International women’s day is celebrated world wide on the 8th of March. In Italy women will be offered mimosa flowers. This tree is a symbol for Women’s day, it is in full bloom around the beginning of March and has an overwhelming profume. International Women’s day...
I was in the Netherlands this month and attended an Italian event “Sapori d’Inverno”. I enjoyed some hours of Italian atmosfere in Holland! Cooking workshops, winetastings and typical Italian food all made up for a easy going Italian atmosfere. Ferrari’s, catwalks,...
To me the Valnerina is Umbria's greenest heart. The wild and rugged scenery in the Nera River Park, the tiny hilltop villages, the open views, the grazing cows on the fields and the green forests. This area is incomparable with other parts of Umbria. Unfortunately I...
Though Umbria is the only landlocked region of Italy, we go to the sea fairly regularly. Both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic sea are at about 1.5 to 2 hours driving. It is always a pleasure to walk by the sea, looking out for shells, enjoy the endless view, eat...
Yesterday was a sunny day, perfect weather for a visit the medieval village of Todi where I hadn't been for years. From the Porta Romana we walked up to the centre. It is about 20 minutes walking up hill to get to the centre of town. If you are not particularly fit,...
March 19 is Father's Day in Italy. In Italy it is called La Festa del Papa or Festa di San Giuseppe: feast of the father of Jesus, Saint Joseph. On the local radio I heard that this feast has been "invented" at the beginning of the 20st century, to also give father's...
Almost every Sunday I participate in a running race in Umbria. I always track the route with my Garmin Connect (navigation). Not only because I am curious about my finishing time, I also want to share the running and walking routes in this area. It has happened that...
Ok, this is not Umbria, but I really wanted to say something about this place. Castello di Sorci is an old farm "podere" in the Tuscan countryside, close to Arezzo. We went there for lunch with friends to celebrate Gianfranco's 40th birthday. I was the only "Dutch -...
This year will be the 57th edition of the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi. Giancarlo Menotti founded this international festival. He was born on July 7, 1911 in Cadegliano Italy. When his father died, he moved with his mother to the USA. Although he referred to himself...
Though it's almost 14 years I live in Umbria, I never witnessed a procession on Good Friday. Not being particularly religious it never crossed my mind. Yesterday we thought it would be about time we also participate. Glad I did! It is a very suggestive experience even...
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