I came up with the concept for the PBS special Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive in 2019 before a pandemic was anywhere on the horizon. The TV special of course premiered this year and though I had no idea what would hit the world in between, I think the topic was right on time. I am more convinced than ever …
Excerpt From Always Italy by Frances Mayes with Ondine Cohane
Editor’s Note: In a world that has gone mad, let’s close our eyes and dream of Italy. No one writes about Italy the way Frances Mayes does. In the midst of the chaos, she has a stunning new book out from National Geographic – Always Italy – along with her fab travel writer extraordinaire co-author Ondine Cohane. We’re offering a …
Christmas in Calabria: Festa di Santa Lucia + Cuccia Recipes
Although she was born in Sicily, Santa Lucia is adored by Calabrians who created prayers and proverbs in her honor. They take Festa di Santa Lucia very seriously. Read on to explore the history of this sacred day.
Recycle the South: One Man’s Journey Through Southern Italy
For the past several weeks, I have been following Silvestro Silvestori’s bicycle trip through southern Italy through his series of revealing photos and reports on his Web site. Silvestro who lives in Lecce, Puglia feels passionate about southern Italy – Campania, Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia and Sicily – and wants to bring more attention to all the rich culture and history …