18 Comments

Ohhhh, this is so SO good! Putting these in my calendar/planning diary. Also might be time for a rewatch of Ripley - its such a gorgeous (if disturbing) film.

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One of the highlights of our past six years was getting to participate in Festa della Bruna in Matera. Great list!

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I really have got to visit Matera!

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I don't know how it's changed since we were there -- it was in a James Bond movie after all -- but it was very special!

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Such fun memories of the Frecce Tricolore Flyover! Also, can confirm that Italian drivers are better than most American drivers, or at least better than most drivers in Louisiana, where I am astounded every day at the level of texting, random lane shifting, and sometimes drinking that is happening on the road. Hope to make it to some of these other festivals soon!

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Oh Louisiana, with its drive through daiquiri shops!

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They're both amazing and terrifying!

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We were there probably over 15 years ago and a man probably a sacristan took us to a room upstairs where St. Francis is supposed to have stayed and showed us this cabinet. It flipped open to show a collection of bones, labeled, I think with the names. So I guess you have to ask to see it.

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Loved this Gillian with all heart, your writing is deeply invigorating.

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Thank you

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OK. I noticed in your article that came out today that it mentioned 11 am. I think a lot of people here in Rome think the same.

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Yes, I fixed it

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Hi Jillian- I always thought Le Frecce flyover was around 11 am but I'm hearing and have seen information that they will do their flyover tomorrow at about 9 am, right about the time the President lays the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Have you heard the same?

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Looking back through pictures most years it happens just after 9am

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Gillian, Is the cabinet containing saints bones still in San Francisco a Ripa? It is upstairs and looks like an ordinary cabinet which when opened displays a collection of bones. I too am fascinated with relics. Are the relics in Saint Mark’s still on display? An article on relics would be interesting.

Dorothy Stair

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OOh! I doΕ„'t know about the cabinet in San Francesco in Ripa, but I will have to investigate. The Saint Mark relics are at the altar in the Basilica.

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Jun 28, 2023
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I have! What an extraordinary event. I almost added it to this list but then decided that it technically happens twice a year πŸ˜‰

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Jun 28, 2023
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It's one of my top 10 life experiences. (I don't like horses, am not a big fan of Tuscany, I loathe crowds and leaving the beach in July or August? nope πŸ˜‚) Here is a good primer I wrote https://www.ladolcevigna.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sienas-palio-race and a Siena guide https://www.gillianslists.com/2016/10/sienas-11-best-addresses-to-eat-drink.html

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