A Japanese Break

25 August 2008 at 10:05

I've just spent nearly 3 weeks in Japan. A nice break from Italy. But one can never really escape (as can be seen in the photo).

Handpresso

29 July 2008 at 10:05

The holidays are here - Italy is ready to shut down for August. Many bars and cafés close too. What if you need an emergency expresso when you are out and about and can't find anywhere open? Don't panic! The 'Handpresso' is here. Never be more than a minute away from your fix of caffeine, wherever you are. Watch the video to see how all this is possible.

However, there is a price to pay for this wonder of design and technology. €99 to be precise.

Note: Coffee in the photo not made using the handpresso!

Rent-your-Vespa

14 July 2008 at 23:30

If you are in Alba, Piedmont, why not rent a vespa and visit the beautiful 'Langhe' with it's breathtaking views and vineyards? You won't be disappointed. I might just give it a go myself.

Tel. +39 0173 979086 or visit www.ferreromoto.it for more information

Campionato Italiano di Treeclimbing

28 June 2008 at 23:30

A little known fact. Turin is the European Tree Capital for 2008. I only found this out last weekend and I live there! On 21 & 22 June, as part of this celebration, the Italian Tree Climbing Championships took place in Valentino Park. It was quite spectacular and included 5 different disciplines:

• Climb with secured footlock
• Speed climb
• Throw line - above photo
• Aerial rescue (simulation of the rescue an 'injured' man from a tree)
• Work climb

Turin, after hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics, has hosted many other international events. It is one of Italy's most beautiful cities (I am biased but have been told this by many people who have visited). It is home to the Egyptian Museum (second only to that of Cairo) and the National Museum of Cinema (located inside the Mole Antonelliana). It is full of historic cafés (coming up in a future post), more than I have ever seen in any other Italian city. And what is best of all is that it is relatively tourist free. Why not come and visit?

To see more images of this amazing city visit www.torinodailyphoto.blogspot.com. Also I have started to compile a list of things to visit in Turin..

Out with the old, in with the...

27 June 2008 at 10:05

...old! Roberto Donadoni, the Italian coach during the European Championships, has been relieved of his duties for failing to secure the national team at least a place in the semi-final. The new 'c.t.' (coordinatore tecnico) will be Marcello Lippi, the manager when Italy won the World Cup in 2006. He will be presented to the public on Tuesday.

Speaking of old, 'tanti auguri di cuore' to Paolo Maldini who yesterday turned 40. The 'capitano' of AC Milan has played 1009 official matches over a 23 year career. He has vowed to continue with the 'rossoneri' for another season. Congratulations! More information about this true Milanese legend can be viewed on the official website of AC Milan, the only club Maldini has played for.