July 26, 2010
July 25, 2010
March 8, 2010
February 27, 2010
Residenza Johlea
A delightful new hotel has just opened in Florence offering great value for money in a city where little comes cheap. The Johlea is located just ten minutes walk north of the city centre. The six rooms are elegantly decorated in pastel colours with Tuscan linen used for bedspreads, curtains and upholstery. Bathrooms are spotless in Carrara marble with cream hand made tiles. Breakfast is provided on trays in each room and there is a stunning little roof garden which affords 360 views of the city.
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February 24, 2010
Another Dream
German writer and director Raimund Hoghe evokes the 1960s in his latest play to be performed at the intimate surroundings of the Kaaitheater Studio. ‘Another Dream’ forms a trilogy along with ‘Meinwärts’ (1994) and ‘Chambre séparée’ (1997) which were set in the 1930s and late-1940s respectively. Hoghe remembers the death of Marilyn Monroe, JFK’s assassination and the Beatles’ visit to the Maharashi. All accompanied by the songs of Joan Baez, The Mamas & the Papas and Mahalia Jackson, among others.
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January 24, 2010
Alibi Kavezo
The newly opened Alibi Kavezo’s retro-café décor, including ceiling fans and polished-wood tables, will please tourists. But its conversational atmosphere and affordable light meals will also attract students from the nearby university. The omelettes and other early morning offerings are a treat in a town with few breakfast restaurants. There are unusual salads, like turkey with blueberry, and an enticing selection of sandwiches. Excellent coffees imported by Coquans are available. There are also fresh juices and milkshakes.
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January 12, 2010
January 11, 2010
Teatralnaya Kiosk
The subway between the Bolshoi Theater and the Metropol hotel is the home to an English speaking film buff’s delight. The kiosk closest to the Metropol hotel is the purveyor of the finest Western movies – weeks, sometimes months before they reach the cinemas. The pirates have even been known to arrive before they premier in their home country. Be warned though as they can be of dubious quality – often filmed in the cinema with members of the audience getting up and shadowing the screen. A video should cost 190R.
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December 19, 2009
December 17, 2009
Miu Miu
Florence’s designer fashion shopping scene is definately looking up. The latest addition to the city’s glossy ‘alta moda’ stores is Miu Miu, Prada’s young line. Just off Piazza della Repubblica and next door to the new Savoy Hotel, the shop is displaying an enticing collection of autumn ready-to-wear for men and women – snappy leather jackets, double breasted pea coats, sleek trousers and tailored skirts in autumnal red, camel, cream and grey. There are also the bags and accessories that Prada is famed for, and some wonderful 1940s-style peep-toe shoes.
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