I should have known something was wrong when the performance started five minutes early. Nothing ever starts early in Italy. And I mean ever. I know from personal experience. Two years ago I was singing in “Die Goetterdaemmerung” at the Teatro Petruzzelli and the opening night began so late that the function afterwards had to be …
A Goat in George Clooney’s Garden…a lighthearted look at Italian law
Villa Oleandra, a large mansion on the shores of Lake Como in Lombardy, currently belongs to George Clooney. I have walked past the luxury home several times this summer on one of the hiking trails between Moltrasio and the pretty village of Laglio. The Hollywood actor has bought not only the lakefront property but also …
Hot on the Trail… a hiking adventure from Brunate to Bellagio
I have often found it difficult as an opera singer to find colleagues who share my love of sport and the great outdoors. Lovers of food and wine, no problem. Lovers of music and culture, of course. Lovers of carrying back backs and sleeping in mountain huts, somewhat more difficult. So Imagine my delight when …
A Post on the Post…(and why you haven’t had a card from Italy lately.)
Ever felt like you wanted to kill someone? I mean, like, really strangle them. Out of sheer frustration. Ever felt like screaming? Giving vent to your inner two year old? No? Obviously you have never been to an Italian post office. Going to an Italian post office is an activity only the truly sadistic, highly motivated …
Battling the Bulge in the Breadbasket of Italy
Carbohydrate. It’s the kind of word that causes the weight conscious to break into a fearful sweat. Banned from popular diets around the world a carb-free existence banishes rice, potatoes, bread, pasta, pastries, pizza and, horror of horrors, wine. Trust me, I know. I am familiar with the programmes of best selling authors Mr Dukan …