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Without End Posted by Geoff on Nov 19, 2013
Senzafine (Without End) is the title of one of my favourite songs by the Milanese Gothic Metal band Lacuna Coil. Lacuna Coil are one of the few Italian metal bands that have achieved international fame, and part of the reason for this is probably that they made the decision to write and sing almost exclusively…
Not Just Another Old Italian Church Posted by Geoff on Nov 7, 2013
A few days ago I had to drive Serena’s mother down to the Civico Ospedale di Carrara to have an eye test carried out. We got to the appointment on time but, as usual, there was to be a long delay, so Serena suggested I went off to explore the town whilst she sat in…
Some Readers’ Questions Answered Posted by Geoff on Nov 1, 2013
Here are a few questions that we’ve been asked by readers over the past few months together with our answers. Sometimes we answer readers’ questions by writing blogs, and sometimes we simply post a reply in the comments section. The questions and answers below fall into the latter category, and we’ve decided to publish them…
Memories of the Tomato Song Posted by Geoff on Oct 17, 2013
In today’s blog, our guest blogger Ambra Sancin shares her memories of a famous song. It was while writing atribute post to the late US-based cookbook author Marcella Hazan that I had an extended tomato moment. Flicking through her many tomato sauce recipes, I remembered how a dish called ‘Pappa al Pomodoro’ came into my…
Last Chance Caffè before the Land of Laa – ay Posted by Geoff on Oct 11, 2013
Part 1. The Sad farewell We’re heading north, the vast flat expanse of la Pianura Padana begins to undulate, the first sign that we’ll soon be leaving l’Italia and entering la Svizzera. But before we cross that border we have something very important to do. We pull off the autostrada into a familiar service station…
Submarine Surfaces in Centre of Milan Posted by Geoff on Oct 2, 2013
Milan is well known for its network of underground canals, some of which date back to ancient Roman times. Many of Milan’s waterways were covered over after WWII, becoming important roads in the city’s modern infrastructure. Some of the largest canals connect via river networks directly to the sea, and were important trading routes up…
Addio allo Sceneggiatore Luciano Vincenzoni Posted by Geoff on Sep 23, 2013
Most of you have probably never heard of Luciano Vincenzoni, but I’m sure you’re all familiar with his work, unless of course you’re one of the few people who has never seen the famous Sergio Leone films such as “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”, and “A Fistful of Dynamite”! Luciano Vincenzoni Vincenzoni, who…