Italy

Day 5: Roma

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By Paul Bryers

Thus concludes my Italian sojourn.

What a delightful experience! But it was ery busy in Roma so if yiu go definitely avoid early April through to end September. Ive noticed this in previous years too.

Particularly with my friend Lisa Warren DeMars – we have rekindled our friendship after a separation of a few years and I foresee cooking classes on the horizon!

I highly recommend Casa Gregoria https://italyculinaryholiday.com/

If anyone is interested in joining me for Italian cooking classes in the mountains or coastal regions near Rome or Venice, please let me know.

NEXT ON MY TRAVEL BLOG:

October 8 – 24: Jordan and Egypt

Days 2-4: Roma

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After 2 days laid up in bed I managed to go to Villa Borghese today to see incredible sculptures and paintings.

Villa Borghese

Mr Borghese – Politician and Religious Leader – he looked to find good reasons to display nude men and women in sculptures and paintings that would placate the more pious Christians….

The ceilings are spectacular, challenging those in the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica.

Most of the sculptures are by Gian Lorenzo Bernini …..look at the exquisite and realistic body details….anatomically perfect? Yes! Erotic? I leave that up to you….

The Rape of Persephone…

Apollo and Dafne – he is consumed by her but she can’t stand him so she turns into a tree…and begins to envelop him in the process…

David getting ready to slay Goliath…

Lad with a thorn in his foot…

Napoleon’s Sister…

Most of the paintings are by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, that infamous gay guy who murdered at least one person.

Madonna with Child and St Anne. Madonna looks a bit in the worldly side, St Anne is well worn and as for Jesus…..very Caravaggio.

Bad boy….

David again, this time with Goliath’s severed head….

Another bad boy…

Titian…the lude girl and the good girl….which is which?

Day 1: Rome

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By Paul Bryers

I have returned to Rome for a four-night stay, following my cooking classes at Casa Gregoria.

My plan is to take it easy, recharge, enjoy coffees, visit the occasional ruin, and engage with the local canine population, many of whom seem to comprehend English, while I possess a basic understanding of Italian. Ciao Cucciolo!

A large Pro-Palestine march and rally is currently underway near the Coliseum, which is conveniently located near my hotel.

Although the atmosphere appears peaceful, the noise level is notably high, even by Italian standards.

I suspect that Prime Minister Meloni may be displeased with these developments. I can see her rolling her eyes from my Palazzo.

I have enjoyed the Palazzo Manfredi’s complimentary nuts, fruit, and chamers, but I intend to venture out for dinner later. It would be a shame to be in Rome and not indulge in the local cuisine.

I’ve also just discovered that the Palazzo’s restaurant, Aroma, overlooks the Coliseum and is Michelin Star-rated; I have requested a table for one night I’m here and, although it is fully booked until November, they are going to try. We shall see if my charm is effective.

Day 9 (#3): Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Casa Gregoria – Pizza Party

By Paul Bryers

Our week at Casa Gregoria concludes with the World Famous Pizza Party, expertly hosted by Greg, Pasquale, and Chef Luca.

The entire Casa Gregoria team has demonstrated exceptional hospitality and professionalism, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

I highly recommend this culinary experience.

I look forward to visiting the soon-to-be-opened cooking experience at the group’s new venture, the Venetian Palace.

Next, I will spend four nights in Rome at Palazzo Montefredine; a brief respite before departing for ….

Day 9 (#2): Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Espressioni d’Arte – Watercolors

By Paul Bryers

Intense 1 hr 45 mins!

Quite pleased with the outcome.

My painting is reminiscent of Canaletto on a good day, Sergio Cerchi on a bad day.

In either case, my mother will undoubtedly be delighted with this original, which is what matters.

Day 9 (#1): Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Arte Orafa – Jewelry Making

By Paul Bryers

What a great experience! Making our own jewelry from scratch.

It works up a bit of sweat but very worthwhile as the metal turns from brass to a shining band of memories wrapped around my slender finger.

Day 8 (#3): Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Casa Gregoria – Full Menu

A simpler but full menu tonight after our full day at the Abbey and Wine Tasting.

Day 8 (#2): Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Nuns

By Paul Bryers

There are Nuns, and then there is the Flying Nun….Lisa la suora volante…

Day 8 (#1): Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Visit to Montecassino Abbey

By Paul Bryers

It was an arduous, winding journey up the mountain on treacherous roads to the abbey.

The drive was particularly daunting due to the narrow, serpentine roads and steep inclines, which were further complicated by the presence of occasional reckless bus drivers. The Grim Repear backoned a few times. As someone who is not fond of heights, I found the experience particularly unnerving and I may not recover.

However, the Abbey of Montecassino provided a tranquil respite for our pilgrimage. It is exceptionally beautiful, boasting a splendor that is impressive yet restrained. No

No wonder the Popes visit frequently.

Day 7: Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy, September/October 2025

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Casa Gregoria – Visit to Prosciuttiera and Full Menu Night
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By Paul Bryers

We commenced the day with an extensive journey over varied terrain, through alternating sun and rain.

Eventually, we reached a renowned prosciuttiera, where we gained insight into the process of transforming porky piggies into prosciutto.

The establishment specializes in smoked and spiced cured meats. I loved the smokey smell of the smoking rooms.

Following our return to Casa Gregoria and a brief repose, we prepared a full dinner.

Our culinary skills were indeed impressive as we prepared and cooked our way through the enticing menu.

The fishing touches to the Italian wedding soup were the little meat balls and the small pasta squares.

Preparing the carrot, onion and garlic sauce for the first pasta…

And then the pasta itself….

Super yummy!

Chef Paulo smiles…

And then smiles again…

And then the second pasta…

And sauce from Chef Luca…

Yummy again!

And finally – puffs with cream.

Lisa and I are happy with our culinary arts

Meanwhile, the weather outside has changed for the worse….