Fav Reads On Italy This Week: Jan 17

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: The breathtaking area of Val d’Orcia

This week’s roundup includes a review of the Great Beauty, practical tips on living in Milan, all about pasta and a recipe, and relying on a traditional method to get the job done.

Culture and Travel

The Great Beauty, review by The Telegraph – As I’m sure you must have heard, The Great Beauty (La Grande Bellezza) won the 2014 Golden Globe for best foreign film. Here’s a review of the movie.

Tuscany’s Best-Kept Secret by Huffington Post – Read on to find out the secret but I’d say it’s applicable to not only Tuscany but all of Italy.

36 Hours in Emilia Romagna by Flight Network – While travelers to Italy often head to the main cities, you should seriously consider visiting the region of Emilia Romagna. With a wide variety of some of the best food in Italy, steep in art and history, and lovely charming towns, this article gives you a “taste” of this region.

Living in Milan by BBC Travel – It’s undoubtedly the fashion and finance capital of Italy and the article shares which neighborhoods to live in, side trips as well as practical information.

The Ghost of Ca’ Mocenigo by Monica Cesarato – I love intriguing stories and this one sure fit the bill. It was published last week and I wanted to share it in this round-up.

Tuscany’s Best Hot Springs: A Map Of Sulfurous Soaking And Wilderness Dips by Map It Out Tuscany – Looking for some place to rest and rejuvenate. Here is a list of hot springs that will do just that. I am keeping this list handy as I will probably head to one of these place sooner rather than later.

La Fiera di Sant’Orso in the Aosta Valley by Italy Magazine – I’m always fascinated by traditional festivals and this one dates back a thousand years. It’s a huge party!

Sardinia, Italy: Island of Powerful Energy and Irresistible Charm by Epoch Times – We have been to Sardinia but it’s long overdue for another visit. With friends from Sardinia, we are often given local insights as to the natural beauty of this island and this article does it’s job in showcasing the charm of Sardinia.

10 of the Best Books on Italy by Walks of Italy – Looking to just relax this weekend? Here are some great reads that will transport you back to Italy.

Food and Drinks

Must-see and taste in Val d’Orcia by Tuscanycious – We spent a day in Val d’Orcia and photos do no justice as to how stunning this area really is. Visually splendid, this area boast some fabulous food.

Christopher Boswell on All Things Pasta by Food52 – As the chef behind the Rome Sustainable Food Project, Christopher Boswell talks pasta, gives invaluable tips and even shares a classic Roman recipe.

Life in Italy

Donkeys Help to Keep a Village Clean in Liguria by Green Holiday in Italy – What a lovely read! Relying on traditional means to get the job done.

Rome and the Worldwide Instameet by Erica Firpo – Battling jetlag, I struggled to get out of bed for the Worldwide Instameet organized by Erica and Darius. It was a nice turn out and had the opportunity to meet in person many who I’ve already known on Instagram. A fun meet up and an a lively group. There were plenty of laughs, chats, creative poses and needless to say, loads of photos were taken!

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