bologna
The Unesco City of Music
I choose to live in Bologna for, among other things, its cultural life. Especially music. And I was not prepared for 3 of the best orchestras I don’t think you’ll ever hear of.
Jonathan Arnowitz-Taylor
Jonathan Arnowitz-Taylor is a Design Manager and novelist whose fiction illuminates the intricate landscape of alternative LGBTQ coming-of-age experiences. He is also currently working on a major motion picture screenplay to be announced soon.
dining-review
Osteria Francescana: The best meal of my entire life
I was not really prepared for the evening. Okay, it was a Michelin 3 star restaurant that everyone wanted to get into; But when I told my italian teacher I was going to Francescana, she informed me that it was one of the 10 best restaurants of the world and read me an article to that effect.
Wine & Food
Sicilia: first impression, first measurement
Having driven there for over a week I can honestly say that I have no idea what is meant by a stop sign, except it clearly does not mean "Stop." The driving was extremely intense but after a while a pattern emerged...
dining-review
A parade of fish in Sicily
Out came a plate of raw marinated shrimp, octopus, anchovies and sardines. It was a generous completely fresh and brightly flavored dish with just lemon juice, parsley, and a sprinkling of salt...
italy
The Double Life
My Blog is back so I can keep friends and others informed of La Dolce Vita. This first post is a post about some thoughts I have had since I arrived back in Europe now almost a month and a half ago. I left with a strange yet familiar feeling
Wine & Food
Buying a house in italy? Except to pay more than you think
I read with great alarm the premiums and taxes one has to pay in order to buy a house in italy. If you are not buying a fixer-upper this can be a very substantial part of the purchase price from 25% all the way up to 40% for houses classed as luxury houses.
Wine & Food
Three ring binders in the 21st Century
As I prepare for my November application to the Italian Consulate I am already assembling the documentation I have been requested to provide.
Wine & Food
The Journey: A new chapter in this blog
From San Francisco, the preparations for the Visa are first and foremost, and the most challenging.
bologna
Conclusion: Bologna
Everyone in the family firmly agreed Bologna would be the best place for me to move to. It was dynamic as a big city without being a huge city. The city is mostly flat which invites bicycling (assuming I don't get a villa in the hills).
art
Milano and the Last Supper
After settling into the room, I took the Hotel shuttle to the airport where I caught an express train to Milan Centrale. There, i took a metro to the Duomo. I walked outside and voila!
art
Farewell Padua and the Scrovegni Chapel
The last day in Padua was a redeeming day for the city. We got to enjoy the city much more and not see it for what it wasn't. It's a charming and friendly city. We had a great time meeting with people and, in particular, talking with the owner of our dinner restaurant...
family
Venice
Given our lukewarm feelings for Padua, we decided to skip exploring the city further until tomorrow and we headed out to Venice. In the deep of summer post COVID, the city was only moderately busy (but still very busy). Here we are in St. Mark's Square.