Link Love: Archaeologists Uncover the Athenaeum of Hadrian

First-time visitors to Rome are often surprised to see archaeological excavations going on right in the heart of the city. But the thing is -- if you dig down in Rome you are likely to find more Rome. The city has been built in layers for centuries, and that makes new construction in a thriving, growing city complicated. Check out eternallycool.net's report on the excavations in the middle of Piazza Venezia -- one of Rome's busiest intersections!

In reference to: Archaeologists Uncover the Athenaeum of Hadrian at eternallycool.net (view on Google Sidewiki)

Photo Friday: The Sounds of Venice

I'm headed to Venice next week which has me in a rather sensual mood.  Venice is a city for the senses -- the paintings of Titian... the waves lapping against stone... fish pulled from the lagoon and served steaming hot... not to mention it is the city of Casanova, too. 

But Venice is also a city of music.  For centuries musicians have written about Venice.  The city has launched scores of composers and musicians.  And the churches and theaters of the city, including the famed La Fenice, are filled nightly with notes as singers and instrumentalists alike pay homage to one of Italy's most romantic cities.

Today, to get you in the mood, I have a Venetian treat for you -- a mix of songs created in, for, and about Venice.  I've chosen some of my favorite performers, too, including Bing Crosby, The Sixteen, Joyce DiDonato (who blogs at Yankee Diva), Duke Ellington, and Keola Beamer (yes, even a little slack-key guitar).

Enjoy!

And for other great travel photos, check out Delicious Baby's Photo Friday. Ciao!

Link Love: Real Spaghetti Carbonara

Look up "pleasure" in the dictionary, and you are sure to find "eating in Italy." Food is fresh, prepared simply, and truly sensual. Each region cooks a bit differently -- rich, earthy foods in Tuscany including cingale (wild boar) and truffles, incredible sea food in Venice with lighter flavors and hints of both Austrian and Middle Eastern influences. But in Rome -- Rome is home to my favorite pasta dish: Spaghetti Carbonara. It is rich, creamy, and sexy...

My husband makes an excellent rendition -- comfort food when I'm feeling blue. But there has always been just a little something missing: guanciale. Blogger and chef, Jerad, posted this week about that magical ingredient, how to make it, and how to use it. You can bet I'll be putting up some pork jowls soon! Check out his blog, One Hungry Chef, and enjoy his recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara.

Ciao!
One Hungry Chef: The Real Thing (view on Google Sidewiki)