paula reynolds

Once upon a time, about 600 years ago, the deep southern reaches of Calabria cradled the heart of Europe’s silk industry. Nestled in the Catanzaro hills, mulberry trees flourished in the mild Mediterranean climate, their leafy branches offering food for …

Jewish populations have called Italy home since Judas Maccabee sent a contingent to Rome in 161 B.C.  Although their history is wrought with strife, Jewish communities have established deeply planted roots throughout Italy. Their distinct culture has interwoven with the …

As big as a Robin’s egg, mildly tart with a hint of sweetness, and just-perfect chewy only begins to describe an Ascolana olive. Biting into one is a much finer manner of introduction to this enticing little fruit…and I was …

Renting a car is easy enough. It’s all that comes afterwards that can create enough material for a good sit com! I still chuckle at the expression of horror on friends’ faces as I enthusiastically answer “Yes!!” when asked if I drive in …

When in Rome … it’s a no-brainer that the famed Colosseum is at the top of most visitors’ list of “must see” attractions. In fact, this forerunner to our modern arenas plays host to about 4 million tourists a year, …

Come to the beach where the sea is blue, and little white waves come running at you. A wave comes splashing, over your toes; you just stand still, and away it goes. We’ll build a castle down by the sea …

Temperatures are on the rise…and so is the urge to grab the flip-flops and head for the nearest beach. Summer practically insists we enjoy at least one romp in the salty sea, no matter which part of the globe we …

I Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” - Joseph Chilton Pearce  Humans have been playing games forever. Even without evidence of proof, I wouldn’t be surprised if Adam initiated the first game of Solitaire before Eve …

You want clear lights on the tree, I think multi-colored are prettier; you prefer ham on the holiday table, I say turkey is tastier; you rock out to modern Christmas carols, I sway to the oldies; you insist on a …

Elegant, complex, beloved…Italy’s Negroni cocktail is celebrating its one-hundredth birthday this year. Despite its centenarian status, the 1:1:1 ratio recipe of equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari is a modern bartender and patron favorite and has inspired spin-offs of dizzying …