Archive for the 'Italy' Category

Italy has had many important cultural figures in its glorious history, but none were bigger in the 20th Century than Pier Paolo Pasolini, the film director, writer, philosopher, actor, painter, and politician who was brutally murdered for his beliefs.

Italian culture is so extraordinary, that no one around the world can resist it.  From its excellent cuisine, which is spread around the globe, to its history and cultural legacy — Italy is one of the world’s leading trend-setting countries.  It is difficult not to fall in love with Italy and this is why so many choose to stay in Rome apartments during their holidays, because the city embodies the best of what the country has to offer.

Pier Paolo Pasolini was born in the university city of Bologna in 1922.  Since it is a university city, it is one of the most progressive parts of Italy and thus Pasolini had these beliefs deeply rooted.  As an anecdote, Pasolini’s father was once in the army and saved Mussolini’s life.  At a young age, Pasolini was very interested in literature and began writing poems as early as the age of 7.  He fought for the Italian communists during the Second World War and was captured by the Germans, although he later escaped.  It is during these years that he came to terms with his homosexuality.

Pasolini was a fervent supporter of the Italian Communist Party and openly showed that.  In 1955, he released his first novel, The Ragazzi, which is the story of a 12-year old growing up.  The book was a success, but was heavily criticised by the government for being obscene and it was censored, even sparking a lawsuit against Pasolini and his editor.  This was something that would happen regularly during Pasolini’s life.  His first film as a director was Accatone (1961), which was about Rome’s marginal areas and lowlife people.  The film also caused great controversy due to its explicitness and, once again, Pasolini was tried for offence to the Italian state.

However, his biggest controversy came with the film Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom.  This film contained highly explicit scenes of controversial nature, all of which Pasolini defended as metaphors, and was censored or banned in various countries, even the most liberal ones.  Famous film directors such as Martin Scorsese and Michael Haneke defended it and labeled it “a masterpiece.”

Pasolini was murdered by being run over by a car several times in November 1975 at the age of 53.  A young boy was later arrested and confessed to the murder, but years later claimed that he was made to confess by people who were threatening to sue his family.  It is believed that there was a political motive behind it and that his sexuality also had a part to play.  Other evidence suggest he was murdered by an extortionist, though it is all still unclear.

Today, Pasolini has become one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in contemporary history with his then controversial scenes and views now being accepted due to the modernization of the times.  Pasolini’s view of Italy is a darker shade of its culture as opposed to the brighter and more comical side portrayed by Fellini.

There is no better way of getting to know Italian culture than by watching and reading Pier Paolo Pasolini.  This will make your stay in apartments in Rome much more enjoyable, as you will have a better knowledge of your surroundings, metaphorically anyway.

Italy is a country where, like all Mediterranean countries, outdoor socializing is commonplace.  The preferred location to do so are the squares, due to their openness they are the ideal place to enjoy a nice drink and a bite to eat in good company.  Rome of course is no different and its many squares are a perfect example of Italian lifestyle; full with restaurants, cafés, and even monuments.

The Mediterranean Sea and its coasts are a beautiful part of the world.  Italy, like Greece and Spain, share this Mediterranean culture of which we cannot get enough of, which is basically great weather, delicious food, and fascinating culture.  Also, the character of these places is very similar despite their nationalities, and we can feel the openness, friendliness, and warmth of the people who are not one single bit taciturn.  Squares, piazze in Italian, in the cities or towns are the perfect place for these people to gather and socialize thanks to all the characteristics that were mentioned before and if we visit any square while we’re staying in Rome apartments, we will feel a unique and very special charm in each of them. Because there are so many in the Eternal City, here are some that you cannot miss on your next trip to the Italian capital.

Piazza Navona is probably the most famous piazza in Rome for many reasons.  Firstly, this used to be the Domitian Stadium, where the Romans used to celebrate their games, hence its oval shape, like that of a Roman circus.  Secondly and perhaps most importantly, the architecture and sculptures that we can see here is incredibly beautiful and of high cultural value.  There are 3 fountains in the square.  In the middle there is the most famous one, the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini, topped by the obelisk of Domitian, and at each end of the piazza we can find 2 fountains by Giacomo della Porta: the Moor Fountain and the Fountain of Neptune.  All 3 of them incorporate amazing marble sculptures of incalculable value.  The square is also surrounded by palazzi and 2 churches, Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore, from the 12th century, andSant’Agnese in Agone, the most impressive one of all with its majestic white 17th century baroque façade.  The square also has many restaurants with terraces, and a dinner at night with these lit up surroundings is something unforgettable.

When we enter the Piazza del Popolo we come across an arch built by Bernini that is just the first of the many beauties we can find here.  The Egyptian obelisk sits proudly in the middle of the square, the oldest in Rome, overlooking the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, which was built on the remains of the emperor Nero.  Many cultural events take place here and the square gives way to 3 of the most important streets in Rome: Via Babuino, Via Ripetta, and Via del Corso.

On the other side of the river Tiber we find the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, where by day it is like a normal town square, with cafés and restaurants, and street musicians and by night it is the centre of Rome’s vibrant nightlife.  Presided by the Basilica de Santa Maria in Trastevere, a fountain by Bramante and the Palazzo San Callisto, this is one of Rome’s most beautiful locations.  If you fancy a market square, head to Campo de’ Fiori, where we can enjoy its vegetable, fruit, and flower market by day and its restaurants by night.  Giordano Bruno has a statue in the middle, the exact location where he was executed in the year 1600, since the square used to be a public execution venue, a feeling that could not be more different than the one it has today.

Sample true Italian culture by eating, drinking and chatting in any of Rome’s beautiful ‘piazze’. Sit back and enjoy life when you rent apartments in Rome.

Food lovers would be advised to consider the following destinations when booking their next holiday at their local travel agents.

A café in Bologna. Photo by Kristin Kokkersvold.

Bologna

Type Bologna into an internet search engine and the second result that comes up is ‘Bologna sausage’ — somewhat surprising as I always associate Bologna with spaghetti Bolognese more than sausages.  Still, it is proof of how closely this northern Italian city is connected to the invention of the world’s best foods.

The Bolognese people are quite blasé about their contribution to world food culture; throughout Italy bolognese sauce is known as ragu alla Bolognese, but in Bologna this meat-based pasta sauce is just known as ragu.  Tortellini (ring-shaped pasta), lasagne (wide and flat pasta), and mortadella (a large spicy sausage) all originate from Bologna.  With such a rich food history, no wonder Bologna is nicknamed ‘La Grassa’ (or ‘the Fat One’ in English).

Tokyo

You must wake up early in the morning to discover one of the reasons why so many people think that Tokyo is the food capital of the world.  A 5AM tour of the Tsukiji food market affords a glimpse of some of the most exquisite fish in the world.

During any day you can walk past market stalls and cafes selling Tokyo delicacies such as tempura (battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables), soba (thin noodles in sauce or broth), sashimi (sliced fresh raw fish), and sushi.  Then in the evening it is time to book a restaurant table to taste some of the catches you saw auctioned off early in the morning. Tokyo truly is a 24-hour foodie city.

Paris

The 2007 animated film Ratatouille was set in Paris for good reason — the city is a gastronomic delight and home to many of the world’s best chefs; not all of which are as temperamental as the ones featured in the film.

Breathing in the air is a reminder of just how much the city has to offer foodies; the smell of Parisian bakeries mingles with the aroma of fish in street markets and Moroccan food from hip street cafes to awaken even the dullest people’s taste buds.

France itself boasts more restaurants with Michelin stars than any other country, although it should be said that there are more Michelin inspectors working in France than in any other country!

Budapest

Budapest tends to get overlooked in lists of the best cities for food lovers.  However, when you taste goulash, the Hungarian national dish, in the beautiful capital city this seems like a real oversight.  Goulash is a soup of stew of meat, noodles, and vegetables — brought alive with paprika (ground red peppers that are another fine Hungarian invention). It is a dish which is guaranteed to give you the fortification to view Budapest’s brilliant sights.

Other fantastic Hungarian dishes, which are showcased in Budapest include: trout with almonds, plum dumplings, and cooked chestnuts mashed with sugar and rum and served with whipped cream.

New Orleans

Which do you prefer New Orleans music or New Orleans food?  It is a close call, so why not have both!  The kings of creole cuisine, gumbo, and jambalaya, are never in short supply in this southern city.  For the uninitiated, gumbo is a thick stew, which is often flavored with meat or shellfish and jambalaya typically consists of chicken, sausage, rice, tomatoes, celery, and spices.

Then there are the fried pastries called beignets, that are best washed down with a cup of café au lait — the perfect snack to indulge in while a Mardi Gras parade goes by.  New Orleans might have had its fair share of troubles lately, but it has never lost its appetite for life or food.

If you are English and cannot go abroad at the moment, then do not despair, as there are plenty of restaurants on British shores, which re-create the authentic flavors of the world’s best culinary cities.  French and Italian restaurants are particularly common and a welcome sight on our high streets!  Business directories like Thomson Local can help you find your nearest.

Florence is a city that amazes us all.  The first time anyone visits, they cannot comprehend the beauty and the immensity of its cultural treasures, such as the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the works of art hanging in the Uffizi Gallery.  However, such beauty has taken its toll on quite a few people due to the Stendhal Syndrome.

Henri-Marie Beyle, better known as Stendhal, was a famous 19th Century author.  ”The Red and the Black”, written in 1830, and “The Charterhouse of Parma”, written in 1839, are two of the most popular literary works of this romantic and realist writer.  Nonetheless, it is one of his lesser known pieces of writing that concerns us today.

In 1817, he visited Florence while he was writing his book “Naples and Florence: A Journey from Milan to Reggio” and his life changed from then on.  After seeing all the architectual, cultural, and artistic beauty he wrote:

“I had reached that level of emotion where you meet the celestial sensations given from the arts and passionate feelings.  Leaving Santa Croce, my heart was beating fast, life for me was fading, I walked fearing falling over.“

Some might think that this was an exaggeration in order to make his writings into something extraordinary; trying to improve the storyline and give it a touch of sensationalism.  Well, as it happens, Stendhal was not the only person to experience this feeling of faintness and dizziness.  Many cases were reported as early as the 19th Century, of visitors to the Uffizi Museum who were experiencing similar feelings as Stendhal, and most probably before him.  Although it was given little importance until 1979, when the Italian psychologist Graziella Magherini started observing visitors to the Uffizi Gallery and she came to a surprising conclusion.  In 1982, she diagnosed this pathology and named it with the name we know it by today, making reference to the French writer.  Over this period of time, she saw over 100 cases of Stendhal Syndrome in tourists in Florence (the word tourists is important here).  Not once did she see it in Italians, who according to Magherini, “are immune to cultural affinity,” only tourists, especially those who after doing some research on them, were people who lived alone and/or had a classic or religious cultural upbringing.

In 1989, she wrote a book titled,”The Stendhal Syndrome”, where she put all of the information and studies that she had compiled during this period of time.  Thus, the syndrome became public knowledge.  She believed that the feeling of dizziness, overwhelmingness, and the fast heartbeats were due to a simple yet incredible fact: the experience of seeing such amazing works of art brings up a trauma from the subject, a trauma that lies deep in the unconscious, and brings it up to the surface completely, which causes this ill feeling to the person who is witnessing this piece of art.

It might seem difficult to understand how tourists who are surrounded by gorgeous sites like the view from Piazzale Michelangelo and having comfortable accommodation in Florence apartments, can suddenly be so overcome with emotion that it brings up memories that one thought were dead and buried.  I guess that is just one of the irresistible mysteries of this Tuscan gem?

Do not be put off by the Stendhal Syndrome.  I highly recommend renting apartments in Florence, so that you can visit one of Italy’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities.  It will fascinate you to unexpected extents!

Maike accidentally on purpose stumbled into writing.  She is the daughter of a German father and a Filipino mother; she grew up in Germany, lived in the US andDenmark, though currently resides in Barcelona.  To see more of her writing follow her on Twitter @antsinmypants15.

I thoroughly enjoyed writing my ABC’s of Travel, as it allowed me to nostalgically reflect on some beautiful past adventures.  Thus, I could not wait for the next meme to circulate in the travel world and was delighted when 7 Super Shots From My Travels was created, especially since it revolved around photography — a passion of mine that is cultivated more deeply with each passing day.

1. A photo that… takes my breath away:

I had goosebumps once I looked into my viewfinder and saw this picture that I had taken in Florence, Italy.  I was leaving San Miniato al Monte and I was overwhelmed with a feeling that I needed to make a quick visit to the adjoining graveyard for a couple of more photos.  I knew that my fellow travelers would be impatiently waiting for me in the bus, but I could not ignore my intuition and I am so thankful that I did not.

2. A photo that… makes me laugh or smile:

Unfortunately, I did not own a decent camera when I went on a journey of a lifetime to Kruger Park in South Africa  Although it is irrelevant, because no matter how good this picture could have been, it will always put the biggest smile on my face.  It was my first time encountering wild elephants (we all know how crazy obsessed I am with the animal) and when I saw this family crossing in front of the jeep that I was in during my safari my heart almost burst from happiness.

3. A photo that… makes me dream:

A dream sunset in a dream location, how could this photo not cause me to dream?  For several years now I have desired to learn how to sail and to move to Brasil.  When I look at this photo of a sailboat, which to me symbolizes the ultimate in freedom, exploration, and adventure, docked in Buzios Bay, it inspires me to dream big and to finally cross these dreams off of my Bucket List.

4. A photo that… makes me think:

When I stepped foot in Tibet for the first time, a place that had consumed my thoughts for over a decade, I truly felt as though I had completed a spiritual pilgrimage, as I have been drawn to Buddhism for as long as I can remember and even majored in Comparative Religious Studies with a focus on women in Buddhism in College.  Seeing these monks adoringly gaze at the Potala Palace, home to the Dalai Lamas over the years, makes me think about grandiose questions such what is the true meaning of life, does karma really exist, and what happens after we die.

5. A photo that… makes my mouth water:

You know that a dish has changed you if you find yourself thinking about it every single day and that is exactly what I have been doing since my honeymoon in Trancoso, Brasil almost a year ago.  My husband and I literally ordered this pizza every single day and on the last day we each ordered one for ourselves.  The chef would not tell us how she prepared it other than it had a “secret sauce.”

6. A photo that… tells a story:

I ilegally sneaked into Cuba for my 25th Birthday and it is one of my greatest moments to date.  Life in La Habana is incredibly difficult for most due to the US embargo.  However despite this, Cubans are amongst the happiest people in the world.  This woman in the photo most likely does not have much, other than her gorgeous smile (and a cohiba) and yet she is happy.  Her picture tells the story of Cuban pride and how it is so infectious that everyone on the island is constantly celebrating the fact that no matter what their economic status is they are and will always be Cuban.

7. A photo that… I am most proud of (aka My National Geographic shot):

I decided that for my last solo trip as a single woman I would travel somewhere incredibly exotic.  When I discovered that Easter Island, Chile was the most remote island in the world, I knew it was the perfect location for my solo trip.  When I finally got up close and personal with the sacred Moai, I decided that I needed to photograph them in a way that they had never been photographed before, which I believe I accomplished with this shot.

If you have followed My Beautiful Adventures for some time now, I would love to know, did I leave out a certain picture of mine that you feel deserves to be included in this post?

Before you travel to Italy you should be aware that amongst the basics of the Italian food and drink culture are not only pizza, pasta, and red wine; an essential one simply cannot exclude is coffee.  Those who have stayed in apartments in Venice, Rome, or any other Italian city even say the coffee in Italy is the best in the world.  It comes in so many variations that you could easily get a little lost, especially when you are trying to shine by placing your order in Italian.  Thus, let us explore in depth five types of Italian coffees and what is in them so that you know what you are ordering:

1. Espresso – also known as Caffé Normale is the most classic coffee beverage in Italy.  It is a shot of espresso served in a small porcelain cup and it alone comes in many variations depending on the amount of espresso, the container it is served in, and the temperature.  If you would like to do it like the Italians: order it directly at the bar and drink it standing up.
2. Cappucino – one of the most popular Italian coffee “exports” that consists of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk, and 1/3 foam layered on top of each other.  In Italy it is most commonly consumed for breakfast.  Italians even frown upon ordering it in the afternoon.
3. Caffè Macchiato or Macchiato Caldo – if you need a shot of espresso for the caffeine boost, but the taste is too intense, order one of these.  It adds a bit of steamed milk to the espresso.
4. Latte Macchiato – this drink is the Caffé Macchiato’s counterpart, as the amount of milk and espresso are the opposite.  It is a glass of milk with a shot of espresso poured over.  If you prefer half coffee/half milk order a Caffé Latte.
5. Caffè Corretto – in this coffee a little bit of alcohol is added to the espresso.  It is great to consume after meals.  The most common types of alcohol added are cognac or grappa.

Why do you not put this newly acquired information to the test by staying in one of the Venice apartments?  There you will find Caffè Florian located at Piazza San Marco.  This historical coffee bar which first opened in 1720 and is amongst the oldest coffee houses in continuous operation is guaranteed to serve excellent coffee, however be warned as great taste has its price here.  The price for a cup of coffee is one of the most expensive in the world.

Maike accidentally on purpose stumbled into writing.  She is the daughter of a German father and a Filipino mother; she grew up in Germany, lived in the US andDenmark, though currently resides in Barcelona.  To see more of her writing follow her on Twitter @antsinmypants15.

Despite having a five hour bus ride to Rome ahead of me, I had butterflies in my stomach — if my unforgettable Trafalgar Tours trip needed to come to an end anywhere — I could not think of a better place.  During the long drive an enormous full moon, which turned the sky a gorgeous shade of pink, kept me company.

Upon arrival into the Eternal City, we immediately checked into the Kolbe Hotel, a stunning 15^th Century luxury hotel, with the the Roman Forum in its backyard.  Unfortunately, I would not be able to truly enjoy my two-level suite, as I had to be at the airport at 4AM for my flight back to the States, however when I return to Rome in the future I will definitely be staying there again.  Before our farewell dinner, we stopped at one of the most famous landmarks in the world: the Colosseum.

Dinner could not have been at a better restaurant, The Cabiria, located in the Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora, and Chef Luigi Sorrentino could not have created a more memorable last meal in Europe; even the table setting had creative touches!

The culinary journey began with fresh cherry tomato focaccia.

Our next course was rigatoni pasta “Amatriciana style.”

Our final course was a white fish with natural green beans and fried potatoes.

And to complete the meal, we had a delicious fruit tart with vanilla ice cream.

Our Travel Director Marco thought it was essential that we see Rome illuminated at night, thus we made two important last stops.  The first was to St. Peters Basilica, where the Pope just so happened to be that evening.

The second was to the Roman Forum, which as previously mentioned was conveniently next to our hotel.

As I was finishing packing, I was overwhelmed with the thought that I always have when traveling: life should be about exploring the unknown and embracing the joy of new experiences and relationships in other places.  We must begin the expedition and follow wherever the path leads.  And I highly recommend allowing Trafalgar Tours to lead the way from time to time.

Our final Trafalgar Tours Be My Guest lunch at Fattoria di Maiano was truly an experience that I will never forget and without a doubt my favorite of the trip.  If you have been following my European adventures, then you know that is a bold claim, as the previous Be My Guest lunches were extraordinary!  Prior to our meal, we had a quick tour of the olive oil factory on the property.

There are nearly 20,000 olive trees throughout the completely organic agricultural estate.  The Frantoio and Moraiolo olives are picked by hand during the months of November and December and then pressed in the mill.  The finished product is Laudemio, a premium extra virgin oil with a high nutritional value and a taste that leaves you wanting more.

Lunch was served at Lo Spaccio, the estate’s restaurant, which also has an attached gift shop, where you can purchase the Laudemio along with other olive oil products such as soap and lotion, as well as a delicatessen that offers typical Italian products such as cheese, meat, and wine.

Besides the fact that the restaurant contained cosy rooms filled with charming furniture and crackling fireplaces, the panoramic views from the windows would make any meal taste sensational.

I could not wait to drown my pasta and bread in the Laudemio while looking out onto the Tuscan countryside.

I do apologize deeply for not taking any pictures of one of the many outstanding courses that we enjoyed, however I was too consumed by the greatness of the moment to capture it on film.  Before leaving though, I took one last, longing look out the window and made sure to count my blessings, which were abundant.

Now it was time to travel south to the ‘Eternal City’. . .

There should be a sign on the door of Villa di Maiano at Fattoria di Maiano: Warning entering this villa may make your heart stop.  It certainly caused mine to skip a beat.  The first thing that I noticed were the magnificent chandeliers.  If I owned a Tuscan villa every single room would have one (even the bathrooms).

The villa features all original furniture from the 17 and 18th Centuries.  The rooms are filled with richly colored frescoes, elegantly refined tapestries, and furniture fit for royalty.  Can you imagine getting married in such a grand place?  Count Francesco Miari Fulcis’ wife is in charge of organizing all of the events on the property.

The history of Villa di Maiano is incredibly fascinating, in fact I hope that someone writes a book about it one day, since I would be the first person to buy a copy.  The details are what make it so special and are which I chose to photograph.

Our walk through the villa was brief, as we had a tour of the olive oil factory and a Trafalgar Tours Be My Guest lunch awaiting us.  But first, I took a moment to stop and smell the roses olives.

Of course, I had to pick one, so that I could now say in the future: I remember that time that I picked an olive from a Count’s olive grove in Tuscany. . .

Trafalgar Tours certainly knows how to take your mind off of the sadness of a trip coming to an end, as the second we stepped foot on the grounds of the magnificent Fattoria di Maiano estate, I no longer cared that in less than ten hours I would be starting the long journey back home.

Tucked away in the hills just outside Florence is the town of Fiesole, whose origins date to the 15th Century.  In the heart of the town lies Fattoria di Maiano, the estate of Count Francesco Miari Fulcis, whom had graciously invited our group into his house, so that he could personally show us around the property where his family has been making olive oil for generations.

Imagine living in a place so grand that it has its own chapel.  I wonder if there is a Patron Saint of olive oil that the family prays to?

Fattoria di Maiano covers almost 300 hectares of land.  This was my first time visiting an olive grove, which is surprising considering my healthy love for olive oil.

The main building on the estate, Villa di Maiano, is drop-dead gorgeous, so much so that it has been used in several films, such as Tea with Mussolini and A Room with a View.  The surrounding Tuscan views are equally as dazzling.

As we wandered around, the intoxicating scent of the fragrant olive trees was overwhelming and I could not wait to sample the different oils later with lunch.

It was now time to see the inside of Villa di Maiano.  Considering how stunning the exterior was I could only imagine what the interior looked like. . .