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
Yes, the beautiful walled city of Lucca attracted over fifty-five thousand fans and the majority were young enough to be their grandchildren. Thankfully the Italians love aging rockers, so I’m still in with a chance! Foto La Repubblica
Meanwhile, down in our local town of Certaldo, glamour turned to traditional costumes, as the Calambur teams were fighting it out to win the coveted victor’s banner. The Calambur is a sort of ‘It’s a Knockout’ contest between the four sections of the Commune di Certaldo, running races, obstacle courses and solving intelligence tests! Our local village Fiano, is in the red and white team and we won last year. But sadly, this time the banner went to the green and blue team called ‘Canonica’ so we had to hand the banner over. There’s always next year….. Foto La Nazione
Well, we may not have won the banner, but we can celebrate the season for Porcini Mushrooms! I am already over indulging in wood-fire grilled giant Porcini at Ristorante C’era Una Volta in Lucardo. 
Elsewhere, and in the world of Politics, another aging star has raised his profile once again and is making inroads into getting back all his old followers and lots of new ones for his Forza Italia party. Silvio Berlusconi, despite having announced that he was going to concentrate more on his family having turned eighty last year, is very much back out there on the hustings and looking very serious too. Watch this space. Foto La Repubblica
And finally, back to glamour again and one of my most favourite subjects, Italian Fashion. I have already posted some Autumn Fashion, but I have to say that I have completely fallen in love with the brand Gaudi. And, the latest colours are right up my street, gorgeous browns and russets, oh and the handbags! I know, I know, I do go on a bit, but I must blame it on the Italians, their wonderful designs and the quality they produce. I’m really looking forward to seeing my man in his new bespoke Italian suit, which will be ready soon. Wonderful! Foto La Repubblica
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