Eight years ago, in my second season working as receptionist on Norcenni in Figline, we all got massively excited: the Giro would pass the campsite! We made banners and went to see the riders only to find out that there was a problem with the connection when they passed and no one saw us.

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In the 70s we spent four holidays in Greece with the family: two adults and three small children in a Daf 44 driving for five days to reach our destination… One of the highlights was always the stop in Austria, somewhere near Graz, where we would put up our tents and then go to our favourite Gasthof for a Wiener Schnitzel with chips and a glass of beer (they were the 70s after all).

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After writing the article about the green heart of Florence I decided to make one for Venice as well. Because also in Venice there are many hidden parks and gardens between the alleys and the buildings. In fact, when you look at Venice from above, you will see an amazing maze dotted with green parts.

It is said that to see some green in Venice, you have to keep your eyes up high. Because of the limited space, it used to be common practice to design your garden vertically and even today, you will see colourfull foliage above many walls.

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Just imagine that before the end of the fifteenth century we were all deprived of chilli peppers… Being a huge fan of spicy food, it is something I refuse to even think of! But for most parts of the world, this was actually the case.

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Ay ay, today is Friday the 13th… Stay well away from black cats, step ladders and mirrors, because you might get really unlucky! Throughout Western society we are told it’s a day of bad luck.

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Let’s continue our gastronomic itinerary through Italy with the region I have lived in for the past 9 years… The most important and surprising aspect is the bread, which is salt-less.

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No need to tell you Florence is famous around the world and given its scale you would think that there is not much of real interest that isn’t covered by the guides, or that you have missed when you visited. Well, you’re wrong. Today I will tell you about the largest private garden in Europe, and I’m almost certain you haven’t heard of it before!

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Usa Today has recently published their Top 10 most beautiful places in Italy, which strangely enough doesn’t include the strongest magnets in the country, Rome, Florence and Venice.

They seem to aim for places that are off the beaten track. Let’s have a look then, at what these best secret jewels are:

1. Caprera (Sardinia).
This island in the National Park of the Maddalena archipelago is protected by law against any sort of construction work. Caprera is famous for being the place where Garibaldi lived for over 20 years of the last part of his life, but also renowned for its immaculate coast and amazing sea. Hence the first place in this top 10. Read more »