Benvenuto and Welcome to all my Lovely Followers
The traditional Carnevale in Tuscany. Foto La Repubblica
“Ah, it’s Carnival time again!” My man looks over his newspaper, as we drink coffee at La Dispensa in Fiano. “I remember last year,” he continued “because I was on the plane coming back from Bristol, surrounded by a big crowd of carnival enthusiasts from Bridgwater!” Now, he was talking about Bridgwater in Somerset, England, where they have a huge carnival every year, but nothing like as macabre and gruesome as the Italian ones so often are. In their defence, the Italian ones are amazing to see. Huge moving figures, loud music and bright colours. This year the first one will be in Empoli on 11th February, then they continue through to 5th March throughout Tuscany, the biggest is probably at Viareggio. Live carnivals will even be shown on Rai 3 television on the 26th and 28th February, if you don’t fancy going out in the cold. So, whether you are an enthusiast or not, you won’t be able to avoid all the excitement, if you are here in Tuscany.
The forthcoming San Remo Music Festival. Foto La Repubblica
Anyway, what about the music scene, you ask? Well, it’s also San Remo Music Festival time again. I can tell you, February in Italy cannot be described as a dull or quiet time. Carlo Conti, the hugely popular TV presenter will be playing host to all the entries from the Italian music world, hoping to be voted as the best and therefore eligible for entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. What was that you said? Yes, I know some of you hate this programme, but the Italians talk about little else in the bars during the four days of the festival, between 7th and 11th of February. Also, San Remo does attract a few famous stars to entertain the crowds in between bouts of the contest, and this year includes Robbie Williams and Ricky Martin! Err, Wow?
The very versatile vegetable, Carciofo. Foto La Repubblica
Coming down to earth and back in the local restaurants, we are enjoying the very popular vegetable, Carciofo, or Artichoke to you and I. As you probably know, the Italians eat seasonal veg and fruit, and this time of year the carciofo is being served up in every shape and form. Now, I love them, but my man does not, so I have never tried cooking them at home. Anyway, why bother when you can pop down the road to a good ristorante!
Mmmm, lovely Gucci handbags to drool over. Foto La Repubblica
What next, oh yes, handbags….. Don’t you just love Italian made handbags? I do. I just had to share this collection of Gucci bags, I might go for the black one, as I already have one similar to the orange version. What do you think?
And finally, sorry to end with sad news, but Italy just lost to Wales in the Six Nations Rugby. Mind you, if you are Welsh, you are probably very happy about that. At least we had the pleasure of watching England beat France yesterday, so not all was lost.
Well, enough of that. Must get this blog off to you as soon as possible. Have a great week and do drop me a line.
Salute June x PS Hope you like the new background theme.
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