Mi o My Italy Blog
Discovered! Another Italy entirely. Most visitors to Italy know Rome, Venice, Florence and Tuscany. There is SO much more.
Far from the everyday Italian tourist traps there is an undiscovered Italy. A rather special Italy and one you will fall helplessly in love with.
Join me and my wife Maria in exploring the places, people and products of Piedmont, le Marche, Liguria, Sardinia and the many undiscovered gems scattered across Italy.
Begin your travels to Italy below...
ART EXPO THAT CHINA ORDERED ITALY TO CLOSE IS... NOW OPEN!
Remember that art exhibition that China demanded Italy close? Well, it has gone ahead. China had said it must be closed. "The Chinese government cannot accept because it distort the facts and spread false information"
The mayor of Brescia and local organizers refused to bow down to intense Chinese pressure. The fact that they have gone ahead is a sign of their determination to not show weakness and give in to pressure.
The organizers say that because of Chinese pressure more people have been made aware of the situation.
If you support Italy's decision to go ahead please share this as far and as wide as you can. Please also share the post under Continue Reading. Let's stop bullying!
Continue reading "ART EXPO THAT CHINA ORDERED ITALY TO CLOSE IS... NOW OPEN!"
Vulcano Island
250 people on the tiny island of Vulcano are being told to leave their homes and move to the other side of the island.
This tiny island, only 15 miles north of Sicily, is the island that volcanoes are named after and, although experts believe there is no danger of a major eruption, they are extremely concerned about CO2 gas levels which are five times above normal.
Oxygen levels are so low that breathing problems are likely for some people with chronic lung issues, the elderly and young children. Reports have already been received of people and pets passing out from lack of oxygen.
Please keep the people of Vulcano Island in your thoughts and prayers.
More about Vulcano Island
Cisternino: peace, piazzas and pasta
Film-maker Federico Fellini once said ‘life is a combination of magic and pasta.’ I love that quote. It reminds me of eating orecchiette in Cisternino.
It Broke My Heart: Travel Insurance for Italy
The stories we heard broke our hearts. So, when people ask: "Is travel insurance for Italy necessary?" we reply...
Continue reading "It Broke My Heart: Travel Insurance for Italy"
An Italian Butcher's Tale from Sarnano
There is a macelleria inside the gates of Sarnano, an Italian butcher shop, the subject of our interest. The couple who run it are old, the store is old.
Cison di Valmarino - Another World Awaits
Nestled between mountains, where crystal clear streams tumble down through glades of flowers and verdant forest, you'll find Cison di Valmarino.
Continue reading "Cison di Valmarino - Another World Awaits"
Why the Vatican?
“Why did you come to Rome, why The Vatican?” I asked. “I grew up as a Muslim hearing how this place was very holy to the Christians and I wanted to see for myself.” he answered. “And?” I questioned. “And, there is no doubt for me now…I can feel God in this place.”
Travel through Italy in Photos
Planning on visiting Italy or still only dreaming? Either way you can travel through Italy for free with these gorgeous photo galleries...
Secret Italy Index
The Secret Italy Index features many of the most beautiful and undiscovered small towns and villages in Italy.
Learn Italian Easily: The Essential Info You Need
Learning Italian couldn't be simpler. The world's most beautiful language and one of the easiest to learn. Everything you need to learn Italian is here...
Continue reading "Learn Italian Easily: The Essential Info You Need"
Montemerano - Oh I love you!
Balconies, flower boxes, the inevitable washing on lines, wall plants, pots; and intricate stone. Another garden village I wish I lived in. One does get wistful in Montemerano.
Subscribe to A Secret Italy
Become a part of the Secret Italy Club. Membership is open for a short while longer and we'd like you to be a part of the family.
Picture Book Italy - Portofino
Picture postcard perfect, that's what you get when you visit Portofino. You sometimes you feel it can't be real. Let me share this idyllic town with you.......
A Family from the USA Move to Spello
A family's tale of courage and adventure in the enchanting town of Spello. Inspirational reading for those dreaming of living in Italy.
Easy Chicken Cacciatore
Need a great recipe for authentic homemade chicken cacciatore? Look no further, we have THE authentic Chicken Cacciatore Recipe direct from Piemonte Italy.
Tornado Hits Italy!
2 killed, 9 others injured and extensive damage as a tornado devastates the small Italian island of Pantelleria. Pantelleria is a small island (population 7759) off the south coast of Sicily and is part of the Sicilian province of Trapani.
Italy to Make Vaccines Compulsory?
At a press conference Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said he believed 80% of Italians over 12 would be vaccinated by end September and they will soon start rolling out booster shots to the vulnerable.
He strongly implied that once all the "willing" are vaccinated they will likely make vaccination mandatory. The age groups, for whom it will be compulsory, have not yet been clarified, but that is likely to be explained in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, he emphasized that more and more activities, events and businesses would require proof of vaccine: the Green Pass as it is known in Italy. Already, all healthcare workers need to be vaccinated, indoor dinning requires proof of vaccine, so do museums and many forms of public transport.
A Guide to the Best Italian Food Books
Which are the best Italian food books? I have lived in Italy for 10 years, my wife is Italian and a great chef - she put together a list of essential reading...
Fancy Driving in Italy?
Planning on driving in Italy? Then you need to click "continue reading" below...
The Venaria Palace - One of the Top Five Tourist Attractions in Italy
The Venaria Palace is one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Italy. The palace, just outside of Turin, is a UNESCO world heritage site and...
Continue reading "The Venaria Palace - One of the Top Five Tourist Attractions in Italy"
Turin Attractions – A Walking Tour of Turin
Put on your walking shoes! Turin is best explored on foot and I have the perfect walking tour of Turin. All the best Turin attractions are...
Continue reading "Turin Attractions – A Walking Tour of Turin"
Turin is my old home town. Join me in discovering this great city
One of the great cities of Europe, I've lived in and loved Turin (Torino) for 8 years. Elegant and enchanting, let me share its many secrets...
Continue reading "Turin is my old home town. Join me in discovering this great city "
The Best Tours of Piedmont Italy
Exceptional tours of Piedmont - including Barolo wine, slow food , walking tours and golf and cycling tours plus much more...
Slow Food Italy - The Finest Foods are Slow Foods
Discovering Slow Food Italy was for me the discovery of a new life entirely. Slow food is not only about the best food in the world but a way of life...
Continue reading "Slow Food Italy - The Finest Foods are Slow Foods"
The Complete Guide to Shopping in Turin
We have lived nearly ten years in Turin and share some great advice and insider tips on shopping in Turin - the best places to shop, known only to the locals
Sardinia Photos taken on and around this Beautiful Island
Sardinia photos. Our site specializes in Sardinia, from accommodation through to yacht charters and great beaches.
Continue reading "Sardinia Photos taken on and around this Beautiful Island"
What is it about Sardinian People?
Being Sardinian I'm often asked about the Sardinian people. Let me share a few tales that will tell you everything you need to know about Sardinians...
Restaurants in Italy - Our Pick of the Best
Our guide to restaurants in Italy offers personally selected restaurants, nearly all of which are unknown to tourists and in few, if any, guide books.
Continue reading "Restaurants in Italy - Our Pick of the Best"
The Most Delightful of Piedmont and Langhe Hotels
I lived in Piedmont for a decade and I discovered many of its secrets over the years. Let me share with you the Piedmont I love most...
Continue reading "The Most Delightful of Piedmont and Langhe Hotels"
Photos of Rome
Rome is a city that can change your life...for the better! Most photos don't give you any idea of what life is actually like in Rome - these do!
Undiscovered Neive - An Authentic Italian Village
You'll find a lot of gorgeous villages and little towns in Italy; many though are full of tourists. Well, here's one that is simply gorgeous and undiscovered...
Continue reading "Undiscovered Neive - An Authentic Italian Village"
It all began when I said: "I need to buy a house in Italy!”
An idea to buy a house in Italy tuned into unforgettable evenings with friends, dinners that have to be experienced, views that take your breath away,..
Continue reading "It all began when I said: "I need to buy a house in Italy!”"
Lake Orta - Most Beautiful and Romantic of all Italian Lakes
Lake Orta, an inspiration to poets and writers for centuries and without doubt the most romantic lake in Italy and most romantic places on earth.
Continue reading "Lake Orta - Most Beautiful and Romantic of all Italian Lakes"
The Loveliest Walking Tour of Turin
This Walking Tour of Turin covers markets, museums and wonderful cafes and takes in the best of Turin. No better way exists to discover one of Europe's great cities.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Please Book with Us...
If you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
All you need do is book via the search box below, or any of the hotel links elsewhere on the website. It can be for travel to Italy... or anywhere else on earth.
You'll get the best deal available and the income we receive helps us to:
- Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
- Never have to accept money from hotels directly - meaning that we can share only those we genuinely love.
- HOME
- Our Blog
Support Us Via Our Sponsors
We earn a small % on Amazon & Other purchases Made via our website. It costs you not A cent more.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.