Guess Who Came to Dinner?

Tags

animal encounter, Arezzo, Because I'm Small Now and You Love Me, birthday parties for children, birthday party, cinghiale, Italy, Lulu, picnic, Tuscany, wild boar

For every parent, attending a myriad of birthday parties becomes de rigueur when your children are young.

You know the drill: dump an assortment of unhealthy snacks in bowls, line up liters of sugar water, toss in a themed cake and matching paper napkins and plastic plates – maybe throw in a few games if you’d like, et voila, instant kiddie birthday party.

I have to admit that even here in Italy, where I tend to feel that the most routine events become more special due to their Tuscan backdrop, I’ve gotten so accustomed to all the birthday parties we have to attend, I’ve become a bit numb.

But, boy was I in for a surprise yesterday at the incredible birthday party for Lulu’s friend Margherita!

It wasn’t because Marghe’s wonderful parents, Serena and Luca, spent millions of Euros for a lavish spread of exotic delicacies – although  the chocolate mice and hedgehogs handmade by Serena’s mother were adorably and deliciously unique!

Lulu clearly loved them. I don’t want to think how many of the little creatures she popped into her mouth.

The rest of the treats was also certainly delicious  -  and with the addition of a basket of crisp, raw fava beans – also healthy!

The cake was indeed lovely too.

But, it was the setting that really knocked this festa out of the standard-issue birthday party ball-park.

The splendid view from our picnic area

Since non abbiamo una macchina, “we don’t have a car,” we don’t often visit places you can’t get to by train.  Fortunately, Margherita’s Mamma, Serena, was kind enough to pick Lulu and me up and drive us fifteen minutes out of our hometown of Arezzo, and to another world.

Parco Lignano rests atop a mountain following a windy narrow drive which fortunately and amazingly in spite of Lulu’s extreme motion sickness, did not make her throw up – Good driving Serena!

You’re met by a spread of shady woods and verdant meadows.

They’re dotted with playgrounds and there’s even a small kind of petting zoo where Lulu tentatively decided to feed a very zealous deer.

And it was here in this wilderness type setting, where the astonishing birthday surprise arrived – in the form of an uninvited animal guest – much bigger than ants or squirrels.

Yes! Here’s a cinghiale who came to our picnic area!  “A what?” you may be saying, if you’re not from around here.

That’s “wild boar” to you English speakers.  And the above blurry photo (sorry, I was just a little nervous!) shows you how it looked from my daughter and the other children’s perspectives.  If I had audio for this blog, you would be hearing tremendously loud squeals and shrieks – from the kids, not the boar.

Okay, now it’s jumped the fence and come up to our level!

Now, I know a little about cinghiali, about 150,000 of them roam wild in Tuscany.  They’re hunted and appear as a regular item on many menus.  In fact, I’ve seen them many times, er, on my plate – but never this up close and personal!

My Italian friends who were used to this kind of thing, were tossing it pieces of fruit.  Since cinghiali are technically herbivores, I asked if you could ever feed them like Lulu did those deer.  My friends laughed at me, of course, and said the wild boars are dangerous, unpredictable and known to eat lizards and frogs and could very likely bite the hand that tried to feed them.

 Got it! Then why aren’t we freaking out more that the wild boar is this close to us?

Finally, it decided it had had enough. It casually climbed down the hill away from our picnic table and we watched as it calmly ambled back toward the woods.

The conversations turned away from our unexpected guest and back to the festivities at hand.

I, however, couldn’t stop thinking about it.  Here’s to the most memorable birthday party in Tuscany I have so far attended.

I can only imagine what’s next?!

Grazie, tutti, for joining me.  Any notable birthday parties you’d like to share?  Any wild animal encounters?  Tell me!

And for more cinghiali stories and other fun from Tuscany, please buy Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” available worldwide on Amazon. 

baci, Gina

Go!…because you never know what you’ll find

Tags

Arezzo, Because I'm Small Now and You Love Me, Castiglion Fiorentino, Italian, Italy, Languages, Lulu, Tuscany, United States

Lulu became a pompiere, or firefighter, for a day!  

But, it almost didn’t happen.

We recently took the short train trip from our home in Arezzo to the small village of Castiglion Fiorentino for the morning.  Nothing special planned.  Just thought we’d meander through its quaint cobbled streets.

Far across from the park we stumbled upon, I heard a voice on a loud-speaker.  The sound was over-modulated and, of course, in Italian, so I couldn’t understand.  Straining, I could see quite a few people milling about and what looked like an obstacle course.  “Clearly,”  I  thought, “it’s some sort of event  – a race or something.” But I don’t speak the language well and I didn’t know anything about it. I was nervous. Should I go check it out?

Of course. Why not?  I took Lulu’s hand in mine and we walked toward the people and those unintelligible sounds.

Indeed, there was an obstacle course. In fact, it was a mini-fire-fighting-training course – for kids!

Now, I had to be brave and go over to the sign-in table and inquire in my halting Italian, if it were possible for Lulu to try.

“Ma certo,” the kind lady sitting at the table responded to my blubbered request. “Of course.” At first, Lulu said she didn’t want to.  Perhaps it was a bit overwhelming for her too. Although she speaks the language, the scene was confusing and chaotic with all the helmeted grown-ups and kids running everywhere.  But after a little gentle urging from the volunteers, she did it! Complete with vest and red pompiere helmet!

Up the ladder…

…and down the pole!

Through the rings…

…another ladder…

…and even through the “tunnel!”

Across the smoking beam!

Lulu even got to shoot a water hose…

…at some real flames!

But, I think our favorite part was when she had to put on a face mask and go inside a “burning” house to make a rescue!

Yey! Teddy was saved!

After she completed the course, Lulu received this wonderful certificate – proving that she was a real “Vigile del Fuoco,” or fighter of fires! It’s now proudly on display in her bedroom and the memory of the day still brings a smile to both of our faces.

And if I had been too embarrassed to ask, or if Lulu had been too timid to try, none of it would’ve happened.

Till next time, here’s hoping you push past your fears and inhibitions and try something that ends up bringing you joy!  Have you done something like this? Tell me!

Baci, Gina

For more adventures with Lulu in Italy, please buy my new book, Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me - available worldwide on Amazon! 

The World’s Oldest Republic

Tags

Apennine Mountains, Arezzo, Bologna, England, Italy, Lulu, San Marino, United States

Pop Quiz!  What’s the world’s oldest Republic?

Nope, it’s not the United States with its youthful Constitution from 1787. The world’s oldest is also the world’s smallest.  Its population is just over 30,000 and its Constitution is from 1600.

Still can’t think of it?  Here’s another hint:  it’s here in Italy, just a couple of hours drive from where we live in Arezzo.

It’s high up in the Apennine Mountains, overlooking the Adriatic Sea – as you can see I paid a Euro for Lulu to gaze out upon.

Okay,  give up?  It’s the tiny country of San Marino, or “The Most Serene Republic of San Marino” as it is often referred.   Well, it’s not IN Italy, of course, but it’s surrounded by Italy on all four sides.

It was fitting, then, that Lulu and I – along with our great friends Pavlina, Francesco and their son David – visited yesterday – on Italy’s Liberation (from WWII) Day.

“Libertas” is San Marino’s motto and somehow it has managed to remain free and neutral since its founding by Saint Marinus of Arba, a stone-cutter who apparently set up shop here waaay back in 301 AD.  The republic is now marked by three ancient castle-like fortresses – made of stone.

Two, which are connected by the mysterious “Passo delle Streghe” or “Way of the Witches.”

But it’s no mystery now that, because of its tax-free status, San Marino welcomes lots and lots of tourists every year.

They can explore the towers and the perfume, leather and clothing stores that line up alongside the stone walls and its rather merry Museum of Torture.

No, we didn’t go in there.  We largely stayed out of the tourist traps.  We chose a piadina café instead.

After which, followed the obligatory visit to the nearest gelateria. 

Lulu’s blue-colored flavor was labeled “Puffo.”  That’s what they call a “Smurf” here in Italy, er, I mean in San Marino.  Yes, the language is still Italian.  Meno male!

We hiked up and around the ring of mountain-tops admiring the incredible views.

It’s a magical place. That makes you wonder about its residents and its history.

Peering through the old defensive key-holes -

- it’s no wonder San Marino is still renowned for its crossbow contests.  They have had more than a millennium of practice.

San Marino’s Crossbow arena

And while not for nearly as long, Lulu is still very practiced at a special piercing talent: Cajoling me into souvenir shops to “buy me something!”  On our way leaving the independent republic and duty-free haven, I finally ducked into a tiny store.

And emerged with Lulu clutching a pink “Peppa Pig” plushy.

After, 1,700 years, San Marino remains its own country, with its own laws, flag, stamps…. and tchotchkes.

With love from San Marino,

Gina and Lulu

P.S. Every visited a tiny place? Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Lego Land?  Let me know how it went!

For more adventures in Italy and elsewhere, please, pretty please, go and check out, my new book - “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” available worldwide (even in San Marino) on Amazon!

Agretti! It’s what’s for dinner…in Tuscany!

Tags

Arezzo, Because I'm Small Now and You Love Me, Condiments, Gina, Lulu, Olive oil, Shopping, Tuscany, United States

Agretti.  Also known as “Monk’s Beard.” It’s not well-known outside of Tuscany.  But, today, I’m sharing a spring-time secret that Lulu and I enjoy here in Arezzo – with you – wherever you are!

Don’t imagine that if you’re in Tuscany during the spring you’ll readily come across Agretti. In fact, some quite smart American expat friends of mine who have lived here for many years and are fluent in the language and most of the customs, had never heard of it before.  But, I was fortunate enough to be taught about this springtime delicacy from the terrific sorelle, or sisters, who run the small bottega known as “Frutta a Go-Go.”  Love that name.

Marianna and Gioanna encouraged me to buy Agretti for the first time last spring.  The Mediterranean plant looks like a blend of chives and Kentucky bluegrass to me. You can buy it fresh, loose and in handfuls from the market or pre-packaged in grocery stores like I did yesterday.

It’s easy to prepare.  Here are all the ingredients I used from my kitchen as le sorelle told me to simply boil it in salted water just like pasta, then drain and drizzle with olive oil – extra virgin, ma certo!

 

In just about three or four minutes, drain it, place it on a platter, sprinkle it with a little extra sale grosso and olio oliva and ecco!  You have a fresh-spring tasting accompaniment to any April or May meal.

Look around in Italian or specialty grocers near you.  Agretti is worth the search.

Buon appetito! (…piatto pulito as Lulu would add!)

Ciao!

Gina

 P.S. Have you ever cooked Agretti?  Ever heard of it? What recipe did you use? Would love to hear from you!

 And, of course, for more stories of the wonderful food of Tuscany, you’re invited to buy my new book, “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” - adventures between me and Lulu here in Arezzo!  A must for any one who loves traveling and children – but not necessarily traveling with children.

Primavera Fever!

Tags

Amazon.com, Arezzo, Arts, Because I'm Small Now and You Love Me, Gina, Italy, Lorenzo de' Medici, Lulu, Primavera

Spring! The calendar may officially announce it in March, but only you know when it truly arrives where you live.  Here in Arezzo, I’m marking this week as our official reawakening – of grass, flowers, trees and most important of all, our spirits!

Mr. Dreary Rainy Winter has finally relinquished the seasonal scepter to Sunny Miss Primavera.

Buds arrive on the trees and groups of tourists arrive on the steps of our famous churches.

St. Domenico

Our Duomo – St. Peter’s and St. Donato’s.

But it’s the warmer weather that is spring’s true royal herald.

Lulu and I walk to school every morning  through this very portal in the ancient medieval wall that surrounds the town.   And weather is always part of our conversation.

While I’m encouraging her to appreciate life-giving rain, mysterious fog and chilling wind, the warmth of a bright morning sun really gets us talking – and in Lulu’s case, singing.

“I love the sun. The sunny sun. The sunny, sunny, sunny, sun. Ooooh. Sun,” Lulu sang this week, “La-la-la-la,” she added.  As she scootered to school.

Not the most poetic lyrics ever, but the sentiment rings true.

When our Tuscan hills begin turning green – and the sun casts long shadows -

 

And a new crop of flowers from our neighbor Senora Dora’s giardino stretches upwards - 

- I may not crawl on a small side-street to try and imitate a cat – but I do join Lulu, in lifting a song of thanks to the promised return of spring.

My song, however, is internal.  Nobody wants to hear me sing!

To all of you, wherever you are, I hope you’re enjoying or anticipating with relish – the hope that springs – with spring!

Love to you all,

Gina

P.S.  Where are you?  How’s the weather?  How’s your heart?

For more joyful and vivid descriptions of our beloved Tuscan town, please buy my new book, “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” available WORLDWIDE on Amazon.com, .UK .IT etc etc! Baci! 

 

 

 

Make Time to Swing!

(First off, this has NOTHING to do with “swinging” – so get out of the 70′s and read on..)

Last weekend I was with my five-year-old daughter Lulu at a small park in a village in Tuscany.

Parco di Pini in Castiglion Fiorentino is just like the name describes, a park surrounded by pine trees. But what the name doesn’t tell you, is that the park is also perched on a cliff – with a tremendous view spreading out before you of the Tuscany valley below.

I’m sure the view is even better if you hopped on a swing set and began to soar up high.

And that’s exactly what Lulu decided to do.

She climbed on the seat, held on to the chains, and after just one “starter push” from me, pumped her little legs back and forth and began to go!

Like most moms, I walked over to a nearby bench and sat down to watch her.  But perhaps, unlike, most moms, I decided not to tell her it was time to come down after only a few minutes. I wanted to see just how long she would choose to stay up there – on her own.

So, then, for twenty minutes, I watched her.  She tilted her head waaaaay back as she swung – the breeze catching her long hair and really blowing it.

We smiled and waved at each other occasionally. But I didn’t stop her.

Eventually, after almost half an hour, Lulu slowed down and stopped.

“Whew.  That was fun,” she told me.  ”It was just like flying!”

“Good, Honey, I’m glad you like to swing.”

“I do.  You should try it too.”

I used to like swinging a lot.  I remember Julie, my best friend in third grade, and I used to swing all through our recesses.  Back and Forth. Back and Forth.  Never stopping until the teacher blew her whistle signalling recess was over.

Now, if I go too long or too high, I tend to get a little queasy.

But, I thought, Lulu is right.  I should try to do it more.

I’m all for thinking and planning and working…. and thinking about planning to work… and basically just getting caught up in the harried moments that comprise each day.

But it’s important – much more so than I currently consider – to take time to stop.

And just swing.

Thanks, Lulu, for reminding me.

Till next time, tutti! 

When’s the last time you took out time to “swing” – What’s your favorite “time-out?”  Please share!

And for more inspirational conversations and adventures between Lulu and me, my new book, “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” is available now at Amazon.com 

A Real April Fool

Tags

April Fool, April Fools Day, Because I'm Small Now and You Love Me, Castiglion Fiorentino, Easter, Italy, Lulu, Practical joke, YouTube

Here in Italy, it’s the day after Easter, known as Pasquetta, or “little Easter.”

Resurrection and spring celebrations continue.. and Lulu and I visited Castiglion Fiorentino to check out their “Vilaggio di Primavera” or “Spring Village” – where there were indeed some nice crafts and regional food -

 But, since this year, it happens to fall on April First, today is also Pesce d’Aprile , the Italian version of what I know better as April Fool’s Day!

I like practical jokes and clever pranks, so I like the concept of this day – but for some reason, the only joke I remember was one that I didn’t pull-off myself, but, rather was played mercilessly on me – by my mother!

It was an April Fool’s Day morning, when I was just five years old, that I woke up to my mom greeting me with a solemn face.  I can still remember her leading to me into the kitchen and sitting me up on one of the stools at the bar.

“Gina,” she began in a somber tone, “I am very sorry, but your father was cleaning out your closet last night and he accidentally threw out all of your shoes.”

Now, I have no idea why the notion that my dad decided to clean out the closet in my bedroom while I was sleeping in the same room didn’t strike me as odd.  Or why I chose to buy the even crazier idea that he just accidentally  happened to throw out all of my shoes.

Maybe it was because I was only five years old.   But, anyway, I remember staring wide-eyed at my mother as she continued.

“So, honey, I am so sorry, but we don’t have any shoes to send you to school in this morning,” my mother purred.  “Instead, just for today, we’re going to wrap your feet in newspapers and put rubber bands around to hold them in place.  You only have to go to school like this for today.  After school, we’ll go buy you some new shoes.”

That was it!

But back when I was five. It was more than enough.

Before she could say anything else, I began to cry.

“APRIL FOOL!” my mom gleefully cried out.

I don’t think I laughed at all then.. but all of my family – and even I – get a real laugh out of it now. It only took a couple dozen sessions with my therapist.  No, not really, but sheesh, Mom, what were you thinking?  If you met her, you would never think she had such a mean streak.  Ha. Maybe you would.  Just kidding. We’re really close.  I promise.  Anyway,  I don’t think I have ever asked her how she came up with the idea or whether Dad knew anything about it.  I’ll have to do that.

But meantime, now my own daughter is five and last night I told her about the tradition of April Fool’s Day – and about the alarming prank my mom played on me when I was the same age as she was.

“Thank goodness you didn’t have to wear newspapers on your feet for real!” Lulu exclaimed after I had finished the tale.

“I know!” I agreed.

Later, while we waited on the platform for the train to take us to Castiglion Fiorentino ,  Lulu suddenly shouted, “Hey, Mom, the train’s coming!”

Of course, it wasn’t yet, but I whipped my head dutifully around to look in the direction it would be heading and as soon as I did, Lulu squealed, “APRIL FOOL DAY!! I got you!”

“Yes, you did, Honey,”  I winked at her.  We both knew.

This afternoon, while we were exploring the old town, I turned to her very seriously and said, “Lulu, I almost forgot to tell you, Daddy accidentally threw out all of your other dresses last night and the outfit you’re in is the only one left.   Tomorrow, when you go to school, you’ll have to wear a newspaper wrapped up with string.”

“Maaaahhhm!” Lulu rolled her eyes, “you’re just teasing me. That’s just like Gramma Sheila.”

Then she added, “I think it’s better if we don’t tease, because if not, no one will believe you.”

She’s right.  I still don’t let my mom come anywhere near my shoes.

And that’s no April Fool.

Hope you’re having a fun-filled April first.  Any memories you’d like to share, please do!   And for more conversations and adventures between my daughter, Lulu, and me, please buy my new book, “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” !  Till next time, Ciao, tutti!

Gina

 

Guest blog series “Travel Memories” #8 – Olumo Rock, Nigeria

Tags

Abeokuta, Africa, Badagry, Because I'm Small Now and You Love Me, Bulgaria, Egba, Lagos, Nigeria, Olumo Rock

Greetings fellow travelers! If you’re ready for an adventure, you’ve come to the right place!  Last time we took you to Bulgaria and today, join me as we go to Nigeria.

Today’s guest blog is from radio personality, speaking coach and, I’m happy to say, my new friend – Ayo Owodunni.  

When he is not busy co-hosting his dynamic and fresh morning radio program from Nigeria’s capital city, Lagos, Ayo loves to travel and explore locations that make his country unique. 

Now, then, let’s marvel together at Olumo Rock – a place that once protected warriors, and which in turn, recently needed protection itself. 

Here’s Ayo: 

 

A safe haven for those who looked beyond its majestic beauty and focused, instead, on its strength and protective power, Olumo Rock is located in Abeokuta, Nigeria, about 60 miles north of Lagos.

Abeokuta literally means “Under the Rock.”  The natural fortress may have protected a variety of people over the centuries, but it was during the 19^th century, as it served as refuge for the Egba tribe during a series of tribal wars, that its protective qualities are most known for.

The Egba land warriors discovered Olumo and realized the enormous heaping pile of boulders naturally provided them the perfect strategic place. The wide flat top of the rock gave the warriors a fighting advantage, not to mention a great view of enemies below.

It was so strategic, in fact, that the Egba warriors lived on Olumo for more than three years.  Lookout and living space, the rocks reportedly even served as a place to bury their dead.  It seemed nature had designed a unique citadel for the Egbas to help them survive.

The wars eventually came to an end and the Egbas climbed down, settled into the valley and established the town with the name forever honoring the rock: Abeokuta.

Till today, the Egbas prides themselves in their rich history and their tribe-saving rock.

As a child, I visited Olumo Rock, but admit I was never fascinated by its significance.  I was more interested in using it as my natural playground, than learning its dramatic role in history.  But, as I grew older and did more research on my country, I came to discover more about the historical site and have since fallen in love with the rock and its warrior-filled story.

Sadly, however, one of the biggest frustrations I’ve also come to discover about my country is its lack of conviction in preserving historical landmarks: from media reports about the dire state of the first prime minister’s burial site, to the deteriorated condition of Badagry Slave Port (used to ship out slaves from Nigeria to the western world – where I was shocked by the horrible state of the museum with broken windows, uncared for artifacts and untended lawns outside), national monuments had become national embarrassments.

Following suit, a few years ago, Olumo Rock faced similar neglect until the federal government decided to step in and finally turned it into the treasured monument it is today.

For me, Olumo Rock is a reminder that the universe will always conspire to give you your heart’s desire.

But we must do our part as well. Olumo Rock, which once saved people, has now been saved by people.

Thank you, so much, Ayo, for an inspiring story of an inspiring place.  

Where do you go for inspiration?  A natural wonder? A church, temple or synagogue? Your backyard?  Share your story as a comment here or write a longer essay to me at GinaLondon@gmail.com 

I’ll happily post it!  And if you’re looking for inspiration, I’m also happy to remind you that “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” – a book of wondrous conversations and adventures – is available on Amazon.com – With nearly two dozen rave reviews already, I’m sure you’ll love it too!

Ciao, tutti! Till next time,

Baci, Gina

Guest blog series, “Travel Memories”: Belogradchik Fortress in Bulgaria

Tags

Belogradchik, Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria, Ellis, Israel, Serbo-Bulgarian War, Sofia, Tel Aviv

Ciao tutti,

Spring is almost here and my thoughts are turning to possible places to go for Spring Break!  So, it’s a perfect time for another guest writer get-away adventure.  Today, I am pleased to introduce fellow author, Ellis Shuman.

Ellis has been traveling ever since he was 15 years old, when his family moved from Sioux City, Iowa, to Jerusalem, Israel. Ellis served in the Israeli army, was a founding member of a kibbutz, and now lives on a cooperative agricultural community known as a moshav.

 In 2009, his job in an internet marketing firm was relocated to Sofia, Bulgaria, for two years. During that time, Ellis and his wife traveled all around Bulgaria and fell in love with the country. After their return to Israel, Ellis couldn’t stop thinking, or writing, about Bulgaria. He has just published a suspense novel, “Valley of Thracians,” which is set in many of the places Ellis visited during his Bulgarian years.

Let’s now go to Bulgaria with Ellis: 

When I think back to the two years I lived in Bulgaria, there are so many travel memories. My wife, Jodie, and I arrived in Sofia in January 2009 on a two-year relocation of my job in internet marketing from our headquarters in Tel Aviv to our Bulgaria support center. We decided to make the most of our Bulgarian experience, and traveled extensively around the country at every opportunity.

One journey stands out, however, and the places we visited would play a major role in the suspense novel I wrote upon our return to Israel. One weekend, when our friend Iris was visiting from Israel, we drove to the northwest. We stopped in the town of Montana to pick up Ivelina, a colleague and friend of mine from the office, and she served as our travel guide as we headed through the lush countryside to our destination.

We arrived in Belogradchik, a town whose name literally means “small white town.” We were not far from the Serbian border, and about 50 kilometers south of the Danube River, which forms Bulgaria’s northern border with Romania. The town was built on the slopes of a steep hill; we drove up its winding streets to the top.

Belogradchik Fortress is a man-made construction set against a stunning outcrop of rocks. The combination is so unique and picturesque, that it seems to have been lifted straight out of a Disney fairy tale. The initial fortifications at the site date to Roman times, with the rocks serving as natural protective walls.

Initially, Belogradchik Fortress was a surveillance post, as it overlooks an extensive area. In the 14th century, the Tsar of the nearby town of Vidin fortified the walls, extending the fortifications and building additional garrisons in the protective shadow of the rock massifs. The fortress fell to the Ottomans in 1396, and they further strengthened the stronghold.

The Ottomans upgraded the defenses of the fortress in the early 19th Century, and they used the fortress to suppress a Bulgarian uprising in 1850. The stronghold last saw combat in the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885.

More unique than the fortress is the surrounding countryside. The Belogradchik Rocks, seen from above when standing inside the fortress compound, are a stunning arrangement of strange-shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations. Some of these rock buttes resemble human figures, and the area is full of legends as to how they were created. Sculpted shapes form rocks known as the Madonna, and the Schoolgirl.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the fortress and the views of the rocks, we made our way up a series of ladders. There were railings to protect us from the sharp drops down rocky cliffs. The view from above, overlooking the town and the distant mountains, was stunning.

The Belogradchik Rocks were named in 2009 as Bulgaria’s candidate to be selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The site is hardly known outside Bulgaria, and it was quite strange to walk around the fortress in the total absence of other tourists.

Bulgaria has so much to offer visitors, and it is all available at very affordable prices. The Belogradchik Fortress is just one of many amazing destinations in the country. For me, the visit to Belogradchik will always form one of my most memorable travel memories.

Thanks, Ellis!

As I mentioned,  Ellis is the author of Valley of Thracians, a suspense novel set in Bulgaria. The book is available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions. Ellis continues to write frequently about Bulgaria, Israel, and other interesting things at his blog, Ellis and Jodie’s Bulgarian Adventures.

Till next adventure, tutti, where are you planning to go this Spring Break? Perhaps not as far as Bulgaria – or maybe you’ve already been there and have a favorite memory from it as well. Would love to hear!

Safe travels – here, there and in life!

Baci, Gina

Italy’s largest antiques fair!

Who wouldn’t love a festival of shopping?  It doesn’t get more bedazzling than when, during the first weekend of every month, Arezzo closes of its cobbled streets to cars and opens them instead to an array of vendors who spread out blankets of vintage jewels, fill tables with porcelain dishes, figurines, furs and clothing, line ancient stone walls with paintings and mirrors and cluster over-sized hand-carved furniture into every available corner.

From the tiny Madonna del Prato street to the sun-filled expanse of Piazza Grande, you are bound to find something that surprises you and that you’ll want to take home.

Like this weekend, when Lulu decided she had found her new best friend – in the form of a ceramic canine of indiscriminate breed – but with a discriminating price of 1,200 Euro.

“Non lo toccare!”  “Don’t touch him!” I cautioned.

Arezzo may not be in Rick Steve’s guide of must-sees, but I’m here to tell you that he doesn’t know everything! Here in the heart of Tuscany, Arezzo’s Fiera Antiquaria  is truly something to behold.  Started in 1968, this is Italy’s oldest and largest antiques fair.  And with the jaw-dropping backdrop of the medieval churches and palazzi surrounding you, the old merchandise actually seems rather fresh and new.

Lulu and I never miss it.  This morning, with Lulu decked out in her fatina di le stelline (fairy of the stars) face paint, we went exploring.  Of course, with the makeup, Lulu couldn’t help but stop in front of a mirror.

Then I paused to consider my favorite among some delicately hand-made and hand-painted terracotta dolls – I must have a thing for fairies, because I was drawn to the fata turchina, or blue fairy, from Pinocchio fame.

I resisted my impulse purchase desire and we then turned the corner to see something straight out of the Seven Year Itch. Minus Marilyn and the steam-grate.

“It’s super-lovely,” Lulu gushed.

“Yes,” I agreed. “But it’s also 100 Euro.”  No could do.

In the end, Lulu and I didn’t end up buying anything.  But we did have a marvelous time exploring our town and its treasures.

We even managed to find another mirror.  This time with me in it too!

And anyway, there’s always next month.

We’ll be here.  How ‘bout you?

Please come to visit our terrific town in the heart of Tuscany.  We’ll gladly show you around!  Till next time, if you’d like to enjoy more adventures with Lulu in Italy, please treat yourself to my new book, “Because I’m Small Now and You Love Me” – available worldwide from Amazon.com

Till next time,

What’s your favorite shopping pleasure?  Would love to hear!

Baci, tutti!

Gina