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Florence 50 years Ago, Mappa Sismica, King Crimson, Cheeses, Tartufo Bianco and My Books in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 7, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Welcome and Benvenuti to all my Lovely Followers

Firstly, a big thank you for all those concerned well wishers.  We have only had a couple of minor earth quakes in our area and all is fine here; no damage at all.

Florence then and now. La Repubblica.

Florence then and now. La Repubblica.

Florence – It is hard to imagine that exactly fifty years ago, Florence was under very deep water after the River Arno burst its banks.  1966 was a terrible year for the historic and beautiful city.  There has been much to say in the newspapers and there is still real concern that the defences are not good enough.  Only a few months ago, a riverside road collapsed, along with a row of parked cars.  An enormous amount of money is needed to further improve things and what with the financial crisis, this is now getting very serious indeed.

Mappa Sosmica - Seismic Map. La Reppublica

Mappa Sismica – Seismic Map. La Reppublica

I read an article in the newspaper this morning, which really shows the country’s seismic risk areas.  If it was not so serious, I would have laughed at the little men in black hats on the map, indicating the areas controlled by the Mafia who have been responsible for the building and rebuilding of properties, and blamed for the inferior quality of materials and design. I must add, that our little area of Tuscany, is outside the worst danger zone and hope it will not stop you lovely people from visiting next season.

2016-11-06-09-28-49

King Crimson, La Repubblica

But to brighter things.  Thank you to our good friend Flavio who asked me if I knew that The Cure was currently touring.  I did not know, but it was too late to get tickets anyway.  But I did know that King Crimson were celebrating fifty years in rock with a celebration tour here.  What’s this, you don’t remember them? O Dio!  They were hugely popular between 1969 and 1974, when their progressive rock music stretched across to Jazz and classical.  Robert Tripp, the brilliant lead guitarist, took the band through many changes of members and styles, after reaching number 5 in the UK album charts in 1969.  In 2015 the band, with its unusual front of three drummers and four guitarists, had a very successful tour and their concert in Toronto ‘Live at The Orpheum’ was recorded and released as an album.  I love their track ‘Starless’ a lengthy piece and seriously clever, which will give you goose-bumps.  King Crimson – Starless https://youtu.be/FhKJgqxNDD8  via @YouTube

Italian cheeses at La Dispensain Fiano. Foto J Finnigan

Tuscan cheeses at La Dispensa in Fiano.
Foto J Finnigan

Anyway, that’s got my rock thing out-of-the-way, so back to Fiano and morning coffee.  Today, Sunday, La Dispensa was very busy with locals.  It’s hard to believe that the place didn’t exist three months ago!  The Italians are very quick to turn a place into a home from home, and so we are able to enjoy coffee and catch up on the newspapers in good company.  La Dispensa also has a lovely range of cheeses, which along with local wines, is my biggest downfall, so I had to buy some yet again.  Otherwise we eat very sensibly!

Pasta and white truffles photo J Finnigan

Pasta and white truffles
photo J Finnigan

Meanwhile the olives have been mostly harvested now and the truffle hunters are out an about seeking that illusive Tartufo Bianco (White Truffle).  The best way to enjoy them is thinly sliced, using a truffle slicer, over buttered tagliatelle.  Not spoiled by adding them to a creamy sauce, as a certain local restuarent did the other day and my man had to send the dish back!

Finally, I’m itching to tell you that I have finished the first draft of ‘The Italian Connection.’  However, having read it and edited, I found myself launching into more chapters as my imagination suddenly took off again!  So, another couple of weeks or so and I’ll be satisfied; I hope!

Well, that’s enough for now.  My man is taking me up to C’era una Volta in Lucardo for lunch, where Paolo is currently serving up a delicious leek and potato soup, and he has the latest Tartufo Bianco on the menu.  Mmmmm.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.  I love to hear from you!

Salute June x

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

My current Books. Foto J Finnigan

My current Books.
Foto J Finnigan

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Earthquakes and Hurricanes, Autumn colour, Wine Windows, Radiohead and Shoes in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 31, 2016| 2 Comments »

Welcome and Benvenuti to all my lovely Friends and Followers

As you know, I always like to bring you fun stories and nice things about our lovely little bit of the Chianti Hills, also snippits of what I have read in the local and sometimes national news.   So I will get the not so nice news out-of-the-way very quickly.

Autumn valley below our house. Foto J Finnigan

Autumn valley below our house. Foto J Finnigan

Tuesday, our bit of heaven was hit by a 3.9 earthquake.  There was a massive bang under the house and things started to rock, so being prepared for anything I got outside grabbing my disaster bag on the way.  We deliberately park our car away from the house, so I got inside and waited.  Now it probably only lasted a couple of minutes, but seemed an awful lot longer.  But we were very lucky, no damage at all, so the house has proved pretty resilient.  Not so lucky were the inhabitants in the Perugia area in Umbria, who suffered a much worse earthquake a couple of days later.  Then Wednesday, along came the hurricane winds and heavy iced rain.  This went on for more than three hours taking out trees and causing flooding & landslides.  My route to Fiano was blocked by a landslide on Thursday morning so I turned around and headed for Certaldo for my morning coffee.  Since then, the weather has been glorious, sunshine and cool fresh air.  Hard to believe it really happened!

The vineyard outside our front gate. Foto J Finnigan

The vineyard outside our front gate. Foto J Finnigan

So back to the nicer things in life.  The countryside is looking and smelling absolutely gorgeous, what with all the rain and now the warm sunshine.  Yesterday we managed to sit outside and enjoy an aperitivo before lunch, bathed in sunshine.  The valley below us has shed much of its leaves, however, and beautiful bare Silver Birch trees glow white against the remaining autumnal colour.  The vineyard below our front gate, now harvested, is glowing with striped colours, representing the different grape varieties to be found in each vineyard.  One can never get tired of Autumn in Chianti.

Little Wine Windows in Florence. La Repubblica

Little Wine Windows in Florence. La Repubblica

Now we can reach Fiano again, and over coffee I read a really interesting article about Little Wine Windows, or rather I Finestrini del Vino.  Everything sounds so much better in Italian, don’t you think?  Now these little windows are what remains of the way the Florentines sold their personal wine production direct to the public over the last few centuries.  Imagine, you tap the little window, pay your centesimo di lira and out comes a hand with a glass or jug of wine!  I just love this idea and these little windows are all over Florence.  Now there is a new society, which is dedicated to preserving them and for your further interest you must visit their website which can be read in Italian, English or German!  Go to http://www.buchettedelvino.org  It’s a truly fascinating story.

Radiohead rocks in Tuscany. La Reppublica

Radiohead rocks in Tuscany. La Repubblica

And what about the music scene, you ask?  Well, our latest touring band is ‘Radiohead’.  You know that alternative rock band at the height of their fame during the early 90’s.  An adventurous band, which incorporated electronic elements into their music, one of their classic songs being ‘Climbing Up The Walls.’

Italian shoes and leather look. I love this. Foto La Reppublica magazine

Italian shoes and leather look. I love this. Foto La Reppublica magazine

What else?  Oh yes, I must show you this picture.  It’s an advertisement for shoes, but I just love the whole outfit!  Despite the fact that I buy leather shoes and boots, I can’t quite bring myself to wrap myself in leather.  So a leather look outfit like this suits me fine.  Even my black biker jacket is faux!

But enough of that, time to get this blog off to you and to join my gorgeous man for an aperitivo.  Life eeeez good, life eeeez now.

Salute June x

Ps do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

 

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Men’s and Childrens’ Fashion, Roberto Bolle, Santa Maria Novello and Spot the Difference in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 11, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Welcome and Benvenuto to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Gutteridge, the beautiful new men's shop in Florence. La Repubblica

Gutteridge, the beautiful new men’s shop in Florence.
La Repubblica

So, to cheer us all up during this awful cold wet weather, I’m going to talk about that wonderful world of Italian Fashion.  However, it’s the Men’s and children’s’ fashion that has caught my eye in the papers this last week.  In Florence Gutteridge celebrated the opening of their new Menswear shop in Piazza Della Signoria. Filled with beautiful top quality Italian designs and is also available for you to visit on-line.  The model in the picture is pretty lush too!

Italian chidren's fashion. La Repubblica

Italian chidren’s fashion. La Repubblica

The moment Italian children first see themselves in the mirror, they start getting fashion conscious.  Yes, the girlies do tend to be dressing much older than their years here, and black is a popular colour from a very young age.

But they do look great, particularly during the early evenings when they are out walking doing the ‘passeggiata’ with their friends and family.

The gorgeous body of Roberto Bolle, La Mia Danza Libera. La Repubblica

The fabulous body of the dancer Roberto Bolle, La Mia Danza Libera. La Repubblica

Now, last Thursday we were up in Fiano reading the papers over coffee in La Dispensa when I spotted this article about La Mia Danza Libera, which roughly translates to My Free Dance.  Performing at that event was and will be the incredibly gorgeous Roberto Bolle who at forty-one could knock the socks off some of his younger dancing colleagues.  so for you girlies and some of you guys, here is his amazing foto.  The event is being shown on television at Rai-uno (Rai 1).  Look out for it!

Meanwhile, back in Florence The beautiful historic church Santa Maria Novello attracted five thousand visitors on its open day last week, looking to raise funds for more restoration and upkeep.  Originally funded by Florence’s wealthy elite, it is now in need of further support.  for the best description of this amazing Dominican church, its art and museum collection go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_Novella

The real one and the copy of The Boy. La Republica

The real one and the copy of The Boy.
La Republica

Now here’s a thing.  I have just read an article about a Caravaggio painting that appears to be exhibited in both London and Florence.  According to Vittorio Sgarbi, a respected expert, the one in Florence is a copy!  Oh no, we say, so the National Gallery in London, England has the real one!  Called the Ragazzo (boy) it is a painting we all know quite well, but can you tell the difference?  I think that some of these fakes are so good they should remain on show and declared as being a copy, rather than take it down.  But what do you think?

OK, I must start thinking about my trip to England this week and getting this blog off to you.  Have a really great week and do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan, Oh and don’t forget to write!

Salute June x

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Ferragosta, Ristorante Quinoa, U2 and a Surprise Hibiscus in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2016| 1 Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Grand Tour Ferragosto La Terrana

Grand Tour Ferragosto
La Terrana

Well, the streets were almost empty of traffic last Monday as the 15th was Ferragosta, the holiday that has all Italians that can, racing off to the motorways, well dual carriageways I should say, as we don’t have many three lane roads in Tuscany.  The motorways came to a grinding halt yet again and one old lady went through a gap in the central barrier, took to the opposite side and started driving against the oncoming traffic! It’s a miracle nobody was killed.  But whilst this madness was going on, we had the country roads to ourselves.  Over coffee in Il Solferino in Certaldo, I read an article about ‘The Grand Tour Ferragosto’ and it was fascinating to see where the most of the Italian tourists and many others besides were heading, should they be on the cultural trail!  Most popular for visitors was the Excavations of Pompei, followed by the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.  See the foto for the full list.

Ristorante Quinoa, a gluten free paradise? La Republica

Ristorante Quinoa, a gluten free paradise?
La Republica

Then the next day I read about a really interesting looking restaurant called Ristorante Quinoa in Florence.  This is definitely one for me and other diners who are intolerant to gluten.  We will try it out in the next couple of weeks.  If you happen to get there before me, do let me know!  Despite our living in a fabulous area, the restaurants that we really like are few and far between.  A good Italian ristorante needs three things, friendly and efficient service, very good food and sensible prices.  Now we don’t mind paying a higher price occasionally, particularly if we fancy a little bit of sophistication.  All the restaurants within a half hour drive provide ‘Tipica Toscana’ typical Tuscan food, but the quality of that food varies a lot.  Also, the house wines are not always the best choice.  So it’s worth asking for a little taste first and if you don’t like it order a bottle from ‘La Lista.’  Anyway, our local favourites are currently heaving with tourists so we may just wait until things return to normal in September.

The new U2 box set in Italian. Mag ad.

The new U2 box set in Italian. Mag ad.

Meanwhile, U2 has been honoured by the Italians who have launched a special Italian box set of all the band’s music!  Now this will sell well as the packaging is all in Italian and will no doubt become a collector’s item here.  Of course, in reality, one does not need the glamorous packaging, it’s still the same music inside!  Mind you, great band and the Italians love them.  Rock on!

A surprise Hibiscus in our garden. Foto P Finnigan

A surprise Hibiscus in our garden.
Foto P Finnigan

Now, thinking back to when we moved, we brought with us all our terracotta pots.  One of those pots had a sad-looking plant in it and back in April we cut it down low in the hope that it might recover.  Quite honestly, neither of us could remember what it was, so we watched and waited.  Then to our absolute delight it perked up as the weather got hot and this week we have been rewarded with a beautiful reminder that it was in fact a gorgeous Hibiscus.  So here is a lovely foto for you.

Finally and to update you, I know that many of you are awaiting book three of the ‘Adventures of Joanna Wilde’.  Well, I am currently rattling away with at least a thousand words a day of ‘The Italian Connection’ and can confidently expect to have the first draft finished by the end of October.  Whilst writing, I would like to say a big thank you for the big increase in book sales during June and July resulting in the largest royalty payment ever!  Now don’t get too excited, I won’t be retiring in luxury yet!  But it was very gratifying, Grazie Mille. xx

OK, time to think about lunch.  I think cheesy tomato & vegetable rice bake and green beans today.  Yes, Sunday lunch at home for a change!  Buon appetito!

Have a great week.

Salute June x

PS Do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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The Rock Chick Band Rocked and the Agony of Loving a Wild Tuscan Cat in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 3, 2016| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Another glorious sunset. foto P Finnigan

Gazing at the sunset.
foto P Finnigan

“I can’t believe that it’s a week ago, did it really happen?”  I’m referring to our fabulous evening on the 25th June when the Rock Chick Band rocked the night away in our beautiful new setting.  “My neck and shoulders still ache.”  My man rubs his poor muscles.  “Well you are the ‘Roady’, it’s what roadies do, carry heavy weights, put up the lighting, you know arrange everything!” I smile.  “Yes, but how come I’m also staff and chief bottle washer!”  He groans.  “But we had brilliant family help with the catering, you didn’t do it all by yourself!”  I remind him.  “Well it doesn’t bloody well feel like it….”   We gaze into the sunset from our lower terrazza and down a glass of chilled white.  “But life eeez good, you can’t deny it.”  I offer.  “Yes, it is, and guess I have a year to prepare for the next concert.”  He sighs, flashes that magic smile and I melt.

Rock Chick Band group hug before the concert. Foto P Finnigan

Rock Chick Band group hug. Foto P Finnigan

The band rocking. Foto P Finnigan

The band rocking. Foto P Finnigan

Our new setting really was great for the band and our guests.  Always a learning curve; we might bring the band closer to the audience next time, but otherwise it was perfect. Our daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law did a fabulous buffet and set it all out under a big brolly. Thank you all those guys who bought more food & drink and presents, which were hugely appreciated.  I was also delighted to meet new friends and to catch up with old ones.  Make sure you all diary date for next year; 24th June 2017!

Georgous Italian Opera singers. La nazione.

Gorgeous Italian Opera singers.
La Nazione.

Oh yes, whilst we have been rocking and rolling, the three gorgeous Italian opera guys have been performing in Florence.  I know that my new friend and blog follower, Odette, will appreciate this foto as she is also an opera singer.  It was great to meet you and your handsome man.

2016-07-03 12.09.28The weather is now baking hot and as it is our first summer in the new house, we are having to juggle opening and closing of windows at certain times of the day to make sure we get a breeze going through.

For news on Farty Barty the wild cat, he was gone for seven days until I stood at the railing on our terrazza and called him through cupped hands.  My voice echoed around the valley and ten minutes later he strolled in looking well fed and wondering what all the fuss was about.  That was last Monday and since then he’s been lying around in cool parts of the house!  I tell you, never fall in love with a wild Tuscan kitten and encourage it to stay around.  You end up desperate to know where and how he is, agonising over whether he’s lying injured somewhere and starving!  But we do love him, so there is nothing we can do about it, just fret!

Anyway, today we are going for lunch at L’Osteria Casa Chianti, which serves the best food in the area.  Good Tuscan fare and just a little bit of sophistication, which we like a lot.  http://www.osteriadicasachianti.it  So forgive me if I pop off for another shower and make myself beautiful.

Have a wonderful week and do keep in touch.

Salute June xx

visit http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Farty Barty Update, Dress Designers, An Art Discovery and Aging Rockers in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 7, 2016| 2 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and new Followers

Farty Barty on a favourite perch over the orange trees. Foto P Finnigan

Farty Barty on a favourite perch over the orange trees. Foto P Finnigan

“How is Farty Barty?” I hear you say and I realise that he has not had a mention for a while.  You may recall that Barty is a semi-wild cat and he has asked me to remind you that he should not be confused with the domestic varieties that go and have their bits chopped off and lounge around getting fat for the rest of their lives!  In this respect I hear a lot of argument, but if every vet had their way, they would wipe out Tuscan wild cats by neutering and castrating willy-nilly.  Excuse my play on words.   So now at the age of nine, Barty can honestly say he has had and will continue to have, a good life with a free hotel for the occasional meal and recovery in a soft cushioned wicker chair, before going back out there into the Chianti hills and living the life of Riley.  Sometimes he is gone for days, so we are always pleased to see him when he trots in, acting as if he as if he had only been gone a few hours!

A gorgeous designer dress from Florence. Il Nazione.

A gorgeous designer dress from Florence.
Il Nazione.

Back in Certaldo enjoying our morning coffee, I read an advertisement for a beautiful dress designer shop in Florence.  Now, as I have said before, I do believe that the Italians have the edge on fashion design, and this is a reminder.  I will be going to Florence the week after next and will spend a couple of hours drooling over the shop windows.  Yes, we have other labels here from all around the world, but there is no comparison with the handbags, shoes and clothes made in this beautiful country.  unemployment is high, but if you are blessed with the skill of creative design, you will survive here.

Giorgio De Chirico exhibition in Ferrara. Il Nazione.

Giorgio De Chirico exhibition in Ferrara.
Il Nazione.

“Oh, look at this!” My man says as he thrusts his newspaper towards me.  “A private art collection has been discovered and its being exhibited in Ferrara.  It’s that amazing early twentieth century style, symbolism I think, and these were painted by Giorgio De Chirico.”  I look at the pictures, we both like this style and note down the website.  It’s a little too far for us to visit, but it’s great to read about new amazing discoveries like this!

I have just checked out the latest on the gorgeous Silvio and there is nothing of interest to report.  This year he will be eighty so it will probably be his last throw at getting re-elected this time round.  Watch this space…..

The stunnning 'Patty Pravo' age 67 and other aging girlie rockers! Il Nazione

The stunning ‘Patty Pravo’ age 67 and other aging girlie rockers!
Il Nazione

So instead I will mention two other icons that are currently on tour in Italy, Brian May, the former Queen Lead Guitarist and Bruce Springsteen, also known as the boss.  Now it always gives me immense pleasure to see the Aging Rocker tours sold out in Italy.  My also being one, of course, although much more low profile.  I am still waiting to be discovered, but despite that will keep up the annual concerts in our garden, where the locals treat me like I’m world-famous!  There’s nothing like being Famous in Fiano!

OK, so I must revert back to writing the CyberCrime thriller, which I have been commissioned to do and of course the third book in the Joanna Wilde Trilogy, ‘The Italian Connection.’  I also read a lot, which is important for authors, and have just discovered a writer called Charles Todd who has written ‘A Test of Wills’ about Inspector Ian Rutledge.  It is set in the years just after the First World War and I am really enjoying it.

Well, enough of that.  After a week of chilly weather, but with a sun hot enough to allow lunch in the garden, rain and cold winds are here.  So I think we will be forced to go out and eat at ‘C’era una Volta’ today.  I recently read something about de-stressing by going into the kitchen and cooking!  Well that’s not for me, I recommend chilling out in someone else’s kitchen, you can join us if you like!  Visit http://www.ristorante-ceraunavolta.com

Have a great week and do remember that I love to hear from you.  Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

Salute June x

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

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Fiano, Certaldo, Elton John, St. Jude Law, Calcio Storica, Queenie and Il Palio in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 24, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Lovely Loyal and new followers,

main via in Certaldo alto oct 2013

The main via in Certaldo Alto. Foto J Finnigan.

Here in my our little bit of Tuscany on the edge of Chianti, I try to write this blog every Sunday Morning; occasionally it slips over to early Monday Morning.  But today I have cleared my desk and am on schedule!  My man and I have just returned from morning coffee at Bar Solferino in Certaldo and the sun is shining, so despite the freezing temperature, it is yet another beautiful day in Tuscany.

Now you may have noticed that we are rarely in our local village of Fiano these days.  The sad fact is that Laura’s Bar/Alimentare has been closed for two weeks again and the village has fallen into the doldrums.  Bar Piazzina in the centre of the village was abandoned months ago, so now there is nowhere to get coffee!  The heart has gone out of the village and there are a lot of retired people who need somewhere to focus on.  Fortunately, there are other shops; a tiny bakery and pizzeria, butchers, chemist, Milko’s book and card shop and a post office, however, the latter is only open two days a week now.  The only snippet of good news is that the village hall has been converted into a Gymnasium for the village elementary school, so at least that’s something!

So for now, Certaldo it is, a town that manages to still be active with several bars, small shops and businesses, despite the dreadful economic situation.  Do you remember when the UK was described as a nation of ‘shopkeepers?’ Well Italy is much the same, but things are changing fast.

Elton John is coming to the San Remo Song Festival! La Nazione.

Elton John is coming to the Sanremo Song Festival! La Nazione.

Saint Jude! A new TV series starting in the Autumn! Glossy magazine at my hairdressers.

Saint Jude! A new TV series starting in the Autumn! Glossy magazine at my hairdressers.

Back at Bar Solferino earlier in the week, I read that Elton John is this year attending the Sanremo 2016 Song Festival.  Looking at the list of other ‘stars’ I only recognise one and he is Italian!  Oh, and would you believe it the gorgeous Jude Law seems to have taken his vows and will soon be starring as Pio XIII in a new TV series directed by Paolo Sorrentino.  He still manages to look sexy, lets hope they haven’t cast him as gay, but hey ho.  Apparently it will go out on Sky Atlantic and most European countries, including the UK, will be able to tune in.  Mmmm must get SKY in before Wimbledon starts this year, methinks!

On the subject of sport, have you been to Florence and watched Historical Football, known here as Calcio Storica?

Calcio Storica. Very rough, half naked rugby/football in Florence! La Nazione

Calcio Storica. Very rough, half-naked rugby/football in Florence! La Nazione

It’s unique to Florence and is a kind of rugby match, however, the players wear medieval pantaloons and are stripped to the waist!  It’s been going on for several hundred years and there are regular demands for it to be banned because of the extreme violence.  Well it’s in the news again with more complaints.  I cannot understand what the fuss is all about, if these guys want to play the game, why not!  We girlies like it…..

Siena's Il Palio says no to invite from the Queen! La Nazione

Siena’s Il Palio says no to invite from the Queen!
La Nazione

Meanwhile, the other rather rough sport, the horse race called Il Palio in Siena, has caught the interest of Queen Elizabeth.  She invited the riders and their horses to attend her next birthday celebration, but they have turned her down.  They say that for just three days, the logistics are too problematic; so Queenie can’t always get what she wants despite being in the top ten most wealthy women in the world!

Well, enough of that.  Back here in the villa, life goes on in the most pleasurable way.  The sun is still shining and if we tuck into a sunny spot protected from the cold, we might just sit out with a nice glass of Pinot Grigio.  On the other hand, if we go over to ‘C’era Una Volta’ at Lucardo for lunch, I won’t have to cook.  O Dio, these executive decisions can weigh heavily on the mind; particularly on a Sunday.  Ok, time to shut the studio down and make a decision.

Have a great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS. I would love it if you visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

Read Full Post »

Autumn into Winter, Christmas Markets, December Man and Dieting in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 6, 2015| 4 Comments »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

December colours below our villa. Photo P Finnigan

December colours along our track.
Photo P Finnigan

The December valley below us. Photo P Finnigan

The December valley below us.
Photo P Finnigan

If you have not visited Tuscany in the winter you will have missed out on the fabulous Autumn colours that continue through to March.  We have thousands of small-leaved Oak Trees in this area and right now they are glowing a luminous copper in the sunshine.  It is seriously breathtaking and whilst it is difficult to capture the true colour and magic, I have enclosed a couple of photos for you to enjoy.  Of course we are very lucky to have several evergreens of varying colours including the silver grey-green of the Olive Tree, so the countryside never looks bleak.  The Italians celebrate the festive season much the same as northern Europeans and the Christmas Tree is very popular.  Sadley, Certaldo has failed again with their big tree in the main piazza; it always looks half-dead the moment it arrives!  But hey ho, this does not quell the festive spirit in the town.

Big cheeses or strange fruit? Photo J Finnigan

Big cheeses or strange fruit?
Photo J Finnigan

Yesterday, Saturday, we arrived in Certaldo for morning coffee and I was delighted to see the Christmas Market being set up.  Sadley, at half past eight, we were a little early to see it fully ready, however, I did spot a handbag stand and one selling these amazing big cheeses.  Now I asked what they were called and then clean forgot when I got home, so perhaps one of you very knowledgable foodies out there can remind me!  More importantly, I bought a lovely handmade rustic owl, which will be part of my Christmas display back at the villa.  There are Christmas markets going on all over Tuscany now and the most popular are in Siena and Florence.  Every year there is a German market in the centre of Florence and it is reckoned to be the best in Europe!

December Man Il Nazione

December Man
Il Nazione

Meanwhile, back at Bar Solferino, we settle in to enjoy our coffee and read the papers.  I turn to page three and I find the perfect Italian male, who we shall call December Man.  Now, I know you girlies out there think that all Italian Men are stylish and sexy.  I am afraid I must disappoint you.  Only occasionally do we spot one of these rare breeds and that is why, when I see one in the newspaper or magazine, I share the picture with you.  Most Italian women seem to like their men with scratchy unshaven faces and dark brooding eyes that say ‘feed me, wash my clothes, iron my clothes, have my children….’  Not all, I hasten to add!

My man starts his pre-Christmas diet. Photo J Finnigan

My man starts his pre-Christmas diet.
Photo J Finnigan

Now on the subject of men, my own man wants to lose some weight before Christmas so he can stuff himself silly and drink lots of wine over the festive period.  “Look at this,” he said this morning at Laura’s Bar in Fiano, “I’m going to eat smaller pastries for breakfast!”  “Bravo” I say, as I watch him slowly eat his small chocolaty cream filled pastry.  No, don’t laugh, he is making an effort!  You should see the size of the pastries he normally eats….

Oh, one last thing.  My man has just reminded me that Silvio Berlusconi has been to a hospital in Rome to have his battery changed!  Well, who’d have thought it, I could have sworn he was flesh and blood, but you never can tell these days.  Robots everywhere!

Well, enough of that.  Things to do, places to go and people to see.

Have a really great week and do drop me a line.

Salute June x

PS Visit my book site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

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Snowy Mountains, A crisis meeting in Fiano, Rallies for France, Castello di Oliveto and Carabiniere in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 23, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my lovely Loyal and New Followers

Snowy mountains in the distance. Photo P Finnigan

Snowy mountains in the distance.
Photo P Finnigan

This morning’s train was delayed, so to get my man to the airport on time, we drove to the half-way point at Empoli where he could hop on a fast train from Florence.  He was slumped in the driver’s seat with a very long face.  “Look I’m wearing my overcoat, it’s so cold.  Don’t you just hate it?”  He groaned.  “Well, it will be even colder in London.”  I say unhelpfully.  But then I pointed out the beautiful view of the snow topped mountains against the bright blue sky and got a glimmer of a smile.  Bless him.  It is some time since we have driven down to Empoli and at least three new roundabouts have been introduced on the main road!  Rumours abound that certain well-known people own a lot of the land where roundabouts are built and that these certain people have pocketed the money paid by the authorities for road improvements.  Mmmm.  Well, driving back, I could see no need for these small roundabouts other than slowing the traffic down for a few seconds!  Meanwhile, the road surfaces remain appalling, in fact so bad that if this was England, drivers would have sued the pants off the local authorities by now!  Hey ho…  But the view of the snow topped mountains had been fantastic, so I smiled, shrugged and got on with driving back home via Fiano.

Speaking of Fiano, our local village, the senior villagers called a crisis meeting last Friday, to decide what to do with the recently abandoned coffee bar attached to the barely used old cinema.  It is called the cinema, however, the only things that happen there are the occasional concert and electoral days.  This last week the village was dead.  Laura’s Alimentare (grocery)/bar was closed again and so there was nowhere to get a coffee!  The butcher, baker, chemist and Milko’s Cartolibreria remain open, but we wonder for how long?  I was unable to attend the meeting and wait to hear the outcome.  Something must be done to bring the village back to life again, it’s all very sad as we are more likely to be found in Certaldo these days.

Rallies for Paris. La Nazione.

Rallies for Paris. La Nazione.

Down in Certaldo last Wednesday, like thousands of other towns and cities in Italy, a rally took place in memory of those murdered in Paris.  All the communities came together including the migrant population.  We have a small Muslim community and many North Africans, and the numbers are rising.  Finding work is hard enough for the italians, so we can only see a difficult time ahead.

Castello di Oliveto La Nazione

Castello di Oliveto
La Nazione

But on the bright side, A local landmark and popular place for weddings is The Castello di Oliveto.  High on a hill between Certaldo and Castelfiorentino, it is very beautiful indeed. A renowned professor has just confirmed that the 15th century architecture is attributed to Filippo Brunelleschi, the famous Florentine architect.  So this will now lift the status of the Castello to even greater heights.

The local police chief and two carabiniere. Photo - unnamed paparasa.

The local Commissario and two carabiniere. Photo – unnamed English woman.

Finally, I have slipped in a naughty photograph.  No not that kind!  The local Carabiniere do not like having their photos taken.  When the new Commissario arrived in Certaldo he was walking across the main Piazza in his very smart uniform with ribbons and lapels flapping, flanked by two lesser, but impressive colleagues and I asked if I could take a photo.  No, not allowed said one of the lesser ones!  Then this morning the three of them came into the cafe bar Il Solferino and I sneaked a photo by pretending to search for a signal on my phone.  Now, I don’t think they can arrest me because you cannot see their faces, but you never know.  Watch this space!

Well, must get on.  I may have some good news on a new home by the weekend; I’ll keep you posted.

have a great week.

Salute June x

Visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

Read Full Post »

Chanterelle Mushrooms, House Hunting, Simon Baker, Olives and Pope Francis in Beautiful Tuscany

Posted in Life, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 15, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Benvenuti to all my Loyal and New Followers

Well, this last week has been a busy old-time, what with the house hunting, writing, working and eating out, it disappeared in a flash.  So here we are chatting away again and talking about our little bit of Chianti in Tuscany.

Paolo's Chanterelle Harvest. Photo P Finnigan

Paolo’s Chanterelle Harvest.
Photo P Finnigan

Last Sunday my man and I popped into C’era una Volta Ristorante for sunday lunch.  ‘What again?’ I hear you ask.  Well, you know, if one is lucky you might find a local restaurant that ticks most of the boxes and it is so convenient to keep going, especially when the owner treats you like royalty, serves perfect gluten-free pasta and fresh food and herbs straight from his own orto (vegetable garden).  Paolo does all these things and more.  He goes out to the woods to find fresh mushrooms or buys from a local contadino who has beaten him to it!  He and his wife Gaia make the most delicious Tiramasu and a digestivo to die for, Crema di Limoncello.  This last time, Paolo showed us the latest chanterelle harvest and you could still smell the earthy woodland aroma in them.  Heavenly….

Now, you may remember that we have been house hunting, as our landlady wants our little villa back at the end of the four-year contract in February.  She is being a little flexible so we are thinking in terms of the first of April, when the cold weather should be finished.  We have viewed nine properties so far, ranging from awful to beautiful, the latter one that we really like, will need a bit of a compromise on our part, because it is a large apartment in a converted rustic property.  It does have a lovely garden with great views; we must deliberate.

The gorgeous Simon Baker. La Nazione.

The gorgeous Simon Baker. La Nazione.

Anyway, back at Il Solferino bar in Certaldo, we enjoy our coffee and read the papers.  O Dio, not again.  Last week it was Daniel Craig and now it’s that gorgeous blond actor Simon Baker joining us.  There he is, my second choice for playing Dominic in the film version of my books, sporting another expensive watch.  I say second choice, but likely now to be my first choice, as methinks Daniel will probably be too expensive.

Olives and cold pressed oil. La Nazione.

Olives and cold pressed oil.
La Nazione.

Meanwhile, and out there in the real world, the olives have all been picked and we are told it is going to be a good year for olive oil, unlike last year which was a disaster.  We are already enjoying the tangy taste of the cold pressed olives; heavenly drizzled over bread or garlic toast.  Mmmmm.

Then, last but not least, the highlight for many Italians in the Provincia di Firenze, has been the visit by Pope Francis to Florence and surrounding areas.

Pope Francis in Florence. La Nazione

Pope Francis in Florence.
La Nazione

Thousands thronged to every appearance by this popular man, but I have to say that he is looking older and tired.  He is currently having to deal with accusations of fraudulent activity within the Vatican Bank and that’s just the money side of things.  However, his smiling face does seem to lift the spirits of his followers, and whilst terrible acts are occurring elsewhere, like Paris, maybe he will have some influence on the state of mind of our fellow Europeans, christian or otherwise.

Finally, on behalf of all us British expats around the world, may our Parisian friends find peace and the strength to recover from these latest atrocities as soon as possible.

Salute June x

PS Do visit my author site at http://www.amazon.com/author/junefinnigan

'My Father, The Assassin'. Book one in the series.

‘My Father, The Assassin’. Book one in the series.

'The Bolivian Connection' Book two in the series.

‘The Bolivian Connection’ Book two in the series.

 

Read Full Post »

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