Monthly Archives: February 2015

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Drinking water/fountains

16 Monday Feb 2015

Posted by in Drinking water, Water Fountains

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In the world today few things are free – even water, nature’s gift.   Many of us are familiar with Rome’s famous fountains, but few seem to realize that the water coming from the fountains is not only free, but clean and drinkable. So when you’re in Rome be sure to take a sip from the waters of the Eternal City!  These fountains are both beautiful and practical.

In modern-day Rome  you can find approx 2500 public fountains which are called Nasoni (big noses). These fountains contain clean safe drinking water, the exact same that comes out of the taps in Rome’s houses etc.

The fountain system is environmentally friendly because the constantly running water is recycled and not wasted. Some Nasoni have a button that needs to be pushed in order to get the drinking water.  If you have trouble finding these fountains in the city try  www.acea.spa.it

It always surprises me that a glass or carafe of water at any restaurant, café etc in Italy has a charge when I know there is always a water fountain close by with pure clean delicious water.  I suppose that we are paying for the service.

Thanks to the mountains, clean drinking water is abundant and relatively available across most regions.

Ordinary tap water – even when supplied through the water grid – may not taste particularly nice. consequently, many people spend a small fortune buying bottled water.

These public water fountains can be found in most towns and villages around Italy. The water in these fountains is clean and tasteless.  You can easily stop to take a drink or fill up your water bottle.

In some parts of Italy you can still see people meeting around the local water well.  That was a common sight in my recent trip to Lucca in Tuscany

Lucca (1) Lucca (2)

Drinking water in Italy is cool, safe and readily available everywhere.

I have not actually taken water from the display fountains but I have indeed drank from and filled my water bottle many times from the actual drinking fountains.

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Fascinating! Spectacular! Grotto del Vento

15 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by in Grotto del Vento, Tuscany

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About a 40 minute drive from the apartment in Ponte a Serraglio is the Grotto del Vento. Cave of the wind.  Just like most of the roads we travelled in this area it is a very picturesque drive. Although the last 12 km to the cave are not necessarily for the faint-hearted. The road up to the Grotto is narrow and winding and hair raising to say the least.  Some parts of the road are only wide enough for 1 car.  Just be sure to honk your horn before going around the narrow bends to avoid a catastrophe. I actually found it very thrilling and a fun adventure.  The drive up does take time, but it is definitely doable.  Just take it easy and enjoy the ride and the views.

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We were blown away by both the wind in one small section of the caves and by the incredible sights within. There are three different tours at least so you can pick one to suit. We chose the 1 hour tour which cost about €9  and it was perfect…the right amount of time for our interest level and there were stairs but they weren’t overly challenging.  The tour guides spoke perfect English and were really excellent and very informative; the various sites were stunningly illuminated and quite awesome.

Although the main commentary is given in Italian there are headphones which are supplied in several different languages. Of course I had an English speaking set.

Wear good shoes with rugged soles and also bring a sweater or jacket as you may find it chilly.   Also, you are not allowed to bring any bags or backpacks inside the cave. They have a wooden shed structure at the entrance of the cave that you can store your belongings in and the guide will lock with a key. Be prepared to be amazed at the beautiful stalagmites and “curtains” inside the cave and have a wonderful time!   Oh…and the wind inside is breathtaking…hence the name “Grotto del vento” which means cave of the wind!

There is an excellent shop for gifts and a café which appeared to be reasonably prices but we did not eat here.

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The Grotto del Vento is about an hour and a quarter drive from Lucca.

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Viste (sights)

06 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy, Viste

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After many years of travelling to and around Italy, I have put together a snapshot of some of the beautiful places where I have spent time.  These are not always the places that first come to mind when one thinks of Italy. In fact they are places that were special to me and have left wonderful memories in my mind and heart.  Some of the photos you will recognize and some you may never have heard of.

So here are 25 reasons to visit Italy. Maybe  these photos will make you want to jump on a plane right now and fly to Italy.

Amalfi Coast –  this is where dreams are made.  Is a stretch of coastline on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy.  The Amalfi coast consists of many beautiful little townships and villages. I rented an apartment here for 2 weeks and really experienced the area, especially the beaches.

Vieste – Is a glorious marine resort on the southeast Adriatic coast of Italy. It appeared to be a very popular holiday destination for Italians as we felt as though we were the only English-speaking visitors.  We took a jet boat ride out to the caves which were very beautiful although we were concerned about the lack of safety precautions by the jet boat company.

Vieste

Venice – one of my favourite major cities in Italy. I have visited this fabulous city many times and each time I discover more and I like it more.

Trulli – Alberobello.  These are traditional Apulian dry stone huts with a conical roof from the 19th century.

Puglia

Pievebovigliana in Marche is a commune within the Monti Sibillini National park. I rented a house here for a month.

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Camerino – An impressive small hill town on the border between Marche and Umbria. It is home to the University of Camerino founded in the Middle Ages.  I visited this great little town many times as I was staying in Pievebovliana which was only about 20 mins drive away.

Camerino

Monti Sibillini – part of the central Apennines situated between Umbria and Marche

Norcia – Umbria is located in the plain of Monti Sibillini

Norcia

Assisi –  In Umbria was the birthplace of St Francis

Florence – the capital of Tuscany (Toscano) is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance

Pisa – a definite tourist destination but it is a must at least once when visiting Italy

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San Gimignano – I love hilltop towns and this is by far one of my favourites.  Great restaurants, great views and great shops.

Siena – in Tuscany is famous for its Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

Siena

Milan – one of the most famous fashion cities in the world.

Lago Maggiore is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps in northern Italy on the border of Switzerland.

Lago Maggiore

Isola Bella is one of the beautiful islands on Lake Maggiore where I saw white peacocks for the first time

Stresa – on the shores of Lake Maggiore. After spending 8 days in this beautiful part of the world I ended up with hundreds of gorgeous photos of its spectacular views.

Stresa

Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro –  a monastery perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore

Sant Caterina

Fortress of Angera – Castle on Lago Maggiore

Bagni di Lucca – I rented an apartment and stayed here for a month.  Every day was a day of new discoveries, meeting new people, visiting many of the towns and villages in the area and “living” the local life.  This was definitely living the dream.

Barga – This medieval hilltop town is just a short drive from Bagni di Lucca. Another place that took my breath away.

panorama

Cinque Terre – The 5 lands.  This is a definite must when visiting Italy. I have stayed here several times and enjoy every minute of it every time. It is very easy to access by train from almost anywhere in Italy.

Rome – view from Castel San Angelo

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Trevi Fountain  –  in Rome is one of the most famous fountains in the world.  It is a popular tourist attraction and I might add, almost impossible to take a photograph free of people.

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Lake Albano – Looking down from Castel Gandolfo where the pope has his summer residence – 24 kilometres from Rome

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Sunset over Rome

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If I have missed one of your favourites, please let me know and I will add it next time.