Benvenuti and Welcome to all my Lovely Followers around the World
Daybreak in Chianti. Foto J Finnigan
Well, what can I say other than “Yet another beautiful day in Tuscany!” and this is despite the recent grey clouds, mist and cold. You see, here in our little bit of Chianti, there are always reasons to be cheerful!
Meanwhile, last week was a celebration of Men’s Fashion in Italy and this week we are celebrating Kid’s Fashion. Now, Italian children are extremely fashion conscious and from a very early age. The shops are full of funky clothes for kids; it’s not unusual to see a three-year old toddling around in a designer leather jacket and hi-tech trainers. Italian boys are constantly checking their reflections in shop windows and adjusting their designer haircuts! Sunglasses and top of the range cell-phones are essential accessories. I have some mixed feelings about all this, but the kids are mostly happy and as long as they are not draining the pockets of their hard-working parents, why not. What do you think?
Back in the world of politics, Italy’s general election will be on 4th March. Yes, another one! Don’t worry, I am not going to say much about this, but here is an article from La Repubblica Magazine showing The Cinque Stella movement currently in the lead, with The PD Party close behind. Mind you I would not rule out a sudden percentage rise for Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia Party, currently in third place!
And what’s going on in the world of music? I hear you ask. Well, would you believe that an exhibition has been opened in Rome by the Mayor, dedicated to Pink Floyd! No, I’m not joking! Two aging members of the band turned up and were greeted with great enthusiasm by hoards of Italian fans. Yes, Italy loves Pink Floyd! Also making a few appearances in select cities is U2; not quite so aging but getting on a bit. Bono also has a big following. If you are an English or American Rock star, the Italians are likely to flock to your concerts. I’m still working on my own Rock Star status, at least I’m nearly old enough to qualify. foto La Nazione
Meanwhile, back in our lovely converted monastery farmhouse, in the hills above Certaldo, I am forging on with the completion of a short story called ‘The Man in Black’, which is inspired by my own man and will be published in the next few weeks. It is a mystery thriller based in London’s theatre land. I am also well into the fourth book of the series ‘The Continuing adventures of Joanna Wilde’ called ‘Assassin’s List‘, which will hopefully put the final headstones on the nasty Assassins still out there. Visit my updated website, add yourself to my list of followers and be the first to hear my book news. June’s site
Finally, something close to my heart, which is good Tuscan food and preferably cooked in a restaurant. We have just returned from C’era Una Volta in Lucardo, having enjoyed a lovely big bowl of Paolo’s Leek and Potato soup, which really warmed me up, followed by pasta with Pesto di cavolo nero. Absolutely yummy. But enough of that. Foto J.Finnigan. Visit C’era una Volta
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Have a great week.
Salute June.
The Trilogy – The Continuing Adventures of Joanna Wilde.
The next day I thought, hurrah, we can get back to normal, ditch or plant the Christmas trees that many of us are allergic to, the shops will all be open and the post office will be functioning. How, after nearly fourteen years living in this beautiful bit of the world, could I forget that Befana also heralds the start of a week’s holiday for thousands of Italians, when many shoot off to ski destinations! Last Monday I found a note in my post box, telling me that a long overdue Christmas parcel was waiting for me at Certaldo Post Office. So I waited in the usual queue and arrived at the counter feeling pretty relaxed. “Sorry Signora” the male counter assistant said, in Italian of course, “The sorting office is still on holiday, you will have to come back tomorrow!” Take note, the date was 8th January….. I took a deep breath and walked back out into a hail storm and did not have a brolly with me! OK, grumble over, I went back the next day and got my parcel. Foto La Repubblica
And on the subject of skiing, you would love the Dolomites in Northern Italy this time of year. Very crowded mind, although from next week onwards most of the Italian tourists may have finally returned to work. Meanwhile, a little further north in Austria, our brilliant female ski team have just won the World Championship and good for them I say! Are you a keen skier? I have always wanted to ski, but never got round to it. Too many other priorities I guess. My man skied in Norway with the military; when you next see him, ask him about his experiences, he loves to talk about his wooden skis!
Congratulations to our lovely winner, Molly in Florida, for correctly answering the question ‘What was the real full name of the Italian Assassin Sapphire, in my second novel The Bolivian Connection?’ Yes, the answer was Francesca Maria Bencini. Molly was the first name out of my man’s Father Christmas hat and my trilogy will be on its way to her tomorrow! Well done too to the three runner ups who all receive a book of their choice.
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 
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 
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.
Now if you want to be absolutely sure of obtaining a signed book, you can purchase one on my website and pay with paypal. Go to 
Meanwhile, first thing this morning we enjoyed coffee in Fiano and picked up on the latest news in the papers. I was excited to read, for you other Rock fans out there, that Guns N’ Roses will be performing at ‘Firenze Rocks’ in Florence between 14th and 17th June 2018! And there’s more; also listed are Ozzie Osbourne, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Pearl Jam and lots more! I’ll post a link for tickets as soon as I hear more. It was nice of them to check that these dates did not clash with my own concert, which is on 22nd June! If you would like a personal invite to my Garden Party Rock Concert in Tuscany, email me at june.finnigan@virgin.net Foto La Repubblica.
Continuing on the same subject, we must not ignore that fabulous Italian Rocker Jovanotti, who has just announced his tour dates for next year. My daughter and granddaughter went to one of his concerts in Florence, and raved about it for weeks. The tickets are on sale NOW, so you had better get your skates on if you want to nab some. Foto La Repubblica. Go to 
Anyway, for those of you who would like a little more about our beautiful bit of the Chianti countryside, here’s a nice ‘good morning Tuscany’ foto, which I took just two days ago from a window at back of our house. In our part of the world, in between the clouds the sky is a brilliant blue, all year round. Ah, life eeeez good! Foto J Finnigan
Now, before I go, just a quick mention about the pile of felled tree trunks that, you may recall, were dumped just down the track below our front gate. It’s now four times the size and has a red a white crime scene tape around it! Did someone guess we were having devious thoughts about pinching a few, or is there a body underneath? Either way, we decided to leave things alone, use our own logs and light the first log fire of the season, and very nice it was too! Foto J Finnigan
Anyway, enough of that, lets look back at the week, after all, that’s why you are here. Well, like most other countries in the world, Italy celebrated Halloween. In fact, the Italians go crazy for it, young and old dress up in the most outrageous costumes and parade around the streets wearing death masks! The next day is All Soul’s Day, or Day of the Dead, when everyone remembers their dear departed family and friends. The graveyards here are quite spectacular, always lit by red candles or lights, and masses of flowers both fresh & false, so the effect is a glittering welcoming place. There is a mix of concrete buildings where the dead are laid one on top of another, family tombs and graves in the ground, all attended regularly and kept bright and cheerful. I think some of the larger cemeteries should be included in Cultural Tours; I’m not sure if that would be allowed, but you can nip in and walk around anyway. Foto La Repubblica.
In the run up to Halloween, all the shopkeepers enter into the ‘spirit’ of things, including my man’s favourite Panetteria in Certaldo. In the picture, you will see the staff behind the counter wearing little hats and the counter loaded up with cakes and goodies for the festivities. On Saturday mornings, whilst I do the fruit, veg and cheese shopping in the mercato, my man pops down Via Giugno to get bread and sometimes Pizza for supper. He says, it is the best bakers in the whole area! Foto P Finnigan.
Meanwhile, back in our little bit of the Chianti countryside, the last two weeks has been busy with olive picking. Foreign faces are everywhere; some come for the much-needed work, whilst others treat picking olives as a fun holiday. Brightly coloured nets are spread out under the trees and not one little olive will be overlooked. Sadly, the harvest has been rather small this year, following the terrible summer drought. However, the resulting oil is absolutely delicious. Foto J Finnigan.
There has also been lots of tree felling. Mostly small-leaved oak trees, that are now in a big pile a few yards from our front gate. It’s a sad sight, I always feel a little bereft at the thought of any tree being chopped down, but I guess the woodland does need managing to some degree. My man bought a new chainsaw last year and he has yet to use it. The temptation to go out there with his boy’s toy, is eating away at him! He reckons we could pretend that we thought it was our own log delivery! O Dio! Anyway, behind the pile of logs the vineyard is looking very beautiful and it won’t be long before all the vines are bare. So we should relax and enjoy it, not think about pinching other people’s logs! Well,on the other hand….. Foto P Finnigan
Gosh, it’s nearly lunchtime and I should go and get changed. It’s currently thundering and raining, so we need to go over to C’era una Volta’ in Lucardo and enjoy the hot food, wine, the company of good friends and forget the weather. On arrival my man orders some fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil and toast, because he wants to taste the new stuff. The oil is Paolo’s own and the colour alone tells you how recently it has been cold pressed. Yummy! Foto J Finnigan
On the subject of ‘heaving with people’ avoid Montepulciano unless you want to be trampled underfoot. This stunning Medieval and Renaissance hill town in Southern Tuscany, is very popular throughout the season as it is a big producer of foods including cheese, pici-pasta, lentils and honey. Oh and wine of course, the ‘Vino Nobile’ is considered to be one of Italy’s finest. So why not visit now? Well, imagine this, you live in the town and go about your daily business, shopping in the markets and relaxing outside your favourite caffe bar each day. You are used to the summer months, when the town fills up with tourists and in some ways it fascinating to watch them walk by. Then your town is chosen as the set for the new Medici film….. Now you cannot cross your own via, or find an empty table at your favourite caffè or restaurant, because you are being invaded by over five thousand tourists a day, wanting to spot the actors at work! What a nightmare! So there’s your reason for not going to Montepulciano, there are plenty of other stunning places to go! Foto La Repubblica
Meanwhile, lets relax and look at the music scene. Now I love the Italians, after all I have chosen to live amongst them and I hope my friends here will not take offence when I say, they do not do rock and pop music very well. Now there are a handful of exceptions and into this category I would definitely include Paola Turci. Paola is a tall, striking rock singer with a strong sometimes gravelly voice, and I really like her. She is just starting an Italian tour and, if you can, you should try to get to one of her concerts. Foto La Repubblica. Visit her website at 
Then I noticed in the paper that the Tuscan artist, Luciano Pasquini, is having a one-man exhibition in Florence between 28th October and 4th November at the Florence Art Gallery. Now I am a great fan of impressionism and vibrant colours. If you ever visit my home you will find bright colours everywhere, sometimes clashing, but I am always drawn to rich colours. Luciano produces paintings, I guess for the mass market, but nevertheless, you can guarantee there will be at least one of his land or seascapes, which will draw you in and you will want it on your wall. Visit his website at 
So, how are we doing? OK, I think. Now I do want to bring up the subject of Tartufu (truffles) again. Why, because we are now celebrating this gift of the gods with a Festa. If you are not truly familiar with Tartufi, white or otherwise, you will see in the picture that it resembles lumps of volcanic rock, but the perfume gives it away. These gorgeous lumps of sometimes hugely expensive funghi, are sniffed out and found in our region, by ‘truffle dogs’ and occasionally pigs. Thin shavings of the best samples, using a special tartufu slicer, are sprinkled over pasta or fried eggs, the flavour is not lost that way. Now we are off to C’era Una Volta for lunch today and we are hoping that Paolo will have got some of these precious gems in his kitchen awaiting us. I’ll let you know. Foto la Repubblica
I’m back. And, more importantly, I’m back in our lovely bit of Tuscany after a week in the UK. I cannot find the words to explain how happy this makes me; as soon as the plane takes off from Pisa for England, I am homesick. That probably says it all. And, once again I have bought back a cold bug, which only today has released my addled mind sufficiently to write this blog! Oh, and in just eight days, autumn has painted our hillside and valley in its gorgeous cloak of russet and yellow. Yes, I know, autumn colours in the rest of Europe are also lovely, but here the vines changing colour have to be seen first hand to be really appreciated. Foto P Finnigan
Meanwhile, we are now celebrating the Festa delle Castagne, that is Chestnut to you and me. The woodland roads are full of parked cars on the weekend, as the enthusiasts converge to find all those wonderful glossy nuts. Now, I am not the greatest of cooks, I like to go to restaurants, however, I have just bought the ingredients for ‘Castagnaccio’ which is a very popular dessert/cake here in Tuscany and probably the whole of Italy. Now, my good friend and neighbour Judy Witts Francini, the celebrity cook, will probably hold her hands up in horror as she reads this, because she can probably make it with her eyes closed. Visit Judy at 
Now things are heating up here in Italy. No, not the weather silly, I’m talking about the General Election, which will apparently happen in November. The pretty boy and former Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi has been seen out and about on his motor scooter (he lives in Florence and is also the former mayor) and a few days ago posing inside an APE, pronounced appay, which has been converted to a Bibliomotocarro or mobile library to you and me. I love this little library, anything that promotes real books is right up my street. And yes, it’s all about being seen in Italian Politics.
What next, oh yes, in the world of music, I noticed in the paper, whilst enjoying my morning coffee, that the very strange but clever electronic band Kraftwerk is on tour here. They are looking even more robotic than they did back in the 70’s. I do remember that the band was from Germany, and despite my preference for Rock, I did enjoy some of their music. I have just checked them out on Wikipedia, and it’s interesting to read that they started in 1969 and up until 2008, the founder members were unchanged, when Florian Schneider stepped down. They have produced three successful albums and continue to tour with the remaining members. Foto La Republica
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