paula reynolds

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 …

If we were to find a good Cinderella story in the world of spirits (of the liquid sort), grappa might just be the one the slipper fits. Thought of for centuries as the poor man’s drink, the 20th century has …

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 …

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 …

There’s something romantic about a train. There’s something even more romantic about a train in Italy! Making your way through Italy with the clickity-clack of rails beneath you is a wonderful, freeing experience…IF you have done a little homework beforehand …

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 …

“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 …

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 …

Bridges are quite a wonder. We take them for granted, driving or biking or walking across with nary a thought of what a complex structure lies beneath us, supporting and safely transporting to the other side. Imagine, if you can, …

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, …