Retreat!

Oh lucky me! I'm off for a few days to go up north for some much needed rest, good workout and to visit some dear friends. However, I cannot leave you without a little something so...

CONTEST!*

Where am I going?
Hint #1 It is a special hideout
Hint #2 Here is a photo

Winner of this contest will get some Italian Chocolate Kisses (or if you are here in Italy then I will offer you your choice of U.S. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups or a bag of Tortilla Chips -yes, it is very hard to get these items here!). Residents of any other countries may get their choice (of course where legally allowable).

To enter leave me a comment with your winning answer and your email or way of contacting you. Good Luck!

*Sorry, this contest is not open to cheaters (friends and family that I've taken to this special place).

Blowing Sunshine & Digging for treasure

Ok, I admit that I have to tell everyone. While in London one of the coolest books I picked up was a board book for my Little Man. The board book is titled Dreams of Flying by the photographer Jan von Holleben. This little gem is full of really wonderful fanciful photos of children. The place where I bought a couple is sold out but you may still be able to order a book or two from his website.

Please note that the photo on the right isn't included in the board book it is from his wickedly funny website -it was just too much fun to pass up!

October who?

No, no thank you. I'm still working on September. Since I've last left you I've either been on the road or doing laundry. A long London weekend took our breath away (oh yeah and our wallet too). We made the mistake/had the good fortune of being there for London Fashion Week and the London Design Festival. The Design Festival wasn't anything to write home about -so I won't.

What was and is coolest and the HOTTEST TICKET in town? The British Museum's The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army Exhibit. First off I have to tell you that the promotion of this was fantastic. The day we got into London there was a television special on the BBC that follows the history and installation of this exhibit in the British Museum's Reading Room (1st time ever for an exhibition there!). The round Reading Room was transformed, books moved and false floor built for this exhibit. The work, planning and the sound track to this exhibit are amazing. If you get even half a chance don't miss it the exhibit runs until April 6, 2008!

I managed to only get my paws on the exhibit coffee table book and the CD soundtrack, they get an A+ on my bibliophile scale!

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.