rainy days

Regina Spektor is my favorite female artist. I don't think i need to explain why. Better, Sampson, Fidelity, Ne me quitte pas...i could go on and on. Her voice, lyrics, music..so great.

LA VINERIA: vini sfusi e olii

A wonderful friend was so kind to inform me that there is my favorite kind of wine shop ever riiiight here in milan. 

When i was in torino there was a lovely little store (see the pics below!) called: VINOLOGO and they had the best Nebiolo ever. and it was so cheap - 2.70 per bottle.

At this new place in Navigli i picked up a bottle of Sauvignon from Venice and i can't wait for my exams to finish so i can down a few glasses :O)

they've also got the 'environmental friendly' vibe...you can bring in your bottles from your previous trip and they'll just refill them for you for even less.

I love the whole idea that the bottle is filled and corked right in the store. it makes it seem so authentic... especially with the little hand-written label they tie around the top.

 When i go home, i always bring as many bottles of this in my suitcase as possible, as well as a few french wines. along with some nice chocolates and salami i can cover everyone's christmas presents in edible/drinkable gifts. 

Les Fleurs

may flowers

every time i go to paris i see something completely new. this time: the flower market :) it was so colorful. i wish i had a green thumb so i could put some nice tulips on my terrace

Carnival in Verona

that's the spirit.

I love celebrations and festivals and anything that involves loads of confetti, people singing and dancing in the streets, throwing sweets, and wearing absurd costumes. 

This carnivale in verona was just this, and everyone from the town was involved, along with a few really excited onlookers like myself. 

Fortunately there was also a Gnocchi contest, to see who cooked the best gnocchi in the town...the local trattoria that i went to DEFINITELY got my vote.

The city is beautiful as well, it reminded me a bit of Torino with the houses in the hills, and nice parks overlooking the river. 

All-in-all, a lovely weekend-and only about 2 hours train ride from Milano :O)