Tales from Italy
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Natale (Christmas) in Italy
The Christmas season in Italy is a month of celebrations, feasts and treasured traditions. Food features prominently (of course) and gathering with family and friends. But why do Italians wear red underwear on New Year's Eve? -
The legend of the ceramic Rooster jug
Why has the rooster featured in majolica designs through the centuries in Italy? Its origin can be traced back to one legendary event, way back in the fifteenth century. -
Wine - the heart and soul of Italy
Italy and wine are synonymous. In 2023, it was the world's second largest wine producer and the largest exporter. -
Dramatic Lake Como
When we tell people we’ve been to Lake Como, there are nearly always two responses: "Oh, isn't it beautiful?" and "Did you see George Clooney?" A... -
Flag throwing in Gubbio
Special occasions in Italy are often marked with street parades featuring flag throwers, drummers and colourful costumes. We have been fortunate to... -
Clare of Assisi
Saint Clare of Assisi was the most famous of Saint Francis' proteges. Turning her back on a life of luxury as the daughter of a wealthy family, Clare chose poverty and devotion to God. The tiny chapel and convent of San Damiano became the centre of Clare's new religious order, which was known in her lifetime as the "Order of Poor Ladies of San Damiano". The town of Assisi still pays homage to Clare's life of devotion and acts of charity. -
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans in the 13th century. Francis was inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty as a beggar and itinerant preacher, and there are hundreds of works of art honouring this extraordinary man in and around Assisi. -
Markets are both an Italian institution and tradition
Italian markets are lively places where you can see a cross-section of Italian society and learn more about the local customs and etiquette than visiting endless tourist landmarks and museums. -
Eremo delle Carceri: a 'thin' place
Above the bustle and crowds of Assisi is a sanctuary called Eremo della Carceri, or The Hermitage. 800 years ago, Saint Francis of Assisi would often come to this place to pray and contemplate. It is still a special place of tranquility and beauty, somewhere to be still and just be. -
Magical Cinque Terre
Italy's Cinque Terre ('five towns') is a string of five old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera in the region Liguria. Marg and Jan spent a delightful four days exploring the sights, sounds and flavours of this famous area.
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Welcome to Umbria: Where Adventure awaits!
Narrowly avoiding slipping off the dirt track up to our house in Umbria, there was more excitement waiting for us when we finally made it home. -
Grocery shopping in Umbria
One of the many things we enjoy about staying in ‘our’ house in Umbria is grocery shopping. Discovering which supermarkets have the best salami, yummiest bread, freshest fruit and vegetables and most delicious pastries is fun. But buying from the farmer's markets in the small towns and villages is best of all.
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