Only 45 minutes by car, but light years away from the busy city of Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, the Italian Riviera of Hollywood fame, attracts the rich and famous looking for a cool (and Kool) place to hang out. From spring through autumn, the beautiful seaside resorts, gourmet dining and elegant shops seduce visitors into […]
Genuinely Genoa
Genoa, the capital of Liguria in north-western Italy, is an Italian city that has become a tourism destination – almost by accident. Historically it was important for shipbuilding and steel works (since the 19th century), international trade, commerce and banking (since the Middle Ages), and now, because it is a treasure trove of art, […]
Neighborhood Literary Giants
The United for Libraries, in partnership with the Empire State Center for the Book, recently dedicated two Literary Landmarks to honor authors from the Sutton Place community, Erich Maria Remarque and E.L. Doctorow. East 57th Street Although we frequently walk by 320 East 57th Street, NYC, the Art Deco building built in 1926, and […]
The European Union: Truth or Dare
A panel discussion recently held at the Austrian Consulate was marketed as: “European Union Quo Vadis”. The Latin term – Quo Vadis translates: Where are you going? (New Testament verse John 13:36). At the time I accepted the invitation I did not give much thought to the title of the program; however, it […]
Movie Star or Tourism Minister? Go to Pisa for the Answer
There are many amazing attributes to the Municipality of Pisa and one of them is the Minister of Tourism, Paolo Ghezzi. Pisa Minister of Tourism. The Honorable Paolo Ghezzi When I was introduced to him it did not “register” that this movie-star attractive and charming executive was the Tourism Minister. Although he is not […]
Discovering Pisa: Do it Now!
Pisa, for whatever reason, frequently comes under the radar screen… but it shouldn’t. I was doing floor exercises at my health club last evening and heard a member talking with his trainer about a recent trip to Italy. He mentioned Rome and Florence, Milan and Venice, but never uttered a word about Pisa. Pisa, for […]
It Sparkles. It Bubbles. Is it Champagne, Cava, Asti Spumante, Prosecco, Sekt? Does it Matter!
It sparkles. It bubbles. Is it Champagne, Cava, Asti Spumante, Prosecco, Sekt? Determine where the grapes are grown and how they are fermented 1. If they are from the Champagne region of France and are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or Pinot Meunier – it is likely that you have Champagne in your glass (and the bubbles […]
Caribbean Tourism Opportunities: It’s a Big World
The Caribbean tourism industry, like all tourism industries, is subject to the whims of consumers who are easily bored, heavily marketed for their discretionary income decisions, easily deceived by what is instantly “hot,” and a moving target that is difficult (if not impossible) to corral. The value of emerging markets was discussed at a recent […]
Caviar and Bordeaux: Italy meets France at the table
The Taste of Planet Bordeaux recently held a wine/pairing seminar at restaurant BoBo in New York’s Greenwich Village. The event was hosted by Michael Madrigale, Ambassador for Bordeaux, who introduced us to the pleasures available to the eye, nose and palate by teaming Calvisiusm caviar with wines from Bordeaux. Bobo’s Chef, Nelson Maldonado, developed a creative menu […]
