Taking Goethe’s Favorite Ancient Bridge SPOLETO in Umbria Italy was one of our favorite places to visit on weekend trips when we lived in Napoli. Only a three-hour drive north from Rome, this medieval split-level city (though I like to call it a town, limiting it only to its historical Read more…
Why Is It So Dangerous? VESUVIUS is considered one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. You may know its infamy: the destroyer of Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago. But did you know Vesuvius is one of the world’s easiest volcanoes to climb? If you visit Naples, Italy, you can’t miss Read more…
Neapolitans’ Pride CAFFÉ GAMBRINUS is Napoli’s historical café. Neapolitans are proud to tell you that Napoli serves the best coffee in the world. After all they’ve invented “café espresso” (their claim). But when I ask–“Where in Napoli can I have best of the best served?”—they can never agree. When Oscar Read more…
An Intriguing Possibility in Rome LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. He’s world famous. His real name is Thomas Edward Lawrence. He was a British military officer who had embedded himself in the Great Arab Revolt in 1916. He wrote a book about his experience, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The book inspired Read more…
Spoleto’s Sacred Mountain UMBRIA, Italy, was my favorite province to visit on weekend trips when I lived in Napoli. When you approach Spoleto by car, you’ll see rising above the medieval town a sacred mountain called Monteluco. Long ago, Saint Francis of Assisi came here to meditate for peace. On the Read more…
An Unusual Place in Rome, Italy ANGEL OF GRIEF is a love story. I visit the Rome Protestant Cemetery when I need a break from the high tempo of the bustling Eternal City. Everyone needs a quiet place to unwind. For me, this is the place of solace. The place Read more…