Pondering Lines
Today, I walked into a very dark room, let my eyes adjust, and then marveled at 22 pages from Leonardo da Vinci's "Codex Atlanticus". His original drawings. I saw his mind working. Observed his...
A Wee Bit o’ Irish Italy
One thing that I brought back with me from my time in Ireland this year was enjoyment of traditional Irish Soda Bread! Here in Italy I've been on a constant lookout for dense, moist, flavorful bread...
Have Tools, Will Travel
Always pack along tools when moving to another country! Point One: This is the land of calcium deposits from the water. After boiling water just once in my stainless steel pan, the bottom and sides...
Minstrel for Money
Again! I got on the subway. Seated myself. The doors closed, and "Twang!" As soon as the train pulled away from the station, the guy started playing a random riff on his guitar and projected it...
Wet Feet in Milano
I'm smiling, amused. I just walked home in the pouring rain. Gym bag and groceries hanging heavy from my shoulder. My black-and-white polka dot umbrella amidst the sea of umbrellas. This was no...
Fly to Venice for Cheap!
I just received this notice of cheap tickets to Venice, Milan, Florence (and other European cities) on Lufthansa. Now's your chance!
Bluebird of Happiness
A wall along the canal features this singing bluebird and it makes me smile every time. Whether intended or not, it feels "sunny" to me and perks me up. My Grandma would have liked it. Her favorite...
A Lesson from Angel
Many years ago a Mexican man named Angel worked for us in the orchard. He lived up the valley on the land of a neighboring orchardist, in one of the one-room, plywood-sheathed homes available. In...
Prime View Apartment
Imagine having the apartment seen here and looking out your window every day to the mosaic of the three saints on the Basilica of San Simpliciano. (And San Alessandro at the right is looking...
Rossignoli
This sign stopped me. I grew up hearing the name "Rossignol" in connection with skiis. Here was a cool old bike shop and it had cool old-style bikes inside, plus some swanky, new ones. But no skiis....
Let There Be Light
Knowing absolutely that I need LIGHT coming into my eyes and surrounding me, especially where I'm working, I've been adjusting my apartment ever since I got here. My first attempt was to abandon the...
Out for a Grocery Stroll
After a little afternoon nap, I booted myself out the door for a stroll. It was just after 3:00, the quiet time of the day in the city. A mostly gray sky with a little chill in the air. Nice to head...