New Year's Eve Costume Party on the Tuscan Coast

If you would like to spend a great New Year's Eve in Tuscany, enjoy the Costume Party at Forte dei Marmi in Versilia. For those of you seeking adventure and the exciting nightlife Tuscany has to offer, Bottaccio has announced limited availability for their new year's eve Gran Galà Party. Bottaccio is a Boutique 5 star hotel near Forte dei Marmi offering unparalleled accommodation. The Hospitality provided by the Bottaccio to its gourmand travelers matches the quality of its cuisine. The new year will be welcomed with Fireworks on the hotel property and the menu foresees the following dishes:

• Bottaccio’s Amuse Bouche
• Crispy red Mullet with Wild Rice in Basil and Pine nut Sauce
• Fresh Pasta stuffed with Lobster in Crabmeat Soup
• Gilthead with violet Potatoes and Foie Gras
• Venison with Rasberries and Balsamic Vinegar
• Pumpkin puree with red lentils
• Green Tea and Date Sorbet
• Chocolate Mille-feuille with passion fruit and fresh Custard cream

Cost per participant: € 150 per person - wines and spirits a la carte.
Further information and Bookings: www.bottaccio.it 

Pizza cheap dinner for the New Year's Eve in Florence

For New Year's this restaurant in Florence will be offering to different shifts. 

The first from 7.30pm to 10pm (for those who want to welcome in the new year outside with the masses!). The second from 10pm til midnight (for those who want to party but stay warm) A la carte menu (with a surcharge of 20%) .So that you can order just want Pizza menu at €28 (1st shift only): Tuscan antipasto toscano with crostini and cold cuts ,Your choice of pizza, Tiramisù, Espresso Medium beer o Coke o 1/2 liter of water and one glass of Chianti.

Tasting menu for New Year's Eve at €55 (both shifts)_ Tuscan antipasto with crostini and cold cuts - 1 glass of Vivia Le Mortelle bianco Antinori Double pasta course: risotti with black cabbage and truffled pecorinotto and wild boar pappardelle - 1 glass of Chianti Classico S.Felice Steak slices with porcini mushrooms and parmesan on a rocket salad beda -1 glass ofAchelo Sirah Antinori Tuscan roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary. Choice of dessert 1 glass of spumante Espresso. 

I Ghibellini is in the center of Florence. You can easily walk to the main venues of the New Year's Eve.

I Ghibellini

Piazza di San Pier Maggiore, 8  50122 Firenze

055 214424

Moving nativity scene in Tuscany "Presepe di Lecore"

An extraordinary Italian moving nativity scene at Lecore in the Signa area, close to Florence. A massive depiction of 15x10x7 meters and more than 100 moving figurines. Every Christmas for the past 7 years a different theme has been chosen to reflect and pray in the little Saint Peter’s Parish in Lecore. This year the title is: “The Moon Lights the Way of God’s Seekers”. 

Sauro Mari is the man behind this magnificent work. Every year he conceives the idea during a visit in Lourdes - France in front of the Grotto of our Lady. He needs three months for planning and building the area using several mechanical gears, special lighting and about 200 ice cream cardboard boxes to build Baby Jesus’ native Bethlehem. The event will start on 24th December at midnight and from 25th December onwards it will be open free to the public every day from 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm till 27th January. Follow them on Facebook (Presepe di Lecore) or on www.presepedilecore.it.

Pontevecchio Golf Challenge

This weekend in Florence there's an amazing golf challenge: the best golf players will dispute a performance on a unique stage: Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. 

The tees are on the Arno River! The first green, at 75m/80yds, corresponds to 4 points. The second one, at 110m/120yds, corresponds to 7 points. The third and last one, which is the farthest and the most difficult to reach, at 140m/150yds, is worth 10 points for each hole.

Bazart in Florence

Last 7th December, the temporary shop by the Cultural Association ARTEDOVE in Florence (S.Ambrogio area) has opened and it will remain open until 23 December. 

BazART is a melting pot of art, design, handmade products and fashion, where you can find accessories for the home, for the person, jewelry, baby products, clothes, pottery, in limited edition. 

All products are created by young designers and artists who have their own self-creation. BazART is also a cozy place with great music, to drink a cup of tea together around a samovar, share experiences and spend time with your friends.

International Cultural Association ARTEDOVE in Via de 'Macci 81 red (not far from Santa Croce) Florence until December 23

Timing of upcoming events:
- Saturday 15: from 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday 16: from 11 am to 8 pm
- Saturday 22: from 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday 23: Closing Party from 11 am to 10 pm with tea and music.

Where to celebrate Thanksgiving in Florence, Italy

Since few years even in Florence it's possibile to celebrate Thanksgiving. many clubs, restaurants and bar offer the possibility to have a Thanksgiving lunch with a huge turkey.  Apart for the food there is a special event you can attend. On Saturday, the 24th, you can enjoy orchestral and operatic conductor Zubin Mehta direct the Maggio Musicale Orchestra, while a theatre company will perform Puccini's masterpiece "Turandot". This event is supported by Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights di Washington

Inauguration of jewellery with chocolate tasting

The goldsmith artist NegarAzari-Azhar invites everybody to the inauguration of her Contemporary Jewellery shop Naa-Studio, on Friday 16 November from 19h00, in via dei Serragli 59a/r 

For the occasion, the renowned chocolatier Andrea Bianchini will prepare delicious creations inspired of the fusion of two arts, jewelry and chocolate. Naa-Studio, Contemporary Jewelry Shop, is an experimental laboratory for "contemporary and design jewelry", a new concept in Florence, for those who love to wear a unique jewel at an affordable price. A, 60 mq laboratory shop of unique treasures such as: rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, usb port, frames and so much more carved and sculpted by hand using the Florentine traditional techniques. The perfect union of design and tradition. NegarAzhar-Azari, a young Florentine woman with Persian origins, had always thought to bring contemporary jewelry that can mainly be found in art galleries, to a new environment where people can have an easier access to it, something like the "democratization of art", using materials not necessarily precious (bronze, iron, wood, ebony, leather, textiles and various semi-precious stones or synthetic), but of great artistic value and design at an affordable price.

Florens 2012: culture and economics in Florence

From the 3rd to the 11th of November, here in Florence, there's a special event called Florens2012: cultural aperitifs, conferences, exhibition, meeting and much more with a focus on the relationship between economy and culture. 

Don't miss to admire: 

• the installation of the olive trees at the Duomo and the huge marble cross by Mimmo Paladino in Santa Croce square (everyday) 
• the premiere of the National Geographic movie 'Wings of Seduction' (Friday NOV 9 at 9pm at Cinema Odeon )
• reflections on the culture of conservation in the era of global civilization
•  Alberto Asor Rosa – The defense of territory and landscape, the unrenouncible condition of a new phase of human civilization

 Free entrance to the events. Booking required. Here is the website: http://www.fondazioneflorens.it/

Canadian musician Allison Crowe live in Florence, Italy

Canadian musician Allison Crowe is delighted to return to Firenze to perform at Teatro del Sale. The concert will be in the venue of famed Chef Fabio Picchi and Artist Maria Cassi Teatro del Sale, the cultural home of the Cibreo – Teatro del Sale family. 

17.10.2012 Teatro del Sale Via dei Macci 111r, 50122 - Firenze, Italia 

Once famously described as possessing a style akin to 'Elton John meets Edith Piaf', the Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Crowe is renowned for her ability to blend control and melodrama." (MOJO magazine, UK) 

"Ever wonder what it would have been like to listen to a gifted singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan in a small, intimate hall before she became Joni Mitchell? Don't fret the missed opportunity. There's no need to turn back the clock. Check out Allison Crowe." Robert Reid, The Record (Canada) 

"Allison Crowe has a voice to fall in love with. She is from Vancouver Island in Canada, descended from Scottish, Irish and Manx stock. She's exactly the sort of artist who can make serious headway on her own label and that's just what she's doing." ~ Record of the Day (UK) 

"Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene today." ~ Bob Muller, JoniMitchell.com (USA) "Her version of 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' would give Aretha Franklin goose-bumps." ~ Robert Moyes, Boulevard (Canada)

Florence and Wine Town 2012

Here we are! Tomorrow the great wine event "Wine Town" will start: several historical buildings will open their courts for 2 days. People can enter to taste some of the best wines in Tuscany and Italy.

Besides the tasting there will be live music, events for Kids, art and many interesting events (Theather, Dance, Chocolate Awards). 

How does it works? you can buy a winecard for 15 euros: you will receive a glass and 5 points that give you the possibility to try 5 different wines. When you finish the "points" you can charge again your card.

For more info: http://www.winetown.it

When?

Friday: September, the 21st from 3.00 pm to 11 pm

Saturday: September, the 22nd from 3.00 pm to 11 pm

This is the map with the 3 areas and places where to go:

 

Vogue Fashion Night in Florence!

Yesterday I have been to VFNO: Vogue Fashion Night Out. After Milan and Rome, even Florence had its opportunity to celebrate the fashion world for a night: stores open until 11 pm, events, dj sets and exhibitions in the center of Florence.

 

I saw many girls with their high heels wandering from a place to another. For once it seemed to me like it was New Year's Eve. Streets were crowdy and you could hear music everywhere. 

Here are some Patrizia Pepe fans in queue in front of the store.

Even if I didn't buy anything it was fun to be there dressed up with my Scervino bag and Ferragamo shoes, and enjoy the atmosphere. And to watch the looks of other girls walking in via Tornabuoni.

 

Autumn in Florence - food festival in 4 star hotel in Florence

From Thursday 20 September to Saturday 13 October at Grand Hotel Minerva, Florence there will be this special food event.  Fried, grilled or sautéed porcini mushrooms; Caesar’s mushroom salad; verdino and dottato figs; Italia, strawberry and globe grapes. These are just some of the products accompanying the classic Florentine steak, duck, wild boar or pappardelle. A festival for rediscovering traditional flavours and recipes, and experimenting with the sometimes bold combinations of chef Sandro Pedica. Traditional dishes: salame (sausage) and figs, pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, Mugellan potato ravioli with wild boar ragout, charcoal-grilled Florentine T-bone steak with grilled porcini mushrooms. Creative interpretations: porcini mushroom cheese cake, verdino fig muffins with Tuscan ham, porcini mushroom cappuccino with poppy seed puff pastry for dipping. All of this "seasoned" with a view of Alberti’s facade for the Church of Santa Maria Novella and the whole square. 

In addition to a generous menu of 27 dishes to choose from, Autumn on the Table offers: 

Promo-Dinner: 2 courses to choose from for € 29.50, including mineral water and coffee, excluding wine. 

Promo-Dinner: 3 courses to choose from for € 39.50, including mineral water and coffee, excluding wine.

Have a look to the menu>>

All hotel customers who book a table with their receptionist are granted a 10% discount. Please note that those who book their stay at the hotel through its official website (www.grandhotelminerva.com) are entitled to a bonus equivalent to 10% of the value of the reserved room, which can be used for dining facilities, including a dinner at our Food Festival. 

For example, if your room costs 100.00 Euro per night, 10 Euro per day can be used at the hotel bar and restaurant. 

How to survive to the hot Summer in Italy! A day in the local swimming pool in the Chianti

Today I decided to escape from the hot temperature of Florence, and spend one day of relax in a local swimming pool in the Chianti area, in the town called Greve in Chianti (famous for the wine!). You can reach easily Greve in Chianti by car or by bus: it takes 20 minutes more or less. 

The swimming pool is immersed in the country, with some umbrellas close to the pool and some umbrellas and chairs on the green. Outside there are 2 pools: one with deeper water and one for kids. Inside there's a big swimming pool for the ones who want to swim. 

The place is clean, not so crowdy and with a big free parking.

Entrance fee is only 6.50 euros in the week days, and 7.50 euros for the weekend. Plus 3 euros for every sunbed you take.

There is a small bar, but except for the ice-creams, I suggest you to buy your lunch outside and bring it inside with you. 

Free entrance to see Michelangelo's David on thursday evenings

On the official site you cannot find anything... but for all the summer, on thursday evening, you can enter  for free to the Accademia Gallery, where the original Michelangelo's David lies! The opening hours are extended from 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

After the museum you can have a tasty ice-cream or a great "granita" (a sort of ice cream made only with ice and fruits) at Carabè: on thursday evening they have a special menu. It's close to the gallery, on the same street: Via Ricasoli.

Happy "Ferragosto"

In Italy "Ferragosto" (=mid of August) is a traditional feast: stores and factories are closed. People like to gather together with parents and relatives and to have a big lunch. And at the end of the huge lunch, everybody is wishing for a big water melon.

Enjoy your Ferragosto in Italy!

Free entrance for Michelangelo's David

Do you know that all Summer's thursday from 7.30 pm to 10 pm you can have free entrance to Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo's David lies? Admire this huge sculpture made by reknown italian artist Michelangelo Buonarroti.

5 Free Wi Fi cafes and hotspots in Florence

There are many places in Florence where you can enjoy a Free Wi-Fi. You can see the "WI-FI" sign on the windows of many restaurants and clubs, but you can discover that waiters don't like people sitting at a table for hours... So enjoy my favourite list of Free Wi Fi spots where nobody will look at you with hate if you order only a coffee...

1. BaldoBar, close to Santa Croce square. Via Sangiuseppe, 20/r
   Nice interiors, good coffee, tasty croissants: ask to the weird waiter with curly hair the password and start to browse for free.
2. Hairforce, via Ghibellina, 74/r not far from Santa Croce Square.
   Have your hair brushed (or cut or coloured) while you check your email or update your Facebook status, using one of the 2 iPad available for free for customers.
3. Sweet Wine bar, via di Ripoli, 2 (not in center)
   Enjoy the best glass of wine in Florence and listen to a good selection of music, while you use the free Wi Fi. Attended by florentine people!
4. Biblioteca delle Oblate, via dell'Oriuolo (close to the Duomo, see the picture above!)
   A beautiful public library with a small cafeteria on the top, with a gorgeous view of the Dome of Florence. You can have up to 3 hours a day of Internet connection, but you have to leave your ID card. 
5. 'Ino, via de' Georgofili, close to Ponte Vecchio
   Have a delicious "panino" (sandwiches) and a glass of wine for 7 or 8 euros and surf for free the web in this small stylish spot.

Image credits: http://www.obiettivotre.com

Cheap place to eat in Florence: 4.30 euro for a chicken

It's not easy to find affordable places to eat in Florence: many restaurants are tourist traps!

If you have the patience to walk a little by the San Frediano neighbourhood, one of the most historical and typical quarters in Florence, just besides the ancient "Porta San Frediano" (the ancient gate to access the medieval city) you can find "Sabatino" a family run trattoria where you can have a good lunch for under 15 euros.

The menù is only in italian, but you can ask to some waiters to help you to understand the dishes. There are not many choices: some kind of pasta with tomato sauce ("al sugo") or meat sauce ("al ragù"), roasted ("arrosto") or steamed ("lesso") chicken served with green sauce (made of some vegetables and spices) and some sidedishes. 

But have a look at the price! You won't fine similar prices anywhere in Florence.

You can share your table with someone else if you are alone. 

Try also the dessert.

 

Trattoria Sabatino dal 1956 

Via Pisana 2r Firenze tel. 055-225955

Pitti Fashion Fair in Florence, from the 19th to the 22nd of June

Here we are... Pitti Man Fashion Fair is back in town! From 19th to the 22nd of June, Florence will host Pitti Immagine Uomo #82. 

1,065 fashion brands in Florence, at the Fortezza da Basso, plus another 75 women’s collections at Pitti W at the Dogana. And then there are the buyers: the last summer edition of Pitti Uomo welcomed more than 32,000 visitors, 20,000 of whom were buyers from the world’s most important retailers, large and small.

Here is a partial list of the main previews and special projects scheduled for this edition of Pitti Uomo: 

• WP "Lavori in Corso" will be celebrating its 30th anniversary and will present the first collection created for Baracuta, the iconic brand they recently acquired; 
• the important world première showing 7 For All Mankind men’s collection; 
• Ben Sherman presents EC1, the international launch of the new Ben Sherman men’s collection in one of the Fortezza’s most special areas, the Cannoniera; 
• the historic name in denim G-Star, has selected an important venue within the Fortezza to stage an exhibition-event RAW Denim Dome. The contemporary denim brand will present a new, unusual and totally creative look at denim – RAW denim; 
• the European preview of Deus Ex Machina, the biker and surfer cult label;
• Edun, the eco-fashion label created by Ali Hewson – who is married to Bono Vox – is returning to Pitti Uomo; 
• the European première of Scott James, American brand that will present its sophisticated total look in a special space at the Costruzioni Lorenesi; 
• Dekker has booked the Sala della Volta for the exclusive launch of the new collection. 
• the important return of Siviglia, that will participate at Pitti Uomo with the trousers and accessory project of Siviglia White, the cutting edge line of the brand that is the result of a two years of research and experimentation on luxury Vintage; 
• the presentation of the first men’s footwear line of Giuseppe Homme, signed by Giuseppe Zanotti; 
• the world-première debut for Hancock, the collection designed by Timothy Everest; 
• Pirelli PZero is returning to Pitti Uomo with a major presence at the Fortezza; 
• Cesare Paciotti will be presenting the Premium footwear collection for men. 
• the celebration of the first 5 years of Orlebar Brown with the launch of a special capsule in collaboration with Getty Images.

Marilyn around Florence

In those days in florence there are two big exposition about the great Marilyn Monroe.

The first is organized by the Museo Ferragamo who wants to celebrate the most famous blond actress ever with a selection of dresses, shoes and accessories made by Salvatore Ferragamo through the years exclusively for her. A tribute that the Ferragamo family wants to pay 50 years after the tragic death of Marilyn. Starts the 19th of June.

While at the Gallery Hotel Art, just near Ponte Vecchio, there will be another exibition regarding the american actress. An exposure of unreleased black and white shoots of the Hollywood brightest star.

The whole set of photos were exposed at the famous Getty Gallery in London until the 20th of May, 22 photos to show the most intimate moments of the diva on the set and during his life. The show, organized with the collaboration of the Brancolini Grimaldi Gallery, will start on the 20th of June with a party at the Gallery Hotel Art.

The entrance to the exibition is free.

Contacts:
Museo Ferragamo
Palazzo Spini Feroni
Piazza Santa Trinita 5/R, 50123 Firenze.
Tel. 055 3562846 (Museum)
Tel. 055 3562456 (Museum Direction)

Gallery Hotel Art
Firenze
Vicolo dell’Oro 5r 
Tel 0655 27263

Gustacard: have a 30% discount for restaurants in Florence and Tuscany

I would like to talk about a smart way to save your money here in Florence when dining out: it is called Gustacard, basically a card which offers a 30% discount (in affiliated restaurants) not only to the card holder but also to the people who sit at the table with him. 

Gustacard is a 12-month valid card and costs €35. It has no usage restrictions: it can be used more than once a day, without limits on the food you order: the discount will be applied, in fact, on all à la carte menus. Holders can choose within a large (and constantly increasing) number of restaurants, located in both the provinces of Florence and Arezzo. 

 If you want to experience yourself the advantages of this service, you can ask for a free trial card directly on the website (it will be delivered home). The free card is valid for one meal with the same modalities of the annual one, that is 30% discount for card holders plus the people dining with them. I do really think this is an interesting opportunity: let's say a four-member family eats out once a week. With just one card (€35 per year) all the family members get a discount each time. That means the family can save €1000+ per year dining in mid-low price range restaurants. 

Web: www.gustacard.it
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gustacard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gustacard

Scents of Boboli: from 17th to 20th of May

Sixth edition of the exhibition / commercial trade of fragrances and accessories

The monumental Boboli Garden hosts from 17th to 20th of May 2012, the sixth edition of The Scents of Boboli, exhibition / commercial itinerary of the prestigious documents of artistic tradition related to the botanical universe. A showcase of approximately 25 selected producers, and often little known, of perfumes, soaps, candles, scent-environments, essential oils, cosmetics, extracts from herbs, spices, flowers and fragrant plants, fabrics, prints, garden furniture, accessories and decorative objects. In 400 years, including ​​this year, history of the Royal Gardens of Boboli this is the only event in which it is possible not only to present, but to sell selected laboratory products. Regular guests and new entries.

From the hills of Tuscany: an exclusive line of beauty with extra virgin organic olive oil Toscano IGP. The richness of formula, specially designed to maintain the hydrolipidic balance of the skin, makes this precious recipe a real sensorial and olfactory experience reserved for the public of the scent of Boboli.

Lino, water of marine lily and anemone are the components of the elite fragrance of a line of natural niche soap, has always been on show at Boboli.The colors and fragrances of Provence in a bouquet made ​​from essential oils of exceptional purity, natural cosmetic anti-aging rich in Aloe Vera, herbs and enzymes, and yet herbal tea and medicinal herbs result of the art centenary whose secrets were enriched and passed on until today and to the fascinates of perfume Maestra Profumiera’s wisdom with sweet notes fragrances elite, that blend well with the atmosphere of a garden unique in the world!

The last editions have also highlighted the sectioned aspect of the event: a profitable dialogue between producer, distributor and user, structured coordination between supply and demand.

Special event 2012: the Museum of Natural History, Zoology section, La Specola, pay host to Giuliano Ghelli, from 20th of May to 30th of June 2012, with “I racconti alla luna”.

The program of the event is divided into three and a half days (from early afternoon on Thursday, 17th of May to Sunday, 20th of May, 2012) with schedule from 10.00 to 20.00 (last entry in the Boboli Gardens from Annalena 19.00).The entrance to the Boboli Gardens is free for the residents of the City of Florence (with presentation of ID). Entry into the Boboli Gardens for non-residents: € 6.00 the entrance to the Boboli Gardens in addition to the access to the event Scents of Boboli, allows a visit to the Boboli Gardens, to the Museo degli Argenti, the Porcelain Museum, the Costume Gallery in the Pitti Palace and to the Bardini Garden.

Flower exhibition in Florence

I've finally found some time to publish those beautiful pictures of the 2012 Flowers exposition here in florence at the Giardino dell'Orticultura.

I've been there in two different days: the 25th of April along with a great number of people, and the following Sunday with the rain and obviously less people.

I really can't decide which one of my two visits to the exibition I've enjoyed the most. But I can tell you that those colors and perfumes were really marvellous.

Alongside with the flowers there wera also those beautiful pictures made by a little factory in Pistoia.

On the 25th there were also an italian VIP. I have to apologize with my reader, who would have liked me to interview him for the blog, but really I did not want to do it! I spend all my free time blogging and working so for a day I just wanted to relax and walk. I hope that he's not too mad at me for the refusal of his invitation. But I also noticed that he was surrounded by journalist and televisions, so I preferred to focus my attention to this..

Notte bianca (white night) in Florence

Tonight there will be a special event in Florence: the "White Night" ("Notte Bianca"): from 6 pm to 6 am everything will be open in Florence. Museums, shops, churches and there will be many live concerts in the main squares. Over 150.000 people are waited in the center of Florence to celebrate this long evening. This year it will be a kid friendly edition with puppets, shows and games for children, until midnight. Don't miss to visit Palazzo Vecchio (free entrance to the museum and to the tower from 2 am until 5 am) and the free cappuccino for breakfast at Salone dei Cinquecento.

Rik van den Bosch live for the first time in Italy

Radio Radicchio and Indietravel present Rik van den Bosch live for the first time in Italy. Two unique shows, in Florence and in Montaione, to see a musician soaked in many different influences. Rik absorbs and elaborates them during his tireless wanderings throughout the world. He's a real globetrotter-songwriter and his guitar and his harmonica will take the audience to a trip crawled by his unique folk-blues-Americana. In 2002, Rik made a journey from New Orleans to New York, with a guitar, a bicycle and a little tape recorder, to find the roots of the music he loves. The album "A Musical Impression Of A Journey From New Orleans To New York" came out of this experience. After publishing "Out Of Town" e "Blues For The Lowlands", Rik began working to "Coffee, Cigarettes And Beer", an album Rik himself defines as "folk, eclectic, old country blues style, Mexicana, emofolk, singersongsongs, country, rhythm and blues, and also mixtures between them". Rik's cover version of "Heaps Of Sheeps" is in Robert Wyatt's album "Robert Wyatt, Anthologie du Projet MW". His latest work is an EP called "Sea Side Mountain Side", recorded in Spain and featuring collaborations from many great Spanish musicians. Enjoy Rik van den Bosch live on April 24th at the NOF Gallery in Florence (start 10.30 pm) and 25th at pub Lo Strettoio at Montaione.

Lee Rainie in Italy

On April 24th, the meeting News in a Networked World with Lee Rainie will be held under the initiative promoted by the RFK Center and the Consulate General of the United States of America. Lee Rainie, who is going to be host at the International Journalism Festival, is the Director of the Pew Research Center's Internet &; American Life Project, a non-profit, non–partisan "fact tank" that studies the social impact of the internet. The Project has issued more than 300 reports based on its surveys that examine people's online activities and the internet's role in their lives. The meeting, featuring the US Consulate General in Florence Sarah Morrison and the RFK Center Director Federico Moro, will be held in English from 5pm at La Nazione Auditorium (via Giovine Italia, 17). 

Best garden in Florence where to rest and have a sunbath: Boboli Garden

Boboli garden is a big historical italian garden close to the center of Florence. You can enter in the garden through different gates: Porta Romana, via Romana and Palazzo Pitti, in Pitti Square, close to Ponte Vecchio. The garden is quite big and full of paths, trees, fountains and places where you can lie and rest from your tiring touristic tour.

Admittance fee is 7 euros (reduced for over 65 years) and in the price the visits to Bardini Garden and 2 other small museums are included.

In the garden there aren't any bar or caffetterias, so be sure to bring with you some water if you get thirsty. But there some toilets you can use for free.

What's on in Florence in May: FABBRICA EUROPA 2012

For 2012, the international Festival of contemporary stage arts Fabbrica Europa plans a particularly varied and complex programme with exhibitions, workshop and shows. The main theme is the concept of “the mobility of art”, indicating “movement”, “transit”, “journey”, both across nations and across cultures, but also across “time” and “generations” (focusing particularly on the relationship between the Masters and the young). Musicians, videomakers and dancers are coming from all the parts of Europe for 10 days of contemporary art.

From its catalyzing historical centre, the Stazione Leopolda in Florence, Italy, where a number of the most interesting European contemporary works will be hosted, it will stretch out across the city of Florence in a capillary invasion of squares, streets, Renaissance corners etc., to bring alive a real “creative, hyper-textual and interactive map” of the contemporary scenario in order to involve and spread cultural action not only to the wide public of the Festival, but also to the still wider “man-in-the-street” population, not habitually in touch with the languages of art. 

Florence, Stazione Leopolda and other places

Opening May 3rd 2012 - until the 13th of May

XIX edition