In a New York state of mind

I just wanted to let all of my friends, readers and family from NYC and Washington DC to know that I'm thinking of you today. I miss all of you terribly especially at times like this. May we all have brighter days ahead. Baci.

All countries beginning with an "I"

Do all countries beginning with an "I" have crazy roads? I've been to India and I can vouch for them when I say 'YES!' India is a wonderfully chaotic place and not one that you would necessarily go to for a completely relaxing holiday. You can find cows, camels, monkeys, children, peacocks, dogs, mules, elephants etc. on any street on any day. You learn to expect it really.

The roads are crazy enough here in Italy that I don't expect this sort of ménagerie. When I lived next to a dog breeder here it was usual to see him running his dogs by holding the lead from his scooter(!). Since I've moved more into the country now I see horse breeders running their horses from the comfort of their cars whilst holding out the reins. Is this even safe?

One of my favorite parades here is when they move the sheep to other pastures. I love that the entire road is clogged up with these bleeting white clouds. It is also a good chance to "fill the pockets with money." As they say here, "I'm not superstitious but it doesn't hurt to follow superstitious traditions." When you see sheep the tradition is to pantomime picking the sheep and putting them into your pocket for future wealth. Does it work? Who knows but it is worth a try -no?

Nessun Dorma

Learning music by reading about it is like making love by mail.

-Luciano Pavarotti

The great voice of Luciano Pavarotti will sing no more. He died Thursday morning in Modena of cancer. I enjoyed his emotional intensity in his operatic voice, he could move the coldest heart to tears with "Ave Maria." He was an intense man in everything -a true bon vivant.

I appreciate how he brought his voice and talent to new genres and audiences therefore bringing the joy of opera to tender young ears. In honor of him go and experience some good music.

Partial to Paris

I must admit that I am a fool for the Parisian life. Don't get me wrong there are things that I love about living in Italy but Paris -Paris is special.

From the moment the plane lands I feel transported to a much more refined style of living. Everything from the city organization to the food strikes me as well thought out. Or is this still my honeymoon period with the city of Paris?

I will leave you with a little Parisian breakfast on the terrace for thought.

My brain is melting...

I've been taking a break because it is soooo hot and humid lately. Not even the sunflowers can stand the heat lately. Yesterday it was 40 degrees (104 in Fahrenheit) over here with 48% humidity! I've been inside under the air conditioning completely brain dead. My neighbors have even been asking where we've gone. So not to worry I'm resuscitating and some more blogging love will be forthcoming.

The Limone Bandito rides again!

This tart has been up and down the Italian coast looking for us bloggers and taunting us. The last one who caught him on film was Delinissima. This one I caught over the weekend in front of the Pozzuoli port. Have you seen him anywhere else? Careful he's been known to be a little acidic in character. This time he was acting a little shady.

Lovely Hilltops

This weekend we went to the hilltop village of Caserta Vecchia. We were hoping for a quiet and romantic evening stroll and dinner in the medieval setting. I had forgotten how slippery those trodden cobblestones can get (I just had to wear leather sandals).

For dinner we ate at the scenic Zi Teresa. The panorama was beautiful, through the chicken wire that is. It was an interesting dinner. The ambiance isn't much (plastic tables and chairs) the food was okay (had to send back the seafood because it had over stayed it's welcome). However, love and vino were in the air so nothing was going to ruin it for us (not even all the kids with their whistles and screams).

P.S. My number 7 of favorite things in summer is: FRESH FIGS! Some have even said that they are better than sex?!