Narrow Ladders in Campania

The farmers' ladders in parts of the south of Italy in the beautiful area of Massa Lubrense, are long, strong and narrow.  Used in harvesting and pruning olive trees and lemon trees, they are made from castagna/chestnut tree wood, and traditionally the labourers climbed bare footed. If you look carefully at the attached photos you may be able to see how the climbers moved a leg around the ladder to provide security when high up.  And you'll see at the foot of the ladder, one rung very close to the one above it... again, for safety reasons, to give the last step down a softer landing.

Capri, a swim away

The beautiful island of Capri seems so close from the mainland around Sorrento and Massa Lubrense.  This is a view from our window at breakfast.

Il Fienile restaurant

We found this great , fairly new,family run  restaurant for our Sunday lunch.  And what a find! Typical traditional food, produced locally, much of the ingredients grown by the owners.  It's hidden away in the hills in a tiny town by the name of Torca, in Massa Lubrense, not far from Napoli.  Well worth a visit.  It's where the locals go, which makes it even more perfect!

Paestum

The archaeological park at Paestum in southern Italy is the best - preserved archaeological Greek site in the Mediterranean , and only 2 hours drive from the bay of Naples. Amongst the ancient marvels are three very large intact temples, the largest and most impressive being the temple of Neptune/Apollo/Hera from 465BC.

ciaobellatours.com.au.

Quattro Passi Restaurant. Michellin Stars

www.ciaobellatours.com.auWhat a wonderful evening we had last night at 2 Michellin starred restaurant Quattro Passi in Massa Lubrense, Italia, thanks to chef Antonio Mellino, Rita Mellino, Sasha, Mario, Alesandro, and staff. From the moment we were picked up at our hotel, through the walk in the underground cellar, the wines, the degustazione menu, and all the little extras, the excellent table service, the magnificent view, and finally , just for us, a rather grand fireworks display.  Here are photos of some of the courses we enjoyed....

The Bull in the Arcade: the Living Room of Milano

In the 4 storey galleria/arcade built in 1861 (to 1877) in Milano, and  named for the first King of the Kingdom of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, there is a BULL. 
It's a particular bull, made of ceramics, with the power to bring women happiness in their emotional and love relationships.  Or good luck to anyone, who knows the secret .

Near Louis Vuitton there's a Torino Coat of Arms, and inside it  is the bull:

Gently place your right heel on the bull's genitals, and spin 3 times: this is sure to bring good luck!!





It's not encouraged overly  by the local ufficials as it causes damage to the mosaics.

Tripe tripe tripe: yum yum yum

 A popular lunch time treat in Firenze/Florence is a panino filled with tripa and your choice of sauces and condiments.  A busy tripe cart can be found most days opposite the ancient San Ambrogio church, not far from the San Ambrogio market, outside the famous upmarket Cibreo restaurant in Firenze. 
And who said Italians don't queue?