Elba is fantastico and fabuloso. I knew we’d like it here but I didn’t count on such stunning cliffside vistas, such gorgeous beaches, and such crisp dry wine and fresh from the sea meals. We began our day at the Hotel Ilio and met Maurizio, who had just returned from […]
Kerry Bell, Pietro Messina and Johnny, the family who make Grifoglia a homey, cozy place where people come to relax and unwind in the hills of Tuscany.
We drove the northern part of the island of Elba and this was one of the scenes en route. We took the state-owned ferry, Toremar, in the distance you can see the Moby Lines boat coming back from the island.
We have reached the far end of the island of Elba, and we finally have a solid internet connection. For those of you (God bless ya) who come here daily, thank you for your patience, and from now on I shall be able to give you a window into what […]
We are in the midst of a media fast. I did not realize this when we set up this trip, but the fact is that Grifoglia, with green fields and rolling hills, is in the sticks. There is nothing here except a big garden, a lovely pool, a stone house […]
After a twisting, turning, eyes-shut-in-the-back-seat ride up mountain roads, around curves you never, ever saw the end of, we finally made it to Grafoglia. We spied our hosts, Pietro and Kerry, outside by the garden and knew we had made it. What a gorgeous place it is! Located in the […]
Late night at the cafe. We’re in the midst of an art show opening for Simon Camp, who is showing photographs of Rwanda in our cafe. It’s not a big night. Despite good publicity only a few people showed up. But it made me realize that doing this kind of […]
It’s been a criminally long time—two days without a single post. I actually did try to post on Monday but the photo I wanted to upload of Cindy in front of the MAMBO museum in Bologna refused to comply. She’s just had her story about that fine city posted on […]
It’s been a sweltering weekend–one that we should remember next February and try to savor. Sitting outside last night, it never dropped below about 75…what a change, but then, it’s August for God’s sake. I’m in the cafe and it’s busy…nice to see Sundays finally picking up. I picked up […]
Have you ever heard of a Jatropha plant? It’s a weed that grows in barren landscapes, needing barely any water and surviving tough soil. Today’s WSJ reports that in India it’s the latest hot topic and thousands of acres are being planted with what was once a worthless weed. It […]
Elba, oh Elba, I am beginning to love you. Spent time today on the phone with Maurizio. He said he would be our personal guide to Elba, where we are traveling on Sept 9. I love planning ferry rides and rental cars in faraway places…we will be meeting his friend […]
The cafe is slowing down after a very busy Wednesday. Today I wore a blazer that I bought in Medellin. It’s funny how such a garment elicits so many comments. “All dressed up, eh?….Where Are You Going?….Is that New?It’s my ‘get out of jail free’ blazer that seems to make […]