A recent article in Condé Nast Traveler cited the benefits of vacation and how little vacation Americans take.

“According to experts, almost any type of holiday can be a health benefit to some degree because people tend to be happier and less stressed when they anticipate them and while they’re away.”*

A clear indicator to me why Italians appear to be happy, they take their vacations.

And although they may venture abroad to exotic destinations as Paris or New York, most Italian vacations are a pilgrimage to the sea and priorities include working on their tan, mangiare bene (eating well), and maybe some physical activity (what good is a tan if it’s not on a nice physique).

A typical vacation day may include, a coffee and cookie breakfast (or maybe cornetto if you head to the local bar), time at the beach or pool relaxing in the sun, reading the paper, un bel pranzo (a nice lunch), un pisolino (a nap), a wake up coffee, a few errands, gelato, a nice dinner and repeat for 10 days.  And remember, no connecting to the office because your boss and colleagues are also on vacation.

As Americans, especially New Yorkers, it may be hard to imagine disconnecting and simply doing nothing, but like a serving of fresh fruit it’s very healthy.

So if you haven’t had an escape this summer or are already in need of another, take a few minutes to relax and enjoy this visually healthy escape – calorie free and sunscreen optional.

Enjoy!

Leslie

*Conde Nast Traveler September 2009

Most Italians I know cook, even if they say they don’t they can always whip up something tasty, it’s in the genes.

My friend Stefy is no exception, she says she never learned to cook but meals at her table are not only delicious they are beautiful.

In Italy eating well could be qualified as a sport.  It is a constant topic of conversation and everything from pasta to gelato is consistently rated and compared.  Era buono (it was good), era buonissimo (it was really good), era troppo buono (it was too good – I often use this when speaking about gelato), quello era meglio (that one was better).

When times are tough in Italy, a negative economy, a corrupt government, a labyrinth of bureaucracy , the one certainty for Italians is mangiare (to eat) and of course mangiare bene (to eat well).  When you can slow down and enjoy a freshly prepared meal of simple ingredients it is medication for the soul.

Stefy is an expert, her shopping list is simple and always includes fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and meat.  Her time in the kitchen seems effortless. Steaming spinaci (spinach) in the morning before starting her day or soaking ceci (chick peas) in the evening to be sautéed the next day.

Whether serving one or a group she is always ready to pull something together… fiselle topped with diced tomato and herbs, sautéed bell peppers, slightly bitter arugula seasoned with olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar, a plate of buttery prosciutto and bread fresh from the bakery (not a plastic bag).  Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner food is always enjoyed on a table setting of colorful placemats and napkins with a change of plates between every course to not mix flavors.

I think she needs to open her kitchen to share her secrets of her buona cucina (good cooking).  I will let you know when the courses start.

But until then take a few minutes to enjoy a few images of Stefy’s cooking and think about how you can slow down your next meal, bringing a few fresh Italian staples to the table or colorful placemats and maybe enjoying it just a little bit more.

Enjoy!

Leslie

I bought a Vespa in 2006, partly due to an allergy to public transportation (Mon-Fri only) and partly because who doesn’t want to own a Vespa.

My friend Stefania (Stefy) took me on my first motorino (scooter) ride in Rome and I have been hooked ever since.  Just seeing a Vespa makes me happy, it is an immediate escape to all things Italian.

People always ask me if driving a Vespa in New York is dangerous…well it isn’t for everyone but in some cities motorini (scooters) are a necessity.

Young, old, with or without a passenger, talking on the telefonino (phone) or my personal favorite driving with one hand on cobblestones, in Rome everyone rides motorini.

I am hoping they become a necessity in New York.  I am certain the more Vespas I see, the happier I will be.

In Rome the city center is almost always closed to cars but always open to motorini.  Driving or parking a car in the historic center requires a special pass.  Public transportation is an option but as most things Roman, it is incredibly slow.

A motorino is the only way to quickly circulate and manage the city’s stifling traffic.

Driving in Rome, I wouldn’t dare…plus as a passenger I can film and snap photos.

If you have never been on a Vespa or have never visited Rome, what would be better than a quick escape to experience both – no insurance needed.

Click play on the video below and vai (go)!!!!!!  Sorry no English subtitles.

Enjoy!

Leslie

I don’t recommend visiting Rome in the summer, especially August.  Many businesses are closed, the Romans have fled to the seaside to work on their tans and it is simply troppo caldo (too hot).

But if you do come a few things you can enjoy are less traffic, a reduced chance of being sideswiped by a car or scooter, unlimited amounts of gelato, beautiful parks that offer a cool refuge from the city center and lots of cultural events.

Another benefit is free water.  There are more than 2,000 nasones (water fountains or literally big noses) pouring fresh water from the Apennine Mountains to water drinkers throughout the city.  Pure as a mineral water and high in calcium, some consider this water the best in Italy, so fill up a bottle and enjoy anytime.

For a little Roman summer escape of your own you can enjoy these images but if you live in New York and want a small taste of summer in Rome fly yourself down to il laboratorio del gelato.  You may not have the animated scene of a Roman gelateria but you will have some of the tastiest gelato outside of Rome.

And if you are lucky enough to be in Paris don’t miss the gelato chain Amorino, bringing a love of Italian gelato straight to the hearts of Parisians.  Amorino’s gelato not only tastes great but a beautiful floral presentation makes every bite even more inviting.

If you have a favorite gelato destination feel free to share your recommendation by submitting a comment, so we can all enjoy a taste of summer in Rome.

Enjoy!

Leslie

When I arrive in Italy (apart from seeing friends) the first thing I want to do is enjoy a caffè (coffee or espresso) and if it is breakfast I want un cappuccino e un cornetto con la marmellata (a cappuccino and sweet croissant like pastry filled with jam)…yum!

In Italy having a caffè is a piacere (pleasure) and a ritual, whether with friends or by yourself.

It is less about the caffeine recharge and more about human contact with the world, as most caffè in Italy is enjoyed outside the home at a bar (an everything destination for coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, an aperitivo, even phone cards and last minute gifts).

Whether standing at the bar, sitting down, reading the paper or having an argument over the Prime Minister’s personal life, bars are an epicenter of Italian life.

I love watching the action, listening to the spirited ordering and animated conversations while enjoying un bel caffè (a good coffee) and yummy snack.

You may not be able to get to a bar in Italy anytime soon but finding your local stop for a coffee or drink, alone or with friends, can create an enjoyable ritual to help slow life’s crazy pace just a little.

Or maybe these photos will transport you there for a few minutes…

Enjoy!

Leslie