Italy

canada day drink

July 7, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

We recently visited a new distillery in Prince Edward County. What a marvellous place!

We decided to make their Canadian Cocktail for our celebration of my younger son’s 30th birthday. Here is the recipe from the distillery and a photo of our version. We had to search out the Aperol Bitters which were not available locally. Luckily there was a good supply in our neighbouring town. Ironically, this bright orange aperitif is the same drink that I had been trying to identify since our Italian biking tour, one I enjoyed each night on the barge. The Italians mix Aperol Bitters with Prosecco and a dash of soda water and call it Spritz. As you can see the Canadian Cocktail recipe calls for a pine bough–and there are many on the island–the big discussion was red pine or white–so, of course, we had to try both!

last look at northern italy, red shoes and more

June 9, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

Tomorrow I am leaving for one of my favourite places in the world, the Green Mountains of Vermont. For the last 6 years I have been attending a rug hooking school there. For me it is like a combination of a favourite summer camp and an art school. Once again I will be in Jule Marie Smith’s class–where encouragement, inspiration, gentle nudging and lots of laughter are the hallmarks. I will be posting from there, so you can share that world.

In the meantime, I wanted to post some final images from my trip. I hope you will find something that speaks to you in these final shots from Northern Italy.

These birds on the outside wall of the Basilica in Venice:

Grana Padano cheese. This company offered space to their rivals, Parmigianno Reggiano, whose facilities were damaged in the earthquake. So the warehouse we visited was chock full. What a delicious break from cycling–fresh parmesan and chunky bread.

A favourite bookshop where books were stacked in gondolas:

One of many gelato breaks…all they cycling we did, went only a small way to counteract the tantalizing Italian wines and desserts, let alone the pasta courses. Let’s just say, that I am on small rations now.

And finally–simply the best pair of shoes I have seen in ages.

venetian inspiration, ironwork to klimt

June 8, 2012 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Everywhere you look in Venice the ancient craftsmanship astounds. The ironwork is especially beautiful and inspirational for rug hooking. Hearts, lamb’s tongues, elongated diamonds are all here in stunning array at every turn.

And sometimes the glimpse of life through the ironwork reveals even more beauty. Can you imagine living beyond this gate?

We also went to the Klimt Exhibit at the Correr Museum on St. Mark’s Square. Klimt uses these same images in his work, perhaps why rug hookers find his paintings so inspirational. Below are the posters which deck the museum entry and the boards along the canals. The exhibit explored Klimt’s work along with that of his contemporaries and it was amazing to see those familiar images up close, especially Judith and Judith II (Salomé). The gold work on these painings is simply breathtaking. If you are interested, the New York Times review of this show has lots more information.

the end of the day on arabella Island

May 31, 2012 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Bikes lined up after another 55k, washing done as the sun sets.

Verona!

May 26, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

This is a city of love. Outside both Romeo’s and Juliet’s homes thousands of lovers have inscribed their names in hearts. You can also buy a lock and fasten it to the gate along with the many others who have made promises and thown away the key. Or you cam touch Juliet’s right breast (the shiny one) for good luck.

The architecture tells the story of this ancient city, from Roman roads to new bridges which replaced those blown up in 1945. Here are some of my favourites.

There are rug inspirations everywhere–in the beautiful iron work and the frescoes. But the highlight of yesterday which we found by good luck was the Conte Graphic Arts Museum where the granddaughter of the original owner, Rossana Conte, gave us a wonderful tour. Just look at those stunning geometrics on the old wooden printing blocks!!

Couldn’t resist that last shot which I took with my iphone last night outside the restaurant–iconic!!

Italy tomorrow

May 22, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

I am almost ready to head off for Italy. Suitcase packed, helmet adjusted, and enough hours on the bike that I feel ready for the challenge ahead. I definitely have my sunscreen–got just a little too much sun on Sunday’s ride–and my reading material. My third Maggie O’Farrell–I think I have said here before how great her novels are. This one is After You’d Gone–I can’t wait to start it. Her works have engaging characters and subtle challenging plots. If you are at all intrigued, watch the video –and give one of her books a try. My second book is Kayak Morning—I have begun this one and I will let you read the review to see the wonders I have ahead.

I’ll be in Verona for a couple of days before we start cycling and then will finish up in Venice for a few more days. In the interval, if all goes as planned, I will be cycling through the northern Italian countryside, soaking in the beauties around me. If bad weather or other obstacles intervene, I will be on the barge enjoying the cuisine, the wine and the company. Either way, I plan to blog and take you along with me. So stay tuned.

Christine