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Ciao a tutti,
 So how many of you had your travel plans scuppered or altered by the Eyjafjallajokull volcano spewing a cloud of ash over Europe last week?
I had to rework my flight route about five times and still haven't managed to leave Italy and return to the UK. But hey, there are worse things than being stranded in Florence.
I am using the time to enjoy the city at a time when it is relatively devoid of visitors, taking full advantage of the free admission offered by state museums, monuments and archaeological sites during Italy's Culture Week, which conveniently takes place now. Culture Week - an annual, celebration of Italian art and culture packed with presentations, conferences and special tours - ends on 25 April, but other cultural events are planned in Tuscany for the first fortnight in May.
During this time, which precedes and coincides with the European Night of Museums, museums in the region will offer free guided tours, present previously unseen or newly restored collections, and hold concerts or musical events - as well as remaining open at night on 15 May. Among the highlights are a tour of the ancient Faini mill in Borgo San Lorenzo, given by the historic owners; a guided tour of 100 works by De Chirico, Max Ernst, Magritte and Balthus at Palazzo Strozzi; and a clay workshop where children can learn to make Roman style artifacts at Arezzo's Archaelogy Museum.
 The Night of the Museums will be celebrated in other Italian cities too, and particularly so in Rome, where the city's many museums will offer extended opening hours and stage special events. If you are planning a visit to the Italian capital, try and take some time to tour Vatican City too. And if you are a photography lover, you may wish to follow Jon Bower's advice who tells us how to take wonderful photos through a video.
 If food is more your thing, though, head for Le Marche. Chiara Paolin gives you the lowdown the region's exceptional gastronomy. Situated at the heart of the Italian peninsula, Le Marche brings together the culinary influences of the North with those of the South - all "seasoned" with the excellent local vegetables, mushrooms, fish and wine. The richest, best dish to try is rich, decadent Vincisgrassi - lasagne made with alternating layers of chicken, beef and mushroom sauce. It is a dish fit for a king, and indeed it was enjoyed by and named after a Prince, Windisch-Graetz, who led the Austrian army against Napoleon in Ancona. Perfect with a glass of local Rosso del Conero.
 Talking of imbibing, Peter McGrath has gleaned the authentic recipe for Limoncello from a friend in Sorrento, and now shares it with us all. It calls for relatively time consuming preparation - you will need to let the lemons infuse for a week in 95% alcohol, then add sugar and boil the whole thing to let it dissolve - but the end result is well worth it: a heavenly scented liqueur that will make the ideal ending to any meal.
Buona settimana and see on italymag.co.uk
Carla Passino
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Taking place on Saturday 15th March at the glamorous 5 star Landmark Hotel, London, don't miss out on your chance to taste, enjoy and learn about the best of Italy's fine wines at this lively one day Encounter.
Borgo Belvederi is a magnificent and secluded ancient hamlet, nestled on top of a green hill about 2 miles from the city of Camerino, in Le Marche.
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