Junefinnigan's Weblog

Benvenuti and Welcome to all my Lovely Followers around the World,

The Italians, being Italian, just adore the Festive Period.  If you want to be anywhere in the world this time of year, you will love it here in Tuscany.  All the main towns and cities are now up and running with Mercate di Natale, that’s Christmas Markets to you and me. These lovely ladies were in the nearby town of Empoli on 1st December, making sure that everyone knew what time of year it was!  As if we could forget….. Foto La Nazione.

As I write this blog, I realise that I also need to get out there and start buying up all the goodies, after all, it’s only three weeks to go!  Now, in case my family are reading this, handbags, scarves and books are at the top of my list….  Whilst even I read books on my Kindle, I still like to own real things.  Foto La Repubblica.

Now, if you are likely to indulge in a little more Prossecco than normal, you should be aware that here in Italy, one may not be able to outrun the latest Polizia car, which is in fact a Ferrari!  Yes, that’s what I said, a Ferrari.  The drivers of the local less impressive Polizia vehicles are fast enough, and that’s both male and female; but put them in a Ferrari and god only knows what will happen on our narrow windy roads!  foto La Repubblica

But enough of that, lets look at what is happening in the world of Music.  Well, if you fancy a little romantic singing by a handsome, if getting on a bit, Italian crooner then you could book yourself a couple of tickets for Claudio Baglioni’s 2018 tour.  Claudio has performed with many famous people, including Pavarotti, in recent years.  He’s also a very good pianist.  Go to Hear Claudio sing now!  Foto La Nazione

Meanwhile, my man and I decided to revisit Osteria La Gramola in Tavernelle, which we have not been to for over two years.  It’s funny how one can forget how good a place is, and we were reminded by being served up a delicious bowl of pumpkin soup with gluten-free bread for me and stuffed vegetables with potatoes.  My man had a mix of crostini with various veggie toppings, followed by spaghetti tossed in pepper and pecorino cheese.  All absolutely yummy.  I bought home a piece of their traditional Siena Cake, which has all the flavours of the traditional English Christmas cake, but is actually made of crushed figs, fruits and nuts. I can’t wait to eat it!  Go to Osteria La Gramola  They also do very popular cooking courses!  Foto J Finnigan

Now I cannot go without sharing some of the gorgeous winter woollies and handbags currently available in Florence, my favourite shopping place.  These can also be bought on-line, so don’t worry if you can’t get here this year.  Snuggly Cashmere and woolly wrap around coats with matching bags, beautiful! Fotos La Reppublica.

Oh, very important, don’t forget to ensure that your name is in my man’s Father Christmas hat, to stand a chance of winning my Book Trilogy, The Continuing Adventures of Joanna Wilde.  Only three days to go!  Visit the Events page on my website at My Author Site

OK, enough for now, but do drop me a line, I love to hear from you and see you next week.

Salute June x