Food at Roma Termini Has Gone from Dismal to Gourmet
Used to be that I wanted to avoid Rome's central train station like the plague. Well, the massive throngs of people and having to constantly [...]
How Italians Describe Someone Who is Crafty.
This one will come in handy. If you plan on living in Italy or spending a lot of time here you'll inevitably be transacting business. [...]
Italian Coffee Protocol – Know the Ropes!
It’s the little things that make the difference. Especially in regards to the coffee culture in Italy. Once you’ve spent ample time here you’ll understand [...]
Announcing Italian Snippets – Designed to Take You Deeper into the Italian Way
Leave it to the Italians to give colorful dimension to saying “What a mess!” This topic is featured in the first of what I hope [...]
An Unforgettable Tasting of Artisanal Organic Cheeses from Abruzzo.
This ranks as one of the best experiences of my life. I know, it’s a lofty claim. But, on a sunny October afternoon, I found [...]
EIGHT Tips for Dealing with a Car Accident in Italy
If only all my topics could be fun… And if only a car accident in Italy wouldn’t happen to you. It did to me. I’d [...]
Pardon My Mess…I’m Building Something New
Making Something New… © Jed Smith With change comes a few bumps and a bit of mess… Just a month ago I embarked on a [...]
The Enigmatic Faces of Carnevale
Carnevale, a centuries-old Venice festival invites “shadow play.” And, soon it will be upon us again for 2019. It begins just [...]
Feeling Overwhelmed? Finding a path to sanity…
Venice’s Acqua Alta is a great visual metaphor for me when I’m starting to drown in worry. Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. I have [...]
Sweeping Out What Weighs You Down.
361 © Jed Smith, Watercolor The problem is, most of what weighs us down is hidden from our conscious minds. That’s what I’ve realized recently, with [...]
Our Olive Harvest in Umbria Yields Gold!
What a glorious experience from start to finish! When I’d taken a closer look at our trees back in late summer, I knew this year’s [...]
A Silver Teaspoon Says “Live Now!”
Funny how a simple thing can expose a lifetime of conditioning. And, in this case, it was a silver teaspoon that somehow had escaped from [...]
Italian Holiday Greetings are Easy but Come with a Few Warnings!
Have no fear! Italian holiday greetings aren’t difficult. In fact, you can probably nail them all within a mere thirty minute’s practice. Then you need [...]
Prosecco vs Champagne in International Competition
This is the story of a Prosecco that took on Champagne and other sparkling wines and prevailed! Don’t get me wrong, I love champagne. Veuve [...]
La Transumanza – Take the Shepherd’s Journey
It’s an Abruzzo practice that is thousands of years old. La Transumanza, which literally means “crossing the land” is a twice-yearly practice of Abruzzo shepherds [...]
Meet Our Italian Cat Family
Consider this a birth announcement of sorts. Yes, our Italian cat family has grown from two to three with the addition of little Olivia! And [...]
Now You Can Adopt a Sheep
Yes, you can adopt a sheep in Italy, even if you’re halfway across the world. And by doing so, you [...]
Reflecting on Life as Night Falls in Venice
Life and beauty aren’t always found in brilliant light. Maybe this is a brief, passing phase, but I’m finding myself increasingly fascinated with the “darker [...]