Coffee & Culture. Exploring Italy’s First Capital.
Written by admin on 30 June, 2009 – 8:59 pm -
A couple of weeks ago my aunt and uncle came to Turin (Piedmont). It was their first time here and they had no idea what to expect. They were pleasantly surprised by the baroque architecture of many of the palazzi and the overall elegance of the city. Combining culture, coffee and ice cream: that was our goal. You’re invited to retrace our footsteps on this short tour. Enjoy with us the delights of Italy’s first capital.
To view the images at full size please click on the thumbnails. Take advantage also of the many links included throughout the article – they give more detail about the topic or show a 360 degree panorama.
Posted in Culture, Exhibitions, Experience, Food & Drink, Travel | 9 Comments »
Caffè Mike… Again!
Written by admin on 28 June, 2009 – 10:24 pm -
Last week I found an espresso cup with my name on it. This week, whilst on a day trip to Susa I discover that Caffè Mike is actually a brand of coffee from Alessandria, Piedmont. Obviously I had to try it – fortunately it passed my quality test.
Has anybody else heard of it? Now I am on a mission to a acquire a cappuccino cup to complement the espresso one I already have. I’m quite chuffed to have a coffee named after me!
Posted in Food & Drink | 4 Comments »
Mike’s Espresso Cup
Written by admin on 24 June, 2009 – 2:39 pm -
At the flea market in Nizza Monfferato last Sunday, I managed to find a little espresso coffee cup with my name on it. It only cost €1.50.
I am currently working on the Turin article I promised. It is taking longer than expected and I am also quite busy with work. It will be online as soon as possible though.
Posted in Food & Drink | 3 Comments »
Word of the Week
Written by admin on 18 June, 2009 – 9:46 am -This week the the word is…

punto di ancoraggio anchor point
Why such a strange word? Well, I am teaching a course all about InDesign, a page layout program, and today I am giving a lesson on the pen tool. It might not be so useful for everyday conversation, but there may be some graphic designers out there who appreciate it.
Coming soon is a report of the short break I took in Turin (it also happens to be where I live!). My aunt and uncle came to visit so I was able to be a tourist for a couple of days. I’ll also tell you if Turin is worth visiting or not (you can probably guess what I’ll say, especially if you follow Fabrizio’s blog).
Posted in Language | 2 Comments »
When the “Mercatino” is Cancelled
Written by admin on 9 June, 2009 – 10:31 am -
This Sunday a nice trip with my in-laws to an antique mercatino in Moncalieri, Piedmont, was almost ruined. Despite being advertised in Torino Sette, the local “What’s On” paper, this wonderful flea market was cancelled due to the European Elections. What does one do in a crisis like this? Well, I managed to console myself with a Creme Caffè.
This Caramello and Nocciole Cold Cream was made with hazelnuts, caramel cream, cold coffee cream, ameretto drops and cocoa with sugar. Lovely and refreshing.
Note: a cappuccino could also have done the job. I seem to be able to drink one in any temperature!
Posted in Food & Drink | 4 Comments »
European Elections
Written by admin on 7 June, 2009 – 5:01 pm -
I see that the list of candidates for the election of 19 members to the European Parliament (North West Italy – Piedmont, Valle D’Aosta, Liguria, Lombardy) includes none other than the Dancing Prince (reigning champion of Ballando con le Stelle), Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia, Prince of Venice and Piedmont. Oh, and by the way, he’s also the grandson of the ex-king of Italy.
Posted in News & Weather | 3 Comments »
Turin Takes Flight
Written by admin on 5 June, 2009 – 12:52 pm -
World Air Games / Giochi Mondiali dell’Aria 6 -14 June 2009
The most important Sport Aviation event in the world begins tomorrow and includes a team of skydivers landing in Piazza San Carlo, Turin. Other cities participating include Collegno, Avigliana, and Mondovi.
Events include: aerobatics, aeromodelling, hot-air ballooning, gliding, hang gliding, parachuting / skydiving, paragliding, helicopter and microlight flying. Download a competition schedule for more details.
Official site: www.wag2009.com
Posted in Entertainment | 3 Comments »


