Archive for June, 2009

Vino Sfuso

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Every return to Umbria starts with a visit to a local winery to pick up some wine for everyday consumption.  Vino sfuso is bulk wine (usually sold in 5 liter jugs) that will be the centerpiece of all of our informal lunches and dinners.  The winemaker fills your bottles directly from a stainless steel cask using a contraption that looks much like a gasoline pump for your car.  When we get home, I then have the relaxing task of pouring the big bottles into small ones.  How does it taste? all vino sfuso is not created equal — so be sure to try it before buying. 

From Food

‘Oldest’ image of St Paul discovered – Telegraph

Monday, June 29th, 2009

‘Oldest’ image of St Paul discovered – Telegraph

Archeologists and art experts used lasers to “clean” centuries of grime from the image.  They are hopeful to open it to the public by the end of the year.

Italy suspends Schengen Treaty in anticipation of G8 Summit 2009

Monday, June 29th, 2009

G8 Summit 2009 – official website – News

If you are traveling to Italy in the next couple of weeks — be ready to show your passport when you get off the plane, even if you transited through another European city.  After my flight from Duesseldorf to Rome yesterday, we were greeted at the doors of the baggage claim area by a set of temporary desks and immigration officials who dutifully flipped through and stamped every passport that passed through the checkpoint.  This will have little affect on American travelers, as we are required to travel with passports in Europe, but if you are traveling with friends who are residents of the Schengen area you might want to let them know.