Italian Life

February 13, 2024

Azerbaijan unmasked: Petroglyphs, temples and mud farts

We took a day trip outside of Baku where we saw ancient drawings dating back 26,000 years, Azerbaijan’s “famed” Mud Volcanoes, a temple where different religions worshipped together and Fire Mountain, the hill of Azerbaijan’s perpetual flame. Ups and downs but interesting information about the true Azerbaijan.

January 23, 2024

Termini: Rome’s rough-and-tumble train station has become an international gastro emporium

Rome’s Termini train station has a reputation of being dark and dangerous. It isn’t that bad, a couple of incidents over the last two years notwithstanding. In the last decade, Termini has turned into a place to go instead of a place to escape. Forty eating establishments have been built inside, ranging from hamburger joints to French bakeries. We went through Terrazza Termini Saturday and here’s what we found.

January 16, 2024

Italy’s Most Underrated Towns 2024: Stay in Lazio

Every year around New Year’s I write a Most Underrated Towns in Italy list. In light of the second blog Marina and I started last year, TraveLazio, we spent a lot of time in 2023 crisscrossing Rome’s region of Lazio. This year’s list is exclusively from that region. All 10 places can be reached from Rome on an easy, cheap day trip. If you like getting off the beaten path, this is a must read. Every town has a link to a more expanded description from TraveLazio.

January 11, 2024

Ten years in Rome: A landmark anniversary and a new list of all the reasons I love living here

On this day exactly 10 years ago, I landed in Rome, leaving behind a 40-year sportswriting career in the U.S. I had three bags and lots of doubts. But I’m still here. And every year on my anniversary, I list a whole new set of reasons why I love Rome. I doubt I’ll ever run out of reasons.

January 6, 2024

Camping in comfort: Creating comfortable and stylish spaces for outdoor living and camping

For all those who think camping is rolling in dirt and spending days without comfort, camping can be quite luxurious. And you don’t even have to leave home. Guest blogger Caitlyn Bell lists some items that will make your next — or first — camping trip more comfy thn you ever imagined.

November 21, 2023

Italy soccer team qualifies for Euros as a nervous, embarrassed, rabid fan base finally exhales

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, already had not qualified for the last two World Cups and was in danger in not qualifying for the European Championships of which it’s defending champion. But it beat North Macedonia in Rome Friday and tied Ukraine Monday to barely go through. I went to the Friday game. Here’s my report.

November 14, 2023

Fettuccine Alfredo: It’s only Italian by birth in 1914 and we went to its birthplace in Rome

You can find fettuccine Alfredo in nearly every Italian restaurant in the U.S. but hardly any in Italy where it was invented. Why? We went to its birthplace, Alfredo alla Scrofa, in Rome to find out. We also tasted it for the first time. Here’s what we found.

November 7, 2023

Italy in November: Yes, it’s a wonderful month to visit

So many people make the mistake of coming to Italy in July. I have a better idea. Come now. November is a terrific time to visit. Flights are cheaper. Cities are less crowded. Weather is cooler. Yeah, it rains. Bring an umbrella. Wear a sweater. I offer 10 good reasons to visit during Italy’s off-season month.

September 26, 2023

Montenegro: My long-awaited return reveals one of world’s hottest new travel destinations

It had been 45 years since I last went to Montenegro. Back then it was part of Yugoslavia and the capital of Podgorica was called Titograd, a city so ugly it’s shocking Yugoslavia’s leader allowed his name to be associated with it. Since then, so much has happened yet some things haven’t changed. I spent 10 days in Montenegro this month and hit everything from the star-crossed capital to the gorgeous mountains to the steaming sea and bay. Here’s the first of a three-part blog.

September 19, 2023

Stadio di Domiziano an underground look at Ancient Rome’s athletic past and an odd emperor

Everyone knows the Roman Colosseum. Few know another stadium was built in 86 A.D. shortly after the Colosseum was built. Emperor Domician built Stadio di Domiziano to promote athletics among his Roman citizenry. It was used for running events, wrestling and javelin as well as military training. In 2014 the city opened up the stadium ruins to the public. They’re located five meters below the current Piazza Navona.

August 29, 2023

Rome in summer: 15 tips on how to beat the sweltering heat

(Director’s note: I’m in Greece on a working vacation and in my stead I’m re-posting a popular blog I did from 2019 on how to beat the heat in Rome. With Rome experience its hottest summer in recorded history, the tips are still valid.) How hot is it in Rome this week? It’s so hot … … the oracle in Julius Caesar’s hand on the […]

August 16, 2023

Ferragosto: Italy’s national holiday to launch summer holidays is my favorite time in Rome

Every Aug. 15, all of Italy takes off for most of the remaining month. Ferragosto has been around since Emperor Augustus proclaimed it in the 1st century AD. Today, Italians head to the mountains or sea. I do not. I stay and enjoy Rome at the most quiet time of the year. I roamed the city Tuesday to get a feel for a city void of chaos and rush.

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