Arte D’Italia Imports
Handmade Hand Painted Deruta Ricco Fluted Footed Fruit Bowl

Not far from Perugia is the town of Deruta, famous for centuries for its painted pottery. For years I’ve coveted their bowls, jars, place settings, and platters–with their hand-painted, brilliant-colored designs. Like pasta, pottery designs vary from city to city, many dating back before the Renaissance. The most classic design, with flowers, curlicues, and bearded griffons in gold, blue, and green, is from Florence. When we arrive in Deruta, the variety of designs and shapes in the stores is mind-numbing. We pass up the megastores along the entry road and drive to the hilltop to walk among the artisan shops. John follows patiently from store to store as I rhapsodize over the workmanship and different patterns. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 170)

RICCO DERUTA CLASSICO:
Shaped Mug 12 OZ
Authentic hand painted in Deruta, Italy.

Album: Duke

Puccini: Tosca / Freni, Pavarotti, Milnes, Rescigno, National Philharmonic

Andrea comes through on his promise, and we’re invited to a performance of Tosca in the Sorogna castle. Sitting in the upstairs hall, I think this is like being a friend of a prince in the 1700s, invited to his home for a concert. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 128)

YNTNDYGV Pasta Poster
Italiana Pasta Vintage Kitchen Knowledge

Canvas Art Poster And Wall Art Picture Print Modern Family Bedroom Decor Posters 12x18inch

Correggio (Library of Great Masters)
by Schianchi, Lucia Fornari (2001)
Paperback

Back at the apartment, I pull out the book I’ve bought about Parma’s art and learn that the dome of the cathedral was done by the city’s most famous artist Antonio Allegri called Correggio after his hometown. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 145)

Italy: The Essential Guide to Viewing Italian Renaissance Art
(Art for Travellers)

Poring over Art for Travellers, Italy, I read about the evolution of the Renaissance. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 147)

Parmesan Cheese Block 2 lb (approx.), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Top Grade-Italian Cheese DOP, 24 Months Aged, Latteria Soresina, Imported from Italy

Over the next hour and a half, Anna explains the process for making the King of Cheeses. “We’re up at four every morning. No vacations, not even Christmas. We work 365 days a year.” (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 160)

Dry Porcini Mushrooms Borgotaro – Emilia Romagna, Italy

“Sagra di funghi next week,” a mushroom festival, I read to John when we stop to see the posters at the Tourist Information Center. “It’s in Borgo Toro, the heart of the mushroom country. That’s not too far, but we’ll need a car.” (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 190)

Black Rice – Pacifico Crespi – Piemonte, Italy – 1.1 lb

Parma’s Ristorante La Greppia is where we discover black rice. Our waiter suggests an appetizer of black rice risotto with shaved truffles. Unlike any rice I’ve tasted before, it has a nuttiness that complements the smoky truffle flavor. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 193)

Moretti Bramata Bianca Polenta, Coarse White, 1.1 Pound

Venice introduces us to another Italian specialty–white polenta. Polenta, ground cornmeal, is an Italian staple…“White polenta comes from the Veneto area. It has a more delicate taste than the ordinary yellow kind and therefore is especially good served with seafood,” he explains in Italian. “It doesn’t compete with the fish.” (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 195)

Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

In preparation for our trip to Italy, we each read many books. Ross King’s Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture was enlightening to me. Brunelleschi studied Roman methods of building aqueducts, arches, and domes like the Pantheon in Rome. He was able to rediscover the old methods and invent even better ones. Brunelleschi’s optical experiments led to a mathematical theory of perspective. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 240)

Duke of Urbino by Francesca Piero Della – 12×18 Art Print Poster

Duke Frederico has fascinated me since I first saw his portrait–one of Piero della Francesca’s most famous. A close headshot, you may have seen it hung facing the one of his wife–in the Uffizi, in an art book, or on a poster. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 249)

Ideal City by Piero Della Francesca

In another part of the palace, we study Piero della Francesco’s painting entitled An Ideal City. It portrays a wide piazza. In the center is a round, columned structure flanked on both sides by a street of porticoed buildings. Devoid of any life except for two tiny birds, it depicts perfect symmetry painted in perspective. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 250)

Baci Perugina Classic Dark Chocolate12 Piece Box, 6.03 Ounce

To the north is Perugia, home to the Italian chocolate manufacturer and lately the Amanda Knox trial. While touring the chocolate factory, we meet a class from the Universita` per Straneri, the University for Foreigners, where Knox studied. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, pa(ge 256)

Golden Door [DVD]

One of our favorite movies is called The Golden Door. Felliniesque and visually gorgeous, it is about a Sicilian family who decide to emigrate to the United States around 1900. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, pa(ge 260)

Verdi – Rigoletto / Luciano Pavarotti, Ingvar Wixell, Edita Gruberova,
Victoria Vergara, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Riccardo Chailly

October is Verdi Festival time in Parma, when the entire city dresses for the occasion. In nearly every store window stands a costume the opera company has lent. Rigoletto and Gilda can be seen in the COIN department store; an Aida prince, next to the elegant tablecloths of the linen shop; an Il Travatore soldier among the kids’ clothes; a red-feathered hat next to custom shirts; and a yellow ball gown in the salumeria. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 270)

The Nicholas Effect: A Boy’s Gift to the World

“His California family is quite famous here,” Claudia says and recounts their story… A foundation created in the boy’s name has sent what they call the “Nicholas Effect” around the globe, and Reg Green travels every year to educate people worldwide about organ donation. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 274)3

Pompeii Paperback

Close to 40 minutes later the masses emerge at Pompeii’s station. I’m well prepared with a guidebook we bought eight years ago, now marked up with information about the owners of homes and businesses I read about in Pompeii: The Living City. I’ve hauled the book along on this trip and read it again—for the third and fourth time—before today. (Without Provenance, Page 216)

Elegant Burano Lace Holiday Christmas Floral Poinsettia, Mistletoe, and Candle Bell Throw Pillow/Cushion Cover: 16×16 Inches Beige

For centuries, when the fishermen went to sea, the women of Burano passed their time making lace–the most beautiful lace in Italy. Now, with the remaining practitioners well into their seventies, the art is almost lost. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 301)

Verdi: Aida

Searching Google for opera performances in northern Italy, I find a listing for Verona…in an amphitheater. They’re doing Aida in mid-August. That’s my dream! I purchase tickets and start planning a two-day getaway. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 305)

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

The opera house in Buenos Aires would be finished and I, one-hundred-ten years later, am here with Nancy to enjoy the Four Seasons. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 45)

Scent of a Woman [DVD]

“Elsa Maria is quite famous,” the older man says as he ties a lace. “She was with Tango Argentina, and a teacher of many famous people—Sinatra, Simon Peres, Al Pacino—” Al Pacino? I’ll never forget that scene in Scent of a Woman. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 50)

Authentic Boleadora, Argentinian Gaucho Style

The gauchos were usually mestizos, people of mixed European and Indian heritage, but they could also be white, black or mulatto. They were excellent riders who could break a wild horse in a day and used a whip and a bola to herd animals. The bola consists of three long cords of braided leather tied together with a knot at one end. On the opposite ends, each is tied with a stone about the size of a tangerine. To bring down an animal, the gaucho holds the knotted end and whirls the braided cords over his head, then aims for the animal. When released, the cords separate in the air and wrap around the legs of the animal, causing it to falter or fall so the thrower can catch it. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 73)

Respighi: Pines of Rome, The Birds & Fountains of Rome

This whole section must have been covered with pines—Italian pines—ones that look like giant lollipops—pines, like in Respighi’s piece—the Pines of Rome. Nancy and I heard the Southwest Florida Symphony do it earlier this year. One of the four movements is called ‘I Pini di Gianicolo’ –the pines of Janiculum—written in 1918—it features a piccolo mimicking a singing nightingale. Beautiful. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 104)

Puccini: La Boheme

When John and I go out again an hour later we find them in the bandstand playing the score of “La Boheme.” There’s no one to hear except a handful of old men seated on the shaded benches. We sit with them for about half an hour then reluctantly move off on our errands. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 135)

Sardinia Sardegna Italy Island of Sardinia, Sardinia, Sardinian T-Shirt

The Sardinian emblem, showing the four blindfolded Moors, is emblazoned on key chains, pot holders, tiny ceramic bells, coasters, plates, mugs and scarfs. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 175)

Sardegna Italy Italia Moors Head Flag of Sardinia Throw Pillow

Sardegna.Sardinia.Italy Logo T-Shirt T-Shirt

Tourism dominates the economy here and we discover all kinds of souvenirs bearing the Sardinian four Moors insignia—the defeated Moors dating back to the 13th century. There are Sardinian flags, t-shirts with English sayings, cork products, jewelry, women’s clothing, men’s polo shirts, bathing suits and coverups, kites, beach towels and water toys. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 185)

Crawfords Garibaldi Biscuits 100g

Limoncello Sorrento –
Handmade Jar ‘PORTOFINO MEMORITALY’ (Elegant Gift Box)

Just as in ancient times, Sorrento’s business is tourism. Impossibly narrow streets behind Piazza Antonino are crammed with souvenir tea towels, aprons, tablecloths and napkins, packaged fruit and candies, soft linen clothing, sandals, soaps, dishes and decorative pottery. Other than the wearables, almost everything is embellished with lemons. (Without Provenance, Page 203)

Lotacy Sicily Symbols Colorful Christmas Ornament
Home Decor Gifts and Souvenirs for Men and Women
Gift Idea for Sicilian

FIRENZE’ Handpainted Mug (Made in Italy)

VENEZIA’ Handpainted Mug (Made in Italy)

Mierco European Linens, Italian Oranges Tiles Linen Kitchen/Tea Towel,
100% Linen, Made in Italy

Hand Blown Small Murano Glass Ball Ornament for Christmas Tree,
3″ x 3″, 1 PCS, Orange, Hanging Holiday Ornament,
Gifts & Home Decor, Glass Ornaments for Christmas Tree,
Made in Italy

Hand Blown Yellow Lemon Murano Glass Ornament,
3″ x 2″, Blown Glass Decor with 24K Gold Foil,
Perfect Artificial Fruit Ornament,
Fruit Ornaments for Christmas Tree,
Made in Italy

CERAMICHE D’ARTE PARRINI –
Italian Ceramic Art Pottery
Christmas Ball Ornaments Hand Painted
Made in ITALY Tuscan

CERAMICHE D’ARTE PARRINI-
Italian Ceramic Biscuit Cookies Jar
Hand Painted Decorated Lemons Made in ITALY
Tuscan Art Pottery

CERAMICHE D’ARTE PARRINI-
Italian Ceramic Cookies Jar Biscotti
Hand Painted Made in ITALY Tuscan Art Pottery

The Lost Painting: The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece

“Long before my craquelure experiment, Nancy and I had read Jonathan
Harr’s The Lost Painting . It’s about how a lost copy of Caravaggio’s, The Taking of Christ was accidentally discovered in an Irish monastery in the early 1990s and then assiduously authenticated by diligent scholars, art historians, and scientists. (Without Provenance, Page 2)”

Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Art 

In their assiduously researched book, Provenance, investigative reporters Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo recount the amazing tale of how an accomplished con man, John Drewe, infiltrated and altered the archives of the upper echelons of the British art world so as to legitimize hundreds of forgeries painted by his accomplice, the affable and vulnerable single dad, John Myatt. (Without Provenance, Page 38)

The Art of Forgery: The Minds, Motives and Methods of Master Forgers 

In his book The Art of Forgery art crime expert Noah Charney details a long and fascinating history of forgeries with examples from the Renaissance, Post- Renaissance, Impressionists, Abstract-Impressionism, Modernists right up to the current day. (Without Provenance, Page 41)

Islands of Dream: The Temples of Malta – Hidden Mysteries Revealed 

“Our destination is the Hypogeum for our ten o’clock tour. Hypogeum.
Webster says it means “the subterranean part of an ancient building” and also “an ancient underground burial chamber.” My friend Linda, who visited Malta last year, said this UNESCO World Heritage Site was not to be missed. (Without Provenance, Page 244)”

Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker, Moka Pot for Italian and Cuban Café Brewing, Greca Coffee Maker, Cafeteras, 6 Espresso Cups, Silver

It’s our second week in Conversano. John, the early riser, always makes our coffee. (Looking for Garibaldi, page 144)

Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher, Stainless Steel Coffee Cup Mug Milk Frothing Pitcher Jug with Lid for Latte Coffee Art for Office Kitchen with handle(350ml)

Pair with Expresso pot & milk whipper for authentic Italian cappuccino

Bonsenkitchen Powerful Milk Frother for Coffee, Fast Handheld Drink Mixer with Stainless Steel Whisk, Battery Operated Hand Frother Stirrer Wand-Black

Glocusent Book Light, 3-Color & 6-Brightness Reading Light, Bendable Neck Light, 80-hr Lasting Rechargeable Lamp, Perfect Book Light for Reading in Bed, Knitting, Camping, Repairing, Book Lovers Gifts

The BEST reading light—for bedtime, airplane, crafting or low light areas. Very comfortable, light weight and adjustable in all directions. Rechargeable and charge lasts a long time. Great for travel. Keep one by the bedside and another in your travel gear. An ideal gift for the book lover!

Garibaldi: Invention of a Hero

If after you’ve read Looking for Garibaldi you’re looking for more of a historical take on the Hero of Two Worlds, we recommend Lucy Riell’s biography. Despite any number of attempts–Dumas, Hibbert, Scirocco, Ridley, among others–none of his biographers, not even Garibaldi himself, succeeded in capturing the man who lies beneath the myth–that is until now. In Lucy Riall’s new biography, Garibaldi becomes more than the sum of his parts: Hero of two worlds, Unifier of Italy, Fighter, Idealist, Knight, Seaman, Athlete, Husband, Sex Symbol, Tinker, Soldier, Teacher, Thief. Brilliant. Finally, Pepe has his Boswell.

Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane

This brilliant biography of Caravaggio informed much of our writing in Without Provenance.

Caravaggio: Painter of Miracles (Eminent Lives)

This short, clearly written biography is the most enjoyable and accessible of the books about the famous painter. Not about the paintings, but the man.

Rick Steves Italy (Rick Steves Travel Guide) 2025

Updated this year, Rick Steves is the quintessential travel companion. Detailed maps off cities, neighborhoods, and excellent, detailed info about everything from where to stay, eat, and not-to-be-missed experiences. We particularly like pairing the book material with his audio tours—your excellent personal tour guide!

Il Gattopardo (Italian Edition) 

Written in ITALIAN. If you want to understand Americans, learn baseball. If you want to understand Italians, read this book.

Mark Rothko Famous Art poster （Red on Red） Decorative Painting Canvas

John’s favorite modern painter—with a tribute to Caravaggio’s red.

My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan)

This story of two young girls’ friendship perfectly captures southern Italy’s way of life.

MEEDEN Art Supplies Storage Cart: 5-Tier Solid Beech Wood Utility Rolling Cart with 3 Drawers – Craft Orgnizer on 4 Wheels

The perfect way to store your painting supplies. Comes with a built-in brush holder, removable mixing plate, and wash bucket holder.

MEEDEN Oil Painting Kit, Painting Sets with Sketch Easel Box, Professional Art Paint Supplies Kit with Paint Brushes, Palette Knives, Canvases for Painting Supplies for Adults

Jumpstart your oil painting experience with this all-in-one kit. 

Perrigo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Gel 2.1 oz

In Without Provenance, John uses acne cream as his source for benzoyl peroxide used to fake 500 year old craquelure.

Victorinox Swiss Army Evolution

Make sure you get the one with the corkscrew. But don’t pack in your carry on or you’ll lose it.

KROSER Hardside Expandable Carry On Luggage with Spinner Wheels & Built-in TSA Lock, Durable Suitcase Rolling Luggage with USB Port, Carry-On 20-Inch, 

Our favorite carry on. Expandable, organized, lightweight.

Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home―
A James Beard Award Winning Cookbook

Nancy’s favorite Italian cookbook. 

Mediterranean Light 

Classic and new Italian favorites with less calories!. Try the lemon risotto!

Traditional Italian Panettone Cake 2lbs
Imported from Italy
Italian Cake with Raisins and Dried Candied Orange Peels

One of our FAVORITE TREATS: Panetone French Toast. Yum!!!

Wrangler Men’s 13MWZ Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jeans

John likes the Cowboy Cut Wrangler jeans because of their higher rise, straight leg, soft fabric, nipped waist, excellent fit and versatility. On most trips, he has two identical pair. One to wear and the other packed. Both in black. “They’re suitable for almost any occasion. I’ve even worn them with a black jacket, white shirt, black tie and shiny black shoes to the opera in Parma.”

G-DEFY Mighty Walk Men’s Orthopedic Walking Shoe | VersoShock Technology for Pain Associated with Running | Prolonged Standing | Arch Support | Diabetic Shoes | Wide Shoes | Free Custom Orthotic

John’s favorite travel shoe

Hixiaohe Men’s Casual Lightweight Outdoor Vest
Work Fish Photo Travel Golf Vest
Zip up Sleeveless Jacket with Pockets

Pockets are essential for security when traveling. John likes the hidden ones in this model for keeping passports. Wallet goes in the front chest zip. More large pockets for books or museum brochures.

Tilley Ltm6 Airflo Broad Brim

The North Face Men’s Flare 2 Insulated 550-Down Full Zip Puffer Jacket

Doubles as a Pillow

26 Inch Cruiser Bike 7 Speeds Vintage Style Bicycle City Bike Commute Bikes with Front and Rear Cargo Rack, Steel Frame, V-Brake for Adult, Man, Women,Multiple Color

In Parma, we rode creaky old Holland-style bikes—fenders, one speed, upright handle bars, padded seat, bell, light, and a huge shopping basket. We used them constantly, for commuting to the train, sightseeing, joy riding, shopping, and picnicking in distant parks. (Not in a Tuscan Villa, page 3)

Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4): Built for Apple Intelligence, Ultra Retina XDR Display, 512GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black

Best alternative to hauling a computer around!

Amazon Kindle Scribe (64 GB) – Redesigned display with uniform borders. Now write directly on books and documents. With built-in notebook summarization. Includes Premium Pen – Tungsten

Kindle reader and write-on notebook combined!

Universal Travel Adapter Offers 6.0A 3X 3.0A USB-C Ports, 2X 2.4A USB-A Ports and Multi AC Outlet, All-in-One International Power Plug Adaptor Worldwide Charger for EU US UK AU 200+ Countries

Compact and works everywhere.