Sandwiches for breakfast {Testaccio}

When I first moved to Rome, I was not charmed by the neighborhood markets.  After my years in Zimbabwe, with the currency volatility, the shortages and general difficulties getting the most basic of food items, I just wanted to go to the supermarket. Where the price was fixed, the shelves stocked and the whole experience was reliably predictable.   

Gardens and Prosecco {Rome}

In mid-September Rome starts to come back to life after the heat and quiet of August. For expats this means a flurry of cocktail parties and coffees with the various clubs, Associations and Academies to welcome new arrivals and welcome back longtime residents. 

In Real Life {+Wine}

I remember very clearly the first time I heard about twitter. It was a story on NPR and I thought it was the most ridiculous idea I had ever heard. Why on earth would I broadcast to the world what I was doing/thinking/eating? Who on earth would read it? 

How things change.

Fast forward to 2012 and I have to admit, Twitter has changed my life. I have made friends, changed neighborhoods, found paying work, gone on vacation. All because of Twitter.

Summer's End {Tree Bar +Rome}

Summer came to kind of an abrupt end this year.   There was a burst of thunder and then came the rain and gray skies, ending months of relentless heat overnight.  Of course the sun came back and Rome is now at her early Autumn loveliest, but the first cool, gray days were much appreciated.

{Capri} with Teenagers

Capri is my go-to spot for a summer celebration. Our wedding anniversary
and Dear Husbands birthday are both in high summer. With Capri and Positano both so close to Rome, I find it difficult to go anywhere else. 

This year  The Teenager  joined us for one last summer getaway from the late August, searing heat in Rome. 

A Detour {Ravello}

There have been terrible fires on the Amalfi Coast this summer. I hear it happens every year. It was terrible to smell the smoke and step in ash and watch the helicopters and planes go back and forth from the sea to mountain. For five days.

{Orvieto Quick Picks} - Sweet and Salty

During our recent escape from the Roman heat wave to the Villa Torre Alfina, we ventured over to nearby Orvieto to drop in on friends Steve and Linda (with the fabulous addition of Shelley) 

Here are a few my top picks in this pretty Umbrian town.