“Ape” means bee in Italian. Ape means “adorable” to me. Born out of necessity and ingenuity post-WWII, the Piaggio Ape is ubiquitous in Italy’s small towns, and even Rome’s smaller side streets. When it was created in the late 1940s, it was essentially a Vespa with an extra back wheel and a board in the […]
Author Archives: Natalie
Right now I am craving Turkish coffee, missing a lovely friend, and hoping that everyone in Istanbul is safe and well. P.S. We aren’t currently in Istanbul, but we are in a place that starts with “I”. Any I-deas?
Real title: I’ve actually already killed these plants. But by god, they were lovely and delicious while they latest. From the walk home from the farmer’s market at Circo Massimo, to the whole three weeks I kept them semi-alive in Testaccio.
Credit: Andy I really like food, and I sometimes like writing, but I am not a food writer. I am far too sarcastic for that kind of undertaking, but I enjoy reading about the culinary adventures of others. There are many talented food and wine writers based in Italy who have garnered much deserved recognition. […]
Garlic bread was my favorite Italian food. Then I moved to Italy and realized: non esiste! (It’s nonexistent!!) The closest you will get to garlic bread is aglio e olio (garlic and oil). You’ll get your pane drizzled in oil, and the chance to rub a small piece of skewered garlic on the top of the […]
There is something about castles that appeals to my American sensibility. In fact, when driving near Vulci (Viterbo), I think I actually said: “Ohhhh! Look! Look! A castle! Can we stop!?” Seriously. Medieval towers and fields of poppies hold plenty of appeal. But the most impressive feature is not the castle at all, but the […]
In some ways, it’s hard to believe that the year is half over. Then again, looking back at all of the lovely places I have been and people I have met- it’s been a full 6 months! Here is what 2013 looked like for me from January to June. Car rental and a three hour […]
As in: Why do these cost 390 Euro ($500)??








