The Basilica of San Piero a Grado and the Coast
09 May 2010
A lovely day trip from Pisa and some suggestions for restaurants and bars to try.
Il Maggio
01 May 2010
An old tradition in Tuscany: canti del maggio, men singing for unmarried girls to wish them good luck in their search for love.
Off-the-beaten-path Pisa: Le Piagge
21 Apr 2010
A great park just outside the center of the city, and a nice walk away from the crowds of the major sites. Also, home to the second leaning tower in the city!
Pesce d’Aprile
01 Apr 2010
The possible origins of April Fool’s Day.
Memories of an Altar Girl
01 Apr 2010
Easter is a great time to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, and a marvelous opportunity to discover local customs and old traditions.
Capodanno Pisano: New Year’s Day on March 25
25 Mar 2010
Pisa celebrates New Year’s Day on March 25 with a parade and a sunbeam lighting a marble egg in the Cathedral at midday sharp. A fabulous event that commemorates an ancient tradition!
Off-the-beaten-path Pisa: Via San Martino
24 Mar 2010
My favourite street in the city: beautiful buildings, an imposing medieval church, excellent restaurants, popular pubs, very interesting locals, and several peculiar stores.
Off-the-beaten path Pisa: the Church of San Francesco
23 Mar 2010
It is not always true that the off-the-beaten-path attractions in a city are smaller or more modest buildings. The imposing Church of San Francesco is hardly included in self-guided tours of Pisa, let alone the guided tours. Yet it is one of the most beautiful churches in Tuscany, with a wealth of treasures to discover and enjoy.
Hidden gems and popular spots
21 Mar 2010
Over the last few days, I’ve had many interesting opportunities to think about the eternal struggle between what’s local and what’s global, interested promotion or objective commentary, etc. I have to thank Lara and Terence of the Gran Tourismo Project for this one.
Slow Living Day in Tuscany
17 Mar 2010
Monday was Slow Living day, and we celebrated it by taking a really slow drive in the countryside!
