Category: BlogVille in Emilia-Romagna 2012

Taking a break from BlogVille – How to help the victims of the Emilia-Romagna earthquakes if you live in America

Terremoto Emilia 2012 – Emilia (Italy) Earthquake May 2012 from Roberto Mettifogo on Vimeo.

The above video is a quick representation of the devastating effects of the recent slew of earthquakes in Italy’s region of Emilia-Romagna. Occurring in May and well into June—the most recent of which I felt a few days ago in Rimini, an earthquake centered in Ravenna—the earthquakes destroyed many historic buildings and left important businesses in shambles. Over 15,000 people were left homeless and many lost their lives. In short, much of Italy’s perhaps most productive region was left shattered.

Emilia-Romagna produces much of the world’s most revered food products (prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Sangiovese, aceto balsamico di Modena, etc.) and maintains timeless art, while housing a population of some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. The beautiful medieval towns are irreplaceable, and they provide as tourist attractions for a country that really needs it.

But how can you help if you live in the United States?

The fine folks at L’Italo Americano Newspaper are currently running a campaign to raise funds for the victims of the Emilia-Romagna earthquakes. While any donation amount is accepted, anyone contributing over $50 and fans them on Facebook gets a free annual subscription to the publication.

L'Italo Americano Newspaper's Relief Fund for Emilia-Romagna

The Torre dell'Orologio in Brisighella

The amazing view from Brisighella’s Torre dell’Orologio

Of all the small towns in Emilia-Romagna that I’ve seen so far, none have taken my breath away as thoroughly as Brisighella. The colors of the city, rich with influences from nearby Tuscany, pop in the sun with warm hues. The buildings were constructed higher to accommodate for larger families, making the homes here stretch further up than those of many other Italian cities. Even more intriguing is the indoor public street, created as a defense against invaders. Markets and donkey stalls were once held in these elevated walkways, creating a bustling but hidden-from-view social center.

Continue reading “The amazing view from Brisighella’s Torre dell’Orologio”

Rimini’s Centro Storico from sunset to night

While Rimini is a popular destination for beach activities (particularly with the Russians), few people seem to mention the town’s beautiful historic district. Stepping away from the flash and glam of the waterfront, several of us in the BlogVille crew wandered the streets of Rimini’s Centro Storico at night, taking in oldness mixed with new, reminding us of the ancient Roman ties this city still holds.

Photos of Rimini’s Centro Storico from sunset to night.

Ponte d'Augusto / Bridge of Tiberius at Sunset Continue reading “Rimini’s Centro Storico from sunset to night”

Exploring Emilia-Romagna – Crossing the Rubicon, bees and bikes, and the perfect town

Taking a break from coastal Rimini, the BlogVille crew headed out to three small towns nearby in Emilia-Romagna: Savignano sul Rubicone, San Mauro Pascoli and Santarcangelo di Romagna.

Unlike eternal dictator Julius Caesar, I crossed the Rubicon in Savignano sul Rubicone after I had already invaded Rome. Today, a small bridge and accompanying statue marks the point where Caesar “tossed the dice” and ventured into Rome with his army. What once was a river is now a small stream surrounded by pretty houses and cobblestone streets.

Crossing the Rubicon - Caesar's bridge in Savignano sul Rubicone Continue reading “Exploring Emilia-Romagna – Crossing the Rubicon, bees and bikes, and the perfect town”

Intro to BlogVille Rimini – The Sunset in Emilia-Romagna

Rimini at Night - Man on Pier

Today I arrived in Rimini, a coastal town on the eastern coast of Italy, for BlogVille Rimini, a travel writers’ project hosted by the region of Emilia-Romagna. My first impression of the city brought back memories of my hometown of Hawaii mixed with the charm of the better half of Virginia Beach. It’s a peaceful place, especially given that I had just left both Rome and Naples. I met my fellow BlogVille writers, all of them lovely, and we enjoyed the afternoon sitting along the beachfront with conversation and drinks. At night, we hit up a great restaurant for piadine and wandered the city bathed in streetlight. The evening was concluded with a tasting of the largest gelato (yes, more gelato) serving I’ve ever had for just two euros. For a city with heavy Fellini presence, I can say this is definitely living la dolce vita.

But it’s just the beginning… Continue reading “Intro to BlogVille Rimini – The Sunset in Emilia-Romagna”