What's All the Buzz About?

One of the pleasures of this area is enjoying the countryside.  The late spring rains and cooler weather have delayed the full blooming fields of sunflowers ... however, through exploring the small backroads, we have been able to find a few fields that are just about at peak.

Unfortunately for some ... the flowers are full of bees ... none-the-less breathtaking.

Mercato delle Gaite

A brief introduction to this unique Umbrian Medieval celebration.  This is a historical celebration in this small Umbrian walled town that recognizes and celebrates it's history.  The town is divided into four Gaite (quarters. The four Gaite of Bevagna are:  San Giovanni, San Giorgio, Santa Maria, and San Pietro.  Each Gaite have their own flags, and during the festival they display their on the walls, windows and doorways.

Throughout the festival, each of the Gaite compete in several disciplines; for example food (original to the area and medieval times) and trades or crafts.  The majority of the competition and demonstrations are held at night with lanterns and candlelight that give the festival a magical ambiance.

Much more to come ..... 

Deruta Italy

Deruta is a small walled hill town in this area that is most well known for it's ceramics; however this little town on it's own is charming and beautiful.   One of my favorite places in Umbria; perhaps because it was one of the first that I visited several years ago ... the fact it was having an antique fair in the piazza that day was a special bonus!

To Travel is to Live

"To move, to breathe, to fly, to float,

to gain all while you give,

to roam the roads of lands remote,

to travel is to live."

.... Hans Christian Andersen

Happily, once again, we find ourselves on the back porch of Genius Loci in Umbria.  A large terra cotta pot once used for olive oil now used to hold brightly colored flowers ... and in the distance perched on the hill is the lovely hill town of Montefalco.

Pasta!

Federico Fellini is quoted as saying "Life is a combination of magic and pasta" .... I think he is right!

Pappardelle with fresh porcini, tropea onions & pancetta

Gnocchi with gorgonzola cream and dusted with black summer truffle

Tagliatelle with fresh porcini and pumpkin

Bucatini carbonara with black cabbage

Tagliatelle with chianina ragu

 

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The Road Taken

Our road will be smooth and untroubled no matter what care life my send; if we travel the pathway together and walk side by side with a friend. (Henry Van Dyke)

 

 

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Signs

What initially we thought was graffiti turned out to be witty art sprinkled among the many street signs across Florence. This art is created by a french artist, Clet Abraham who has lived in Italy for 20 years.

 

Posted with Blogsy