Here we are at the end of August and the last days of Buon Vacanza and Buon Ferie here in Italia!
If you’ve been following along in social media and my most recent e-newsletters, it’s not news that it’s been a scorching summer here and elsewhere! After a welcome series of storms, at least we aren’t sweltering hot and there’s definitely a sense that autumn is in the air…
Before we launch into a new season…
♦ In case you missed it, check out my most recent e-newsletter published two weeks ago and, of course, you are welcome to subscribe:
Victoria’s PostcardZ from Italy August e-newsletter!
♦ Bravo!
Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
♦ New!
Now, you can take the train directly to/from Florence and Rome Airport/Fiumicino:
https://www.italiarail.com/pages/routes/florence-to-rome-fiumicino-airport
♦ Support Small Business!
Inflation and increased gas prices are impacting small business owners here in Italy giving them little choice but to increase their prices to stay in business. Even so, you will find that you can enjoy a freshly brewed cappuccino or delicious meal for excellent prices!
PLUS with the USD = euro, you’re bound to come out ahead!
♦ Check & Double Check!
Information on websites is NOT always up-to-date! In other words, even though the website says it’s open, it may not be open…staff shortages are affecting many museums and historical sites so be sure and double check and even then, have a “Plan B”.
♦ Waiting for Shoulder Season?
Travel demand is not easing up – as a matter of fact, according to Travel Agent Central, it’s ramping up!
So, if you’re “waiting” for “shoulder season”, you may want to rethink your plans. The pandemic and then lifting of restrictions has changed the game and that traditional shoulder season when crowds and rates are reduced, at least for now, may not be case.
♦ Check, Double Check…and Check Again!
The travel/COVID rules and restrictions keep changing and vary from country to country – always refer to an OFFICIAL source for accurate guidelines!
Here are some links:
♦ There’s a new Italian Cinema movie channel, MovieItaly, in North America!
CLICK for more details:
https://www.wetheitalians.com/single_post/movieitaly-classic-film-streaming-service-launches-north-america
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Emulating an art historian I admire, I thought I would share what I’m reading these days:
Still Life by Sarah Winman
My thoughts…
“So, have you ever picked up a book & when you started reading it, you didn’t want to stop but then you didn’t want to finish it either?
That is exactly how I felt about Sarah Winman’s “Still Life”…
It’s hard for me to put into words how much I loved this book: the characters (you wish you could meet), their rich relationships & interwoven stories, her exquisite writing, and the big surprise for me was that main protagonist (in my humble opinion) was where I’m living now, Florence.
Highly recommend…and, don’t be surprised if you find me sharing that I’ve read it for the third time!”
Reading now: Beppe Severgnini
I loved (and just repurchased to reread) “La Bella Figura – An Insider’s Guide to the Italian Mind” and now I am totally immersed in and loving his latest publication, “Italian Lessons – Fifty Things we Know About Life Now”.
Insightful, witty, honest guide to understanding and appreciating “the Italian mindset”…highly recommend!
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And, of course, you have my book!?
Over 450 Italy Travel TipZ for only $13.99???
Perfect for first-timers and season Italophiles!
I promise you will learn something about Italian Ways!
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More coming soon from Your Boots on the Ground in the Boot!
And please comment, share and let me know what you would like to hear about!
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