I've suddenly noticed that it is now light both mornings and evenings when I take the dog out for her walk. And that seems to have a distinct effect on the rest of the day. Even when it isn't sunny, I feel sunnier. Not that SAD is a problem, just that light is better than dark.

When we first move...

To a sushi party last night, at Bobo's new gaff. (That's him on the left with Fräulein Julia, mugging their favorite movie.) I've always complained that Italian food is perhaps the most conservative I've ever come across. And I've heard the usual explanation: when something is perfect, why tinker?...

I still find it odd how, every year, the fact that winter will contain occasional cold spells still creeps up on Italians (and, I believe, Greeks and Spaniards). OK, so it isn't worth installing double glazing -- though it might help keep things cool in summer -- but it might nevertheless be a good...

To Sorrento for a couple of days, to catch up with dear friends who are visiting for a week. The kinds of friends with whom one just takes off where one left off, despite not having had much serious contact for a year or more. About Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, least said soonest mended. I mean, t...

Reflections on Italian Taste: why do people bang on about the Italian sense of taste and style? True, some Italians are tasteful and stylish. But everywhere one looks there is evidence to the contrary. For each perfectly conceived piece of modern furniture, there are so many hideous piece of repro...