Good News for Pompeii

 This week came good news for archaeology and history lovers, as well as Itali-files in that the EU has pledged $145 million dollars (105 million euros) to save Pompeii.

     The money is part of a larger one billion euro program to support major heritage sites in dire need of  conservation and will fund a four-year project to preserve the ancient Roman town.
The History Blog

The money is a much needed asset as 3 walls have fallen within the Pompeii city walls in the past several months due to the combination of inadequate matience and terriable weather.

How is that possible really when the archaeological park brings in 70 million dollars a year from tourists? Apparently it's in the way the money is being distributed.

Concern has been mounting internationally that not enough is being done to protect Italy's historical sites, as the heavily indebted country struggles to cope with recession and the effects of the global economic crisis.
Monsters and Critics


I hope we get the chance to see it make a difference.

ANSA story on walls colapsing here.

Now That's What I Call a Nativity Scene

  If you've ever been to Italy at Christmas time you would have noticed that Italians have an incredible tradition of elaborate nativity scenes. So this weekend when I headed to the gardening and craft supply store, I got a chance to take in just how serious they can take this decor.These are just some of the nativity displays they have up and it's only October.

Disaster in Cinque Terre

(From TheTelegraph.co.uk)

Five people have been killed and another six are missing after storms and torrential rain caused extensive floods in northern Italy 

 

 The walking trails and picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre attract hundreds of thousands of international tourists, but two of them – Vernazza and Monterosso – were severely affected as rivers of mud poured down from the hills behind them.

The mayor of Monterosso said the fishing village had all but been wiped out saying, "Monterosso no longer exists."

Can you guys believe this? Have you been there? Do you have memories. Please share! I was just looking at my photos from when we there in 2008...

Rich Steves has more info here and a great wall to post your thoghts on.

Crazy for Faux

  I'm just crazy for all of the faux details that are painted everywhere inside and outside of the buildings in this part of Italy. They take trompe l'oeil to a high art form to make up for the lack of carved wood or marble that would be eaten up by the salty seaside air. Here are a few of my favorite examples.

Door Series #52

The Legend of the Lost Explorer

  A hundred years ago an explorer set off into a dark unexplored forrest. She had a map, a camera, and walking stick.

But something happened whilst on her journey....she got a little....lost.

and then something strange bit her...

..and she was attacked by wild animals..

The explorer arose feeling different...

It appears that she will be lost in the dark forrest forever..

So don't go into the dark forest...I hear she is still there wondering with her map and her walking stick, looking for a way to get out. She might find you instead.

 

Happy Halloween Everybody! 

See you all at the Fanciful Twist party!

Eat Here: Gennaro

  The best Pizzeria in our town is Gennaro. They have a full pizza kitchen and daily kitchen specials. Eat the specials while you can because they go fast and when they're gone, they're gone. After I ate their lobster and spaghetti special, I thought that all of the food I ever ate before was just an appetizer to this dish. Right now the specials all involve porcini mushrooms which are in season. The pizza menu is extensive. They are the only restaurant that will make a pesto pizza which is a brilliant combination. I even try and copy it when I make pizza at home. When in Liguria, eat here!

 Da Gennaro
 Piazza martiri della liberta', 30
16038 - Santa margherita ligure (GE) italia

tel: 0185.286951

Silly Post

Making salad....

What Is That? Topinambour

  At the grocery store I often find myself asking, "What is that?" Like this: Topinambour

It looks like ginger but it's not. According to Wikipedia, it's the root of a daisy plant that can be eaten like potatos.

Has anyboy tried these? I'm curious to know how to eat them.

What's Out My Window: Italian Fashion

  There were some lovely ladies dressed in their fall best this weekend out of my window so I snapped a few shots.
Capes, over the knee boots, fur jackets, and red ankle boots!

Door Series #51

How Italians Do Waffles

  You can find waffles in one form or another in every European country. Although the Belgians are the most famous, they don't have the monopoly. Head to the mountain town of Fenestrelle, Italy where they famously make delicious thin style waffles in a waffle pan called a Gofri.

  This weekend I ventured to (my friends really had to twist my arm) a regional food festival in Torino celebrating foods famous from different towns in Piedmont. The longest line at any food stall was by far at the waffle stand. I just had to investigate. I took a peek behind the scenes and found 8 waffle makers each with a Gofri just as busy as Santa's workshop. They couldn't make them fast enough!

Patrons ordering a waffle (for 3 euros) were offered the choice of center spread of either Nutella or gorgonzola and ham. We chose the chocolate of course. They let me snap a few photos of them happily making waffles for the hordes of buyers. Don't tell my friends but after they left, I snuck back and had a second one....they were that good.

Easy Breezy Beautiful

  They were filming a beauty commercial in Piazza Castello this morning. I could tell because this cute girl rode her bicycle up to the camera and then stopped to put on lip gloss.