When We Look Deeper
Usually, it’s far too easy staying in familiar grooves of seeing and experiencing. My mom, who was a brilliant art teacher and mentor, both at [...]
Valloria, The Stunning Village of Painted Doors
Prepare to be blown away by this "open-air museum." That's how many people refer to the tiny village of Valloria, Liguria. And what's crazy [...]
When you’re ready to throw in the towel…
There’s been a lot of that sentiment going around. Especially after two torturous years of uncertainty. I, for one, have felt like I’ve been [...]
My Up-Close Experience with Making Farinata di Ceci
Farinata di Ceci is a revered culinary treasure in Liguria. This savory dish is made from a batter of chickpea flour, water, and olive [...]
Stopping to Reflect—A New Watercolor!
I've been missing my brushes and paints. That's why I squeezed in some time (two days to be exact) to unpack my watercolors and [...]
Italy Gets Serious with the Super Green Pass
Italy’s vigilance has been paying off. It certainly seems that way when one looks at what is happening elsewhere in Europe. Our numbers, while [...]
The Tao of Italy
The Tao of Italy will teach you the art of “wu wei” or “effortless action.” It can be a hard lesson. Old habits die [...]
Enjoying the Bounty of Imperia’s Annual Olive Festival
Ligurian olive oil is considered to be amongst Italy's best. So, I can understand why Imperia's Annual Olive Festival is such an important event. [...]
The Italian Driver’s Manual – Definitely NOT Light Reading.
La patente di guida requires dedication to these resources: Your faithful companions on your journey earning your license are the Italian driver's manual and the [...]
When Castagne and Bocce Come Together.
A sizable bocce tournament was the perfect event for the pairing. Just last Sunday, I tucked my long legs under my chin and jammed [...]
The Danger of Italian Fantasies and Stereotypes
Not once have I regretted my decision to make Italy my home. Was I motivated to move here by Italian fantasies? Somewhat. Did I have [...]
Step Behind My Lens and Experience Life in Italy
Images speak so much louder than words. I've written volumes about my life in Italy. But taking you behind my eyes might just give you [...]
If You’re Accused of Having “Le Braccia Corte” (Short arms)…
Then people are implying that you're stingy. Maybe "le braccia corte" is being used in jest when it's your turn to buy the next [...]
Bocce Ball, Yummy Wood-Fired Pizza, and Generous Italian Friends
Oh, what an afternoon and evening it was! I'm still thinking about it, treasuring this experience of playing bocce ball and eating homemade, wood-fired [...]
How to Say “Take It or Leave It” in Italian
Italian idiomatic expressions are usually a far cry from their English equivalents. And how to express "Take it or leave it" in Italian is [...]
Life Goes on in Italy
I'm a lover of reportage, or documentary photography."Life Goes on in Italy, doesn't it?" I recently thought while having my morning coffee in the city [...]
Italy Implements the Green Pass
Today I saw the Green Pass checks in action.For those of you who don’t know, the EU Green Pass is a document showing that an [...]
EVERYTHING Grows in Italy’s Riviera dei Fiori
It's a well-earned named.Flowers, fruits, and vegetables grow like gangbusters in this westernmost stretch of the Ligurian coast called the Riviera dei Fiori. Now, I [...]