ACROSS THE BIG BLUE SEA in SIENA

Five years ago I interviewed American Newsweek journalist and NYT bestselling author Nina Burleigh about her work after her talk at the Siena Art Institute. Little did I know then that I'd write a book myself one day (and that Nina Burleigh would endorse it with the kindest and most thoughtful words).

I'm looking forward to discuss 'Across the Big Blue Sea' and migration (my own and the one of the people I worked with at our Tuscan refugee home) at the beautiful headquarters of the Siena Art Institute (which is based in the Tartuca neighbourhood, one of my favorite contrade in Siena).

ACROSS THE BIG BLUE SEA book presentation
Siena Art Institue - May 8, 2018, 6 pm
via T. Pendola 37

EMIGRATION VS. IMMIGRATION: A MEMORY OF ITALY IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Understand a bit of Italian? This is the night to figure out how much regarding a topic that seems a bit removed but actually isn't at all. Italy entered the first world war exactly a hundred years ago on the 24th of May 1915. 600'000 Italian soldiers died during the war. Many of them were 'Italians' born in Brasil or Argentina who traveled to Europe as young men to fight for a country they had never put foot on before. 150'000 of Italy's soldiers in the first world war had been born in Brazil, Argentina and other countries their parents had had to migrate to for a better future abroad. An important fact to consider when we read the daily headlines regarding todays incessantly growing immigration to Italy and Europe via Lybia. 'La storia quasi vera del milite ignoto' is told by Emilio Franzina, the writer of the book with the same title, which tells the story of a young soldier born in Brasil to Italian parents of Venetian heritage. ...

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SIENA FOR FOODIES: Wine and Food Tasting Thursday, 20th of September

Tuscan countryside: Olive grove and vegetable garden in one Siena isn't just about medieval art and the Palio horse race. The city is a treasure trove for anybody interested in food. Tuscan food and wine that is. The province of Siena produces some of Italy's best wines (think Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). And the farms surrounding Siena are home to carefully looked after olive groves and vegetable gardens.

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SIENNA MILLER IN PALIO TOWN: TERRA DI SIENA FILM FESTIVAL 2012

Latest news: Sienna Miller will attend the Siena film festival (she would have to with that name, wouldn't she?) for the premiere of Rachid Bouchareb's "Just Like A Woman". Wednesday 3rd October, 9pm - Hotel NH EXCELSIOR, piazza La Lizza. Entree is for FREE, but come early to be sure to get a seat. The Terra di Siena Film Festival is in its 16th edition. Being much smaller than the Venice or Rome film festivals, Terra di Siena nevertheless manages to bring important world premieres and an impressive flock of Hollywood stars to the city of the Palio. Past editions saw stars like Colin Firth (who's married to an Italian) and Susan Sarandon participating. Telling from the festival's website, it seems that the 2012 edition may even bring to Siena the presence of Robert Redford. San Galgano abbey: location of the festival's opening ceremony

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Mapping SIENA

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