Category Archives: My reasons for travelling to Italy

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Coffee

10 Sunday Jan 2016

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy

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Italian coffee culture is strong, just like the espresso, and cafes are always full no matter the time of day.

Australia also has a strong coffee culture serving up excellent coffee that would take a lot to beat.

So what is it that is so special about Italian coffee. Why do we all fantasize when we think or talk about enjoying a cup of coffee in Italy?  I suppose we all have our reasons and suggestions but I guess for me, it is just the fact that I am drinking coffee  IN  I T A L Y.

In Italy a cafe or coffee shop is actually called a “bar”. You will see hundreds of bars around Italy, and in Rome they are on almost every corner and sometimes up to three or four in one block

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Italians don’t linger, they drink their coffee at the counter and fast.  Espresso is an essential, so they don’t waste time sipping while reading the paper or visiting with friends. Instead, they’ll pop into bars five or six times a day for a quick cup, gulped down at the counter over some banter with the barista and continue on with their day. In Australia it is more of a social event to meet for coffee and chat for ages, rather than the need for a quick pick me up.

So for an authentic experience, join the masses standing at the bar. The most important thing is that you take in the bar’s atmosphere, breathe in the scent of freshly ground coffee and sweet pastries, and enjoy the taste of real Italian coffee. If you do feel like sitting, be prepared for a slightly larger bill. In the big cities, it is usually twice the price or even more if you use table service.

There are many many types of different cups of coffee;   however Cappuccino is Italy’s most famous coffee drink. The cappuccino is a warm, soothing, perfect ratio of espresso to whole milk, frothed to perfection. Be warned,they do come with an unwritten rule — you cannot order them after noon, unless you want to risk being scorned. Italians have a weird thing about drinking cappuccino only in the morning. You’ll never see an Italian order a cappuccino after dinner, yet it’s almost all they drink in the morning.

If you see a bunch of people sitting around drinking cappuccini at three in the afternoon, you have probably found the tourist bar.

Cappuccini are fantastically frothy, and the espresso is always made with quality coffee beans and ground on site.

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If you request a caffe’ or coffee, what you will get is espresso in a demitasse, which is very strong coffee served in a tiny cup. The best espresso has strong caramel coloured foam on the top, which is the “crema.” Generally, the thicker the crema, the stronger the brew will be.

Ask for a latte in Italy and you will be served a large, tall, glass of milk. The correct way of ordering this drink is to request a caffe con latte – coffee with milk. Essentially a shot of espresso and double the amount of hot milk, this drink is topped with a little foam.

Coffee is one of the favourite drinks in Italy. It is consumed not just for breakfast but throughout the day.

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My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Piazza 2

05 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy, Piazza

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If I was to write about every piazza I have visited in Italy I could dedicate my blog exclusively to Piazze, so I will just mention a couple of other special ones that I have spent time in over the years.

Piazza del Campo is the principal public space of the historic centre of Siena, in Tuscany and is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. The twice-a-year horse-race Palio di Siena, is held around the edges of the piazza.

On my first visit to Siena, I was not sure what to expect but this is a place that looks great and grows on you as the more that you look the more that you can see.
It is fan shaped and not flat with a wide assortment of buildings. It felt like being in a huge outdoor living room with people comfortably sitting and standing anywhere and everywhere.
Part of the square has restaurants and bars but this is not a problem as there are plenty of places to sit and view the area.

This Piazza is picturesque and historically impressive.. It was surreal standing in this Piazza looking around at this historical landscape. Well worth a visit

The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a public square in the walled centre of Lucca in Tuscany. The ring of buildings surrounding the square, follows the shape of the former second century Roman Amphitheatre of Lucca.

Lucca fascinates me… it is one of the most charming towns of Tuscany and birthplace of Puccini.  Lucca is a very picturesque, elegant, walled city which is beautiful to stroll through and explore the narrow cobblestone streets. You will find lots of interesting architecture, with more than 100 churches.

Lucca is quite a small city so you won’t have any problem finding this square as you walk around

If you go to Lucca you must visit Piazza Anfiteatro – it is an extraordinary place!

Another of my favourites in Tuscany,  Piazza Duomo is the heart of San Gimignano.

Actually San Gimigano is one of my favourite hilltop towns in Italy. I could never tire of the wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes, the shopping and the views over the Tuscan Hills.

You will undoubtedly walk through the Piazza del Duomo when in San Gimignano and marvel at the scale of the Duomo and the city hall. It is always crowded but you’re in a small town so must accept this as a part of touring.  Very pretty and picturesque – a photographers dream!  There are a number of places to eat and small souvenir shops and a gelateria selling the worlds “best”gelato. Very brave statement.

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Quite often you will happen upon street entertainment. There is always something going on in Piazza Duomo

If you do decide to take a table in a main square, you will probably want to spend some time enjoying the scene, you don’t need to feel pressured to vacate your table once you’ve bought a drink.

While most bars and cafes are not usually as expensive as those in San Marco Piazza, there is often a service charge for tables inside and a larger service charge for those outdoors. If there’s live music or other entertainment, there may also be an added surcharge for that.

Feel yourself in the heart of beautiful, pulsating and vibrant Italy.

Another must do if you are in Tuscany

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Piazza

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy, Piazza Navona

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Wherever you go in Italy you will mostly always find a piazza in every town, village or city. In fact, in the cities you will usually find more than one.

A piazza is an open public square, usually surrounded by buildings. They are the meeting and gathering place for locals however you will often find visitors there also.  There is always something happening in a piazza and they are a great place for people watching.

The Italian piazza is the centre of public life. You’ll often find a bar or cafe and a church or town hall on the main piazza.  Many of Italy’s piazze have decorative statues or fountains. Piazze is the plural of piazza.

Although there are many famous piazze around Italy, including Piazza San Marco in Venice,  Piazza del Campo in Siena, Piazza Navona in Rome,  you will also find that most villages regardless of their size will have a piazza. They are a part of Italian life.

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One of the joys of touring Italy is to spend time doing nothing (far niente) at a restaurant or bar located in a piazza, even if just for the people watching, but be aware that in famous squares like Venice’s Piazza San Marco, sitting at a table for a drink can be very expensive.  However, when in Venice do make sure that you treat yourself to at least one glass of your favourite beverage while taking in the sights and sounds and sitting at Piazza San Marco.  The experience is more than worth every cent spent.

When I think back over the many piazze that I have visited over the years there are a few that are special to me. For many reasons I suppose, not just for their beauty or statues or fountains but also for the memories of the good times that I have enjoyed.

My most special piazza in Rome is Piazza Navona, so consequently I can never visit Rome without lots of time spent at Piazza Navona.  In fact, this is my pick of areas also to stay when in Rome.

This is such a beautiful space. The fountains, churches and buildings are all so harmonious. Piazza Navona is another of Rome’s many musts.

Piazza Navona contains two of Bernini’s masterpieces; the  church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.  Although the church is brilliant,  it is the fountain that brings me back again and again.

We went there in the evening and sat watching the beautiful fountain all lit up in golden lights – it was super busy, with artists painting, performing, singing, and people everywhere, also many folks dining in restaurants around the piazza. The other 2 fountains are a little less crowded, so you can sit near them and view the central one.

Lunch by the piazza is a wonderful experience and then dinner in the evening is spectacular. There is a good selection of cafes and bars. It seems to always be very busy, but pick a nice spot, grab some food and a bottle of wine and just sit back, relax and people watch. Brilliant

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Gardens

23 Tuesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Gardens in Italy, My reasons for travelling to Italy

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Gardens in Italy – Many people think Italy has the best gardens in the world.

The gardens of Italy are amongst some of the world’s great treasures.

I have visited many beautiful gardens in many countries, however, my favourite are the spectacular gardens of Italy; especially the Mediterranean gardens.

Yet, I have visited stunning residential gardens in many different parts of Italy; From the Amalfi Coast, to the Adriatic Coast to the lakes in the north and also on the Italian Riviera coastal area. This journey from the North to the very south of Italy takes you through many picturesque landscapes and gardens.

What makes these gardens in Italy so spectacular? I put it down to the weather and probably the good rich Italian soil. The beautiful fresh produce that they grow is testimony to this.

Beautiful gardens are everywhere in Italy. They include the casual to the formal to the very dramatic. We do not necessarily need to visit the formal gardens that are on show from Napoli to Lago Maggiore to experience the extravagance of the thousands of gardens. These gardens can be in the form of little village gardens, beautifully displayed hanging pot plants, medieval gardens, renaissance gardens, botanical gardens and early baroque gardens.

There are magnificent gardens in the private villas, some of which I have visited in the Tuscan hills, Stresa (Isola Bella) and Rome.

I have wandered through sleepy little villages that look so proud with their gorgeous little gardens and hanging pots of colour.  And don’t forget the residential vegetable gardens which often are a work of art in their own way.

I try to create some of these beautiful gardens back here in Australia however living in the sub-tropics is not necessarily conducive to Mediterranean gardens as our humidity is too high.

I do however have a small Mediterranean garden which is designed around an olive tree and includes rosemary, basil, lavender, geraniums and Bougainvillea.  I call this my very own little piece of Italy.

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Agriturismo

17 Sunday May 2015

Posted by in Agriturismo, My reasons for travelling to Italy

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Wherever we travel, we are mostly aware of the many types of accommodation on offer. The choice is varied including hotels, motels, B&Bs, guesthouses and monasteries.  Sometimes we chose to rent an apartment or house, particularly if we plan to stay in the one area for an extended period of time.

Another wonderful option for accommodation in Italy is to stay in an Agriturismo.  Also known as: farm-house accommodation, farm stays, farm holidays,  rural retreats

Agriturismo – a combination of the words for “agriculture” and “tourism” in Italian – is a style of vacationing in farm-house resorts codified into Italian law in 1985. These agritourismi allow the small farmer to augment the income from the farm, and for vacationers to sample the bounty of a rural life in Italy. Often they have their own vineyards so the wine you may enjoy with your meals is also locally produced.

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Agriturismo, farm-house holiday accommodations, can be found in many parts of Italy and are popular with those travelling by car. Agriturismo is a great lodging option for families or groups of friends traveling together and accommodations can range from rustic to luxurious. Most farm houses offer bed and breakfast and some have a swimming pool, restaurant, cooking classes, or other special ammenities.

Agriturismi (plural) are not usually in the centre of town but are found out in the countryside on their own parcels of land.  Each one that I have stayed in we needed a car to get to.

Agriturismi (plural) are also a popular place for Sunday lunch. They are a great little getaway for families and friends. It is a wonderful way to taste local foods which are prepared from home-grown produce on the farm or at least locally. Eating at an agriturismo is also a great way to meet up with people away from the busy restaurants and cafes in the cities or towns.

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Each time I have stayed in the village of Pievebovigliana we have enjoyed lunch and dinner at the fabulous agriturismo Roccamaia. The welcome we receive when we arrive is like we are coming home. The owner and his wife make the choices for our dishes which keep coming for hours. Each course is washed down with a locally produced delicious wine.  At this agriturismo, it is not unusual for the staff including the chef to join in for a song or two. A mid day meal at this or probably any agriturismo is usually a 4 or more hour gustation.  And, don’t be surprised if you are offered a small glass of homemade grappa or limoncello before you leave the establishment.  And the nicest surprise at the end of the meal is the bill, it is usually very good value.

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Our experience with staying at an Agriturismo has always been very enjoyable. The evening meal and breakfast is often a family type affair, other guests and sometimes the family of the owners have joined us.

I initially purchased a book from a tabacchi on Agriturismo. This book listed hundreds of agriturismi around Italy. You can also find them online, just google – Agriturismo.

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Gelato

19 Thursday Mar 2015

Posted by in Gelato - a sweet dream from Italy, My reasons for travelling to Italy

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One of my favourite things about visiting Italy is the Gelato.  Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream. When at home in Australia I do not eat ice cream at all however when I am in Italy I manage to have a Gelato a day.  Mind you I could easily eat more than one a day. I wonder why I enjoy it so much in Italy and yet have no desire for ice cream at home. I believe it is because I was brought up on home-made ice cream which my mother made weekly which was very similar to the Gelato recipe.

Gelato can be made with milk, cream, sugars and flavourings such as fresh fruit and nut purees.  It is generally lower in calories, fat and sugar than ice cream. Gelato is a type of soft ice cream containing a relatively small amount of air. By statute, gelato in Italy must have at least 3.5% butterfat, with no upper limit established.

Barga Gelato

Gelato is churned differently than ice cream and contains less air. Despite its lower fat content, gelato has a creamy consistency, is thick, dense and elastic. But what truly distinguishes gelato is its taste.

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Gelato shops in Italy are called – Gelateria (singular). Gelaterie (plural) are as abundant as pubs back here in Australia. One can find one on almost every street corner, well, not quite but they can be found in almost every village and city in Italy.  They are often the busiest part of town with the shop packed with people looking over the tubs full of Gelato on display and making their choice.  If you are undecided as to which flavour to choose, don’t worry cause you can get 2 or 3 scoops of different flavours on each cone or cup.  You’ll be able to identify many of the flavors by the pictures some shops include on the flavour cards, but others may be a complete mystery. Every Gelateria that I have been to, and believe me, that is many, offer for you to taste a sample of the gelato. So, if you are undecided, ask for a sample. They are always very willing to let you try.

Outside the gelateria is usually packed with people who congregate to enjoy their Gelato and for the locals it is a popular meeting place.  The daily passegiatta most often will have the locals strolling around their village enjoying a gelato.

I have been to many local football matches in Italy and usually after the game we all head back to the local bar. We Aussies have a drink, for me, a glass of wine; however the players usually have a gelato.  When we were in Porto Venere, each afternoon we would watch the local teenage boys playing football on the beach and after the game, where did they head to, yes, the Gelataria. We also observed the same custom in Stresa where the local football team all met for Gelati after the game.  Just so refreshing to see and of course so refreshing to enjoy.

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Here are just a few of the flavours you will find at most Gelaterie in Italy.

Panna (cream)

Cioccolato:  chocolate.

Limone: fresh, tangy lemon flavour

Pistacchio: another favourite

Zuppa Inglese:  like custard.

Bacio:  a mixture of hazlenut and chocolate

Frutti di bosco (fruits of the forest): a mixture of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries

Caffè: for lovers of espresso and cappuccino

Pesca: fruity peach flavour

Crema: Italian crema is a pale yellow colour and more like custard than cream.

Fragola:  strawberry

Cocco: White, creamy and very coconutty

Stracciatella: chocolate chip

Banana

Melone: Melon

Nocciola: Hazlenut – my favourite!

Nocciola,  is a classic gelato flavour in Italy, one you will find in any gelateria.

Forte dei Marmi gelato

Whatever else you’re doing, treating yourself to an ice cream is an important part of your visit to Italy.

Fortunately we do have Gelato shops here in Australia. One that I really enjoy is La Macelleria Gelateria in New Farm which is run by 2 guys from Bologna, Mateo and Mateo

Gelato – A sweet dream from Italy

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Norcia – Umbria is located in the plain of Monti Sibillini

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

 

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – the Food

22 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in Italian Food, My reasons for travelling to Italy

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Italian food has been one of my favourites since I was a teenager so you can only try to imagine how happy I am when I visit Italy and enjoy the local Italian meals. Italian cooking is among the world’s richest and most varied, with dishes perfect for every occasion.

Italian cuisine is regional with the variations being much more local, also the cuisine is seasonal making sure that you are able to eat the freshest and most delicious fruits and vegetables.

Eating a leisurely Italian meal is one of the pleasures of travelling in Italy!  Italians take food very seriously.  Food in Italy, varies by region so be sure to explore the regional specialties where ever you go.

Each region, and sometimes even a city, will have regional specialties that they are very proud of.

There are many types of places to dine in Italy. If you just want a sandwich, you can go to a bar. A bar in Italy is not just a place for drinking alcohol and there are no age restrictions. People go to the bar for their morning coffee and pastry, to grab a sandwich, and even to buy ice cream. Some bars also serve a few pasta or salad selections so if you just want one course, that’s a good choice.

A tavola calda – serves already prepared food fairly fast.              

 Pizzeria – although known for baking and selling pizza, they often offer pastas, salads, main meals and desserts. It is very rare that I eat a pizza in Australia, however I enjoy them several times a week when I am in Italy. 

Osteria – this was once a very casual eating place but now there are some more formal ones.

Trattoria – also a more casual eating place but can often be the same as a restaurant.

Ristorante – restaurant

The traditional Italian menus have five sections. A full meal usually consists of an appetizer, first course and a second course with a side dish. It’s not necessary to order from every course, but usually people order at least two courses.

Italian Appetizers – Antipasti:  Antipasti come before the main meal. One choice will usually be a plate of the local cold cuts and there will probably be some regional specialties.

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The First Course – Primo:  The first course is pasta, soup, or risotto (rice dishes, especially found in the north). Usually there are several pasta choices.

The Second or Main Course – Secondo: The second course is usually meat, poultry, or fish. It doesn’t usually include any potato or vegetable. There are sometimes one or two vegetarian offerings, although if they are not on the menu you can usually ask for a vegetarian dish.

The Side Dishes – Contorni: Usually you will want to order a side dish with your main course. This could be a vegetable (verdura), potato, or insalata (salad). I sometimes order only a salad instead of the meat course.

The Dessert – Dolce: At the end of your meal, you will be offered dolce. Sometimes there may be a choice of fruit or cheese also. After dessert, you will be offered caffe or a digestivo (after dinner drink).

Italian food is as varied as the land and the people, and this means that there are a great many delights to be discovered.