Andre Aciman and Convivencia

For his works Call Me by Your Name and Out of Egypt (each of which is set within a different location on the Mediterranean), Andre Aciman is one my favorite authors, and back in 2011, he published a fascinating article in Tablet Magazine on the hybrid and errant characteristics of Sephardic history and culture. 

Especially for lovers of Mediterranean sounds and languages: read his musings (some factual and some, even better, intuitive): http://www.tabletmag.com... be further mesmerized and listen to Yasmin Levy's rendition of Naci en Alamo for the complete experience. 

For a deeper look in to the religious Convivencia of Spain's Golden Age, Maria Rosa Menocal's The Literature of Al-Andalus should be your first stop. Or wander with me through the memories of one of Italy's most fascinating Jewish quarters, the Ferrara of the fabled Finzi-Continis.

"Life's a Banquet..." of Simple Satisfactions, in Verona...

Perfect polenta, prosciutto and salame at Agriturismo San Mattia.

A palate-pleasing and perfectly-portioned dessert plate at San Mattia.

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Sardegna and the End of Summer

Three solid days of discrete relaxation on the Costa Smeralda. In early September the flash has disappeared and only Mother Nature is showing off her bling.

My host had turtles roaming the grounds, preppy pink-and-green bathroom trim and, oh yes, a splendid view.

Crowds of people, crowds of boats - neither exist here in September.

Complete Tranquility: it's not just the sights and the (lack of) sound, but something in the air that puts the mind and body at ease.

Grey skies but great company: new friends and the beach, near Porto Rotondo. Pictured: Sicilian actor Francesco Castiglione.

I went down by the shore to gaze at the ripples and muse...

...with a stony whale by my side.

Combing the Italian Waters for Mediterranean Gems: Giglio, Ahoy!

"After a thoroughly satisfying day of gamboling through Giglio's jasmine, lavendar and orange tree-laced hills, I stared in serenity at its turquoise and royal blue waters..." 

Red Lighthouse, Giglio Porto.

Cypresses at Giglio's Heights.

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Hidden Splendor in Umbria

Table for Two: The Luxury of Simplicity at Le Mandrie di San Paolo

The olive-wood oven at Le Mandrie, where staff perfectly-cooked and seasoned select local cuts of meat; the lamb, pork chops, steaks and sausage are all amazingly good, even if you're not a meat lover.

Sunset Swim: Alex chose the much-loved infinity pool design and placed a glass barrier at the terrace edge. "I wanted guests to have the sensation that they were flying over the Umbrian countryside."

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