Morning in Matera If there’s one city that always stops me in my tracks, it’s Matera. Every time I arrive, I stand for a moment just to take it all in — the stacked stone homes, winding stairways, and soft golden light spilling across rooftops. It’s impossible not to feel something here. We started our morning at the overlook, coffee in hand, watching the mist rise over the Sassi. The town feels like a labyrinth — narrow lanes, archways, and stairs that twist in every direction. You half expect to see someone from a movie scene step out from behind[…]
Tag: Italian cuisine
Day 1 in Palermo: A Warm Welcome to Sicily
We touched down in Palermo this afternoon and were whisked straight to our seaside hotel. Out one window I can see fishing boats bobbing in the bay; out the other, rows of cafés, bakeries, and gelato shops that make you want to wander and taste everything in sight. To the left of the hotel are family-run trattorias serving grilled seafood; to the right, a bakery whose scent of warm bread drifts into the street. But my favorite stop sits just across the way—a cozy café overlooking the water, perfect for a morning cappuccino or late-night limoncello. Tonight, our group gathered[…]
Day 9: From Florence to Rome via Chiusi — A Journey Through Ancient Etruria
Today’s journey took us deep into the heart of Tuscany and the ancient world, as we made our way from Florence to Rome with a fascinating stop in Chiusi, one of the hidden gems of southern Tuscany. Before we even reached the Eternal City, we found ourselves walking in the footsteps of the Etruscans—a sophisticated civilization that thrived long before the Romans absorbed their culture. With our incredible local guide Barbara, we explored Chiusi’s quiet streets, winding underground passages, and rich archaeological history. One of the highlights was the Labyrinth of King Porsenna, an ancient underground water system filled with[…]
Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
I began the day early, eager to experience Bologna before it fully woke up. The morning light slipped through the endless porticoes, illuminating cobblestone streets and quiet corners. I ducked into Caffè Terzi near Via Oberdan for a perfect espresso and a warm, flaky cornetto. The atmosphere was calm—just me, the barista, and the gentle clink of ceramic cups. Wandering into Piazza Maggiore, I found myself in the city’s beating heart. The massive Basilica di San Petronio stood solemn and powerful, its unfinished facade somehow adding to its charm. Inside, I paused at the famous meridian line running across the[…]