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Virgin Mary Rock Formation on the Amalfi Coast
One of the many wonderful and surprising sites along the Amalfi Coast drive is a true vision of the Virgin Mary that looks to be holding a bouquet of flowers all in a rock formation when viewed from behind, standing proud protecting the beautiful stretch of seascape beyond. Every… Read more »
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My favourite reads by Frances Mayes
On recent travels I took with me a book written by one of my favourite authors Frances Mayes , ‘Bella Tuscany..The Sweet Life in Italy’ is the fourth book that I have read that has been written by this wonderfully talented author. Each time I start to read another of her… Read more »
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Sestri Levante – a beautiful seaside town on the Riviera
Sestri Levante is a small seaside town on Italy’s Ligurian coast that sits about half way between the beautiful and unique Cinque Terre fishing villages and the affluent and well loved Portofino. I recently visited this rustic and tranquil little fishing village and to my surprise I… Read more »
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Rome’s charming drinking fountains…
All over the streets and parks of Rome there are charming little public drinking fountains with a constant flow of water streaming out onto the pavement. The question is always asked by tourists.. ‘is it safe to drink the water in Rome’.. and the answer is yes, this is… Read more »
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Christmas Eve..walk the red carpet in Rome..
Copyright Melissa Martin If you are lucky enough to be in Rome this Christmas Eve put your overcoat on, rug up and go for a walk around the streets in front of the Piazza di Spagna, in via Mario de Fiori and via Bocca di Leone you will experience the… Read more »
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Christmas stars and sparkles..
Copyright Melissa Martin Copyright Melissa Martin Buon Natale Tutti.. It’s the week that Santa is preparing to load his sleigh so that he can deliver toys to all the little children around the world. Christmas is a time for family and friends to be together. All over Italy celebrations and… Read more »
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Good morning Santa Margherita..
Morning has broken in Santa Margherita Ligure, I could get used to waking up to the reflection of the rising sun on the mediterranean sea every morning and a view as spectacular as this one. I’m an early riser these days and the first think I do every morning is… Read more »
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Stella McCartney now in Rome..
Copyright Melissa Martin Stella McCartney had a great Autumn/Winter collection this year, I loved the jewellery collection and handbags, especially the Falabella Faux Nappa Gold Chain Tote. When I am in Paris I always pay a visit to the store in the opulent Palais Royal, and this year when I was in Rome… Read more »
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Rene Caovilla Fall Winter 2011/2012
Rene Caovilla Multi Crystal Sandal.. Fall Winter New Collection 2011/2012 As only the master of fairy-tale shoe design can! www.renecaovilla.com/ xmm
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Rolling Tuscan Hills..
Copyright Melissa Martin I took this photo when I was on one of the fast moving trains heading from Rome to Florence in the heart of Tuscany, the rolling hills are truly picturesque, just like in the movies the Tuscan country side is so beautiful. xmm
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Eternal beauty Sopia Loren..
Photo from the 1963 film ‘Ieri, Oggi, Domani’http://www.lorenarchives.com/film_1963_ieri_oggi_domani.html Watch her life in pictures here.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WoVmISXPbw Sophia Loren went from rags to riches, a young Neapolitan girl who came from poverty and conquered Hollywood and the world with her beauty and charm. Is there anyone more beautiful than the incredible… Read more »
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Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina.. Roma
One of my favourite piazza’s in Rome is the small and elegant Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, a triangular piazza with only a few designer shops, this little hub has now turned into an exclusive one with top names residing in pint size boutiques such as Louis Vuitton,… Read more »
