Like the Italian job. Many of us have Italy in the heart, many of us are in Italy (temporarily or permanently), many of our masters are Italian…
I hope this thread is fun, it goes a long way, I commit to go around Italy and have a coffee with each of you. I am presently in Ferrara.
A thread for @MaxBertola I think!
I have thoroughly enjoyed evey visit to Italy, my most recent visit having been a few weeks ago venturing to Apulia, including staying at a lovely place called Santa Maria Al Bagno (the English translation of which is curious!) Always good food in Italy, and the coffee is the best of any I’ve ever tasted.
Ferrara is a wonderful city, Enjoy!
Just returned from a trip to Sicily. Many great memories, but the truly amazing mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale are prime amongst them. Apparently, the richest and largest collection of Roman mosaics around and, now, a world heritage site. We also loved the city of Syracuse which had a party atmosphere when we visited on Liberation Day.
Roger
We were there in middle of February. Villa Casale is breathtaking. Attached a picture of the famous ,bikini girls‘ mosaic.
Thank you for the picture, I will visit this next week.
The paintings on the walls in some villas inPompeii are, erm, interesting. They were, apparently, intended to inspire occupants of the rooms.
Must have been before the invention of bikinis.
Currently on a tour round Puglia , Calabria and sicily. Highlight so far are Alberello and Matera. Lovely places
Currently in Le Marche region on tour starting in Bologna heading to Tuscany. Yesterday had a conducted tour of the Bugari accordion factory in Castelfidardo, a small town with about 50 factories devoted to making components or complete accordions. Bugari accordions are high quality and favoured by professional players. It was a fascinating visit watching skilled workers hand crafting musical instruments from thousands of parts.
Do you have a decent Naim dealer near you?
In November, my wife and I are going by train from London to spend a week in Parma, Ravenna and Bologna. I’m going to eat and drink myself stupid!
In Bologna, try a Lasagna Verde from Pasquini’s restaurant near Piazza Nettuno in the city centre.
Simple decor, lovely food, generous portion size
A school trip to Italy back in 1974 involving many trains, a ferry, a few buses and a few days had us stay in Chiavari on the coast between Genoa and La Spezia. Over the next week trips to Sienna, Florence, San Gimignano, Pisa opened my eyes for a first time international traveller from the NE of Scotland. The amazing architecture, rich history, wonderful food and warmth started my lifelong passion for travel. Over the years I have returned to various parts of Italy and it always matches and sometimes surpasses my expectations.
… note the decals on the car … is this even a police car?? too hot to enquire..
Can I ask you a question?
I buy the best pasta I can find in Waitrose, I cook it as instructed. But it’s still a mile away from pasta served up in Italy?
How do they do that?
Italy is my favourite place to be, outside the UK.
Tony 
I will ask my half Italian wife to tell me ……
In my experience pasta as served in Italy tends to be more al dente than is common in Britain. Maybe cook for less time? But perhaps a pertinent question is, what is the best pasta available in Britain (and does Waitrose sell it)? Most expensive or exclusive of course doesn’t mean best.
