back to the kitchen when...
Minnie & Michelangelo at the Castle
The little girl was unrestrained and so pleased with herself. She and I both saw the humor of her Minnie Mouse joining Michelangelo's unfinished Rondanini Pietá. As I think about it further, I...
Jackrabbits Like the Morning
Since it's been so toasty here lately, I took my bike ride in the morning today, heading out from the house just after 8:00. When I got to the field that had been full of rapeseed and red poppies a...
Megan’s Leaving!
Megan and I met while struggling through Italian classes together in the winter. We had come here for different reasons, but found ourselves learning what we could together to communicate… and a...