We were so disappointed at the amount of not only tourists, but the plethora of American chain shops in Venice. Yes, we were also tourists, but we stayed for three days and chose local places to dine during our time there. The new "day tripper" fee of a few euro is hardly likely to dissuade anyone from visiting for the day, especially with cruise ships docking nearby.
Thanks for your thoughts about Florence becoming a "prostitute" city. I can also understand the sentiment, especially for local residents just trying to live their lives! I love Florence (and Rome) and always try to find the mom & pop shops by reading blogs like yours, Girl in Florence, Curious Appetite, etc. I don't have a solution, but I know it's a problem. I certainly don't think she should be attacked for stating her opinion, though it may have been a bit harsh. The problem is real!
To be fair, it's been a few years since Florence was a virgin. But the sentiment here is very apt. The unfortunate truth is that it's much easier to reform a person than a city, particularly because when one loses the artigiani, they can't be replaced. So many of the businesses we all treasure in a city rely on people with skills passed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately, often no one protects them until it's too late. Brava to Cecilie Hollberg for raising the issue and to you for highlighting her comments.
What I love about your writing (etc) is that you do highlight old fashioned, off the beaten track, special places that we would never know about and you share them with us.
We find radicchio at Local Roots Farmstore in Duvall, WA. Yes, it’s a drive for us but we love to support local farmers and there is a ton of other great stuff there too. If you want to grow them you can find many of the seeds at Uprising Seeds, also local. These farmers have put on the Sagra del Radicchio alongside Culinary Breeding Network (Portland) and I’m hoping it will come back to Seattle next year. Bitter is Better!
On our next trip to Italy we plan to go to Torino and Napoli in the hopes of finding some less busy tourist zones; we are very excited.
At our farmers market in Vancouver, one local grower has several varieties of radicchio and endive. I try to get some every couple of weeks when available. It keeps so long too which is a bonus.
Next time you’re in Florence check out D.A.T.E. Sneakers on via del Parione. They are super comfortable and have lots of different styles and colors. Based in Italy!
If I was blessed and privileged to go to Italy, I know the very last thing I'd want to see is trashy tourist shops and American chain stores or restaurants. Thank you to Cecilie Hollberg for being frank and honest, and to you for speaking out about it. I don't understand why people ruin everything that's beautiful and special about a place and then whine when it's gone!
Elizabeth! I’m off Tiktok for the time being so I am extremely tickled to have come across you here. I love your content and I’m glad to still have it available to me. 💗
Love to know the approximate date for Florence trip. I’m addicted to the orange salad. Have a fridge full of citrus. Thanks for the book recommendations. My top three favorites are Absolution by Alice McDermott, Day by Michael Cunningham and Book of Goose by Yinyu Li. What is happening in Italy is so alarming. That was a brave statement by the director of the Accademia. Change ( for the better) often starts in unexpected places. Ciao, ciao.
YES! Where can I find a shop that sells the traditional house dresses in Roma? Ages ago when I was a student, they were sold in the hardware shop in our tiny town. Would love to get my hands on some now that I’m “of an age” and wouldn’t look like I’m playing dress-up:)
Heading to Saturnia. My daughter found it and I said but of course, Elizabeth goes there all the time. She does have a 2 year old but it seems like there’s a pool for her. Not as hot. Daughter has already booked your restaurant rec. grazie
We were so disappointed at the amount of not only tourists, but the plethora of American chain shops in Venice. Yes, we were also tourists, but we stayed for three days and chose local places to dine during our time there. The new "day tripper" fee of a few euro is hardly likely to dissuade anyone from visiting for the day, especially with cruise ships docking nearby.
Thanks for your thoughts about Florence becoming a "prostitute" city. I can also understand the sentiment, especially for local residents just trying to live their lives! I love Florence (and Rome) and always try to find the mom & pop shops by reading blogs like yours, Girl in Florence, Curious Appetite, etc. I don't have a solution, but I know it's a problem. I certainly don't think she should be attacked for stating her opinion, though it may have been a bit harsh. The problem is real!
To be fair, it's been a few years since Florence was a virgin. But the sentiment here is very apt. The unfortunate truth is that it's much easier to reform a person than a city, particularly because when one loses the artigiani, they can't be replaced. So many of the businesses we all treasure in a city rely on people with skills passed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately, often no one protects them until it's too late. Brava to Cecilie Hollberg for raising the issue and to you for highlighting her comments.
What I love about your writing (etc) is that you do highlight old fashioned, off the beaten track, special places that we would never know about and you share them with us.
We find radicchio at Local Roots Farmstore in Duvall, WA. Yes, it’s a drive for us but we love to support local farmers and there is a ton of other great stuff there too. If you want to grow them you can find many of the seeds at Uprising Seeds, also local. These farmers have put on the Sagra del Radicchio alongside Culinary Breeding Network (Portland) and I’m hoping it will come back to Seattle next year. Bitter is Better!
On our next trip to Italy we plan to go to Torino and Napoli in the hopes of finding some less busy tourist zones; we are very excited.
At our farmers market in Vancouver, one local grower has several varieties of radicchio and endive. I try to get some every couple of weeks when available. It keeps so long too which is a bonus.
Next time you’re in Florence check out D.A.T.E. Sneakers on via del Parione. They are super comfortable and have lots of different styles and colors. Based in Italy!
If I was blessed and privileged to go to Italy, I know the very last thing I'd want to see is trashy tourist shops and American chain stores or restaurants. Thank you to Cecilie Hollberg for being frank and honest, and to you for speaking out about it. I don't understand why people ruin everything that's beautiful and special about a place and then whine when it's gone!
Elizabeth! I’m off Tiktok for the time being so I am extremely tickled to have come across you here. I love your content and I’m glad to still have it available to me. 💗
Love to know the approximate date for Florence trip. I’m addicted to the orange salad. Have a fridge full of citrus. Thanks for the book recommendations. My top three favorites are Absolution by Alice McDermott, Day by Michael Cunningham and Book of Goose by Yinyu Li. What is happening in Italy is so alarming. That was a brave statement by the director of the Accademia. Change ( for the better) often starts in unexpected places. Ciao, ciao.
YES! Where can I find a shop that sells the traditional house dresses in Roma? Ages ago when I was a student, they were sold in the hardware shop in our tiny town. Would love to get my hands on some now that I’m “of an age” and wouldn’t look like I’m playing dress-up:)
Heading to Saturnia. My daughter found it and I said but of course, Elizabeth goes there all the time. She does have a 2 year old but it seems like there’s a pool for her. Not as hot. Daughter has already booked your restaurant rec. grazie
So jealous of your spa trip!
Your spa trip looked incredible!
Love all radicchio and bitter greens - especially puntarelle! This year I need to use my radicchio seeds and try growing my own.
Unfortunate, but very true.
I had requested to cancel my subscription thru email and noticed it was deducted in February. Please cancel and refund me th $50.00 thank you!!