The gloomy faces lit by a dim light and the halo of fear paraded before his wide eyes. All those people on the run were staring at her for a brief moment, they recognized her, some hinted at her with a slight salute, but nobody did anything to put her in trouble, thus preventing Cesare Borgia’s soldiers from seeing her. What Valentino was putting in place in his Lordship was a real massacre, an action that sooner or later would have found a way to avenge. Now, however, the only thing that mattered was to save, jump on a horse and flee far, to Florence and then Genoa, to make sure that his son Francesco Maria was safe. He had always known in those years of quiet living in Senigallia, between the defensive walls of the Rocca Rocca and the palace built by her husband in Via Mastai (where the Della Rovere symbol is still visible as evidence of their presence in the past) that the locals loved her, admired her, considered her a of them though originally from Urbino, but only now, in that moment of terror, death and screams in which it had suddenly fallen, their unexpected behavior of support and fraternal made her feel truly at home.

Giovanna Feltria was born in one of the most florid and lively courts of the Italian Renaissance, daughter of the great Federico da Montefeltro. Grown up receiving an education among the best in the world, discreet – there is no official portrait of her – yet witty and determined like her father, at only eleven years she was engaged to a man of whom nothing knew, as well as she was unknown – and probably this remained forever – that feeling for us today so common called love. Later he will try it with passion for the six children to whom he gave birth, but he who in 1478 became her husband, in a springtime Roman morning that presaged a glorious future, in fact remained for her almost a stranger. Formal relationships and a lukewarm affection linked the couple in moments when he was sharing days, events, parties, problems and joys, but Giovanni Della Rovere had been appointed by his uncle, Pope Sixtus IV, Duke of Sora and Arce, Lord of Senigallia , papal vicar of Mondavio and even prefect of Rome. It was logical, albeit sad, that for her, the prefect , there was very little time left between the wars, compromises and land management.

So it was that Giovanna, indomitable and cheerful, with a strong sense of aesthetics and a particular sensitivity for the arts, filled her court with artists who were then semi-unknown or at most appreciated locally, but one day, thanks to her charitable hand , would have become the pillars of Renaissance painting. To Giovanni Santi, father of Raphael, the Della Rovere commissioned several works, as did Perugino. When in the second half of the fifteenth century Piero della Francesca created the Madonna of Senigallia, today exposed to the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, the common opinion – although never certified – was that the two spouses represented behind the Virgin were Giovanni Della Rovere and Giovanna Feltria. However, the biggest mystery revolves around La Mutaby Raffaello Sanzio (also kept at the Galleria delle Marche), whose identity is still unknown: however, many scholars agree in the hypothesis that it may be just his patron Giovanna, or at most Mary, her daughter her. He was still a boy who messed with the colors Raphael when Giovanna Da Montefeltro, recognizing in him a precocious and extremely promising talent, wrote in his own hand a letter to the influential politician Pier Soderini to ensure that the young man was welcomed in the Florence of the Medici , just in the period when Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo were both working on some frescoes for the decoration of Palazzo Vecchio. It was there that he met the great masters of art, so it is no exaggeration to say that without the

There is a day that lovers of travel should not miss: November 28th. After the Black Friday and the Cyber ​​Monday, shopping days at discounted prices, the time came for the “Travel Deal Tuesday” , that is the Tuesday dedicated to offers for travelers. According to the team behind the Hopper application , which monitors flight quotes, is the day when the lowest fares will be found .

So it is better to arm yourself with a credit card and think of a destination to visit in the future. The best time to buy will be, as well as for Black Friday, in the morning: according to Hopper’s analysis, the discounts will reach their peak from 6.30 to 9.30 in the morning.

As for Italy, some of the low cost airlines have started to launch their offers before or starting from “Black Friday” , like Ryanair who has offered discounts for a whole week or EasyJet which has provided 200,000 flights at prices unbeatable. Although the practice of proposing offers on this day is much more widespread abroad, it is said that, even in Italy, looking among the various sites, you can not find good deals.

In an India of passionate smokers – tobacco, marijuana and mango cigarettes – there are also countries where smoking is banned . For example, Khalsi, a remote village in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, at 2.987 meters above sea level.

MASSIMILIANO SALVO
A transit country along the road connecting Leh to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, Khalsi is one of those many places in the world that share a noble characteristic: there is nothing.

Khalsi exists only as a stop for truckers and travelers who need to drink tea, pee and eat a plate of rice with vegetables. A street, some shops, a bus station with a nice unpaved square are available to the patrons. So much dust. And the noise of the Indus River that runs through the valley (Khalsi would love to see it, but the splendid view of the river disappears just before the village and reappears soon after).

But beyond the cosmic nothingness that distinguishes Khalsi, here is something that can give you a little ‘well-deserved notoriety: the 300 meters of the main street of the country, among other things the only one, are in fact littered with signs with the inscription ” No smoking, tobacco free town “. A choice in terms of health, very appreciable above all because in contrast in a country like India.

However, considering that the city closest to Khalsi, Srinagar, is ten hours along one of the most dangerous roadsof the planet (and in any case the city is famous for Islamist extremism and attacks); considering that the second nearest city, Leh, just two hours by bus, has 27 thousand inhabitants and you remember it more for the hundreds of stray dogs than for the nightlife; considering that in a country like Khalsi it is impossible to find alcohol, there are no sports fields, there are no cinemas, theaters, bars, bowling clubs; considering that the internet works badly, there is no field for most mobile phones and the temperatures in winter are around thirty below zero – and reiterated that in the poor dusty road in the middle of nowhere you can not even smoke – Khalsi is probably one of the most boring countries in the world.

Going around the world for three months, exploring some of the most exotic destinations, sleeping in luxury properties, without any travel expenses, even receiving a rich 40,000 dollar salary: a dream? It is the work that got a young Australian 28 years old, who on the web is known as “Sorelle Amore” : beating another 17 thousand candidates, she won the contest entitled “Best Job on the Planet” launched by ThirdHome , a club for exchange of luxury homes. To get the “best job on Earth” was she and now she is ready to share her experience with everyone.

Sisters Amore was then paid to document her travels on social networks and to stay in 12 luxurious and extravagant homes for twelve weeks in different parts of the world, from Scotland to the Bahamas, from Morocco to Costa Rica. Exploring has always been the his passion so much that, at the beginning of the year, the young woman had put his goal on paper: to reach 12 goals and get paid to do it. She was therefore shocked when her brother put in front of ThirdHome’s job announcement, which seemed to be right for her case.

The club announcement included a stay at 12 multi millionaires around the world, where they spend an entire week. Between pools overlooking unique landscapes, princely castles and huge halls, the only task of the chosen one would be to tell his days with creativity, through blogs, videos and updates on social media. “It perfectly matched my goals, I was sure they would pick me in. I always made sure to look honest and even vulnerable in my videos and put my heart in everyone.” ThirdHome later confessed to me that it brought them to I’m a bit clumsy, but I think it’s normal, and people recognize me, “said the young woman.

“Sorelle Amore” has therefore realized the dream of a life of many : she has swum with the sea turtles in the Bahamas, stayed in a house with 12 bedrooms, she slept in a fairytale residence in the Costa Rican forest, she did the bath in spectacular infinity pools, not to mention the wonderful experiences of Scotland and China. And now she is ready to tell it: “I still do not think it’s real, I still have to sit down and read my diary because so much has happened in such a short time, I’ve had some experiences that some people will never do in a lifetime, and I did it in three months, it was a very intense period but I know I will remember it as one of the best of my life “.

Despite the difficulties, Sorelle Amore has never been discouraged: the hours spent traveling alone or at the airport can be exhausting as well as the time spent trying to make the perfect picture. But the effort is worth it. Now his goal is to teach other people to make their way through the passion for travel and photography and get paid for it: “I want to teach the ‘craft’ of the travel influencer because I discovered that it is a fantastic way to live. Who, after all, would not want such a job? “.

Many will take advantage of the Immaculate Conception to spend a weekend in a European city or to visit the Christmas markets, scattered everywhere in Italy and abroad. But even those who decided to spend these three days in Rome – and those who live in the capital of Italy and chose not to leave for this long weekend – will have the opportunity to spend pleasant days, including art, culture and shopping in the eternal city.

The many events organized in the capital in these days will allow those who will spend the first December bridge to discover the works of famous painters, to immerse themselves in the world of books, to visit cribs from all over the world but also to listen to good music.

Here are some tips on what to do in Rome to spend a weekend of the Immaculate in a pleasant and original way.

1 – More free books – Fair of small and medium publishing

From 6 to 10 December at the Rome Convention Center – La Nuvola dell’Eur, the books will be the protagonists of the sixteenth edition of the Small and Medium Publishing Fair . About 500 publishers will propose their publications to visitors.

The program of the event – which for the first time leaves the Congress Center, its historic home, to move to the structure designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas – is rich initiatives suitable for readers of all ages. In fact, there will be a space dedicated to young people, with workshops, exhibitions and collective readings. On the other hand, the greatest will be to choose the themes that they prefer: in the spaces of the Nuvola di Fuksas, in fact, we will talk – among other things – of graphic novels, science and literature in all its forms. Some events will be dedicated to the fight against organized crime, the stories of migrants and politics. Among the guests of the four days dedicated to the book the President of the Senate Pietro Grasso, the Minister of Cultural Heritage Dario Franceschini and the former Prime Minister Romano Prodi.

2 – Christmas markets in Piazza Navona

GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful places in the eternal city; for years during the Christmas period it is filled with lights, colors and stalls. It is an event that in the past has provoked controversy , but that is eagerly awaited by those who love to wander among the Christmas stands in an exceptional setting. This year the markets should have been set up on December 2, due to organizational problems related to the new safety regulations, however, their opening has been postponed for a few days.

Until the Epiphany, however, in the wonderful square of the center of the capital you will breathe a party atmosphere, which will make happy especially the little ones.

3 – The “100 cribs” from all over the world

FACEBOOK / 100PRESEPI
Also this year in Rome will be exhibited – for the 42nd time – cribs made by artisans from every corner of the planet. Despite the name of the initiative , this year there are 152 cribs on show, coming from 41 different countries. Many of these are handmade.

Among the various works exhibited at the Sale del Bramante in Piazza del Popolo there is also a nativity scene against violence against women, created by the Villa Maraini Foundation. To welcome visitors a 3D hologram: the three-dimensional image of the actor Guido Saudelli tells the story and peculiarities of the exhibition.

Those who love the art of the nativity scene, after a tour of the Sale del Bramante, can take the opportunity to move to the other side of the city and visit the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions located in one of the palaces of piazza Marconi, in the Eur and preserves two beautiful cribs from the 1700s.

In 1964 Pier Paolo Pasolini chose it to set his Gospel according to Matthew : the scenario presented to those who discovered the Sassi for the first time was very similar to that of Palestine. A few decades later, two other directors followed Pasolini’s example. In 1985, among the houses carved into the rock of the historic center of Matera was filmed King David by Bruce Beresford and in 2004 Mel Gibson set his The Passion right among the ravines of the Lucanian city. The resemblance of Matera to the lands where Jesus was born and lived make the European Capital of Culture 2019 the ideal location for events related to Christmas.

Also this year among the Sassi the living nativity scene was organized : in the streets of the Sasso Barisano – one of the two districts of the historical center of the city – the actors will stage six different moments, ranging from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus. the first 5 dates of the performance – which starts on December 8 – has already been sold out. Who, however, has chosen to spend the Christmas holidays in the Lucanian city can attend the living nativity scene on December 29th and 30th. For fans of the genre also an exhibition of handmade cribs and the ‘living’ representation of the Adoration of the Shepherds by the painter Mattia Preti made by a group of particular actors: they are the figures of Avigliano, a town in the province of Potenza known since the early ‘900 for the realization of the plastic frameworks . The paintings of the most famous artists in history are reproduced by these interpreters who, real estate and with period clothes, use their body to transform the canvas into three-dimensional works.

VOLUNTARILY VIA GETTY IMAGES
During the Christmas holidays in Matera will be then organized tours, even at night, between the Sassi and visits of the rock churches, places of worship in the Middle Ages by the Byzantine monks dug into the stone. On the streets of the historic center will be set up the markets.

After almost getting crazy in Tokyo, after choking, after really feeling like a fish out of the water, after a violent cultural shock , after the beginnings of a burnout trip , I really needed to fresh air. I needed to escape the winter, to discover a place of Japan more relaxed and especially to live a very old dream. Head to Okinawa Island, some 2,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, to discover a completely different world. I was told that Okinawa was South America from Japan. It was exactly what I was looking for, although I might not go that far.

Okinawa is actually the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It includes three archipelagos, Okinawa-Honto, Miyako and Ishigaki, the latter being 110 km from the coast of Taiwan. By distance, climate and history, Okinawa is a world apart and far from Japan that we know. It is only since the end of the 19th century that Okinawa is part of Japan and even if many historical testimonies disappeared during the Second World War, language, gastronomy and culture are good clues of what was Okinawa. Even today, it is a world apart and the archipelagos themselves are distinct from each other. We have the strange feeling of being in a sort of strange mixture between cultures of the Pacific islands, China and Japan. And this clever mix seems to work perfectly!

Visit London in winter

As winter arrives, I tend to hibernate and wonder if it is worth traveling and exploring the country. Inevitably, the risks of rain and cold always discourage me a little at first. And then, I say myself too bad and reminds me with pleasure of all my winter escapades. Of course Lapland in January is the first winter trip that comes to my mind, but there were also Dublin, Brussels, Edinburgh, Glasgow … It was cold, yes it did, but those trips were have not been less magical. On the contrary. In two weeks by the way, I’m going to Geneva … We’ll see what time will bring.

I wanted, by this article, to encourage you to travel in winter and not be afraid of bad weather. So why not London in the middle of winter?

So what to do in London in winter?

Visit museums and galleries

It’s not a winter-specific activity, but there are enough free and non-free, zany or serious museums and galleries in London to keep you busy for days. The Tate Modern and its unique architecture, the British Museum and its impressive history, the Museum of Science and the Museum of Natural History for the whole family, the Saatchi Gallery, the National Gallery and all the impressionist painters, the zany, but amazing Victoria and Albert Museum, the Greenwich Observatory and so much more … There’s something for everyone and even if you’re not a fan of long afternoons at museums, like it’s free, nothing prevents you to go for a ride and leave whenever you want …

The charm of ballads in winter

Greenwich in winter

Life does not stop in London in winter. Finally, it’s not that cold, and here you’re too used to bad weather, to stop living with every drop of rain or ice. The parks and streets are just as charming in winter and the ballads are equally enjoyable. Greenwich and Richmond under the snow are for example more than romantic …

Christmas decorations

The Parisian windows are known, but in London, the decorations

Carnaby Street Christmas Decorations

Christmas are all so magical. Oxford Street, the most commercial street is a thousand colors, the tree is erected in Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street becomes a magical world, Covent Garden is decorated with giant Christmas balls … Here people are crazy about Christmas and it shows !

Prepare for your trip to China

China is one of those countries that I absolutely wanted to visit during my world tour . It is also a country that we hear a lot of good and a lot of bad. Before I arrived, I decided (even more than usual) to silence all my prejudices, to show superhuman patience and not to judge. Culture is so different that it can sometimes be difficult to understand. You will see it in all my stories about China, it’s a country I loved, but I hated it at times. It is a country of contrasts, an extraordinary and rich country with very friendly and surprising locals, but it is a country where I pushed a big sigh of relief when I left. I would return with great pleasure, but not for too long periods.

Since I did not apply for a visa before leaving, I had it done in Hong Kong thanks to this agency . I just had to wait 4 days on the spot. I entered by sea , from Japan through Shanghai, without any worries and no exit ticket. I left by land on the border with Laos.

Shanghai, first step

Freshly landed from Japan, I realize that we speak even less English here. I ask Chinese-speaking Japanese to do the translation to find the subway. They accompany me there and so begins my Chinese adventure. The subway is very modern, well signposted and easy to understand. I struggled to buy my first ticket, but then getting to my destination was very easy. I lodge for the next few days at a friend’s house in the French Quarter. She prepared videos, plans and drawings for me to find her studio, otherwise I would probably shoot again. The residence, where she lives does not pay mine, locals shout at me (probably they said hello …) and I finally reach the studio where I rest a few hours. This first contact was strange and exhausting.the French Quarter , an expat district ‘very green, very chic and very little Chinese. In the evening, I meet my friend Renée, who is none other than a Dutch woman she met in Colombia a few months earlier. She will explain to me the basics to survive in China and Shanghai and will help me set up my VPN to have uncensored Internet access in China.

The Cotswolds are a hill range in the south of England . With its hilly landscape, the source of the Thames and the small, unspoilt villages of thatched houses and ocher brick cottages, the area is classified as an area of ​​outstanding natural beauty.

Even though the Cotswolds is not necessarily easy to get to without a car, it’s definitely worth a visit, or even spending a few days hiking. I had the opportunity to go there last Sunday with my family. We chose to go to Chipping Campden , known for the beauty of the village. After a nice car ride in this beautiful country, we arrived just at lunch time and we settled directly at the table in a very warm pub ( The Eight Bells ) to enjoy a delicious meal, finished in beauty by a Sticky Toffee Pudding (the best English dessert that can exist, all members of my family will testify!).

Once satiated, we go to discover this cute little town and its houses some of which even date back to the 14th century . The houses are ocher in color and some even have a thatched roof. The gardens are blooming, life seems peaceful and skin merchants rage in the halls and even sell reindeer skins. Chipping Campden is supposed to be very touristy, but we are not too bothered and we enjoy with pleasure the calm and the warmth of this beautiful English summer.

Once our exploration of the village is over, we decide to take a breath of fresh air and go for a walk in the countryside . We take the height and admire the village from the top of the hills. We reach Dover’s Hilland gambol a little with the sheep while admiring the view. Green hills and mountains of Wales are offered to us.

I found my little paradise in Indonesia. My paradise is on the island of Flores, west of the island around Maumere. My paradise is called Coconut Garden Beach Resort and it’s nothing like an ordinary resort !

Let me count you Coconut Garden Beach Resort , my paradise in Indonesia

The arrival in paradise

Climb a volcano at sunrise , hike to the discovery of multicolored craters, escape the threats of monkeys, survive the convoluted roads of Flores, frolic in the waves of a paradise beach in Koka … so many classic activities for a trip to Indonesia, so many activities that tire a lot, especially when we connect the discoveries and trips for 10 days. After a trip to Indonesia and many adventures around the country from islands to islands, it’s time to take a few days of vacation and rest on a paradise beach in Flores.

After leaving Maumere, the car launches on a sand track, through a jungle of palm trees. This last stretch of road seems endless and we do not yet see the sea. The palm trees seem denser, darker, more threatening than ever. And then suddenly, an opening in the vegetation, a parking lot of sand and a wedge of sea. We jump out of the car, happy to stretch our legs and to have arrived in a place which seems splendid.

There is no point in running, we have arrived, we are on vacation, and it is time to eat a bit before taking possession of our rooms. Life is good ! I whisper in my ear that for once, I have the right to the best room: the bungalow for honeymoons! I can not believe it! There is a frustrating side of being always the single solo traveler … we are always fed the least nice rooms, the couch in a corner, the rundown single bed, as if I had not reached the status of couple, I was not allowed to enjoy good things! But not this time, I hit the jackpot!

Travel itinerary in March 2018

In March, I continued my improbable trip to Europe through two countries, before returning to France, a little earlier than expected.

• Switzerland –  5 days
• Berlin – 10 days
• Paris – 7 days
• Charente-Maritime – 15 days

My favorite place in March

It already seems a long way off and I already have the impression that 1,000 things have happened since I was there, but I can only mention the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux which have been for me real slap. It was freezing cold (felt 17 ° C), we had already walked miles with my friend Sophie, but landing in front of this view, I could have stayed there in the cold, frolicking between the vines. The view of the lake, the side cut, the colors of winter and of course the fascinating geometry of the vineyards I was blown away and I hope to return when it will be a little warmer!

Under the snow, in the rain

At the end of February and the beginning of March, snow is flowing in Switzerland. The landscapes are grandiose, but I find myself a little blocked. When the owners of my houseitting, Jasmine and Alex, come back from their trip, it’s a snowy epic waiting for them to get back to their destination. They generously invited me to stay a few days and I take this opportunity to finally visit Lausanne. It is snowing that day and I discover with pleasure the city under a particular atmosphere. I will end the day on the shores of Lake Geneva in Morges. The clouds are always present and I will not have the chance to enjoy the famous view of the mountains.

It’s already time to fly to Berlin, a city that I have already had the opportunity to visit several times. This time, it is a tourism show that brings me and the opportunity to see friends bloggers franco and anglo and meet new bloggers. It was cold in Berlin and we walk on the frozen channel in the sun. And then, the rain invites itself to the stay and will not leave us really anymore. It’s not a big deal, because we spend our time between lounge, parties, meetings and good food. I finish on the kneecaps, because I’m not really used to go out every night for 6 days in a row! Phew, I’m no longer young, but it was worth it to spend time with everyone! I could not mention them all and I do not have any pictures of everyone, but they will recognize themselves, they made my stay in Berlin unforgettable!