your name is heard in high places.

while perusing through venice's san marco plaza i came across the most charming cafe. caffe florian is known as venice's first cafe and has been around since 1720. just walking by the open doors one can imagine all of the talent that has graced the infamous place. anna sui has even named this luxurious spot as her "favorite place to have a drink." although i was not able to experience the tasteful decor this past summer, i plan on dropping in when i do visit venice once again. before then, i do plan on watching 'the talented mr. ripley' for caffe florian makes a cameo.


caffe florian photo credit:thebostonfoodie.blogspot.com

the one secret i did learn during my three week stay in italy, is that of coffee sans milk after breakfast hours. when first hearing this, i thought it was some type of tourist myth, but i quickly discovered it to be true. while dining out one night, i decided to have a, caffe latte (coffee with milk) with my dessert. as i ordered this i was shocked at the disgust of the waiter, although he did serve the caffe latte with a smile. for some reason, any coffee beverage with milk after 10 am is looked down upon in italian society. this must be the reason i have learned to drink coffee a la espresso, or just plain black.

gradisco voi di piu e piu.

italian for, "i like you more and more."


tocca.com

for as long as i can remember i have wanted to own a fragrance from the oh-so-elegant, tocca. i have never actually seen a bottle in person, nor have i had the chance to try it out, but i have this feeling that it will be love at first sight..whenever that may be. tocca has been receiving some great press for their new "brigitte" fragrance; inspired by brigitte bardot, herself. but, as i scan tocca's website; "florence" seems to be the eau de parfum for me. it has a combination of italian bergamot and crushed violet petals. blue iris and notes of blondewood complete this "sophisticated and feminine" scent. the charming little bottle just gives the right touch to old world charm.

little extras: italy

in the latter post i showed some pictures from my trip in italy. the following pictures i have just posted are "little extras" in italy that i found absolutely fascinating.


marble-lined canal (padule)


everyone uses clothes lines instead of dryers during the summer (cinque terra)


countryside in the tuscan region (padule)


every water fountain was just as beautiful (lucca)


graffiti at a train station (place unknown)


and despite all of the signs posted near the sistine chapel demanding "no photography" i managed to sneak in a few shots. i definitely think it was worth breaking a rule or two...

michelangelo's; the last judgement (the sistine chapel, rome)

italian getaway

i just returned home (california) from italy about two weeks ago. this was my first time out of the country. well, besides mexico, but i don't count that since it's on the same "land." it sounds ridiculous, i know. if any of you have traveled to europe than you know exactly what i mean when i say, it was like being in a "dreamworld."

i spent three weeks in italy. the first couple of days were spent in venice. i, then spent ten days in a cute, little beachtown called viareggio. my last few days were spent in rome. i did take a few day trips to places such as; lucca, and cinque terra, etc. the following are a few pictures from my italian excursion..


the grand canal (venice)


the leaning tower (pisa)
(my sister is in the yellow top, i'm hiding behind her; underneath my fedora.)


cinque terra


outside of the colosseum (rome)


the roman forums (rome)