My journey through Iran at a time when eighteen year olds would hitch there and parents just wanted a regular postcard from us.

Il mio viaggio attraverso l’Iran in un’epoca in cui i diciottenni facevano l’autostop per arrivarci e i genitori chiedevano solo una cartolina settimanale da loro.

The Shah Mosque (also known as Imam Mosque) in Isfahan, Iran, reflected in the pool of Naqsh-e Jahan Square.

Tilework from the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran.

The Tomb of Hafez, also known as Hāfezieh, in Shiraz, Iran, dedicated to the 14th-century Persian poet Hafez.

The Gate of All Nations, also known as the Gate of Xerxes, located in the ruins of the ancient city of Persepolis, Iran.

What a great way to spend summer solstice evening – at Burlamacchi Villas with Cubana y Tradición headed by Yorka Rios!

Born in Havana Yorka is the daughter of.Raul Rios one of the founding violinists of the famous Ritmo Oriental orchestra.

Thankyou Burlamacchi Villas for the invitation and for reminding us of our own great Cuban holiday! There are more fine musical events to follow at Burlamacchi Villas during the summer. Don’t miss them!

Che modo favoloso di trascorrere la serata del solstizio d’estate – a Burlamacchi Villas con Cubana y Tradición, guidata dalla cantante Yorka Rios!

Nata all’Avana, Yorka è la figlia di Raúl Rios, uno dei violinisti fondatori della famosa orchestra Ritmo Oriental.

Grazie Burlamacchi Villas per l’invito e per averci ricordato la nostra fantastica vacanza cubana! Ci sono altri fantastici eventi musicali a Burlamacchi Villas durante l’estate. Non perdeteli!

The Isles of Greece,the Isles of Greece!

From the deserted village to Durrell’s White House.

We visited Corfu Town, the ‘capital’ of this beautiful island said to have inspired Shakespeare’s play The Tempest’.

in the archaeology museum we came across this extraordinary temple pediment:

The sculpture shows the Gorgon Medusa from the Temple of Artemis in Corfu, dating back to around 580 BCE. Medusa was a monstrous figure in Greek mythology, known for her terrifying gaze that could turn people to stone.

Here’s a breakdown of her significance:

Appearance:
Typically depicted with snakes for hair and a fearsome face. In this sculpture, she is shown in a dynamic, running pose with wings spread and eyes wide open!!!

Mythology:
Medusa was originally a beautiful woman, but was transformed into a Gorgon as punishment for a violation of Athena’s temple.

Symbolism:
She is a complex figure, seen as a protective symbol, a representation of divine wrath, and a victim of injustice.

Artistic Representation:
Gorgons, and especially Medusa’s face, were commonly used in ancient Greek art and architecture, often as a protective symbol on shields, temples, and other objects.

Other exhibits from the Corfu archaeological museum include;

Gardiki Castle (Greek: Κάστρο Γαρδικίου) is a 13th-century Byzantine castle on the southwestern coast of Corfu. It is the only surviving medieval fortress on the southern part of the island. It was built by a ruler of the Despotate of Epirus,and was one of three castles which defended the island before the Venetian era (1401–1797). The three castles formed a defensive triangle, with Gardiki guarding the island’s south, Kassiopi Castle the northeast and Angelokastro the northwest.

Praised by Homer in “The Odyssey” and selected by Shakespeare as the setting for “The Tempest,” the island retains evidence of cultural heritage from each of its past rulers – Byzantium, Venice, France, Russia and Great Britain.

Alla ricerca di nuove spiagge…

It was a convivial way to spend June the First’s late afternoon – an invitation to Raymond and Monica Schuurman’s soon to be opened BnB in the historic Carideo palace of San Gemignano. In the presence of acting mayor Priscilla Valentino, Monica delivered an inaugural speech in clear Italian from the balcony of the palace – which dates from 1783 and is now renamed Modafi – to the local villagers and well-wishers.

We were then regaled with Dutch and Italian finger food and prosecco and shown around works in progress. The palazzo is spacious with fine features and brilliant views up to the Prato Fiorito and down to the Valle Lima. It will be a excellent addition to our area’s hospitality offer.

Raymond has a background as a headmaster and sports teacher. He is trainer for nearby Ghiviborgo’s juniores football team which is in Italy’s Fourth division.

We wish every success to the Schuurmans for their venture which is not only restoring a fine building to its former glory but is also contributing to the economy and fame of our lovely area.

You can find more information on Modafi at:
https://www.palazzomodafi.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKp-spleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp1eT07aoBnFkiYJd-_rPTXHJ6_xHeCJuctndBO4O0_Ew5PanukdlILZ7d2eM_aem_c2qqakjo8RV5Phg8D_Rqew

È stato un modo conviviale di trascorrere il tardo pomeriggio del Primo Giugno: un invito al B&B di Raymond e Monica Schuurman, di prossima apertura, nello storico palazzo Carideo di San Gemignano. Alla presenza del sindaco in carica Priscilla Valentino, Monica ha pronunciato un discorso inaugurale in un italiano chiaro dal balcone del palazzo, risalente al 1783 e ora ribattezzato Modafi, rivolto agli abitanti del luogo e ai sostenitori.

Siamo stati poi deliziati con stuzzichini olandesi e prosecco e ci è stato mostrato un percorso di lavori in corso. Il palazzo è spazioso, con finiture di pregio e una vista spettacolare sul Prato Fiorito e sulla Valle Lima. Sarà un’eccellente aggiunta all’offerta ricettiva della nostra zona.

Raymond ha un passato come preside e istruttore sportivo. È allenatore della squadra giovanile di calcio della vicina Ghiviborgo, che milita in Quarta Divisione.

Auguriamo ogni successo agli Schuurman per la loro impresa, che non solo sta riportando un edificio di pregio al suo antico splendore, ma sta anche contribuendo all’economia e alla fama della nostra splendida zona.

Per maggiori informazioni su Modafi, visita:
https://www.palazzomodafi.com/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKp-spleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp1eT07aoBnFkiYJd-_rPTXHJ6_xHeCJuctndBO4O0_Ew5PanukdlILZ7d2eM_aem_c2qqakjo8RV5Phg8D_Rqew

Yesterday the new headquarters of the Red Cross, Bagni di Lucca section, were inaugurated in the presence of several dignitaries including mayors and department heads, a considerable public and most importantly, the indefatigable Red Cross volunteers.

Occupying Susie Clarke house (the former ASL Social health offices now moved to Fornoli and Gallicano) the new Red Cross centre amply shows just how in safe hands you are if you suffer mishaps in Bagni di Lucca.

Ieri è stata inaugurata la nuova sede della Croce Rossa, sezione di Bagni di Lucca, alla presenza di numerose autorità, tra cui sindaci e dirigenti di dipartimento, di un folto pubblico e, soprattutto, degli instancabili volontari della Croce Rossa.

Ospitato presso la Susie Clarke (ex uffici socio-sanitari dell’ASL, ora trasferiti a Fornoli e Gallicano), il nuovo centro della Croce Rossa dimostra ampiamente quanto siate in buone mani in caso di incidenti a Bagni di Lucca.