Happy Halloween From Italy

Here in Italy, they don't actually celebrate Halloween but they are well aware of the holiday and there are signs around town of the Great Pumpkin. We celebrated with some Ghost Peeps , on a stick of course, 'cause that's how we roll. Buon Halloween Tutti!

What Is She Looking At?

This is why I carry my camera around with me always. In Italy quaint scenes like this are everywhere. Italians are used to them, they just walk on by. Then there's me who stops like a tourist, even though I live here, and awes over a window and a Vespa but it does make a lovely picture doesn't it?

Torino Street Fashion: Guys

Just a couple of fall looks from the guys. Good or bad, you decide. More to come later.

Street Fashion Torino

Some Italian fashion found walking the streets in my neighborhood. Good or bad? You decide. Today, it's about the boots.

The Italian Job returns to Torino!

In 1969 British film The Italian Job, staring Michael Cain, was shot right here in Torino. Mini Coopers were filmed in car chases speeding threw Via Roma, Piazza San Carlo, the FIAT factory, and even in my Piazza Castello. Today some Mini enthusiasts drove around the city center perhaps as a 40 year tribute.
Here is a clip from the original film showing off the city, my hood.

Men In Tights

This weekend was the yearly traditional parade of the nobles. The historic parade where, if you remember from last year, the ancient families from every suburb of Torino dress in traditional costume and parade threw my piazza with their family, servants, musicians, flag guards, and even a few peasants caring offerings. I follow the parade and take loads of pictures because I'm a sucker for the men in tights.

My Royal Halloween Party!

Welcome to Marie Antoinette's boudoir!

I'm getting ready for the party but there seems to be a little problem with my neck....

You have my permission to compliment the queen on her ability to "keep her head" whilst attending the party.

Must have more jewelry for my hair. More is more!

Forget cake, Let them eat cookies!

And by them I mean me.

I can't go to the guillotine with out proper ribbons to hold up my stockings!

Happy Halloween party goers!! Remember to keep your heads this holiday!!

*Thank you to Vanessa at http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/ for hosting another fabulous blog party, I look forward to it all year!!*

You Won't Believe What Was Out My Window Today!

I do not think it is a coincidence that the president of Italy decided to visit Torino on the same day that the 2010 Girls of Lavazza Calendar was released. To explain, I looked out my window this morning to find all the roads blocked off and police everywhere. A diplomatic car drove up to the theatre where 2 men jumped out and escorted the Italian president, Giorgio Napolitano, into the theatre for a morning showing of La Traviata. My little piazza was buzzing as the president stayed all day visiting the government offices and police headquarters (also in my piazza).

For reference here is a picture of the president:

AND Here is the closest I got to taking a picture of the president (Hint: He's the bald one) On the other side of the square the Lavazza coffee company was having a PR and paparazzi party to celebrate the release of the 2010 Lavazza Calendar. Coffee is sexy you know. This time I was able to get closer to the excitement.
Here are the models of the 2010 Lavazza Calendar. The guy in the middle is holding the official calendar which you have to buy to see, it's not even on the Internet...yet. (Also I heard one of the models speaking and she was American!). I never get tired of what is happening just outside my window. I never know what will be there tomorrow....

Another Great Weekend at the Market

Everyone was out at the markets this weekend. For those of you who ask me where I find the vintage goodies for my shop, it's at outdoor markets like these.

In Season: Porcini

Everybody's gone mushroom crazy around here because the Porcini's have arrived. This is how they are displayed at the market this week.

Porcini's are found wild around the forests of the Piedmont region. The mushrooms are so big and meaty there are so many things you can make with them. Try this recipie from Food and Wine Magazine for Porcini Mushroom Tartlets.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/porcini-mushroom-tartlets

Weekend Market Finds

I'm back to cruising the weekend markets finding the oddities, interesting, the wacky and fun items Italy has to offer. Check out some of last weekends finds:

Don Bosco the Musical!

Don Bosco was a priest from Torino who took in homeless children who were unruly and disobedient children and made them into obedient and good children of God. There have been 2 movies made about his life and now a musical where Don Bosco is played by this guy:

Tickets are on sale now at Teatro Olympico....Maybe I ask for tickets for my birthday. I can't help this nagging feeling that this Don Bosco reminds me of someone..hummmm...

In Season: Pears

And that means delicious chocolate and pear tortes are in every window of the cafes. Here is one I spotted walking threw the Sunday markets.

I could just eat the whole thing myself. Feeling like you wish you could have a piece? Well, try this recipe from Godiva and you might feel like you were here too! Buon Appetito!

http://www.godiva.com/recipes/recipe_zoom.aspx?id=649

This is New

Bicycle taxis in Piazza San Carlo. Where would you go in one of these? Are they safe among the typical Italian drivers? How many people can they hold? Could you take one to prom? I might have to take one to answer these important questions. Inquiring minds want to know.

The Jonai Are Coming!

I thought that now that I'm back in Italy I might escape the invasion of the Jonas Brothers (Jonas's? Jonai?). It seemed that everywhere I went they were on my TV, on a t-shirt, on the radio, opening a wal-mart, etc. etc. But today I learned that there is no escape. Now I see that next month they will be here in Torino. They truly are taking over the world. Awesome.