paula reynolds

Arrivederci to another Natale…and buongiorno to what might be the sweetest month of the year. February, of course – that month that is overwrought with red hearts, flowers, sentimental cards, and perhaps the star of the show: chocolate! Italy produces …

Food. There might not be anything else that embodies and defines Italian culture and local identity like food. It’s something talked about with fiery passion, a daily ritual that is more sacred than routine, a placeholder of cultural expression for …

Many passionate love stories start out nice enough, but somewhere along the way jealousy, cultural clashes, or rejection enter the stage…and romance turns to tragedy. Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah, Tony and (I just met a girl named) Maria, …

Cars, motorcycles, and busses whiz at breakneck speed on the modern roadway that encircles this ancient town. Commerce is healthy here, just as it seems to always have been. Eyes divert, though, to a sea of emerald grass, a solid …

There is no lack of fantastic statuary in Italy. Even in the smallest hamlets, you’re sure to find at least a statue or two honoring a local hero or momentous occasion. While most of Italy’s statues are duly admired by …

Before I was more seasoned in the ways of beloved Italy, I would pay only a passing glance at the small, mysterious shops that sat modestly under the shadow of a blue sign marked with a prominent letter T. An …

Lake Como might well be one of the most spectacular areas of natural and manmade beauty in all of Italy, if not in all the world. Popular villages and towns such as Bellagio, Lecco, Menaggio, and Laglio attract the rich …

All it takes is nine balls, a flat surface, and two or more people to play. It’s second only to soccer in popularity in Italy…and around the world. Anyone of any age can play it.  We’re talking about bocce, that lawn bowling …

It’s hard to find a place not to like in Tuscany, an Italian region rich in food, wine, culture, and picture-perfect landscapes. A region reminiscent of a mosaic, her small borgos and villages coalesce as elements of a stunning big …

Far from the cacophony of day trippers, busy cafés, and shops selling everything-lemon lies an almost forgotten piece of Amalfi’s rich and fascinating history. A steady climb from sea level along Via San Lorenzo leads past Amalfi’s stunning Duomo, colorful …