paula reynolds

“To eat good food is to be close to God” ~ Big Night (1996)  It sounds pretty heavenly,  alright:  a new original television series featuring the delights and appeals of Italy’s regional foods told through the eyes and ears of …

The engine idles to off, your feet swing onto the dirty parking lot. A scan of the surroundings isn’t too impressive. An elusive sign or two guide you to the path… Cascate del Mulino this way, they say. The walk …

Tourists love Italy. Rich cultural treasures, history in every cobblestone, works of art to rival the heavens, food and wine so good it hurts, landscapes made of dreams — what’s not to love? But like a dysfunctional union, that love …

What do a giraffe, a unicorn, a small owl, and a tower all have in common? Despite no apparent links, each of these entities proudly represent one of Siena’s 17 contrade, or neighborhoods. These are more than just fun mascots, …

There’s a lot to cheer about this summer. We’re eating in restaurants again, festivals are underway, swimming pools overflow with squealing children – we can even have a BBQ with the neighbors! Like a longed-for prodigal son, normalcy is making …

Some traditions are not to be broken…or are they? The big red vending machine that debuted recently near Rome’s Piazza Bologna has certainly pushed the envelope, at least in the eyes of many Roman citizens. Food is sacred to Italians, …

Sophia Loren had one. So did Anita Eckberg and Sean Connery…as did violet-eyed Liz. Brigitte  Bardot’s had zebra print seats, and even George Bush was often spotted in his, breaking waves in the Hamptons. They’ve always been the nautical epitome …

From a distance, the 13th century tower seems to ride the hilltop alone. A ruin or perhaps an invitation to more, its mystery is finally revealed when a cypress lined road eases to an end. A striking 13th century portal …

“Amo solo te” ~ I love only you You’ve said “yes” …and the planning begins. Opulent or simple, a wedding is probably the closest most of us will ever get to crafting our own real, live fairy tale. Naturally, a …

While the Roman Empire gets credit for masterminding modern roadways, they surely never envisioned today’s tangle of Vespas, cars, busses, and bikes buzzing haphazardly through the web of urban streets of today’s Rome. To the unsuspecting visitor, it’s a scene …