Europe ~ Read, Travel, Create
Venice, Summer 2021 ~ Read
It started, as always, with a book read ahead of travel. It ended with a fascinating experience, involving a real Cinderella’s glass slipper and a glimpse into the life of…
Venice, Summer 2021 ~ Create
If you look closely at online photos of dining in Venice, you’ll see it in almost every shot. Once your eye is trained, spotting the unmistakable deep orange color becomes…
St. Petersburg, Fall 2019 ~ Read
This novel by Feodor Dostoevsky is often cited as one of the “supreme achievements in the world literature” for its intricate portrayal of the mental state of its protagonist before…
St. Petersburg, Fall 2019 ~ Travel
Oh my! How can I devote just one page to this beautiful city, where I was born, and where I return to religiously as much as I possibly can, after…
St. Petersburg, Fall 2019 ~ Create
Picking the “Olivier” salad to represent Russia is a no-brainer, as it is Russia’s most favorite way to eat our ubiquitous potato, but I was actually enticed to do so…
Tuscany, Fall 2018 ~ Read
The Italian Party by Christina Lynch is a great easy read ahead of traveling to Sienna. It describes both the city and its environment beautifully, details the famous Palio, Sienna’s…
Tuscany, Fall 2018 ~ Travel
Terracotta sunlight are the words that now come to mind when I think of warm-hued hills between the towns of Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia and Bagno Vignoni. We…
Tuscany, Fall 2018 ~ Create
Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese, from cafes in Sienna (recipe by Platings + Pairings). Russian girl meets beets in a whole new way. Swap goat chees for blue cheese for…
Florence, Fall 2018 ~ Read
I highly recommend reading Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King before arriving in Florence. This national bestseller about the design and construction of Florence’s main jewel, cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore,…
Florence, Fall 2018 ~ Travel
We traveled to Tuscany in September-October of 2018 to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. To be honest, we were both a little skeptical, as modern-day Italy seemed over-hyped and over-crowded….
Florence, Fall 2018 ~ Revel
My favorite ways to closely experience local culture is to get lucky enough (or to plan…) to partake in one of the local festivals, such as Carro Matto in Florence,…