Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Puglia FREE”
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 …
This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the August/September 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 180 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here. Throughout this strange time in the world, I’ve always felt that Italy is poised for another Renaissance, a re-birth. I’m thrilled to report that despite the state of things, in this …
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2020 issue of Dream of Italy. When I dream of Italy, I dream of making pasticciotto, a pastry with creamy custard filling, in Puglia with a handsome Italian named Luigi. When a nicely dressed, handsome Italian with dark curly locks walks into the room, I smile at how much I never expected the person …
Editor’s Note: How lucky I have been to meet so many wonderful Italians through my work. One of my favorites is dear Ylenia. She is beautiful on the inside and out, adores animals as I do and exudes passion for her native Puglia. I’ve had some wonderful memories with Ylenia including filming a cooking lesson with her and a local …
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 …
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Season Two is now available! This article was updated in 2018. As you may already know, the first season of the TV travel series Dream of Italy is currently airing on CreateTV and PBS stations around the United States. This subscription newsletter – which I founded in 2002 to …
In the Puglia episode of the first season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns the traditional social dance of the region. When the Pugliese want to socialize or celebrate, they turn to an age-old traditional dance, the pizzica (similar to the tarantella). We experienced the pizzica first-hand in the main square of the town of Squinzano and then …
In the Puglia episode of the first season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns the historic importance of this previously Ottoman ruled town. Monopoli is one of Puglia’s stunning, fortified cities along the coast. While the seaside castle and fortified walls are now a peaceful place to stroll and explore, they were once battle grounds for invading Ottomans. …
In the Puglia episode of the first season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns the history of the exotic cone-shaped houses famous to the region. The landscape of Puglia’s Itria Valley feels otherworldy, most because of the unusual cone- shaped house that dot the landscape. These house are called trulli and the town of Alberobello is home to …
In the Puglia episode of the first season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns how to make a very famous and traditional dish of the region. One of the most enjoyable activities in Puglia is eating the simple food passed down from the peasants of yesteryear or cucina povera. Even better? Learning how to make dishes like orecchiette …
