Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Jan 10

Favorite Reads on Italy (FRI) is a weekly roundup published on Fridays featuring interesting articles, fascinating experiences, and handy resources that I’ve come across that week.

Postcard from Italy: View from Nocelle, a town above Positano on the Amalfi Coast

This week’s roundup includes an exhilarating drive on one of most spectacular coastlines, exotic delicacies eaten in Ancient Pompeii, a hidden gem in Rome, about sheepdogs in Abruzzo and more.

Culture and Travel

Bay of Naples will drive you round the bend on one of the world’s most amazing highways by Daily Mirror – There are for sure plenty of bends on this road and while it can be a nerve-wrecking journey for first-timers, the views are spectacular. We have driven this stretch more than we can count and can’t tire of it.

The Top Italian National Holidays: Christmas, Carnevale, and Beyond by Walks of Italy – The party is not over yet. While the Christmas holidays have come and gone, there are still plenty of celebrations in Italy during the year. Next up is Carnevale! Check out this handy list of top Italian National Holidays and what they are all about.

Ancient Pompeii Diet Consisted Of Giraffe, Flamingo, Sea Urchin And Other ‘Exotic’ Delicacies by International Business Times – This is a fascinating read that gives us more insights to life in Pompeii. Archaeologists who have spent decades “excavating a row of building plots in a non-elite district of the ancient Roman city”, found that the residents had easy access to a wide variety of food and also enjoyed exotic foods such as giraffe that were imported.

January events in Florence, Italy by Girl in Florence – If you are traveling to Florence this month, here are fun events that are taking place in the city ranging from fashion shows to a fresco workshop.

Paradise regained: the painted garden of Livia at Palazzo Massimo by UnderstandingRome.com – What a hidden gem and I’ve to admit I haven’t yet have the chance to see this. Detailed descriptions of the painted garden are provided and you’ll be seeing me there soon. Also if case you haven’t, check out this article written by Agnes (a.k.a UnderstandingRome) on Ostia Antica.

What’s new in Italy in 2014 by Chicago Tribune – This article by Rick Steves gives us insights as to what’s taking place in Italy covering the main cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence as well as smaller towns like Volterra and Cinque Terre.

The Riace Bronzes by Italy.it – These statues which date back to the 5th century B.C. are now on display at Reggio Calabria’s National Archaeological Museum. If you are in the vicinity, it’s a must-see.

Food and Drinks

Olio Santo ~ Abruzzo’s Holy Oil by Domenica Cooks – Simple enough to make though patience will be required. However, it’s guaranteed to heat things up!

soak, score and slump by Rachel Eats – I’m all for simple recipes and when I read apples, I was sold. I love desserts made from apples and this one is definitely a keeper – straightforward and requires no fuss.

Life in Italy

Abruzzo Sheepdog – the Custodian of Ancient Traditions by Green Holiday in Italy – Very much a part of traditional life that involves sheep farming, these dogs may look cuddly but be warned they are territorial and should be admired from a distance.

The highest pathway of the Gods by Figs and Lemons – We’ve been up to the Path of Gods but this is certainly a hike I’d be interested in doing the next time we are Positano. Now, I just need to convince my husband to come along for the walk!

How to argue like an Italian by The Local Italy – I love this slideshow and if you want to see how it’s done, just watch one of the political talkshows on TV. Better yet, for real life showdowns, head to my local post office!

Have you come across any great reads or resources on Italy this week? Share them with us in the comments below.