Many travelers zip through Naples on their way to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, or think of it as just a point of arrival or departure for exploring the area. But that means you're missing a remarkable place, full of history and energy and an Italian allure all its own. I could get lost in the ...
Book Review | InterRail by Alessandro Gallenzi
There is something inspiring in a train station. The coming, the going, the energy of the crowds or the sadness of an empty platform - everything adds to the air of possibility and adventure. And freedom, of course. It's all three of these that entice Francesco, a university student living outside ...
We are who came before us.
Today is All Souls Day in Italy, a day traditionally spent with family and visiting the cemetery to leave flowers and prayers for your family and friends. As a dear friend of mine recently said, "We are who came before us." Wise words in their simplicity. My thoughts today are with my family and ...
2011 Regatta in Venice Annulled
I wish it was with happier news that I was writing this morning about the results of the 56th Regata Storica delle Reppubliche Marinare that took place in Venice yesterday. No, I'm not sad that Amalfi didn't win, or came in a close second like they did in 2009 and 2010. I'm disappointed to have to ...
Eat your way through Calabria
Many of the regular readers of Ciao Amalfi will remember my friend Cherrye Moore from My Bella Vita who has contributed many guest posts about the beautiful beaches of Calabria - the region in southern Italy she calls home. If you follow her blog, you already know about Cherrye's passion for sharing ...
Know your pasta!
What kind of pasta is on your plate? by Charming Italy Earlier this week, CharmingItaly.com shared a fun infographic chart to help you learn about the 100s of different types of pasta shapes in Italy. It's really charming, and made me laugh quite a few times as I worked my way through it! This is ...
Tempting Tuesday: Church of Santa Trinita in Florence
Anyone who knows me knows that I can't walk past a church here in Italy without stopping. And if it's open, I just have to pop my head inside. In big cities and small towns alike, so many of Italy's artistic treasures tucked away inside churches. Even if you're not usually one to stop at religious ...
Cookbook Review: My Calabria by Rosetta Costantino
It is my pleasure this week to welcome fellow southern Italy expat blogger Cherrye Moore to share about a new cookbook. Cherrye writes often at her blog My Bella Vita about the beautiful region of Calabria where she lives, and this week she is here to tell us about a new cookbook called My Calabria: ...
Tempting Tuesday: Falling in Love with Florence
This week Cecil Lee, travel photographer extraordinaire, is back to tell us about Florence, another spot in Italy he fell in love with during his travels earlier this year. And since I just visited there for the first time this past spring, I know what it's like to fall in love with the beauty of ...
Photo Friday: Early Morning in Florence
Last week I was invited by Katie Greenaway over at Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino to write about one of my favorite photos. I chose this one from my trip to Florence last May, because it reminds me of the beautiful moments I spent watching the city come to life each morning. If you're looking for ...
Tempting Tuesday: In Love with Venice by Cecil Lee
While Venice might not be geographically all that close to the Amalfi Coast, it is a place very close to my heart. The first time I traveled to Italy, I visited Venice and only Venice (with a little jaunt to see the Museo Ferrari in Maranello), and it was a memorable trip. For this week’s Tempting ...
Favorite Italian Films: L’Ultimo Bacio
I’m happy so many readers enjoyed the first installment in my Favorite Italian Films series last week with Lisa Fantino’s review of Under the Tuscan Sun. That’s one of my favorites! This week Katie Greenaway from Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino is here to tell us about one of her favorite films in ...