A farmer and his dogs prepare to lead a small group to hunt for black truffles outside of Montalcino.

A truffle hunting dog waits patiently while her owner digs up the black truffle she has scouted for him.

The Cantine nella Roccia festival in Tagliacozzo last October was a great success. Like many of the old towns of Abruzzo, it feels sleepy and melancholy on a quite day. But come the day of the festival, well, hold on to your hats! There were several street performers at this year’s event, including three bands of marching musicians. Here, local lad David Blasetti spontaneously joined in with the oncoming band, much to everyone’s delight.

Boboli Gardens, Florence

Sunday stroll through the back streets of Venice.

The activity on the Navigli (canals) of Milan brings out hundreds of people. Music, dining and a glass or two of wine make for a great night.

We were on a guided nature tour through Le Balze. We learned that Leonardo once traveled through this area discovering and documenting the rugged rock formations here. He deduced that this area was once under water from the fossils he discovered. Later, he incorporated the sketches of the rock formations in his paintings. Check out the Mona Lisa!

Saepinum (known today as Altilia) is an archaeological site located in Sepino, in the province of Campobasso, Molise. It became a Roman settlement in 293 BC. Archaelogists discovered its ruins in the early 1950's.

This photo was taken in Arezzo while walking around the historic part of the town and gardens. The old rusting iron enclosure and cracked and time worn walls contrasted beautifully with the warm and comforting terra cotta colored Madonna and Child.
Simple beauty every where you look in Italy.

Walking back from dinner one night last fall, I saw this still-open shop under the incredible aqueduct in Sulmona, in the region of Abruzzo. The contrast of the deep blue sky with the colorful confetti candy and contained light was too much to resist. I wish more Americans would venture out into the Abruzzo region — there's so much to discover!