Torino Trivia

Updated 2018 Torino’s name sounds like the Italian word for bull (toro) and there are bull emblems all over the city. But Torino is named after a Celtic tribe and the word means, “of the mountains.” Torino was the first place in Italy to adopt cross-country skiing. Swiss engineer and resident of Torino Adolf Kind helped found the Ski Club …

Braving the Nordic

Updated 2018. Despite the cold and an early event time (I had to get up at 6 a.m. to make it on time), spectators were out in full force at Pragelato Plan for the Men’s Team Nordic Combined competition. If you’re not really sure what the Nordic Combined is, you’re not alone. In this event, 4 members from each country …

Women’s Luge at Cesana

We were impressed that our trip form Torino to Cesana via train and shuttle bus went smoothly. The venue was absolutely breathtaking. We purchased expensive category A tickets for this event, but soon realized that standing room tickets, where you just stand along the track, would have been far better and cheaper. Halfway through, we left our seats and stood …

Culinary Travels Through the Region of Piedmont

Updated 2018. Some of you may have seen Chef Roberto Donna of Washington, DC’s Galileo on yesterday’s Today Show. A group of us had the pleasure of joining Chef Donna on a culinary tour of his native Piedmont region. Mamma mia! As I have long told people, the food and wine of this region is among the best in all …

Toot, Toot – Torino

If there’s ever a time to toot my own horn, 4 a.m. should be as good as any. Your favorite insomniac is perusing the Web for up-to-the-minute information on travel to Torino – (oh dear, I have gone to the other side, somewhere around yesterday, I gave up the fight to call it ‘Turin’!). Just found out that USA TODAY …

Ten Things You Don’t Know About Turin

Updated 2018. Italians and foreigners alike often think of Fiat (the Italian carmaker) and Agnelli (the family who built the company) when they think of Turin yet, this city is hardly the Detroit of Italy. From world-class museums, to charming baroque architecture, to some of Italy’s best cuisine, Turin is a city of surprises. Here are some fascinating facts about …

Turin: City of Museums

One of the reasons I love Turin is for its museums. Turin is home to some 40 museums, most of them world-class. Turin’s most famous musuem may be Museo Egizio, home to the best collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo. On my November trip to Turin, I visited the Museo del Risorgimento – the average visitor might find this …

Strike Truce Called for Turin Games

All of the major Italian labors have agreed not to strike while the Winter Olympics Games and Paralympics are taking place in Turin. According to the Associated Press, “The truce will last from Jan. 31 to March 23 and includes a prevision allowing strikes March 4. Local Turin unions signed an Olympic no-strike clause in November.” The AP adds, “The …

“Turin” vs. “Torino”

My poor friend Paul. We’re about to enter into a period of true hell for him. You see, one of his biggest pet peeves is when people, especially newscasters, say “Torino” rather than “Turin” – the English version of the city name. He was moaning and groaning about this months ago and well, he’s about to hear it a whole …