I knew very little about Abruzzo other than that it’s a region to the east of Rome, on the other side of the Apennine mountains, and that it’s home to Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a sublime red wine that instantly makes you daydream of rolling hills bathed in sunshine and fragrant herbs – well, that’s the effect [...]
Plane views: the European Alps
The European Alps are not the largest chain of mountains in the world, nor are they the highest, but they possess a unique charm and history that speak to the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The daunting peaks, impressive slopes and picturesque villages have lured visitors to the Alps for centuries, and today the [...]
The spires of the Duomo
Milan is famous as one of the world’s most dynamic fashion and design capitals but there’s one monument whose design will never run out of fashion: the Duomo. The Duomo is the largest cathedral in Italy and one of the largest in the world. Work on the current structure began in the 14th century and [...]
Tuscany’s gifts to the world
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Tuscany, or Italy for that matter! My love affair with Tuscany began more than two decades ago. I think it started the moment I had my first meal at a cosy trattoria in Florence. The food was absolutely divine. Simple, fresh and cooked with a passion [...]
Exploring the Italian Riviera
The Liguria peninsula in the northwest of Italy, a short drive east of Genoa, is a gorgeous region of colourful fishing towns, beautiful beaches and historic attractions. Liguria, often referred to as the Italian Riviera, is a favourite holiday destination amongst many Milanese and the global jet-set (think royal families, Madonna, Rihanna… and you get [...]
The iconic Vespa
The Vespa is without doubt the most iconic scooter around. Since the 1950′s, it has appeared in a countless number of movies, music videos and commercials, creating an almost mythical aura. I always wondered what it was that made the Vespa so appealing. Brilliantly executed marketing strategies obviously played a significant role in creating an [...]
Enchanting spots: Calci Charterhouse, Tuscany
The Calci Charterhouse is a magnificent Carthusian monastery located in Calci, at the foothills of the Monti Pisani (Pisan Mountains) about ten kilometers from Pisa. The Charterhouse traces its roots back to 1366 when it was founded by a group of Carthusians. However, its current baroque façade stems from the 18th century. Thanks to [...]
Celebrating Italy’s 150th Birthday in Lucca
Italy celebrated its 150th birthday on March 17, 2011. I was really lucky to get the opportunity to experience the celebrations in the town of Lucca during my recent blogtrip to Tuscany. It was a cold and rainy day but the colourful parades and bands more than made up for the miserable weather. The red-white-green [...]
Culinary Journey: gelato in Pisa
What: Gelato (ice-cream) Where: Gelateria De’ Coltelli, Lungarno Pacinotti 23, Pisa, Italy Notes: Most visitors stop in Pisa for a brief visit to its world-famous Leaning Tower and the adjacent Duomo. That’s a pity because Pisa is a fascinating city with many historical and culinary gems. The highlight of my recent trip to Pisa was [...]
Experiencing Tuscany like a local
Thinking of Tuscany never fails to make me smile. It conjures unforgettable memories of gorgeous scenery, divine food and wines, deeply passionate people and historic grandeur. Whether I’m wandering the streets of ancient towns like Siena, tasting local delicacies at a trattoria, experiencing colourful festivals, standing on a hilltop and taking in the beautiful scenery, [...]
About Keith Jenkins
I'm Keith Jenkins. In July 2008, I left my ten-year banking career to travel around the world. I've not looked back since.
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