A Keeping It Real Wine Tasting

When thinking of wine tasting, what comes to mind? Romance and sophistication enters the head. In the town of Ipsheim, Franconia, the occasion was more real. A local feel, sitting around a kitchen table with a Lazy Susan in the middle. As we were trying one bottle after another, more people came in, sat down …

Lufthansa vs Ryanair

The difference is REAL! Lufthansa and Ryanair are completely different flying experiences. You pay a low fare to get to a destination. One is basically a cattle wagon while the other has a customer service dimension. Don’t complain, sit back and tolerate what paying pennies can buy. I took a flight to Milan on Ryanair. …

Pompeii

Haunting. Tragic. Inspiring. What can anyone write about Pompeii that has not been written before? The Roman city fell victim to the Mount Vesuvius. Mother Nature claimed the city one evening burying the ancient metropolis under levels of deadly ash almost 2000 years ago. Visiting the site 2 times in August. I admit, Pompeii stirs …

My Mother Made It

A new series based on my cuisine experiences in Italy. The title comes from a conversation about who prepares the food in the kitchen. The guy replied, “My Mother Made It”. I had no more to say. Of course pasta plays a role in the story. How much?

What Happens in Baia, Stays in Baia

The saying, “What Happened in Baia Stayed in Baia”. It was once one of the most important ports in the western world. Connected to the capital, Baia and the connected water way supplied Rome with the riches from the empire.  The city’s reputation: decadent, hedonistic, the seeking of all pleasures. The extensive bathes provided a …