Thinking of those effected by the earthquake in Central Italy

We try to keep this blog light and interesting, however this time, it is more important to inform you of an event that happened recently in Central Italy, just over 100 kms from us.

Luckily our little village of Toffia and the immediate surrounding areas were not effected, but 1000's of lives have been changed by the recent earthquake that occurred on the 24th August, 2016.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those that were devastated by this Natural Disaster, and lost not only their homes, but also family members, and friends. A loss,  that will effect those victims forever and change the path of those left.

I just wanted to share with you and article that was written by Olive Oil Times:

http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-basics/earthquake-central-italy-help/52708


Thanks to all of you that inquired about our safety, Sally and I are touched by your concern. Yes, we are fine, and our beautiful village of Toffia, and the immediate area of the Sabine Hills were not effected.

Life is a gift and when a natural disaster like this strikes so close to home, it reminds me, to make the most of the wonderful life we have.

Castelnuovo di Farfa, annual June flower festival

Wandering the around the medieval streets of Castelnuovo, is already a treat. It's winding cobbled walkways and beautifully restored homes, make it a true hidden treasure within the Sabine Hills. So close to Rome and yet it feels like world's away.

June is when the annual flower festival is held here and one that we try not to miss. Here are a few photos for you to enjoy.

wandering through the streets of this medieval village is always magical

Flowers decorate the streets of Castelnuovo

Special floral displays make this flower festival memorable

Flowers and plants decorate the historic centre of Castelnuovo

A Rome Day Trip of cooking and touring medieval villages

Your Rome day trip cooking classes includes a visit to Castelnuovo, an enchanting village built in the middle ages to better defend the powerful Farfa monastery nearby. It has an interesting olive oil museum, a historic bakery museum and several fine renaissance palazzi, including Palazzo Galli with its magnificent renaissance gardens. The historic homes have been lovingly restored to reflect the colours of Giotto paintings. 

The ancient streets of Castlenuovo 

Renaissance gardens of Palazzo Galli, Castelnuovo

There is an annual Flower Festival held in Castelnuovo in June. The streets are filled with floral displays outside every home

Find out more about your

  Convivio Rome Italian Culinary Holidays and Rome Day Cooking Classes 

www.conviviorome.com

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Ciao Brindo, the 4 legged friend of Toffia

Toffia is a small medieval hilltop community based in the Sabine Hills, (Sabina) just 35 kms north of Rome. With a population of just on 1,000 residence, it is easy to see how a community can be a shaken, when one of it's main charismatic  4 legged friend's dies.

Brindo loved sunbaking, and would be seen moving his position, as the sun moved with the day.

Brindo was not just a dog, he was really a human being wrapped inside a dog's body. He was more loving, friendly and social than most other independent characters and would do anything for a sausage or 2.
Read more, about Brindo, the dog who stood for Mayor!

ciao-brindo-charismatic-dog-that-ran-for-mayor

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Medieval villages, Lakes, Mountains and more: north of Rome, Italy

To find out more about this amazing region, read an article written by Guido Santi, for About.com


http://goitaly.about.com/od/lazio/ss/Rieti-Province-Lazio-North-of-Rome.htm

Photo of Toffia, one of the many medieval villages in the Rieti province, just north of Rome, Italy.

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Authentic Italian Food in a 1 minute show.

A mini-film by Italian director Silvio Muccino about authentic Italian food and produce. Enjoy!

Community in a Medieval Village in the Sabine Hills, Italy - Festival of Saint Anthony (Sant'Antonio Abate)

Last Sunday, 17 January: our medieval village celebrated the Festival of Saint Anthony (Sant’Antonio Abate), the patron saint of animals, and / or butchers and gravediggers. A blessing was given to all animals and pets (in Toffia, the owners brought along their horses, ponies, donkeys,sheep, goats, pigs and dogs). There was a great feeling of being part of a community. 
Toffia has a population of just over 1,000 people, and yet they are able to organise a series of events and festivals during the year.
Standing in the morning winter sun, while the Toffia band played and the locals stood with their recently blessed animals...it felt good to be part of this small but very important italian community.

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