You can expect to receive procedural e-mails like me (like the last one) - "how-to"s for the trip. But sometimes you'll get entries (like this one) where you can get public opinion, special facts, or even recommendations about this fabulous location.
Without a doubt, Italy is one of the top spots for focus in publishing glamorous living. Whether it's a shot of a celebrity on a beach, or an article on the favorite place for vacationing, you're likely to see a little of Italy at all times on every newsstand.
While preparing to throw out this past year's collection of travel and food magazines which have been piling up around the house, I found at least one article on Italy or Italian food in practically every magazine. In n Travel and Leisure (Feb. 2010), Siena was the focus for "My Favorite Place" (courtesy of Emily Mortimer, recently seen in "Shutter Island") - there's a great picture of Il Campo - a view which will become quickly familiar to you - it's the main central piazza in Siena. And, yes, you will get the opportunity to climb that tower.
One of the best ways to experience Italy before arriving there is through books. I KNOW - some of you claim an allergy to reading, but it's really fun when it's not required! I promise! Whether you pick up a memoir, a tour book, a romance story, or a collection of short stories (my preference), you can find some amazing treasures about this wonderful country. As Spring Break approaches, I encourage you - no, assign to you - to pick out one book about Italy and read it during your Spring Break. And, to be a part of this activity, I have one for myself - my mother-in-law recently gave me The Devil's Queen, an historical fiction about Catherine de Medici - promises to be a little more bloody and risque than I'm used to, but variety is good, right?
Need a little direction for your own pick? Just for our weekend in Rome, you can find a trove of treasures! Are you an art fan? Try Michaelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling. Architecture? Check out the mammoth Not Built in a Day. Foodie? Oh, there are so many - The Tuscan Year: Life and Food in an Italian Valley or The Italian Food Guide, just for a start. For an immersion experience, there's the ubiquitous Under the Tuscan Sun (Cortona's about an hour away from Siena) or my more preferred Too Much Tuscan Sun. History fan? For Ancient Rome fun, check out Colleen McCullough's First Man in Rome collection for historical fictions or Steven Saylor's books for mystery/suspense. Medieval or Renaissance History? You will want to know about the Guelfs vs. Ghibellines, as well as the rise of the Italian city. Want to know a little more about Vatican City? I must recommend When in Rome by Robert Hutchinson (look out - there's a sweet romantic fiction by Gemma Townley with the same title, if you're looking for a fun fiction read, or John Grisham's Playing for Pizza).
Want something more specific to search? You can search one of the cities/towns we'll visit, or look up life in Tuscany. Check out a favorite artist or art collection. Pasta fan? Innumerable books about that topic . . .
We're always out to find the best bang for our buck. When preparing to spend time in a new place, one of the best ways to prepare is by knowing as much about it before we set foot off the plane.
What a great time we're going to have!!!
un' abbraccio,
Laura :)
No comments:
Post a Comment