tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84911284176734894292024-03-05T20:49:36.929-08:00An apartment in FlorenceYour home in Florence.
Florence rental apartment -- holiday apartment in the historic centre of Florence Italy.
Vacation apartment.A superb apartment in Florencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02649541951220243573noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-9107384726439283402016-04-30T17:20:00.003-07:002016-04-30T17:20:34.341-07:00This is an article from the wonderful English-language publication, <a href="http://www.theflorentine.net/" target="_blank">The Florentine</a>.<br />One of my favourite sources for all things Tuscan and more.<br />
<h2 class="article-title">
7 popular day trips from Florence</h2>
<h1 class="article-subtitle">
You’re spoiled for choice</h1>
<div class="main-author">
TF x</div>
<div class="article-issue">
April 20, 2016 - 10:18</div>
<div class="article-text">
Florence
is beautiful, fascinating and packed with artistic treasures, but when
the sun heats up and the crowds accumulate, do like a local and escape
to the more peaceful corners of Italy. There are many <strong>popular <a href="http://www.theflorentine.net/lifestyle/2008/09/day-trippin/" target="_blank">day trips</a> from Florence</strong>,
reachable within an hour or two by public transport. When deciding on
your day destination, where you pick really depends on what you seek.
With nature, the seaside, historical sites and art on Florence’s
doorstep it’s easy to say you’re spoiled for choice. Here are our top
picks.<br />
<br />
Fiesole <br />
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/82YSp1" rel="attachment wp-att-61160" target="_blank"><img alt="A beautiful pic of Fiesole by Malavoda (Flickr CC)" class="wp-image-61160 size-full" height="426" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fiesole.jpg" width="640" /></a> A beautiful pic of Fiesole hilltop by Malavoda (Flickr CC)<br />
In
just a 40-minute bus ride from Florence, (or about a 1.5 hour hike for
the adventurous!), travelers can reach the Etruscan town of <strong>Fiesole</strong>.
A welcome retreat into the cool hillside air, olive groves and
cypresses, Fiesole boasts unchallenged views of Florence, while also
offering plenty of attractions. Arriving by bus places you in Piazza
Mino da Fiesole, which occasionally holds markets. From here take a walk
up to the Monastery of San Francesco (beware it is a steep street!) to
enjoy the views of Florence and have a snack on one of the many
available benches. Wander back down the hill and experience the
impressive Roman history of Fiesole at the Civic Archeology Museum and
related sites: the ruins include an ancient amphitheater, baths and a
temple to name a few. <br /><em>Transport: 40 min by city bus (ATAF)</em><br />
</div>
<div class="article-text">
<h2>
Siena </h2>
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/8FYNUa" rel="attachment wp-att-61170"><img alt="A vibrant Siena city centre by Kok Chih & Sarah Gan (Flickr CC)" class="size-full wp-image-61170" height="427" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Siena.jpg" width="640" /></a> A vibrant Siena city centre by Kok Chih & Sarah Gan (Flickr CC)<br />
With the entire town centre being a UNESCO world heritage site, <strong>Siena</strong>
is probably the most popular day trip destination for visitors staying
in Florence. As the train station is situated outside of Siena’s center,
the best option for reaching the city is by bus, which deposits you in
the most central location. For most people, Siena is famous for its
Palio horse race, which runs in the Piazza del Campo (the fan shaped
town square) just two days a year. As it’s very festive and crowded
around the Palio, this is to be avoided if you’re aiming for a change of
scene from Florence.<br />
<br />
Rather, head to Siena in the
off-season months and enjoy its magnificent medieval history, impressive
12th century architecture and famous artworks. The city’s cathedral is a
masterpiece of medieval architecture. The City Hall (Palazzo Civico) is
worth a visit - now a museum, its frescoes are important to the city's
civic and religious life - don't miss those by<a href="http://www.dievole.it/en/blog/introduction-sienese-renaissance-art/" target="_blank"> Sienese masters Duccio and Lorenzetti</a>.
Save up some energy to climb up the Torre del Mangia, a 400-step climb
to the top with panoramic views of the city and the rolling Tuscan
hills.<br /><em>Transport: 1 hour by bus</em><br />
<h2>
<br />Orvieto</h2>
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/abuSTs" rel="attachment wp-att-61162" target="_blank"><img alt="The majestic Orvieto Duomo. Image by Riccardo Cuppini (Flickr CC)" class="wp-image-61162 size-full" height="431" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Orvieto.jpg" width="640" /></a> The majestic Orvieto Duomo. Image by Riccardo Cuppini (Flickr CC)</div>
<div class="article-text">
Although it is a slightly longer trip from Florence than some towns, when approaching <a href="http://www.theflorentine.net/ttt/2006/01/lost-and-found-in-orvieto/" target="_blank">Orvieto</a>
this small town manages to impress even from afar. The dramatic hilltop
settlement is perched upon an isolated tuff of volcanic rock, above the
rolling plains of Umbrian vineyards, olive trees and cypress. The jewel
of Orvieto is surely the Duomo di Orvieto. A masterpiece of Italian
Gothic architecture, the elaborate façade, mosaics and Orcagna’s rose
window are worth spending a few hours analysing. But beyond this,
Orvieto also offers a mysterious underground of archeological sites, an
impressive view from the Torre de Moro, an Etruscan Necropolis and more.
For a small town, Orvieto certainly packs a punch. The food is good,
too.<br /><em>Transport: 2.5 hour by train</em><br />
<h2>
<br />Arezzo</h2>
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/evtKN5" target="_blank"><img alt="Arezzo's Historic Centre. Picture by Santi.MB Photos (Flickr CC)" class="wp-image-61163 size-full" height="425" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Arezzo.jpg" width="640" /></a> Arezzo's Historic Centre. Picture by Santi.MB Photos (Flickr CC)<br />Not
the most typical of tourist hot spots, Arezzo provides its visitors
with a refreshing experience, a little off the beaten tourist track.
Wandering the streets you’ll be among less tourists and able to enjoy
more local people and fan fare. Sitting upon a hilltop just one hour
from Florence, Arezzo is a wealthy city, with a rich history of
goldsmithery that lives on today. This is reflected in the impressive
Duomo, which took almost 700 years to complete. A place that’s played
home to many artists and poets over the years, you’ll be treated to an
abundance of artworks and architectural masterpieces bundled together in
this small town. Not to be missed is Piero della Francesca’s frescoed
high altar chapel in the Church of San Francesco and the Romanesque
architecture of Pieve di Santa Maria. The <a href="http://www.theflorentine.net/ttt/2015/11/arezzo-antique-fair/" target="_blank">Arezzo Antique Fair </a>that runs the first weekend of each month is a very popular and fun destination.<br /><em>Transport: 1 hour by train </em><br />
<h2>
<br />Viareggio</h2>
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/dLcjTj" rel="attachment wp-att-61164" target="_blank"><img alt="Viareggio at Twilight. Photo by Pistolero79 (Flickr CC)" class="wp-image-61164 size-full" height="426" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Viareggio.jpg" width="640" /></a> Viareggio at Twilight. Photo taken by Pistolero79 (Flickr CC)<br />For
travelers lusting after the ocean breeze, a day trip from Florence to
Viareggio is the ticket. On the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the sandy
beach of <strong>Viareggio</strong> stretches over 20km and is one of
Italy’s traditional seaside resort towns. Providing less of a historical
art and culture experience, Viareggio is a place to simply lay back and
relax. Beware that for most of the beach you must pay to enter, however
this sets you up with deck chairs, umbrellas and access to a convenient
bar and restaurant. After a day of beach lazing it’s also nice to take a
‘passeggiata’, the traditional stroll down the boardwalk, a 3km
promenade dotted with interesting shops, restaurants and bars to peruse.<br /><em>Transport: 1.5 – 2 hours by train</em><br /><br />
<h2>
<br />Pienza </h2>
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/azYY4t" rel="attachment wp-att-61169"><img alt="Cathedral in Pienza's Piazza Pio. Photo by stiftunggegenstand (Flickr CC)" class="wp-image-61169 size-full" height="426" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Pienza.jpg" width="640" /></a> Cathedral in Pienza's Piazza Pio. Photo by stiftunggegenstand (Flickr CC)<br />If you can’t get enough Renaissance in Florence, head <strong>Pienza</strong>
for a more compact visual treat. This hilltop town is a UNESCO world
heritage site and was constructed by a 15th century Pope to represent
the ideal Renaissance town. 500 years later, we can enjoy the
architecture of the Duomo and Palazzo Piccolomini, as well as the garden
of the latter, and the incredible view over the Crete Senesi of the
former. Getting there takes around 2.5 hours when taking the train from
Florence to Chiusi and a public bus from there to Pienza.<br />Transport: 2.5 hour train ride<br />
<h2>
<br /><br />Cinque Terre </h2>
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/67i2B5" rel="attachment wp-att-61168" target="_blank"><img alt="Swimming in the colourful Cinque Terre. Image by katiedee47 (Flickr CC)" class="wp-image-61168 size-full" height="480" src="http://www.theflorentine.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Cinque-Terre-2.jpg" width="640" /></a> Swimming in the colourful Cinque Terre. Image by katiedee47 (Flickr CC)<br />A popular day trip, though really better for a weekend, the <strong>Cinque Terre is about 2 hours from Florence by train</strong>
and is generally thought to be among the most beautiful stretches of
coastline in the world. To get there from Florence, take a train from
Florence to La Spezia and from there, the smaller regional train will
take you between this area’s famous small towns.</div>
<div class="article-text">
The
perfect Cinque Terre day trip starts in Riomaggiore, the first village.
Leaving here walk the ‘Way of Love’, a path connecting Riomaggiore to
the second village of Manarola, where the seafront is a famous vision of
the Cinque Terre. Note this path may currently be closed for
maintenance but you can still reach Manarola by train. Carry on to
Corniglia, the village at the highest altitude, and onto Vernazza,
touted by many as the most beautiful of the villages. While here,
indulge in dining at the local restaurants where the irresistible fresh
catch of the day is always on the menu. Finish your day trip in
Monterosso, the largest village, where plummeting cliffs give way to a
large beachfront. If rushing through all villages in a day does not take
your fancy, take the train to any one of the villages (although
Vernazza is certainly a top pick) and simply spend the day wandering
winding paths up to the cliff tops for views along the coast and down to
the marina to watch the fishing boats, take a dive in the water and
explore the shops and restaurants.<br />Transport: 2 - 2.5 hours by train<br />
<br /><br /><em>To plan your route for any of these destinations, log on to <a href="http://www.goeuro.com/">GoEuro</a>
and searching on the travel database. Wherever you choose to go, there
should be plenty of options, so we suggest shopping around for the
fastest and cheapest routes.</em></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-41734253702772572552016-02-04T13:23:00.000-08:002016-02-04T13:23:10.981-08:00The Art of Writing<a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/" target="_blank">The Art of Writing</a> <br />
A Tuscan week - in the company of writers - what more could you want.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF9em75y4o2WfVBvn3PKzcWe_xM7tTzixAlgIFoJn-KfTGdcsKJQ2cYfoXG7L9y5V6kwWZJCdK3XORxsO1PH0y3t_BI7J4ANOhD98D9zuCL8DHxCHGgGjAebmNjCOY_zuS1H4m3-Z9ueA/s1600/lisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF9em75y4o2WfVBvn3PKzcWe_xM7tTzixAlgIFoJn-KfTGdcsKJQ2cYfoXG7L9y5V6kwWZJCdK3XORxsO1PH0y3t_BI7J4ANOhD98D9zuCL8DHxCHGgGjAebmNjCOY_zuS1H4m3-Z9ueA/s320/lisa.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<em>The Art of Writing</em> is a writers retreat in Tuscany by critically acclaimed author and journalist <strong><a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/bios/lisa-clifford/">Lisa Clifford</a></strong>. Our 2016 June 19-25 guest leading tutor is award-winning author <strong><a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/bios/conrad-williams/">Conrad Willams</a></strong>.
<em>The Art of Writing </em>offers morning lectures on writing and
afternoon individual coaching sessions. Our aim is to nurture you, your
writing skills and your project. We want to inspire you to write more
and teach you how to improve, without feeling intimidated. Be it a novel
you hope to see published, help with a story that’s stalled, an idea
that you need time to dream about, even a blog that you want to improve;
this retreat is about refining your skills.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><strong>Workshops discuss:</strong></strong></div>
<ul>
<li>Writing from a sense of place</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Character development</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Structure and drafting</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Memoirs and research; collecting, collating and recounting stories</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Point of view and dialogue</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Daily evening aperitivo with literary interviews and discussions</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also explore the constantly changing world of E-books and self-publishing and what could be the best indie route for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our writers retreat is international.
Our past attendees have been from Scotland, England, America, Italy,
South Africa and Australia. Our Italian, German and French attendees
must have an excellent grasp of English and can write in whatever
language they prefer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on your personal goals, <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/bios/lisa-clifford/" target="_blank" title="Lisa Clifford">Lisa Clifford</a> will guide you on where to publish and how.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cocktail hour is shared every evening
before dinner with your fellow attendees and visiting authors. There is
also time for relaxation by the swimming pool and for walks in our
woods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You’ll stay in your own private
apartment complete with living room, worktable and Wifi inside and on
your own terrace. Some people may like to share their apartment with a
friend and that will reduce their cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://i0.wp.com/www.the-art-of-writing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSC32471.jpg"><img alt="_DSC3247" class="alignleft wp-image-1647 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.the-art-of-writing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSC32471.jpg?resize=150%2C150" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/prices/" target="_blank">price</a> includes transport to <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/location/" target="_blank">Casentino</a>, six nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner plus morning and afternoon coffee/tea breaks at <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/location/accommodation/" target="_blank" title="Borgo a Caiano residence">Borgo a Caiano</a>, as
well as all tuition. The Art of Writing also includes an afternoon tour
of the local area, a unique and undiscovered part of Tuscany. We’ll
finish at Lorenzo Cipriani’s farm where you’ll make ricotta and pecorino
before tasting Tuscany’s cheeses and salame.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-13607376380473974412015-02-03T14:37:00.000-08:002015-02-03T14:38:31.380-08:00The Art of Writing: in Tuscany.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.the-art-of-writing.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThuCvBQxMnRERUZ74p9lZljWJdzT4lIAC7MZgAtXVCL8GOckgAnuZRdZn0yrG2Cor-nPvv4l5o2S63Vnm9zwtW0FAzwMKXUrc02Fg3CundeVeY5V_mR7pvQ2Lm_Cu9U8Mv93jGQwtwtfw/s1600/The+Art+of+Writing.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>The Art of Writing </b></span>offers morning lectures
on writing, individual coaching sessions in the afternoon and guest
speakers in the evening. Our aim is to nurture you, your writing skills
and your project. We want to inspire you to write more and teach you how
to improve, without feeling intimidated. Be it a novel you hope to see
published, help with a story that’s stalled, an idea that you need time
to dream about, even a blog that you want to improve; this retreat is
about refining your skills.
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><b>Morning workshops discuss:</b></b></div>
<ul>
<li>Writing from a sense of place</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Character development</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Structure and drafting</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Memoirs and research; collecting, collating and recounting stories</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Point of view and dialogue</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Evening workshops combine discussion and lectures from guest speakers that specialise in blogging and internet presence.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Afternoon and Evening Skype sessions with
literary agents in the US and Australia, as well as publishers in London
discuss contracts, foreign rights, the life of copyright and the global
market. US agents discuss the biggest holes in the manuscripts they
receive.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also explore the constantly changing world of E-books and self-publishing and what could be the best indie route for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our writers retreats are international.
Our past attendees have been from Scotland, England, America, Italy,
South Africa and Australia. Our Italian, German and French attendees
must have an excellent grasp of English and can write in whatever
language they prefer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on your personal goals, <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/" target="_blank" title="Lisa Clifford">Lisa Clifford</a> will guide you on where to publish and how.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cocktail hour is shared every evening
before dinner </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
with your fellow attendees and visiting authors. There is
also time for relaxation by the swimming pool and for walks in our
woods.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You’ll stay in your own private
apartment complete with living room, worktable and Wifi inside and on
your own terrace. Some people may like to share their apartment with a
friend and that will reduce their cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/prices/" target="_blank">price</a> includes transport to <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/location/" target="_blank">Casentino</a>, six nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner plus morning and afternoon coffee/tea breaks at <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/location/accommodation/" target="_blank" title="Borgo a Caiano residence">Borgo a Caiano</a>, as
well as all tuition. The Art of Writing also includes an afternoon tour
of the local area, a unique and undiscovered part of Tuscany. We’ll
finish at Lorenzo Cipriani’s farm where you’ll make ricotta and pecorino
before tasting Tuscany’s cheeses and salame.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-79448598120052451672014-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:002014-11-11T16:23:55.224-08:00Wonderful Walks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
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<![endif]--><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.italiantouristoffice.se/sv/docs/117.pdf"><b>The Renaissance Ring </b></a> is a series of lovely walks outside Florence.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It covers a distance of 170 km and can be done in sections as large or as small as you like. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SzptBfVXYaoxDWb841nkUzhJct-jFISeOopj9EcebySO0zeYWh5upEVT67y94xLXtIGz416POO0rMH6zzWeZTxNtuXrZOBFryXVaqYu6RQbb2pYPLGrv6m44zmWRJAG3K8a-vfkrC0dr/s1600/Galluzzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SzptBfVXYaoxDWb841nkUzhJct-jFISeOopj9EcebySO0zeYWh5upEVT67y94xLXtIGz416POO0rMH6zzWeZTxNtuXrZOBFryXVaqYu6RQbb2pYPLGrv6m44zmWRJAG3K8a-vfkrC0dr/s320/Galluzzo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We recently did the one from The Certosa di Galluzzo back into the city and it was stunning.<br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <b>For smaller ones in the city:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Cross the Ponte Vecchio and turn
right, down Borgo San Jacopo and simply wander the whole area of Santa Spirito
which is the artisan quarter.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Cross the Ponte Vecchio and head
diagonally left up the tiny & steep Costa San Giorgio. Follow via San
Leonardo, left onto Viale Galilleo, then up to the right to the Monastery of
San Miniato al Monte. The on to Piazzale Michelangelo, overlooking the city,
then down the hill to the river and home along either side of the river.
About 2 hours in all.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My favourite, Fiesole to Settignano –
walk along the hills from one village to the other. <a href="http://florencewalks.blogspot.it/2008/06/fiesole-montececeri-settignano.html">http://florencewalks.blogspot.it/2008/06/fiesole-montececeri-settignano.html</a>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Take
the #7 bus to Fiesole from Piazzza San Marco. Walk to Settignano, have lunch in
the wonderful Caffe Desiderio <a href="http://www.caffedesiderio.com/">http://www.caffedesiderio.com/</a>
and take the #10 bus back to Florence. </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is only a tiny sample of what is available and if you want longer, guided or self-guided walks in Tuscany or in Italy anywhere, have a look at what Simon Tancred's <a href="http://hiddenitaly.com.au/">Hidden Italy Walks</a> offer.</span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-36098633739708533092014-06-26T19:52:00.001-07:002014-06-26T19:52:39.792-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGw3kw3lWtTBErvF4FZOJ8HsY1Bm3rWsO-ADmnGfh_XQVU25NuCEakcfVxjROLbCuycd2pEaWcLculmo8GsbXgCFgQEOCICsKakjTCebl3uORKWABL35OExAsIeQYeegI9xAANwEPRRoJ/s1600/Piazza+Repubblica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGw3kw3lWtTBErvF4FZOJ8HsY1Bm3rWsO-ADmnGfh_XQVU25NuCEakcfVxjROLbCuycd2pEaWcLculmo8GsbXgCFgQEOCICsKakjTCebl3uORKWABL35OExAsIeQYeegI9xAANwEPRRoJ/s1600/Piazza+Repubblica.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been meaning to write something about the Roman origins of Florence for ages now. We all know Florence as a Firenze, the Medieval city, birthplace of Dante and the cradle of the Renaissance. But whenever I have an <i>aperitivo </i>in Piazza Repubblica, I recollect that it was the centre of the Roman Castrum called Florentia. It was founded in 59BC for the settler-soldiers of Julius Caesar in the form of a military camp.<br />
Piazza Repubblica was and still is, the intersection of the two main Roman roads, the north/south Decumanus and the east/west Cardo. Travellers arrived from Rome on the via Cassia and entered the city from the Porta Romana. The names of the gates of an Italian city almost always tell you where the road leads to. Porta al Prato for example leads to Prato.<br />
A few years ago archeologists excavated the Roman amphitheatre beneath Palazzo Vecchio. Today you can visit the ruins on a guided tour. From the outside you can see the way the road slopes down at the side of Palazzo Vecchio, following the incline of the theatre. Piazzza san firenze had a Temple of Isis. The Roman walls surrounded the city on the northern bank of the Arno, which, believe it or not, was a navigable and important means of supplying the settlement.<br />
the <a href="http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_firenze-com-era.html">Museo storico topografico, Firenze Com'era,</a> is in via dell'Oriuolo, 24 and has a wonderful dioramo of the ancient city.<br />
Fiesole is much older and was an Etruscan settlement long before the Romans colonised it but it too has marvelous Roman ruins.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-10567340016150422322013-10-27T17:22:00.003-07:002013-10-27T17:24:27.210-07:00This is a wonderful article by John Brunton from <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/"><i>The Guardian Travel</i></a> from July. It is well worth subscribing to <i>The Guardian</i> and to <i>The Observer Food Monthly</i>, not just for Tuscany but for all travel. I love it. The text and the photo are all by John Brunton.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Tuscany's chianti classico wine route: top 10 guide</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Between Florence and Siena, the
Chianti region is Tuscany's wine-making powerhouse. Touring the area provides a
chance to visit wine-makers for free tastings, stay at gorgeous agriturismi and
dine at authentic trattorias</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">What is a chianti? This
emblematic <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wine" title="More from the Guardian on Wine"><span style="color: blue;">wine</span></a>
is made all over the Tuscan countryside, but the historic heart lies in a
region between <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/florence" title="More from the Guardian on Florence"><span style="color: blue;">Florence</span></a>
and Siena. In 1716, Cosimo de' Medici III, Grand Duke of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/tuscany" title="More from the Guardian on Tuscany"><span style="color: blue;">Tuscany</span></a>,
decreed that this region could produce what today is known as chianti classico
– easily recognisable by the <i>gallo nero</i>, its distinctive Black Rooster label.
The key to the unique qualities of chianti classico is the local sangiovese
grape, and right now there is a strong movement to return to the ancient
traditions of winemaking along with an eco-responsible trend towards organic
cultivation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">WINEMAKERS TO VISIT</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Val delle Corti</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The perfect first step to
understanding the complex world of chianti classico is to make an appointment
for a tasting at Roberto Bianchi's six-hectare organic vineyard. Roberto is a
feisty artisan <i>viticoltore</i>, explaining how for years winemakers were too
influenced by guidebooks and gurus, who argued that the austere sangiovese
grape needed to be offset by a small addition of "international
grapes", such as merlot and cabernet sauvignon, to sell to a global
market.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">"At that time," says
Roberto, "our authentic wines were totally out of favour but the fashion
has turned, and people are beginning to understand that what is interesting
here is that each village – Radda to Panzano, Greve to Gaiole – has its own
characteristics and personality." Roberto only produces three wines, a great
vino di tavola for €6, perfect with a plate of salami, an elegant chianti
classico that is almost 100% sangiovese, and an intense <i>riserva</i> in the
years he feels the harvest is outstanding.<br />
• <i>Localita La Croce, Radda in Chianti, +39 0577 738215 ,
</i><a href="http://www.valdellecorti.it/en/home.xhtml" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">valdellecorti.it</span></i></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Villa
Pomona</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Visiting Monica Raspi you quickly
get caught up in her enthusiasm for making chianti classicos. Villa Pomona is a
typical Tuscan estate, the perfect mix of biodiversity, with four hectares of
vineyards, olive groves and woodland, a sprawling farm that includes an old
olive mill converted into holiday apartments and her tiny, cluttered cantina
crammed with wooden barrels and stainless-steel vats. Monica was born at Villa
Pomona, but grew up in Florence and trained as a vet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">However, as soon as she heard he
mother was going to sell the vineyards, she abandoned her career, did a crash
course in oenology, and has been producing her own wines since 2007. The vines
are in the process of obtaining official organic certification. She follows the
traditionalist approach, adding the local colorino grape to 95% sangiovese for
her €10 chianti classico, while the riserva is aged for 20 months in barrels
plus another six months in the bottle before going on sale.<br />
• <i>Localita Pomona, Castellina in Chianti, +39 055 7774 0930 ,
</i><a href="http://fattoriapomona.it/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">fattoriapomona.it</span></i></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Fontodi</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Rows of vineyards at Fontodi
vineyard, Chianti Photograph: John Brunton </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Fontodi is the exception to the
rule that says big wineries charge for tastings, with owner Giovanni Manetti
insisting that this is just part of Tuscan hospitality, saying that "even
if people stay two hours they don't have to feel they must buy a bottle".
And he has certainly created something special here, nestled in the suntrap of
the Conca d'Oro beneath the village of Panzano. The whole farm is organic: the
80 hectares of vines and 30 hectares of olive trees. Between lines of vines he
plants barley, to help the cultivation of the grape and to feed his herd of 33
Chianina cattle, the iconic local race that is fast disappearing. He follows
biodynamic principles in making his wine, and is currently trying an experiment
going back to Greco-Roman times, using terracotta vats rather than wooden
barrels.<br />
<i>• Panzano in Chianti, +39 055 852005 ,
</i><a href="http://www.fontodi.com/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">fontodi.com</span></i></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Le Boncie</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Giovanna Morganti at the hidden
away Le Boncie vineyard, Chianti. Photograph: John Brunton </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Giovanna Morganti is something of
an outsider in the cosy world of chianti classico. Her five-hectare estate has
no sign outside, there is nothing on her website, and you definitely need to
call first to taste the wines of what some critics hail as the future – and others
criticise for being unstable and unpredictable. Along with cult French
winemaker, Nicolas Joly, she was one of the founders of the <a href="http://www.viniveri.net/en/" title=""><span style="color: blue;">Vini Veri
group</span></a>, that developed into the influential "natural wine"
movement across <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/europe" title="More from the Guardian on Europe"><span style="color: blue;">Europe</span></a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Giovanna makes just a chianti
classico, adding small amounts of the little-known local grapes mammolo,
colorino and foglia tonda to the sangiovese. It is expensive at €19, but
understandable when you see the work she puts in, both in the cantina – where
the wine ferments in open-topped wooden tanks – and tending the vineyard, which
she planted in the ancient <i>alberelo</i> method, with vines growing free,
resembling small bonsai trees surrounded by a jungle of wild plants and weeds.<br />
• <i>Localita San Felice, Castelnuova Berardenga, +39 0577 359383 ,
</i><a href="http://www.leboncie.it/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">leboncie.it</span></i></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">
</span><br />
<hr align="center" size="2" width="100%" />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">OSTERIE AND RESTAURANTS</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">A Casa
Mia</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Hidden away in a tiny hillside
hamlet, A Casa Mia is a brilliant discovery, a genuine old-fashioned osteria
with just a dozen tables, hearty portions of Tuscan <i>cucina casalinga</i>
(home cooking) at reasonable prices, and run by two lively hosts, Cosimo and
Maurizio Simoncini who share the cooking and serving. The place is packed each
night, so always call for a reservation, and although there is a printed menu,
let Maurizio reel off the dishes of the day and get caught up in his
enthusiasm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The huge antipasti dish is a meal
in itself, with <i>panzanella</i>, grilled vegetables, a delicious warm tripe
salad, bruschette with plump chopped tomatoes and white beans drizzled with
olive oil. Follow it with <i>penne con coniglio</i> (rabbit pasta) or asparagus
risotto, alongside a €10 straw-covered flask of chianti. <br />
• <i>Via Santa Maria a Macerata, Montefiridolfi, +39 055 824 4392 ,
</i><a href="http://www.acasamia.eu/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">acasamia.eu</span></i></a><i>.
Pastas €12, mains €12-15</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Fattoria
di Corsignano</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">While Tuscany has plenty of chic,
gourmet restaurants, it can be surprisingly difficult to track down a
reasonably-priced trattoria serving authentic cooking. So when a new restaurant
like the Fattoria di Corsignano opens up, it is good news for locals and
tourists alike. Elena Gallo serves a creative interpretation of rustic <i>cucina
contadino</i>. For wine-lovers, the good news is that the estate's excellent
wines are sold at the same price as if you were taking away, while for €35
there is a four-course wine-paired tasting menu.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Even the €10 antipasto is almost
a meal in itself, with <i>panzanella</i> salad, smoked ham, bruschettas of
grilled zucchini and ricotta with red pepper, a crunchy barley cake and fried
bacon with prunes. The Fattoria has elegant B&B rooms available from €90,
and Elena's husband, Mario, has planted a small seven-hectare organic vineyard,
producing not just a potent chianti classico riserva, made from 100% sangiovese
grapes, but a light Vino da Tavola at only €6, which he describes as "old-style
Chianti like my <i>babbo</i> (dad) used to make".<br />
• <i>Localita Consignano, Castelnuovo Berardenga, +39 0577 322545 ,
</i><a href="http://www.fattoriadicorsignano.it/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">fattoriadicorsignano.it</span></i></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">VINEYARD
AGRITURISMI</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Rignana</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The B&B at Rignana, a
romantic estate in Chianti. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">It is a dusty, bumpy four
kilometres off the main road to get to Rignana, the romantic estate of Cosimo
Gericke, situated between Panzano and Greve. His agriturismo comprises a
medieval chapel, villa, farmhouse and cantina. An olive mill has been converted
into a trattoria and there is an infinity pool – a perfect spot for sipping a
chilled glass of the winery's crisp, fresh rosato. Cosimo is a charming host,
half-German, half-Italian, resembling an eccentric Victorian aristocrat. But he
is serious about his wines, having replanted his 13-hectare vineyard when he
took over in 1999. Most B&B rooms are in the farmhouse, which has a
communal kitchen, but it can be worth splashing out a little extra to stay in
the villa, which is decorated with 18th-century frescoes.<br />
• <i>Localita Rignana, Via di Rignana, 15, Greve in Chianti, +39 055 852065 ,
</i><a href="http://www.rignana.it/index_eng.html" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">rignana.it</span></i></a><i>. Doubles €100 (in the farm),
€130 in the villa (both B&B)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Fattoria
La Loggia</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">It is impossible to miss the
Loggia, as high above this agriturismo is an incredible suspended garden of
giant floating terracotta vases. This fattoria produces wine and olive oil, but
the real passion of the owner, Giulio Baruffaldi, is contemporary art. He was
one of the pioneers of welcoming tourists to wineries in Chianti – opening the
agriturismo in 1986 – and has always had a programme to invite artists and run
art courses. Over the years he has amassed a fantastic collection that decorate
guests bedrooms, communal salons and are installed all over the gardens of the
farmhouse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The rooms here are spacious and
luxurious for the price, there is a pool, and barbecue, and the friendly
director, Ivana Natali, who has been here for 25 years, is a mine of
information when it comes to recommending winemakers to visit. The winery
produce a surprising bianco toscano at only €3, while the 2003 chianti classico
is a steal at €7.<br />
• <i>Via Collina 24, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, +39 055 824 4288 ,
</i><a href="http://www.fattorialaloggia.com/index_gb.htm" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">fattorialaloggia.com</span></i></a><i>. Doubles from €100
B&B</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Fattoria
di Lamole</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Paolo Socci is one of the most
passionate viticoltore in chianti classico, and this extends not just to
exceptional traditionalist wines, but his restoration of a medieval hamlet into
a rustic agriturismo – and a commitment to rebuild stone terraces for his
vineyard, a system dating back centuries but that has all but disappeared.
Guests staying the night are made to feel like part of a big family, and have
the use of a pool, large communal areas, and comfy rooms with wooden-timbered
ceilings, plus a hearty breakfast. The cantina and agriturismo are situated in
Lamole, one of the most beautiful villages in Chianti. Book a time for a proper
wine tasting with Paolo and he may well take you off in his jeep to see some of
the seven kilometres of <i>terrazze</i> he has painstakingly built.<br />
• <i>Lamole, Greve in Chianti, +39 055 854 7065 ,
</i><a href="http://www.fattoriadilamole.it/index_eng.htm" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">fattoriadilamole.it</span></i></a><i>. Doubles €90 B&B</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">REGIONAL SPECIALITIES</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Antica
Macelleria Cecchini</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">The 'singing butcher' Dario
Cecchini at Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano, Tuscany. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Dario Cecchini runs his venerable
butcher's shop like a theatre, bursting into song or looming behind a whole
roast suckling pig ready to wield a fearful-looking knife. The most famous dish
in Tuscan cuisine is the <a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bistecca_alla_fiorentina" title=""><span style="color: blue;">Costata alla Fiorentina</span></a>, a huge T-bone steak, and
foodies from around the world come here on a pilgrimmage to place their orders.
But this is also perfect to stock up for a picnic with his wonderfully aromatic
<i>finocchiona</i> (fennel salami), terrines and even chianti sushi, his take
on steak tartare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">For a €20 deposit, Dario will
provide a hamper (you pay for whatever food you fill it with), and even show
you the perfect picnic spot five minutes' drive away. The Macelleria is always
crowded because Cecchini believes in local hospitality, so laid out on a long
wooden table are salami, cheeses and his trademark creamy lard infused with
rosemary, along with chunks of crusty bread and a giant carafe of red wine –
all free for whoever comes in. He also runs <a href="http://www.dariocecchini.com/en/dario-doc/" title=""><span style="color: blue;">Dario Doc</span></a>, a cheap-and-cheerful burger diner at the
back with set menus from only €10.<br />
• <i>Via XX Luglio 11, Panzano in Chianti, +39 055 852020 ,
</i><a href="http://www.dariocecchini.com/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">dariocecchini.com</span></i></a></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Car hire was provided by </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><a href="http://www.carrentals.co.uk/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">carrentals.co.uk</span></i></a><i>.
Easyjet (0843 104 5000, </i><a href="http://www.easyjet.com/en" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">easyjet.com</span></i></a><i>) flies to Pisa from Luton,
Gatwick and Bristol, and Ryanair (0871 246 0000, </i><a href="http://www.ryanair.com/en" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">ryanair.com</span></i></a><i>)
flies to Pisa from East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Bournemouth, Liverpool and
Stansted. For more information on the Chianti wine region visit </i><a href="http://www.chianticlassico.com/" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">chianticlassico.com</span></i></a><i>
(it produces an excellent road map - </i><a href="http://shop.chianticlassico.com/prodotto/4176/CCSH-AC02/the-black-rooster-roads.html" title=""><i><span style="color: blue;">The Black Rooster Roads</span></i></a><i>,
for €3)</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Get the
Observer Food Monthly email</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Sign up to the Observer Food
Monthly for food and drink news, tips, offers, recipes and competitions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><a href="https://id.theguardian.com/email/subscribe?emailListId=248"><span style="color: blue;">Sign up for the Observer Food Monthly email</span></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-9092862477100899382013-05-11T13:23:00.003-07:002013-07-30T15:35:38.725-07:00<a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/"><b>THE CASENTINO.</b></a> One of Tuscany's best kept secrets. In fact, one of Italy's best kept secrets.<br />
Valleys and forests and castles and mills and centuries and mysteries. Here's your chance to spend a week in this magical area of Eastern Tuscany in the company of interesting people, with great food & wine and company, whilst taking a giant step forward in your writing.<br />
See <a href="http://www.the-art-of-writing.com/">Lisa Clifford's article</a> below. This year's course was full. Don't miss out for 2014.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXHfgzuz2SRos3Kgnuu2FzO7IOgI4sH7ko4SIeIZGpCq55Ued6tbMHguLI5Yn4EYO1q_n-EpoQwStrdx6f8nHmij-5IShNhprmwQP5BVmTfRZbM9TEYRvemKwm9d1t1ZfzLpct1N0vu2z/s320/key+Fliers+2014+LOWRES.jpg" width="226" /></div>
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My dream for years was to organise a retreat for writers in
my adopted home, Tuscany. I had already published three books, had a fourth on
the way and a movie in the pipeline. It was definitely time to give something
back. Firstly, to others who dream of becoming published writers and secondly to
the mountains of Tuscany, the place that helped make all my dreams come true.
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The idea was to design a programme that I personally would
love to do, something that offered a special kind of withdrawal into a creative
space. Lots of lectures from published writers and fabulous teachers,
professionals who are particularly good at evaluating what you've written. A
writers retreat that offered time to learn, time to create and exceptional
private time to chat with authors who’ve made their mistakes and subsequently
wanted to share how to avoid the common and not-so-common problems of working
with the written word. </div>
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Several writers, along with a British Creative Writing
teacher that I have worked with in the past, agreed to join me for five days of
lectures. We learn in the morning, write in the afternoons and have guest
speakers at night. As time goes on, more writers and creative writing teachers
have joined my team. <span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
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The Art of Writing runs always in the second week of June and
the second week of September. We book out an entire Tuscan agriturismo (Italian
run family farms that by law have to provide 50% of local produce on their
tables) with ten apartments, for ten writers. The Art of Writing groups are
small and intimate, ideal for nurturing and encouraging each
other.</div>
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Here is a short video of the 2013 Art of Writing. I hope it
helps you think about your dream and how you too can make it come true.
</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBAiNDuZJdA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBAiNDuZJdA</a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozX3bfNDZ17czTOtE6fKrwne7FNUhRbtMIGI_xclOcfZSjvGod-Aj5jvgCCHR8OmNRhSE5XhgLnMMbr4ZqjkH4e6YkzBB_cIgIvnUpFWQFwyrTz66Skv_UlFLa9EeAW8jmuS0MSk51eHw/s1600/Stairs+Flier+2014+LOWRES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozX3bfNDZ17czTOtE6fKrwne7FNUhRbtMIGI_xclOcfZSjvGod-Aj5jvgCCHR8OmNRhSE5XhgLnMMbr4ZqjkH4e6YkzBB_cIgIvnUpFWQFwyrTz66Skv_UlFLa9EeAW8jmuS0MSk51eHw/s320/Stairs+Flier+2014+LOWRES.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-67694694611703478512013-05-05T19:41:00.004-07:002013-05-05T19:41:58.951-07:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS3JD_l6i4mFGt5Gh2LZAg1tcS-WtZUSCzSbL0YC43IC3W5-aII7rfRxIyRUk3lwgOUhiNSdCUqq34QSStnwDUZB_2zXpGqXe15Ju4yaZcwR2pXfDEQ3-AudXFSf9ujMWS0i4tiWpAoos/s1600/Convivio6+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS3JD_l6i4mFGt5Gh2LZAg1tcS-WtZUSCzSbL0YC43IC3W5-aII7rfRxIyRUk3lwgOUhiNSdCUqq34QSStnwDUZB_2zXpGqXe15Ju4yaZcwR2pXfDEQ3-AudXFSf9ujMWS0i4tiWpAoos/s320/Convivio6+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Piazza Signoria & the entance to via dei Cerchi.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Below is the current newsletter from the wonderful <b>British Institute of Florence</b>. Housed in one of Harold Acton's homes, the British Institute is a fundamental part of the Florentine cultural scene and one of my favourite places in Florence.<br />
<br />
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Newsletter</div>
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Please find below details of May's events at the British Institute of Florence.<br />
<br />Thank you to everyone who has made donations towards recent Cultural
Programme events. We really appreciate your generosity. The Institute
is a UK registered charity and does not receive any state support, so
your ongoing support is vital. If you would like to support upcoming
events, we would be delighted to hear from you.</td>
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<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
CULTURAL PROGRAMME</div>
<div class="titolo">
Tracing Our Roots: the Making of ‘Springtime of the Renaissance’</div>
<img align="left" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/primavera.jpg" width="80" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 8 May at 18.00</div>
Lecture about the new exhibition by the director of the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, James Bradburne. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lm.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
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<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
TALKING PICTURES</div>
<div class="titolo">
The Man Who Knew Too Much</div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 8 May at 20.00</div>
<div align="left">
Herrmann collaborates with Hitchcock with his score for the remake of this 1934 thriller. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Ln.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a></div>
</td>
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<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
BRITISH INSTITUTE EVENTS</div>
<div class="titolo">
<span lang="EN-US">Festival d’Europa</span></div>
<img align="left" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/fde_eng.jpg" width="140" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May</div>
Discover what’s on at the British Institute for the <i>Festival d’Europa</i> 2013 <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lo.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
CULTURAL PROGRAMME</div>
<div class="titolo">
Dino Borgioli: a Florentine Tenor in London.<em><em> </em></em></div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 15 May at 18.00</div>
The architect and musicologist Filippo Bozzi speaks about Florentine tenor Dino Borgioli (1891-1960). <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lp.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
TALKING PICTURES</div>
<div class="titolo">
Vertigo</div>
<img align="left" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/vertigomovie.jpg" width="80" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 15 May at 20.00</div>
<div class="sopratitolo">
‘Vertigo is Alfred Hitchcock’s most
uncompromising film, and Bernard Herrmann’s fullest realization of his
favourite dramatic themes'. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lq.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a></div>
</td>
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<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
BRITISH INSTITUTE EVENTS</div>
<div class="titolo">
Reading Exchange</div>
<img align="left" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/readex.png" width="80" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
Thursday 16 May at 16.00</div>
A decade of the Reading Exchange. This meeting celebrates ten years of meetings <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lr.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
CULTURAL PROGRAMME</div>
<div class="titolo">
The Jews of Renaissance Italy<br /><span class="com-text"></span></div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 22 May at 18.00</div>
An overview by Dr Andrew Berns of the role of the Jews in Renaissance Italy. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Ls.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
TALKING PICTURES</div>
<div class="titolo">
North by Northwest</div>
<img align="left" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/northbynorthwest1.jpg" width="80" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 22 May at 20.00</div>
In Hitchcock’s brilliant blend of humour and suspense, Herrmann provided yet another near-perfect musical accompaniment. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lt.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
BRITISH INSTITUTE EVENTS</div>
<div class="titolo">
Conference: Stibbert e Horne, Due Musei per Firenze</div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
Thursday 23 May at 9.30</div>
Event in Italian: Una giornata di studio su due collezionisti che
hanno lasciato le loro raccolte e le loro residenze elettive alla città
di Firenze: Frederick Stibbert (1838-1906) e Herbert Percy Horne
(1864-1916).<a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lu.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
CULTURAL PROGRAMME</div>
<div class="titolo">
Art in Shakespeare: Giulio Romano and Giovan Paolo Lomazzo<br /><span class="com-text"></span></div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 29 May at 18.00</div>
<div class="sopratitolo">
Professor Rita Severi explores art in Shakespeare. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lv.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
TALKING PICTURES</div>
<div class="titolo">
Psycho</div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
Wednesday 29 May at 20.00</div>
<div class="sopratitolo">
Hitchcock and Herrmann’s collaborative 1960 masterpiece. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lw.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a></div>
</td>
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<td class="conts"><br /></td>
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<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
BRITISH INSTITUTE EVENTS</div>
<div class="titolo">
Afternoon Tea</div>
<img align="left" height="120" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/teabooks2.jpg" vspace="4" width="80" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
Every Thursday from 16.30 to 18.00</div>
<div align="left">
You are invited to our afternoon tea in the library.<a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lx.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank"> read more »</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
HISTORY OF ART COURSE</div>
<div class="titolo">
The Sculptor's Trade</div>
<img align="left" hspace="4" src="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/clienti/2521/img/cantoria_della_robbia_opa_florence_6_1.jpg" width="95" /><br />
<div class="sottotitolo">
June 9 - June 14 2013</div>
Following on the success of our studio-based courses on Renaissance
techniques of drawing and painting we are now offering a unique 6-day
course which fully explores the art historical and practical aspects of
Renaissance sculpture. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Ly.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="conts">
<div class="sopratitolo">
BRITISH INSTITUTE EVENTS</div>
<div class="titolo">
Shakespeare in Italy</div>
<div class="sottotitolo">
May 13 - May 17 2013</div>
You are invited to spend a week with Shakespeare in Florence,
exploring his work, his engagement with Italy and the Renaissance
contexts of his work. Organised by Dr Victoria Bladen. <a href="http://britishinstitute.byway.it/nl/l.jsp?nZ.Lz.E1F.DR.R.t_Bm&idn=132" target="_blank">read more »</a><br />
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The British Institute of Florence</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-66480761359087458502012-12-08T17:58:00.001-08:002012-12-11T11:33:47.086-08:00Florence Christmas<br />
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<b>Christmas events in Florence and Tuscany 2012</b><br />
The days are getting shorter, the weather chillier, Christmas lights are starting to appear in the streets and Florence and Tuscany are hosting many events to celebrate the festive season. The festivities really get going on December 8, a national holiday to celebrate the Immaculate Conception.<br />
<br />
<b>Christmas fairs, markets and festivals</b><br />
German Market: Warm up with an apple strudel and a steaming mug of mulled wine, and buy some handmade gifts from all over Europe. November 28-December 16, piazza Santa Croce, Florence, www.vetrina-toscana.it.
AILO: The annual Christmas Bazaar held by the American International League of Florence, supporting charities across the city. December 8, 10am-5pm, Le Pagliere, viale Machiavelli 24, Florence, www.ailoflorence.org.
FILE: Gourmet products and gift ideas, with proceeds going toward FILE's palliative care support. December 8, 10am-7pm, Palazzo Corsini, lungarno Corsini 8, Florence, www.leniterapia.it.
Christmas at the Palazzo: A trade show of Christmas gifts in Empoli with free admission. December 14 - 16, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Empoli, Tel. 057/122466 or 339/2908430.
Festival of Fusigno: Welcome in Christmas Day by eating sausages and drinking local wine round a huge bonfire in the centre of Londa. Evening of December 24, www.comune.londa.fi.it<br />
<br />
<b>For Kids</b><br />
Palazzo Strozzi: An afternoon for the family in the courtyard (free) and buildings (ticketed) of Palazzo Strozzi, piazza Strozzi, Florence, December 8, 3-6pm, www.palazzostrozzi.org.
Santa by boat: On December 22 and 24 Father Christmas will arrive in Florence by boat (on the Arno, between Ponte Vecchio and Ponte alla Grazie) to give Christmas greetings to the Florentines, www.comune.fi.it.
Santa's Village: Children will meet faries, elves and even Father Christmas himself in the centre of Camaiore, December 8 - January 6, www.comune.camaiore.lu.it.
Winter Park: Ice skating on a large rink (800 square metres) next to the Obihall with a real snow track for skiing and snowboarding. There will also be a bar, restaurant, exhibition stands and entertainment for children. December 1 - January 27, Obihall, Lungarno Aldo Moro, Florence, www.firenzewinterpark.it.
Fiabesque: The whole town of Peccioli transforms into a magical world of fairy tales with street games, performers, dance and workshops and, on January 5, Cartoon Night, dedicated to animated cartoons. Centre of Peccioli, December 26, 29, 30 and January 5-6, www.fiabesque.org.<br />
<br />
<b>Christmas concerts</b><br />
Orchestra della Toscana: Together with the choir of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a Christmas concert with music by Weber and Mendelssohn at Teatro Verdi in Florence on December 23 (5pm, via Ghibellina 101), and in Pisa, Piombino, Livorno, Figline Valdarno and Poggibonsi on December 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 respectively. See www.orchestradellatoscana.it.
Xmas in Jazz: Including Gershwin's An American in Paris and Eric Whitacre's October among others. December 23, 9pm, Teatro della Pergola, via della Pergola 18, Florence, www.filarmonicarossini.it.
Gospel choir: The forty-strong choir ‘The Pilgrims' will fuse voice and music with spiritual and gospel pieces. Proceeds will be donated to the Oncology Operative Unit of Pescia. Teatro Pacini, Pescia (PT), December 22, 9pm, Tel. 339/7787677, info@associazionelucignolo.it.<br />
<br />
<b>Nativity Scenes</b><br />
Christmas in the World: A collection of over a thousand nativity scenes from all over the world, displayed in San Giovanni Valdarno's Basilica di Maria Santissima delle Grazie (piazza Masaccio). December 8-January 6, 2013, www.natalenelmondo.it.
Other towns known for their nativity scenes displayed in their historic centres are Palazzuolo sul Senio, Cerreto Guidi, San Godenzo, Calenzano and Cigoli (most of them remain at least until January 6).<br />
<br />
<b>Nativity re-enactments</b><br />
Several towns put on re-enactments of the Christmas story, involving hundreds of residents and animals, and large parts of the historic centres, and bringing to life the angels, shepherds, oxen, Wise Men and, of course, the magical manger scene. Towns hosting these so-called ‘living nativity scenes' include Casole d'Elsa (December 26, 29 and 30, www.casole.it), Rosignano Maritime (December 24, www.comune.rosignano.livorno.it), Lari (December 26, www.prolocolari.it), Barga (December 23, www.comune.barga.lu.it), Ceretto Guidi (December 23, www.comune.cerreto-guidi.fi.it) and Castiglion Fiorentino (December 23, www.prolococastiglionfiorentino.it).<br />
<br />
<b>This article is from the marvelous English paper <i><b>The Florentine</b></i>. </b><br />
<b>By Rose Mackworth-Young (issue no. 173/2012 / November 22, 2012)</b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-1081944844868667792012-10-16T15:26:00.000-07:002012-10-16T15:30:20.806-07:00<br>
<b><a href="http://rentitalianapartment.com">A House in Umbria</a><a href="http://rentitalianapartment.com"></a></b>
For all those who just can't bear to leave. Why not include a trip to Umbria in your itinerary. Quieter than Tuscany & utterly charming, Umbria is a jewel which can be explored from the elegant comfort of Casa Verri in the Umbrian town of Citta` della Pieve near the Tuscan border. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW0Qxk_LRwUJ-Ff5PxXbBaYAXXCa-g7Gy-Xz9U0t6OB7DKw7rw6TPbu6P8iSkQtCdwVE9otRi6vxj_tIHqzc5KVLVntYOPbViMEwBYIjCNFmwCDOZzuFDQydKMDNme3NiNVh8Z6UmcKyY/s1600/Casa+Verri+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="124" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW0Qxk_LRwUJ-Ff5PxXbBaYAXXCa-g7Gy-Xz9U0t6OB7DKw7rw6TPbu6P8iSkQtCdwVE9otRi6vxj_tIHqzc5KVLVntYOPbViMEwBYIjCNFmwCDOZzuFDQydKMDNme3NiNVh8Z6UmcKyY/s320/Casa+Verri+1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-82691663197115635532012-06-01T17:27:00.001-07:002012-06-01T17:28:56.315-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br>
<b>More places to say 'I do'</b>
People often ask me about getting married or renewing their vows in Florence, so here is an article on the subject from the wonderful English-language newspaper, <b><i><a href="http://www.theflorentine.it">The Florentine</a></i></b>, on the subject. It you love all things Florentine you can subscribe to receive The Florentine online.
Starting in June, it will be possible to tie the knot among the flowers and statues of Florence's Rose Garden, in the majestic Salone dei Cinquecento or Sala di Lorenzo in Palazzo Vecchio, or surrounded by art old and new in Villa Bardini.
With the City of Florence introducing these new venues for civil wedding ceremonies, prospective spouses interested in saying their vows in these locations will, however, have to pay a higher fee than marriage ceremonies held until now in the Sala Rossa in Palazzo Vecchio and in Villa Vogel. City officials say they added these new locations not only to meet the numerous requests from both local and foreign prospective spouses, but also to enhance and further promote the city's historic landmarks.
The fees differ depending on the city of residence of the couple. If at least one of the two prospective spouses resides in Florence, there is still no charge for a civil ceremony in Palazzo Vecchio's Sala Rossa during normal office hours. There is a fee of 250 euro if one of the engaged is a resident of the province of Florence. The charge is 750 euro if neither bride nor groom reside in the municipality or the province of Florence. (The fees become 500, 750 or 1,500 euro for ceremonies outside normal office hours.)
Civil ceremonies during normal office hours in the Sala di Lorenzo, Villa Vogel and the Villa Bardini will cost 500 euro if at least one person is a resident in the city; 750 euro if at least one person is a resident in the province of Florence; and 1,250 euro for non-residents. (The fees become 1,000, 1,250 and 2,000 euro for ceremonies outside normal office hours.)
To get married in the Rose Garden during normal office hours, brides and grooms will have to pay 1,500 euro if one is a resident in Florence; 1,750 if one is a resident in the Florence province; and 2,250 euro for non-residents. (The fee becomes 2,000, 2,250 and 3,000 euro for ceremonies outside normal office hours.)
At 5,000 euro, the most expensive place to get married in Florence, is the Salone dei Cinquecento. Also, the fee will remain unchanged regardless of residence status or the time at which the civil ceremony is held. Civil marriage ceremonies will be scheduled Tuesday through Sunday. The weddings will take place on Tuesday mornings at Villa Vogel (once a month, except in July and August) and the Rose Garden (twice a month from May to September, except in August); on Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the Sala Rossa; Wednesday afternoons at Villa Bardini (twice a month, except in August); Thursday afternoons in the Sala di Lorenzo (2 times a month, except in August) and the Salone dei Cinquecento (two times a month except in August). Those who want to tie the knot on the weekends can choose from the Sala Rossa on Saturday mornings and afternoons (once a month, except in August); Villa Vogel on Saturday afternoon (once a month, except in August) and in the Sala Rossa on Sunday morning (once a month, except in August).
For more information on civil ceremonies in Florence, see http://en.comune.fi.it.
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-48647129376211887862011-11-13T19:53:00.001-08:002011-11-13T20:00:15.122-08:00Villa La Pietra<br>
<b><a href="http://www.nyu.edu/global/lapietra/pdfs/vlp.flyer.pdf">VISIT VILLA LA PIETRA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A visit to Villa La Pietra is a very special event & one few people know about.
Villa La Pietra, former home of the Acton family, is open to the public on special days.
Guided tours of the Villa, the Collection, and Garden are offered Friday afternoons. Advance reservations are required as spaces are limited. Bookings may be made by e-mail, phone or fax. The cost of the tour is € 20,00 per person, payable at the time of the tour.
Guided tours of the Gardens only are offered Tuesday mornings. Again, advance reservations are required as spaces are limited. The cost of the tour is € 12,00 per person. Tours are not available in August or during the winter holiday break (mid-December to mid-January).
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-84881016120877240812011-03-08T20:01:00.000-08:002011-03-12T12:16:32.190-08:00Get out of town...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjC5-s0MjpvUgcUb4-IQBSUD_uwm9-l-14QsqNvG1qkshDzY933BIyTNX5wpsuGdwXtOXkVpXtftysCSvnutLuxArN3Q_60JFfeqq7g9Gx77CqAFgIIZgIgMoLHu430P69goV6aysT_R4/s1600/villa+san+michele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="134" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjC5-s0MjpvUgcUb4-IQBSUD_uwm9-l-14QsqNvG1qkshDzY933BIyTNX5wpsuGdwXtOXkVpXtftysCSvnutLuxArN3Q_60JFfeqq7g9Gx77CqAFgIIZgIgMoLHu430P69goV6aysT_R4/s320/villa+san+michele.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Florence is much more than narrow medieval streets of brick & tile & stone & art. It's good to get out and about in the parks & gardens & the surrounding countryside of the <i>dolci colline</i> or sweet hills which ring the city. In town, the <b>Boboli Gardens</b> or the <b>Botanical Gardens</b> which date back to Cosimo de Medici or my favourite, the <b>Bardini gardens</b>, offer respite from the crowds & the noise & the heat. They also offer a bit of height so that you can take in the little city in its entirety from a secluded vantage point. If you like to walk, there are many lovely routes to take you out into the countryside, especially to the south. One of my favourites begins on the southern side of the Ponte Vecchio, up to the left along Costa San Giorgio & winds up through walled gardens along via di San Leonardo then left along viale Gallileo with its splendid outlook over the valley & the elegant Florentine villas with their olive groves & italiante gardens, to pass by the magnificent Monastery of San Miniato al Monte & finish high on Piazzale Michelangelo gazing out over the city.<br />
Another wonderful walk is along the ridge-line from the hill-top Etruscan village of Fiesole to the other hill village of Settignano. You can take the #7 bus from Piazza San Marco to Fiesole, have a coffee there, begin the walk which takes about two hours through woods & olive groves & past castles & ancient churches, with wonderful vistas back towards Florence until the path drops steeply into the little hamlet of Settignano. And there you can enjoy your just reward in the form of lunch at <b><a href="http://www.caffedesiderio.com">Caffe` Desiderio</a></b>. It has been there as long as I remember & it has always been nice, but as of late last year, the new owners, Michele & Francesca, have taken it to a whole new level. The atmosphere is unpretentious & rustic in the old Florentine manner, a feeling of a welcoming hostelry of an earlier time with the whole leg of prosciutto on its big rack & the wine bottles stacked all around, but the food is cutting-edge modern Tuscan served by enthusiastic young Tuscans not afraid to experiment. I have eaten the classic Tuscan winter dish, <b><b>Peposo<i></i></b></b>, there & never tasted a better or more authentic version, but at the same time, I was also offered little pot of <b><b><i>creme brulee</b></b> with <b>foie gras</b></i> which was simply exquisite. There is an exciting range of wines, both local & from wider afield & a range of Italian designer beers to blow your mind. Or if you can resist all that you can have a board of the best <i>salumi, formaggi e pane</i> imaginable. The window in the back wall gives out over the Tuscan hills & the easy, happy atmoshere make this a compulsory stop for me. After too much of everything you just step onto the #10 bus which takes you back down to Florence. If you are feeling lazy you can just take the #10 from San Marco, eat everything in sight & take the bus back down again.<br />
Or if you want to do that in Fiesole for a very special lunch indeed, the #7 bus or a taxi will take you to the utterly fabulous <b><a href="http://www.villasanmichele.com">Villa San Michele</a></b> in the photo above, where you can dine like the Medici of old. But then beware the waistline.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-63555170915471984362010-12-09T17:10:00.000-08:002011-03-14T17:55:13.427-07:00BUON NATALE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHhGxqzm8ITa4Kp-odp_bCMBjmUeCwKN81WfL4SaPLynzEFf0CrnIoOdiwXjujqDpXIBNlj2hPRDbtbDbGWBEB8yWmYJX4W9XTrqR2pW9XpzTmDdqmhnR2OfdqKGu7y0hNog6-8CbVJcK/s1600/Duomo+Snow+dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHhGxqzm8ITa4Kp-odp_bCMBjmUeCwKN81WfL4SaPLynzEFf0CrnIoOdiwXjujqDpXIBNlj2hPRDbtbDbGWBEB8yWmYJX4W9XTrqR2pW9XpzTmDdqmhnR2OfdqKGu7y0hNog6-8CbVJcK/s320/Duomo+Snow+dome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I wish you all a happy and safe and healthy Christmas and a wonderful year in 2011. Here are some tips for Christmas in Florence from the staff at my favourite Florentine publication, <a href="http://www.theflorentine.it/"><b><i>The Florentine</i></b></a>.<br />
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<i>We love the Christmas markets. Until December 12, Stazione Leopolda hosts <b>Florence Noël</b> (daily, 10am to 11pm; see www.florencenoel.it). The entire interior has been transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring everything Christmas imaginable and fun for the whole family: toys; decorations; decked-out stands of accessories, foods, artisan products and jewelry; daily delights for all five senses, including nonstop tastings and a full café for Noel noshing; attractions for the kids (cooking classes for tots every evening at 5:30) and parents alike. Performances of all sorts range from renditions of Charles Dickens' </i><i>Christmas Carol to chamber music and choirs. Peruse the exhibit of antique toys or make a donation in the spirit of the season to a charity of your choice at the Solidarity Corner.</i><br />
<i>Until December 20, piazza Santa Croce is transformed into Santa's workshop for the city's annual <b>German Christmas Market</b> (Mercato di Natale di Weihnachtsmarkt, until December 20). </i><br />
<i>On December 18, sate your appetite for artisan at <b>Artingegno a Natale</b> (via Maso Finiguerra, www.artingegno.biz), a street fair and exhibition for all things traditionally handmade and Christmas related. On December 19, piazza della Santissima Annunziata is the site of the <b>Fierucolina di Natale</b>, an uniquely Florentine take on Christmas: Tuscans sell delicious foods and handmade products in the piazza. The </i><i>fierucolina has been an annual tradition for more than a hundred years, ever since, for reasons lost to time, folk from the Tuscan countryside would converge at Santissima Annunziata to celebrate the birth of the Virgin and the fertility of women generally. Although it's not a market, the <b>Festa degli Omaggi</b>, on December 20, is another time-honoured Florentine tradition. Men in tights bidding good tidings to the Florentine royal court; teams of flag-throwers: don't expect to do much Christmas shopping while the Renaissance-themed parade winds through town.</i><br />
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<i>Still at loss for what to get Aunt Mildred? Head out to <b>Le Cascine </b>on December 23. If you've never made it to the weekly market (which is, by the way, the biggest outdoor market in Florence), this is your chance. The vendors offer a special holiday version of the usual park-wide market offerings. It's also TF staffer Federico Lupo's insider tip for a last-minute, stress-free, cheer-inducing way to spend the final days up to the big day.</i><br />
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<i>Brenda Dionisi says ‘lace up those skates!' Each year, the <b>Parterre in piazza della Libertà</b> sets up a rink big enough for 200 skaters. With the illuminated arches and tree-lined streets of the piazza as a backdrop, enjoy the ice with a group of friends, family or plus one. Hit <b>Perseus</b> (viale Don Minzoni) for dinner afterwards as an added bonus (some say it serves the best </i><i>bistecca in town). The piazza is also littered with cafés, so enjoy a coffee or aperitif nearby and make an evening out of it.</i><br />
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<i>Like other chocolate lovers, I thank the </i><i>stelle all year ‘round for Florence's </i><i>gelaterie and </i><i>cioccolaterie, but the holidays are my time for hot chocolate, which, here in Italy means melted dark chocolate. Head to <b>Vestri</b></i> on Borgo degli Albizi, 11 for a cup of the magic mix (also an excellent place for confectioned-to-perfection gifts) and instead of adding whipped cream, plop a dollop of <i>fior di latte ice cream in your portable cup, making for a creamy, half-steaming half-cold-creaming delight for the senses. <b>Grom</b> (via dell'Oche) also concocts the same molten delight, which you can pair with just about any flavour you please.</i><br />
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<i>Alexandra Lawrence has treasured Christmas even more since the arrival of her son, Giacomo. She shares some ideas for enjoying the holidays with little ones in ‘Are you KIDding?' on page 18.</i><br />
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<i>Executive director Marco Badiani urges readers to enjoy a classic: </i><i>chestnuts roasting on an open fire... The mix of the crisp smell of December air and hot, toasty aroma of </i><i>caldarroste conjure Christmas like nothing else. You can visit the chestnut vendor on via Calzaiuoli. Or in the spirit of do-it-yourself (see Rachel Priestley's version of homemade panettone on page 21), you can make roasted chestnuts at home, sans fireplace or even perforated iron pan. For a perfect batch of piping hot </i><i>bruciate, make a slice in each chestnut, scatter them on a sheet of waxed paper and roast in the oven at 200-250°C for 20 minutes.</i><br />
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<i>Christmas morning is over, the food's been eaten, presents opened and kids put down for a nap. This is Giacomo Badiani's favourite Christmas moment. He dons a coat, scarf and hat and takes a stroll through the centre of town, enjoying a silence unlike any since mid-August-only without the heat<i><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-87536323319730212632010-09-18T18:35:00.000-07:002010-09-18T18:48:27.100-07:00Florence: all things to all people<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH2u1MYZBjRxqjat3EGdNi0kvqpkFGsGmeXb-83MHzuEGYKo_n0fCofDgnZh0qGwXDmQi-cOVrf8kPuuzPpdA6p9TrCTzKVfvdSI7KYIHLnO598IdwwMlnaFPu9fHpF4iLiDmSM8e7f-f/s1600/alle+murate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH2u1MYZBjRxqjat3EGdNi0kvqpkFGsGmeXb-83MHzuEGYKo_n0fCofDgnZh0qGwXDmQi-cOVrf8kPuuzPpdA6p9TrCTzKVfvdSI7KYIHLnO598IdwwMlnaFPu9fHpF4iLiDmSM8e7f-f/s320/alle+murate.jpg" /></a></div>Florence is not all about galleries. This is an article from the September edition of the wonderful English language newspaper <i><a href="http://www.theflorentine.it/">The Florentine</a></i>. Pick up a copy from The Paperback Exchange in via delle Oche. The photo is of the restaurant <a href="http://www.allemurate.it/">Alle Murate</a> in via del Proconsolo.<br />
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<b>Florence for philistines<br />
by Dan Woodford </b><br />
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Last autumn, having just arrived in Florence, I was walking through the city with some colleagues of my wife, all Renaissance scholars. Noticing the glass façade of the restaurant Alle Murate, I remarked, ‘Oh, that's where it is.' ‘Have you not been there yet?' they answered in unison. ‘No, have you?' I replied. ‘Yes, we went last week.' ‘How was the food?' I inquired.<br />
‘Oh we didn't eat there; we just went to look at the frescoes,' they replied.<br />
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The company I have kept this last year may have been unusually rife with Renaissance academics, but exchanges such as this one are pretty commonplace. The supposition is that we are visiting for the art and the history that goes with it. The guidebooks and postcards make it clear that this is what you come to Florence for. However, not all of us come to look at frescoes and palazzi.<br />
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Before this year, my memories of my one previous visit amounted to little more than David, bistecca, Chianti, and the two precious Smiths vinyl bootlegs I brought home in my impractical antique suitcase. Seemingly, I have not changed much in the intervening 20 years, because the memories I'm taking home this year will again have little to do with Florence's historical and artistic treasures.<br />
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Is this a bad thing? Many of us like to travel because we like to be in places that are just ... foreign. It may be that visiting the Uffizi or the Palazzo Pitti gives your trip a focal point, but the journey, the lunch that you stop for or the local people you observe on the way should be as much a part of that trip as the visit to the sites themselves.<br />
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So, if you decide to go and see Fra Angelico's frescoes at San Marco, grab some schiacciata at Pugi first, or jump on a bus that's filled with school kids on their way home from the liceo. Being swamped by the local population chatting loudly on a busy bus or in a queue at the swimming pool is often more exhilarating than gazing aimlessly at a painting of the Deposition, guidebook in hand.<br />
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For a break from the weighty cultural history on offer in the city, head out to I Gigli, the large shopping mall past the airport. Here, there are no tour guides with brightly coloured umbrellas raised aloft, escorting confused-looking tour groups-only Florentines arguing at length over which cell phone or McBurger to buy. I guarantee that you will get a better idea of what the Florentines are like here than you will standing in a queue for the Uffizi. You will get a snapshot of Italian life that is not captured and printed, then put on sale with the other postcards at every corner shop in the city center.<br />
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Another must for the visiting philistine in Florence are the markets. It may sound glib, but the Mercato Centrale and Mercato Sant'Ambrogio were my Uffizi and Accademia. The colours, bustle, smells, and life at these places are as rewarding a visit as any Botticelli. And you get to eat what you are looking at, too! Both markets have their share of snap-happy tourists, so if you are really intrepid, you could head out to a suburban branch of Esselunga or COOP to see where the majority of Florentines do their food shopping.<br />
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A memory that will take some beating for me was a trip to see Fiorentina play at the Artemio Franchi stadium. Judging by the number of American accents heard at the Fiorentina vs. Roma match, a visit to Campo di Marte is now firmly established as a must-do for U.S. undergrads. Not that this detracted from the experience in any way. The chanting can only be described as Italian, as are the insults shouted at the referee.<br />
Try and grab a seat near the Curva Fiesole to get the full Viola experience.<br />
The packed traffic-free streets after the match, thronging with (albeit disgruntled) Fiorentina fans were a highly atmospheric place to be. Being literally surrounded by animated Italian football fans made me feel happily cut off from the tourist-dense heart of the city. That place at that time will be an abiding memory of Florence for me.<br />
A 10-minute walk from the stadium is one of Florence's best gelaterie, Badiani. (Incidentally, there is no answer to the question as to which is the best). If you are going to visit Badiani (and you must) then do so late in the evening. After a Fiorentina match is ideal, when this up-market gelateria is at its busiest with Florentines from all walks of life.<br />
In a previous life, my first great love was pop music, and though other Italian cities seem to attract more bands, I managed to see two great acts in quite remarkable settings in Florence: Wilco at the Teatro della Pergola, and English folk act The Unthanks in the Convento di Santa Maria del Carmine, the latter a breathtaking setting for the haunting English folk harmonies, yet a place I would never otherwise have visited.<br />
In a sense, these gigs are emblematic of what Florence has to offer. It may well be presented as a collection of famous buildings and paintings to be ticked off the tourist's list, but it is when contemporary life is backdropped by the historic buildings or artworks that Florence really enthralls.<br />
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Philistines: A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts.<br />
(Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 11th edition)<br />
Dan Woodford spent a year living in Florence and left small pieces of himself there. In return, Florence left a few inches on his waist.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-31898360444255267042010-06-04T15:19:00.000-07:002011-03-12T12:24:42.595-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcTk46ml-ifNopwk-zVXwrJVyKMk87bhhyphenhyphenveDvTcZzLHUXbGNUsQAi8pM_7S5DXMQSTSpKiLOGrMqBMB1tihOOHBVEjconWEdMraurgtcvzc0dCIHTZyD4Ve1FpeCgeHfH_VaWc8EKQT0/s1600/cacontea.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcTk46ml-ifNopwk-zVXwrJVyKMk87bhhyphenhyphenveDvTcZzLHUXbGNUsQAi8pM_7S5DXMQSTSpKiLOGrMqBMB1tihOOHBVEjconWEdMraurgtcvzc0dCIHTZyD4Ve1FpeCgeHfH_VaWc8EKQT0/s320/cacontea.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479047618332151906" /></a><br />
A new & e<a href="http://www.cacontea.com"></a>xciting addition to our site is the beautiful Veneto country house below.<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.cacontea.com">"Ca’ Contea</a> </span>is a countryside farmhouse with a history going back centuries. The house, built on a property of 12 acres, stands among the vineyards on the hillside of Padua, in the heart of Veneto Region. Its position is central between the wonderful cities of Padua, Vicenza, Venice and Verona.<br />
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Newly, fully restored by the owners with total respect of its original structure and character and in a perfect combination of ancient material and contemporary taste, Ca` Contea is a stone, terracotta-render green-shuttered house with, in front, an old bread oven, where the inhabitant of the County (from where comes the name), where used to come cooking their own bread during the last three century.<br />
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Benefiting from being just 10 minutes drive from 3 golf courses (18 holes) and 15 minutes drive from the Hot Spring and Spa of Abano and Montegrotto and encircled by several panoramic cycling and walking tracks, it is a perfect solution for everybody liking open-air activities and wellness. Even the passionate cultural and gourmet travelers could be satisfied visiting the nearby historical walled-cities and castles where it is possible find a simple but authentic hospitality, which brings you in contact with the traditional values."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-55417715940248908692010-04-04T17:53:00.000-07:002010-04-04T18:03:20.392-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlgTe19IQk057HY1wMjtHQoKeAr63ynPNd_EC1TY6F0QT2OAjO8o2IOXNDLNublzJ_IccnGt4nf5FKw0WlBvrQ1EJ1nXj46IbWZUuK1vpSw0QazoOTFIDekZb0olwc4hBjz4JcIFGlzpB/s1600/November_2009_149.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlgTe19IQk057HY1wMjtHQoKeAr63ynPNd_EC1TY6F0QT2OAjO8o2IOXNDLNublzJ_IccnGt4nf5FKw0WlBvrQ1EJ1nXj46IbWZUuK1vpSw0QazoOTFIDekZb0olwc4hBjz4JcIFGlzpB/s320/November_2009_149.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456452496916385426" /></a><br /><br><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">If the shoe fits…</span>.</span><br />I spent a long and fascinating afternoon in Museo Ferragamo, the Ferragamo Museum, recently.<br />Being me I wouldn’t have thought that thousands of shoes could have held me spellbound for long, but I was wrong. The museum is down in the vaults beneath the extravagant headquarters of Ferragamo, in Palazzo Spini Ferrone, in Piazza Santo Spirito. It opened in 1995 but for some reason it was closed for ages but reopened in the basement of the headquarters only in 2006. The collection is a stunning panorama of over sixty years of shoes—Cinderella would have had no trouble finding another shoe here, and a prince as well, for that matter. Imelda Marcos must light candles to this shrine every night. The list of the famous, and the wooden models of their feet, form a roll-call of the celebrities of the twentieth century: Ava Gardner; Katherine Hepburn; Mary Pickford whose feet were as tiny as a Geisha’s; Sophia Loren; Audrey Hepburn who only wore flatties; Rita Hayworth whose feet turned inwards, Greta Garbo who took a size 41, exactly the same as me; Eva Peron whose rather tarty high heels with the ankle-bow are still made and are in the current collection; and Marilyn Monroe who was apparently as hard on her shoes as she was on her men, because they only have six pairs of her stilettos in the museum and they are all in bad shape. It wasn’t just women though of course—Andy Warhol stars among the celebrity pics.<br />The walls are covered in photos of all these gorgeous creatures having their feet caressed by Salvatore Ferragamo, and there are cases full of the receipts for their orders: Marilyn of course ordered six pairs at a time; Elizabeth Arden had her size 6B posted to her in August 1938; Mrs. Paul Mellon ordered hers to be sent to her at the family estate, Huntland Downs; Ginger Rogers paid $39.95 for hers in November 1959 and so did Mrs. Henry Ford, though hers had 50c added for postage paid! I’d have thought that Ferragamo could have let the postage go, wouldn’t you? These all came from the shop at 424 Park Avenue, New York, while in May of 1959, Mary Pickford’s cost $25.95 from the shop at 323 No. Rodeo Drive, Beverley Hills. They don’t all go back to the ‘50s though—there is also a pair made for Drew Barrymore in 1998 for the film of Cinderella. <br />There are only six Ferragamo centres in the world where the hand-made signature shoes are sold, and opulence is the order of the day in each of them. They are: Florence; Milan; Paris; Tokyo; New York just recently; and of course Beijing, the latest to open. Salvatore was not a Florentine; he was from Naples, but the headquarters is in Florence where the Ferragamo company now owns seemingly, half the city. They have the whole block where the fabulous Renaissance Palazzo Spini Ferrone commands the area, then on both sides of the Arno is their chain of luxury hotels: the regal Lungarno Suites, the very hip Hotel Art; the restrained and elegant Hotel Continentale; and the flagship Hotel Lungarno in Borgo San Jacopo. They also have a shop which sells designer homewares all based on the less-is-more principle of modernist chic. Salvatore Ferragamo has been dead for ages but his widow, who was twenty years younger and is now eighty-six, still comes in to work every day!<br />The museum may be housed in the basement but it’s not just any old basement; the ceilings are vaulted and covered in medieval frescoes of the stemme or blazons of the ruling families of the time. A Florentine friend told me that in the 1970s the basement was a nightclub with a very unsavoury reputation, called The Well of Beatrice, and that she was strictly forbidden to go there. The thing that strikes me most forcibly is that almost all the designs could still be, and are in many cases, still are in fashion today. By far the most intriguing were the sandals of pure 18 carat gold, made in 1956, for the wife of an ‘Australian tycoon’!! Not too many Australians were buying their wives golden slippers in 1956, soooo any guesses?<br /><br /><br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-13072331471257341322009-12-07T22:59:00.000-08:002009-12-07T23:13:12.610-08:00Christmas in a village in Tuscany<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yx71nRh8j14KJkuJIEDxOw_17c7Hs6bplJG5UpJV0Rg0zqKv7E8zqCtemiVc2yGigV5Wb3w_Y2AB3FWMOfyMD_5SFo8QN6ezqX1eCGde6_YfiTwlg5617wT6ldYCyqHKwcZyFtE8y5nK/s1600-h/Bagni+di+Lucca.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yx71nRh8j14KJkuJIEDxOw_17c7Hs6bplJG5UpJV0Rg0zqKv7E8zqCtemiVc2yGigV5Wb3w_Y2AB3FWMOfyMD_5SFo8QN6ezqX1eCGde6_YfiTwlg5617wT6ldYCyqHKwcZyFtE8y5nK/s320/Bagni+di+Lucca.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412759249905536658" /></a><br /><br><br />Babbo Natale knows how to find <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bagni di Lucca<a href="http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/blog/"></a></span>. Although it was a thriving spa town in the nineteenth century, like most of Tuscany it has roots in the Etruscan & Roman epochs as well. Close to the gorgeous walled city of Lucca, Bagni di Lucca is a little gem of a <a href="http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/blog">Tuscan village</a> where life rolls along with a rythm in tune with the seasons. Off the beaten track and filled with magic.<br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-22070686822226442952009-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:002009-10-14T14:28:05.899-07:00Lisa Clifford wins literary award<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGyzxjbhalSaFSOtwdnaLtVrO5LSP3N8Ia0J0nrIk4mleJrH142KVlYBMxpcVzU9NcDDOvXBhkbXo4MYbORLZC6XN8sR11tPKRzx44fimzjr-bCT4eWG9YTWX2OIA5twDxGKGHiXPB3YY/s1600-h/Lisa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGyzxjbhalSaFSOtwdnaLtVrO5LSP3N8Ia0J0nrIk4mleJrH142KVlYBMxpcVzU9NcDDOvXBhkbXo4MYbORLZC6XN8sR11tPKRzx44fimzjr-bCT4eWG9YTWX2OIA5twDxGKGHiXPB3YY/s320/Lisa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392569062552151010" /></a><br /><br><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">In August this year, Lisa Clifford was awarded the 2009 Grollo Ruzzene Foundation Prize for Writing about Italians in Australia. </span><br /><br /><br />The book, <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.lisacliffordwriter.com">Death in the Mountains</a></span>, describes a Tuscany the travel brochures don't know. It takes the reader into a time & place & a world almost forgotten now, even by Tuscans, but still vivid in the effects on each person who was formed by those times. Lisa sees with the clear-eyed love of an adopted Tuscan, & shares with us her warm appreciation for the harsh and beautiful world which lies so close behind the one we all see today.<br />I love this book & I am delighted that it has been properly recognised. Don't miss it. <br />See below. <br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-12910020200806879062009-10-14T13:59:00.000-07:002009-10-14T14:35:02.419-07:00'Death in The Mountains' by Lisa Clifford<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbQ451v96ZZH_ryKy-397dG7i5ftxXqlubQGmaDOQx3H0zjCd9m8L2dhuhYhGm7U6QL2buacrZ3vUS1ciTnqJKOkijVGUMutueGf8f8a1uYxm5nGyT8M9MEyGVOuJ6z2yIGr8rR8qvo8l/s1600-h/Death+in+mountains.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbQ451v96ZZH_ryKy-397dG7i5ftxXqlubQGmaDOQx3H0zjCd9m8L2dhuhYhGm7U6QL2buacrZ3vUS1ciTnqJKOkijVGUMutueGf8f8a1uYxm5nGyT8M9MEyGVOuJ6z2yIGr8rR8qvo8l/s320/Death+in+mountains.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392572370355903906" /></a><br /><br><br />Winner<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The winner of the 2009 Grollo Ruzzene Foundation Prize for Writing about Italians in Australia is:</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.lisacliffordwriter.com">Death in the Mountains</a></span> - WINNER<br /><a href="http://www.lisacliffordwriter.com">Lisa Clifford</a><br />(Pan Macmillan)<br /><br />The world of the Italian peasant, hundreds of years in the making, is difficult to describe to the modern reader, as it is overlain with the memories and misconceptions that are mixed up in the migration process. In <span style="font-style:italic;">Death in the Mountains</span>, Lisa Clifford intricately re-creates an almost forgotten world of a rural Italy, a world of peasant mezzadri (sharecroppers) governed by poverty, hard work, frugality and resourcefulness in which adversity is sometimes paradoxically mediated by both religion and superstition. The key factual events, particularly the murder of the family's paterfamilias, Artemio Bruni, are located within a vivid reconstruction of the occluded world inhabited by these mezzadri. The details are astonishingly good, based on careful interviews with the descendants of Artemio and Bruna and their contemporaries, now very old people living on the margins of an Italian region better known for its glamorous villas and majestic urbanscapes. By drawing readers into the world of the Italian mezzadro peasant the story of the Bruni family, Clifford provides insight into the values, attitudes and ways that helped define the Italian peasantry and which subsequently moulded the lives of Italians both in Australia and Italy.<br /> <br /><br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-28569392817732411362009-10-03T15:26:00.000-07:002009-10-03T15:31:42.665-07:00ORSANMICHELE ORATORIO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vSDBp1CQ0wtaKqd2kBK2mL5F8QkCoWoO8dRQizLYQWxyBL5p2D6vVXBic_2yoccsoPcDASfNTHOuqQdeJ9OHRR-PTS-Nf2xMz9gmVemKgMOiccnaQbdpDDnNWma4tebzmeUCHgjlnD-M/s1600-h/orsanmichele_2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vSDBp1CQ0wtaKqd2kBK2mL5F8QkCoWoO8dRQizLYQWxyBL5p2D6vVXBic_2yoccsoPcDASfNTHOuqQdeJ9OHRR-PTS-Nf2xMz9gmVemKgMOiccnaQbdpDDnNWma4tebzmeUCHgjlnD-M/s320/orsanmichele_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388505012257445874" /></a><br /><br><br /><br />A treasure re-opened<br />Volunteers staff long-shuttered museum<br /><br />Orsanmichele is the most Florentine monument in Florence. Palazzo Vecchio is a town hall, like the town halls that are found in many other cities. Santa Maria del Fiore is a cathedral, just like the ones in every other city. But there is only one Orsanmichele and it is in Florence. Only in Florence could a monument like this one be born; a monument that is part church, part granary; a monument that serves both religious and civil life; a monument that exalts both faith and work'.<br /><br />These words, spoken by then mayor of Florence, Piero Bargellini, in a 1956 speech, are on the back of the tickets that give visitors free entrance to the newly re-opened Orsanmichele museum, located on the second and third floors of the church.<br /><br />Lacking personnel, the museum, which showcases the original sculptures that once adorned the Orsanmichele's exterior tabernacles, has been closed for the past four years. Now, thanks to volunteers from the Amici dei musei fiorentini association, the museum opens its doors every Monday, from 10am to 5pm. <br /><br />‘It's a gift for all-both residents and tourists. For this we thank the Amici dei musei fiorentini,' said the museum's director, Antonio Goldoni.<br /><br /> ‘We will work to control the visitor influx, but we will also answer visitors' questions and help out in any way we can. We decided to open the museum on Mondays because the city's other museums are closed and we hope to attract more visitors', says volunteer and Florentine entrepreneur Roberto Santini.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Florentine<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>, (issue no. 108/2009 / September 24, 2009)<br /><br /> <br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-75186604021089260252009-07-02T14:22:00.000-07:002009-07-02T14:32:04.140-07:00'Something wicked this way comes' Macbeth at the Bargello<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdo3mzJ7lhqw7V_vnsuhpOpp1kqI25kX3MACkTIpBIX42FNwoLYfA2qw5BTbvpWIT1C602KMpSCFhHmvSW3Fl8iU39UytTxbCFfNlGXMzLe_FxRGjWdzbua-NKAMe2Akxea6h7kJPk9cs/s1600-h/macbethelady4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdo3mzJ7lhqw7V_vnsuhpOpp1kqI25kX3MACkTIpBIX42FNwoLYfA2qw5BTbvpWIT1C602KMpSCFhHmvSW3Fl8iU39UytTxbCFfNlGXMzLe_FxRGjWdzbua-NKAMe2Akxea6h7kJPk9cs/s320/macbethelady4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353978715748574658" /></a><br /><br><br />As daylight wanes over Florence, the divide between man and fate collide in this summer's performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth. The study of murder, greed, and deception will be played out in the former execution grounds of the Bargello Museum.<br /><br />‘Florence English Speaking Theatrical Artists (F.E.S.T.A.) is making history as the first company to perform Shakespeare in English in a Florentine museum,' remarked Cristina Acidini, head of the Polo Museale Fiorentino, the organization in charge of Florence's most renowned museums.<br /><br />‘The emphasis is very much on the metaphysical, on humanity, and the battle between the gods and fate,' said director Shaun Loftus. ‘One of the hallmarks of tragedy is man against the gods, so the idea was to put emphasis on the witches.'<br /><br />Living in a society where the end justifies the means, Loftus' Macbeth is presented as a tragedy of humanity. The witches represent three primordial fates-the spinner, the allotter, and the cutter-altering the characters' lives. Inspired by Akira Kurasawa's Throne of Blood<br />, Loftus emphasizes that the witches' power to determine life, length of life, and the moment of death comes from the characters' belief in them.<br /><br />‘I mirror the fights because I'm deciding who gets away and who dies,' explained Stephanie Taylor, who plays the cutter. ‘Our biggest fear is if these people stop believing in us because then we'll die.'<br /><br />Echoing modern notions that the winner conquers all, and that immorality deserves reward, Macbeth digs into the roots of Greek tragedy, said Loftus.<br />The marriage between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is one of equal partners. Although Macbeth is often interpreted as weak, Simon Blackhall portrays a very warm and strong Macbeth. ‘It's a tragedy; there's no way out for Macbeth,' said Blackhall. ‘Along with that there's also a lot of humanity in the play-the visceral language equates to this rawness.'<br />The Florence production of Macbeth features an ensemble cast of actors from Broadway to the Stratford Theatre, from America, Rome, Pisa, and the U.K.<br />‘When I heard about this project, I knew I had to be a part of it,' said Baron Kelly, who has appeared on Broadway, Off Broadway, and in regional theatres across America. On his role as Duncan, the king, he recounted that Loftus told him, "‘I'm sorry you came all this way just to get killed.'"<br /><br />The murders take place in the courtyard of the Bargello, where prisoners were once executed. ‘Macbeth is an incredibly bloody play, and in medieval times criminals used to be hung in the courtyard,' said Elia Nichols who plays Lady Macbeth. ‘Very little set was needed. Macbeth is set in Scotland during the Middle Ages, so all we needed was a castle.'<br /><br />Works of art in Florence are echoed in the costumes, designed by Dagmar Lise Pedersen. One of Lady Macbeth's costumes, a cape with fabric relief sculptures of babies' heads, signifying a central theme of the play: Macbeth's willingness to slaughter innocence in order to fulfill ambition. It was inspired by a wooden sculpture in the Bargello, the Madonna della Misericordia.<br /><br />Commenting on her approach to the production, Loftus explained, ‘We wanted a violent Macbeth to show people what not to do. We're in a world where horrible wars happen and we never see it around us-we live in a society that's become disaffected.'<br /><br />Macbeth will be performed at 9pm at the Bargello from July 8 through 12. Italian translation will be projected on the wall. Tickets can be purchased from www.themacbethproject.org/boxoffice, www.boxol.it, or at the BM Bookstore, Borgo Ognissanti 4r.<br />This article is from <span style="font-style:italic;">The Florentine</span>, (issue no. 105/2009 / July 2, 2009)<br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-3081311593351671462009-03-13T14:42:00.000-07:002009-03-13T14:48:26.661-07:00TUSCAN B&B VILLA LA MASSA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZQbet14rrOwCEANprbdHdpm-RA9lOyGcVpKiHg3P45_eRbKsgru841FJbDTz14p4PM2_oiubv7PeKojKTiSOH67CjGIRkdMSMRVC6Y5JytwJOMPpxf3tR-TWDpzaWkHEsAQn2X41ynxT/s1600-h/IMGP0198.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZQbet14rrOwCEANprbdHdpm-RA9lOyGcVpKiHg3P45_eRbKsgru841FJbDTz14p4PM2_oiubv7PeKojKTiSOH67CjGIRkdMSMRVC6Y5JytwJOMPpxf3tR-TWDpzaWkHEsAQn2X41ynxT/s320/IMGP0198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312792049556067714" /></a><br /><br><br />Our daily bread took on a much more immediate meaning during a recent stay at <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.lamassa.tuscany.it/">Villa La Massa</a><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> in the Tuscan countryside to the east of Florence. Peter & Daniele, who run this gorgeous B & B deep in a Tuscan valley in the Casentino, are delightfully warm hosts who spare no effort to make their guests feel, for a time, part of the rich ritual of the country rythm which is their life. And so, on our first morning, we found ourselves in Peter’s 4WD on our way to the ancient water mill in a local village to pick up a sack of flour for more of the scrumptious homemade bread we had devoured for breakfast. We watched the big stones grinding on as they had for centuries, powered by the rush of water directly beneath us, all viewed through a fine haze of new flour. After a chat to the baker, who, with his brother, continues this family business with contracts as far off as Tesco in the UK, we collected our sack and headed into the local bar for the morning coffee ritual. No tourists ever stray here—the beaten tack is far away.<br />La Massa sits high on the side of the valley, flooded by sunshine for most of the day. We took the SITA coach from Florence, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the villages and mountains of the valley which follows the River Arno to its source. We passed through ancient villages and towns such as Pontassieve with its Roman bridge, and on upwards through stunning forests into the snow-covered mountains and the high pass at Consuma. This was once one of the poorest regions in Tuscany, and the traditions are still strong. At a bend in the road we alighted at a local stop signed Vertelli & made our way on foot up the lane which wends its way to the house through olive groves and across a stone bridge across a tumbling river, and on upward into the light and welcome of La Massa.<br />On this early spring evening the fire was already lit and the lamps were burning and the sense of homecoming was overwhelming. Peter & Daniele have thought of everything. I’m a hard marker, but over the course of our three-day visit I could not find a single thing which could be bettered. This is hospitality at its most utterly gracious, offered by hosts who really are pleased to have you.<br />We spent a day exploring the surrounding villages—visiting the perfectly preserved town of Poppi with its medieval castle and collonaded streets reached from below by an Etruscan footpath. Perched high on its eyrie the town sits surveying the surrounding countryside just as it has done for over eight hundred years, still silent and brooding like the castle-keep it once was. Sounds floated up from the valley below—dogs barking, church bells tolling, wisps of smoke from the plains where the prunings from the harvested olive trees are being burned.<br />Peter drove us to the market town of Strada in Casentino where he took us to meet his friends who run the alimentary—deli to us. We had a delightful chat about the Slow Food Movement, to which they belong, and which is now, after its beginnings in Torino, a world-wide sodality. The array of regional cheeses was enough to make me despair, and so of course we tasted them all and bought far too much, and staggered home laden with enough for forty people for forty days, but determined to eat it all the same.<br />At night in the valley the stars glitter as I have only ever seen them before in Australia. By day we followed the ridge-line high, high up behind the house to the very top from where you can see forever.<br />La Massa offers every possible comfort & joy of modernity—super comfortable beds; lavish bathrooms; fully equipped kitchens; central heating; a wood-burning stove ( with chopped & ready-stacked wood) and elegant, welcoming, comfy décor. This is the best of modern Italian design, married to casual rustic charm and thoughtful generous hospitality.<br />The ‘breakfast’ part of the Bed &Breakfast is no less generous—a luscious selection of goodies which included berry jam made by Daniele’s mother and of course Peter’s homemade bread, which we almost felt as if we had had a hand in making, as we had at least supervised the milling of the flour!<br />There is also Wi-fi internet and a gym, for those who could be bothered with the outside world or self-discipline, but I ignored both of those and even the solar-heated pool set amongst geraniums and lavender with a view across the valley. This is a place to be still and feel life eddying around you. This is Peter & Danny’s home, and the B&B is an extension of their home & their life, which we were fortunate enough to share for a short time. Lucky us!!<br /><br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-63202491895338746772009-03-13T01:05:00.000-07:002009-03-13T14:38:14.778-07:00B&B in Tuscany - Villa La Massa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6852YtjozXn7fV42cKNltq7c9jgy2tJQgKBBxzO_in8olL72pmJt4vX8AeP2Y-icRZY17iTyxTBqowfTmZkaCD6_DxOlvr-y9RwkOGwHDJlMKwDPLO8_PYLR2RyOWrRvKQxsUalPoGBPg/s1600-h/IMGP0202.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6852YtjozXn7fV42cKNltq7c9jgy2tJQgKBBxzO_in8olL72pmJt4vX8AeP2Y-icRZY17iTyxTBqowfTmZkaCD6_DxOlvr-y9RwkOGwHDJlMKwDPLO8_PYLR2RyOWrRvKQxsUalPoGBPg/s320/IMGP0202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312581202081957970" /></a><br /><br><br /><a href="http://www.lamassa.tuscany.it/">Villa La Massa</a> visit on our links.<br /><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8491128417673489429.post-86695089986590278352009-03-13T00:52:00.000-07:002009-03-13T14:56:53.958-07:00TUSCAN B&B - VILLA LA MASSA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPZxI1KWg3TU4yIw_B0H1-FaTfgoRf9N38cBGMwdyEppaNIqA3j0U1j4ouJeb1VWiAmC7fDAKhcD3AcgV4yRrcuJynUjz3OSPccA2h6u7xNVVbQsP1ci4Y14cmmYtQieo9JdcQ0Vr2WC6/s1600-h/IMGP0207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPZxI1KWg3TU4yIw_B0H1-FaTfgoRf9N38cBGMwdyEppaNIqA3j0U1j4ouJeb1VWiAmC7fDAKhcD3AcgV4yRrcuJynUjz3OSPccA2h6u7xNVVbQsP1ci4Y14cmmYtQieo9JdcQ0Vr2WC6/s320/IMGP0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312794616425103586" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJANINE%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Garamond; panose-1:2 2 4 4 3 3 1 1 8 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span our="" daily="" bread="" took="" on="" much="" more="" immediate="" significance="" during="" a="" recent="" stay="" at="" lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.lamassa.tuscany.it/">Villa La Massa</a> in the Tuscan countryside to the east of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Florence</st1:place></st1:city>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Peter & Daniele, who run this gorgeous B & B deep in a Tuscan valley in the Casentino, are delightfully warm hosts who spare no effort to make their guests feel, for a time, part of the rich ritual of the country rythm which is their life. And so, on our first morning, we found ourselves in Peter’s 4WD on our way to the ancient water mill in a local village to pick up a sack of flour for more of the scrumptious homemade bread we had devoured for breakfast. We watched the big stones grinding on as they had for centuries, powered by the rush of water directly beneath us, all viewed through a fine haze of new flour. After a chat to the baker, who, with his brother, continues this family business with contracts as far off as Tesco in the UK, we collected our sack and headed into the local bar for the morning coffee ritual. No tourists ever stray here—the beaten tack is far away.</span></span></p>
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