Photographic Memories from Italy
Four weeks in Italy. Sounds like a dream, right?
Your Guide to Bella Italia
Four weeks in Italy. Sounds like a dream, right?
I am elated to be on my way back to bella Italia, finally!
Planning a trip to Italy has always been exciting and fun for me. I enjoy the process almost as much as I like the trip. But so much has changed in the world, including travel, and I have learned that … Continued
The year I turned sixty, two things happened to me. I got contacts for the first time in my life, and I went to Italy for the second time.
Sorrento is a lovely city which serves as an excellent hub and gateway to the Amalfi Coast. The shopping can entertain me for the entire day, and I can get lost in the tiny alleys that branch off from Via … Continued
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, including grandmothers, godmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, mothers-to-be, and mothers of the four-legged variety. Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate mothers and thank them for all they do. May is the month … Continued
The first time I went to Italy was in 2007 and I fell in love with the country and its people. As a second-generation Italian, I felt an immediate connection and the need to return again and again. I have … Continued
You’re all so special to me. I’m not sure you know that, but it’s true. I want to thank each one of you for all of your support and encouragement throughout the years, and especially this past year, which has … Continued
Buongiorno and Ciao! All of you who follow this blog know I have a passion for Italy and all things Italian. In the pursuit of that passion, travel to Italy becomes a way for me to satisfy that urge. My … Continued
Big News! My debut medical thriller, CRITICAL COVER-UP, originally published in 2017, has just been released as an audiobook! Narrated by the the talented Blair Seibert, my first novel is now also available on Audible, Amazon, and Apple Books. … Continued
I’m incredibly honored to be a guest on today’s episode of Inside the Minds of Authors podcast. Thank you, D.C. Gomez for the invitation and opportunity to talk about my newest medical thriller, A Cure for Deceit. An author herself, … Continued
Narrated in my own voice, The Venice I Know is now an audiobook. Listen to this 2 1/2- minute audio clip about food and drink in Venice, from chapter 4 of The Venice I Know. Margie Miklas · The Venice … Continued
I’m always in favor of supporting local artisans, and if you want to experience something different, something only found in Venice, visit a forcola workshop. Very few of these woodcarving workshops remain today. Their specialty is to make oars … Continued
“Far from perfect, this island shaped like a fish entices me, despite today’s numerous issues and infrastructure difficulties that appear to worsen every year. There’s just something special about Venice, making it unique and unlike anywhere else I’ve been.” … Continued
By geography and topography alone, most Amalfi Coast towns are built into hills and cliffs. This fact necessitates narrow winding roads cut out of the rock and, in some instances, steep staircases to navigate through the towns. Positano definitely … Continued
June is National Audiobook Month, and I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book on Italy, The Venice I Know, is now an audiobook, narrated in my own voice. Click here to listen to a sample narrated in my own … Continued
I recently had the privilege to be interviewed by Vince Stevenson on Boomers on Books, a video channel for emerging and established authors all over the world. If you missed the live-streamed event, you can catch it now … Continued
Hi everyone, Since Americans aren’t able to travel to Italy due to the pandemic, as you might expect, I’ve focused on writing, and also, turning several of my books into audiobooks. And I’m pleased to announce that my multi-award-winning … Continued
Do your family members ready your books? This may come as a shock, but my 94-year-old mother is the only person in my family who has read all seven of my books. It’s true. My mother is the best! A … Continued
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my newest book, The Venice I Know, dedicated to the resilient people of Venice, whom I have come to know and love. Ranking as #1 in Venice Travel Guides on Amazon’s Hot New … Continued
My newest book is about Venice, and it’s currently in the editing phase. Despite the fairy-tale-like scenes in Venice portrayed in Hollywood movies, and the romantic photos posted on Instagram, Venice is much more than just another beautiful … Continued
It’s official! A Cure for Deceit won a prestigious Royal Palm Literary Award (RPLA). ANNOUNCED AT the 2020 FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE The Florida Writers Association, Inc., (FWA) has announced that Margie Miklas’ winning entry, A Cure for Deceit, … Continued
During these uncertain times forcing many of us to restrict travel, I take comfort in looking at my photos from past years. Living in Florida, I find the one thing I miss about living up north is the change of … Continued
Twenty-eight years ago, when I was in graduate school, I wrote a paper about the role my family played in establishing the values I had developed throughout my life. In going through some old files, I found this paper, and … Continued
Beneath us is the beautiful Piazza san Marco, and I can also see far beyond it. So many red rooftops create a sea of buildings, and the panoramic views of Venice are more than I could ever hope to see. … Continued
A year ago I was packing to go to London for the first time. How times have changed. None of us could have imagined how a virus would take over the world and affect our lives in so many significant … Continued
As you know by now, travel is in my blood, and like many of you, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, I’ve had to cancel my plans to go to Italy this year. At this point, without a safe … Continued
Enjoy this excerpt from Chapter 15 of My Amalfi Coast Love Affair. The Amalfi Drive is believed to be the most scenic and spectacular road in Europe.
One of the gems on the Amalfi Coast is the hilltop town of Ravello. My readers often tell me they wish I included photos in my books. The reason I don’t…photographs typically do not show up well in paperback … Continued
Almost synonymous with the Amalfi Coast is limoncello, the refreshing liqueur, aperitif, and digestivo made from the large lemons grown in Campania. While controversy exists regarding the origins of this popular drink, limoncello prevails as the drink of choice anywhere … Continued
The island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon has ranked as the world’s finest center for glass making since the thirteenth century. Have you been to Murano? I love feedback, so please feel free to share your thoughts. Ciao and … Continued
Great News! A Cure for Deceit has been selected as a semi-finalist in the 2020 Royal Palm Literary Award from the Florida Writers Association! Read more on my Critical Cover-Up blog page.
I love watching Antonio, almost fourteen, as he walks arm in arm with his dad in the streets of Sicily. This scene is not one commonly seen in America, which is why I appreciate its meaning. If you are … Continued
I’m pleased to announce that MY LOVE AFFAIR with SICILY is now also available as an audiobook! Available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Narrated by me, you’ll be able to listen to my voice as I recount experiences in this … Continued
Dreaming of walking along the shore in Gallipoli, a beautiful town in the south of Italy. This is Puglia! What is your favorite memory from southern Italy? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment. Grazie and … Continued
In the trendy neighborhood of Vomero, high above the historic center of Naples, I find Gorizia Pizzeria, the oldest pizzeria in this part of the city. Established by Salvatore Grasso in 1916, this landmark prides itself on creating the … Continued
“Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” – John Steinbeck A jewel of exquisite beauty on the Amalfi Coast Steep streets with endless … Continued
The view of the town of Maiori from the top of the mountain is magnificent. Life here seems simple, and yet, at the same time, it is difficult. By geography and topography alone, most Amalfi Coast towns are built into … Continued
Rome’s ancient Coliseum glows at twilight as the sun filters between its open windows. No filters needed here. So many memories from the Eternal City. Longing to return. What is your favorite memory of Rome? I’d love to hear your … Continued
The stunning Rialto Bridge at night. At the mere mention of Venice this memory floods my senses. An iconic landmark, the oldest bridge in Venice is also one of the most photographed. At night it’s almost magical. Have you experienced … Continued
Attention audiobook lovers! A travel audiobook that captures the allure of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, as Margie Miklas takes us on a journey of personal experiences through storytelling. This audiobook reveals a more personal side of the author, and the … Continued
Once a floating pontoon built in the 12th century, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of Venice and the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal. The bridge, originally constructed from timber, today is made of stone. Although a number … Continued
A pasticceria is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. I cannot walk past Leopoldo CafeBar without satisfying my craving for dolci in Napoli. A dessert restaurant since 1940, this establishment is named after its founder, Leopoldo … Continued
When I first read this coronavirus tale a friend wrote, I could hardly believe it. With his permission, I am sharing his true coronavirus saga, in his own words. This is from Peter Strom, owner of La Bella Vita, specializing … Continued
Venice possesses a charisma I can’t resist. These gondolas lined up on the Grand Canal are the universal image of Venice. I wait for the day I can return to La Serenissima. How about you? Have you experienced a gondola … Continued
Wouldn’t you love to wake up to a view like this? I would too, and I dream of the day I can go back to bella Italia and experience il dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, in a … Continued
This photo of the day can be anywhere in Italy, but it happens to be in Portofino. Seeing laundry hanging in Italy makes me smile, as this is so quintessentially Italian. I’m sure you’ve seen similar images in almost every … Continued
Largo di Torre in Rome is an archaeological site of four temples that lie sunken 20 feet below modern street level. It’s home to over one hundred cats that are cared for by loving volunteers. I visited this amazing place … Continued
One of the most beautiful places on Italy’s Ligurian coast is the village of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre. Seen from above, this view of Vernazza, with its pastel houses lining the marina, can be a postcard. Have you been … Continued
Lake Como seems magical to me, and this scene in the small village of Varenna needs no words. Have you traveled to Varenna on Lake Como? I’d love to hear your about your experiences, so please leave a comment. For … Continued
Villa Cimbrone in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast is probably best known for this outdoor Terrace of Infinity, also called the Belvedere of Infinity. Lined with sculptured marble Roman busts, the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and coastline below … Continued
The seaside town of Scilla is a beautiful and delightful fishing village in Reggio Calabria. Have you visited Scilla or driven past this picturesque town on your way back from Sicily? I’d love to hear your your thoughts. Please leave … Continued
My maternal grandparents were born in the small village of Cesarò, located in the Messina province of Sicily. I sense a real emotional connection here and truly feel at home. I cannot describe this wonderful feeling except to say that … Continued
This stunning view from Ostuni through a narrow walkway, perched high above the historic center, takes my breath away. I’m never disappointed by what I find when I take walks in Italy off the beaten path. Sometimes no agenda is … Continued
I love wandering through these piazzas in Italy, where a photo opportunity appears around every corner. The beautiful Piazza Vecchia is the heart of the old town in Upper Bergamo in northern Italy’s Lombardia region. In the center of this … Continued
I loved watching this gondolier in Venice before I snapped this photo. The life of a gondolier in Venice may seem romantic, but specific requirements must be met before one attains this title. In the 16th century, over 10,000 gondoliers … Continued
Coming soon! ❤️ The AUDIOBOOK! I’m pleased to announce that my most recent Italy memoir, My Amalfi Coast Love Affair, will be available soon as an audiobook! Watch this video and listen to a sample audio here. Also available in … Continued
St Mark’s Square in Venice is arguably one of the most romantic and beautiful piazzas in Italy. Venice at night seems even more magical, especially with the dulcet sounds of love songs filling the air. These professional musicians entertain until … Continued
I enjoy watching local Italians at work, and this Vietri ceramic artisan pauses just long enough for me to meet her. I am mesmerized as I watch Anna Rita hand paint a ceramic plate with precision. Do you enjoy meeting … Continued
These umbrella pine trees which provide partial shade as pedestrians stop to view Rome’s Circus Maximus. Also known as stone pines, these trees were originally brought to Rome from Greece. Have you seen these beautiful trees during your … Continued
It’s been seven weeks since I posted anything here. I simply haven’t been inspired to write. In early March, when Italy’s coronavirus outbreak escalated to large numbers of cases and deaths, predominantly in the northern regions, I felt an … Continued
The first time I visited Italy I was naive and had no clue about the Italian lifestyle known as la passeggiata.
“I wish you’d include photos in your books.” Readers often comment how they wish I included photos in my books. The truth is…photographs typically do not show up well in paperback books. As a result of their feedback, I’ve decided … Continued
My readers often tell me they wish I included photos in my books. The reason I don’t…photographs typically do not show up well in paperback books. So now I’ve decided to post some excerpts and the accompanying Amalfi Coast photos … Continued
It’s official! A Cure for Deceit, a medical thriller, has been published! I am pleased to announce the release of my latest book, A Cure for Deceit Now available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. What happens … Continued
It’s been over a year since I’ve been in Italy, and normally by now I’d have made plans for a return trip. But this year is different, and although a part of my heart is always in Italy, I’m traveling … Continued
I often hear from my readers they wish I included photos in my books. The fact is… photographs typically do not show up well in paperback books. So I’ve decided to post some excerpts and the accompanying Amalfi Coast photos … Continued
So many of my readers tell me they wish I included photos in my books. The reason I chose not to do so, is because they don’t show up well in paperback books. So I’ve decided to post an excerpt … Continued
Venice by night is magical. Traveling on a vaporetto along the Grand Canal, I’m mesmerized at the sight of all the architecture lit up against the night sky. The air is still and the wind blows just enough to cause … Continued
Anyone who has visited Siena couldn’t miss the famous Fountain of Joy, also known as Fonte Gaia. Situated on the high side of Piazza del Campo, this fifteeenth-century white marble sculpted fountain and pool is one of a few … Continued
Writing, writing, and more writing..not so much on my blog, but I’m busy writing the sequel to Critical Cover-Up. I’ve made a writing schedule for myself so that I’ll be disciplined enough to have the manuscript completed and ready to … Continued
After reviewing some of the tens of thousands of photos I have taken in Italy, a few interesting ones make me laugh and say, “Only in Italy.” Two things prompted me to take each photo. One is … Continued
I take photos everywhere I go in Italy. I find beauty on a narrow street and tranquility in the setting sun, but I also seem to be drawn to unique circumstances, which are part of the Italian lifestyle. These situations … Continued
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Buon Natale a tutti! Grazie mille a tutti Ciao a presto See you next year!
Meet Pasquale and Maria from Maiori. They are special people of the Amalfi Coast. Ceramica L’Arte Vietrese greets me with its colorful storefront, and its partially open door beckons me to step inside. A huge selection of hand-painted vases, … Continued
“I don’t know what it is about the Amalfi Coast that tugs at my heart and makes me wish I was there, more than any other place in Italy.” *** These are the first words from my latest book, My … Continued
It’s official! My Amalfi Coast Love Affair has been published! I am pleased to announce the release of my latest book, My Amalfi Coast Love Affair, available now in digital and paperback formats. Available now As you turn the pages, … Continued
I’m excited to announce that my fourth book on Italy is nearing completion. Since I returned from Italy, I wrote the final chapters about a place near and dear to my heart. Anyone who has been reading my blog, … Continued
A tenth visit to Bella Italia proved to be my dream trip to Italy, because this truly was a romantic vacation. I traveled with someone I love, and that made every place we went as a couple, a new … Continued
As a first-time visitor to Paris, I’m a bit out of my comfort zone, unlike when I travel to Italy. But my expectations for a good time are high, especially since I’m traveling to this romantic city with someone I … Continued
When an opportunity arose for me to experience a Colosseum Underground Tour, including a walk through the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum with The Roman Guy, I was elated and wasted no time making arrangements. It’s been years since I’ve … Continued
Travel is an integral component of my DNA, or at least it has been, ever since I became an adult. I’ve been fortunate to be able to visit Italy almost every year, beginning in 2007, when I fell in love … Continued
I love these low-overhead street vendors who operate out of these small trucks in Italy. These vehicles are called APE‘s, made by Piaggio, the same company who manufactures the famous Vespa scooter as well as other vehicles. In fact the … Continued
In Vietri-sul-Mare I don’t think I can walk five feet without hues of blue, yellow, red, and green showering my senses. Brilliant colors blast my eyes like a kaleidoscope, and I love it. At a little workshop, I have the … Continued
Italy travel is on the rise and Venice is a favorite travel destination. Its beloved nickname of La Serenissima, seems to be going by the wayside though, as the city becomes congested with tourists. Venice is one of my favorite … Continued
This couple in Sorrento touched my heart, like so many people of Italy do. They owned and operated this shop in Sorrento, and were so kind to me, allowing me to photograph them and look around their workshop. The expressions … Continued
In a city of almost three million people, I always enjoy finding a place to get away from it all. When I needed a break from the fast pace of sightseeing in Rome, I made my way over to … Continued
Life in Italy is not always easy. This photo is typical of many places where staircases, steps, and inclined walkways are the norm. The first set of steps is in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, and the next … Continued
Cats in Italy seem to be everywhere. Maybe I just notice them more since most live outside. These cats, gatti, seem to appear in every single town I visit. I must say though, that I do not recall seeing them … Continued
Rome is a place I can visit over and over, and experience something new every time. Enjoy some of my favorite Instagram photos from Rome. View this post on Instagram A welcome sight on these hot days in … Continued
One of the highlights of my visit to Le Marche is an authentic Italian experience with the coalmen or carbonai in the Metauro River valley of Borgo Pace. These charcoal burners are the last of a generation to make charcoal … Continued
Venice is a favorite place in Italy for me. Enjoy some of my favorite Instagram photos from Venice. View this post on Instagram One of the most photographed sights in Venice ~ The Bridge of Sighs ##Travel #Italy #Venice … Continued
How many ways can I say thank you from my heart and express my gratitude to you? This blog is primarily a travel blog, concentrated on Italy and all things Italian. I know occasionally I write about other things and … Continued
I love Italian vintage photos so when I realized I’d be in New York City in time for an Italian vintage photo I definitely was interested. Since I was arriving in New York on the last day of the exhibit, … Continued
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, I wrote a story about my maternal grandmother. It was published in the October issue of La Gazzetta Italiana, an Italian-American newspaper from Cleveland, Ohio. Since the digital version of the newspaper is available … Continued
I fell in love with Portofino when I had a chance to spend a day there a few years ago on a Mediterranean cruise. This charming town on the Ligurian coast is one of the places I’d definitely plan to … Continued
I’m thrilled to announce that the wait is over, and my novel, Critical Cover-Up, has been published and is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. A psychological thriller where corruptive hospital practices threaten to shatter illusions of … Continued
Ciao amici, I want to take this opportunity to say grazie mille from the bottom of my heart. Thank you all for being such loyal supporters of my blog. If you have visited lately, then you already know that it … Continued
On a side street in Naples across from a church a flower vendor sets up shop every day. The street might be dirty and graffiti may cover the side of his three-wheeled Ape vehicle, yet he tends to his plants … Continued
A view from Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano…with the Li Galli Islands in sight in the Tyrrhenian Sea below “A picture is worth a thousand words.” I could savor this scene for hours. For me this is tranquility, beauty, peaceful … Continued
If you’ve ever wondered how to get views like this, you have to consider climbing to St Peter’s Dome in Rome, actually at the Vatican. Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica was always one of the top places I wanted to go … Continued
Tucked away in a village in Le Marche is the workshop of Emanuele Francioni, a talented young artisan who is the sixth-generation to carry on an age-old family tradition. This special method of printing with handmade stencils and paint comes … Continued
Life in Italy is beautiful Yes, for sure, I love traveling to Italy whenever I can. The more I visit Italy, the more I learn from the Italian people and their beautiful lifestyle. You gotta love the Italians. I … Continued
Lush green rolling hills, soothing red fields of poppies, pretty yellow fields of rapeseed as far as your eye can see, and quaint little-known hilltop villages. Sounds like Tuscany, but it’s not. I’m about to enjoy an authentic Italian experience … Continued
Beautiful beach scenes and seaside views abound in Italy. Since Italy is a peninsula with two large islands, Sardinia and Sicily, plus countless smaller islands, it’s not surprising to discover these beach scenes in Italy. As you know I love … Continued
Although I’ve visited the Eternal City on five previous occasions, I never had the opportunity to explore Rome with a local, until now. I yearned to be in the city again, since my last time in Rome was four years … Continued
Close your eyes and imagine yourself on a hillside in Tuscany, surrounded by the beauty of nature, a feeling of serenity, and a gorgeous terra cotta tinted villa. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? This was my reality as I … Continued
When our ancestors left Italy in search of opportunity, and a better life, they brought with them their Italian traditions. Today Italian-Americans respect and honor their heritage by maintaining customs learned from their parents and grandparents. … Continued
Most of Italy is mountainous or hilly at the very least, so plan on walking a lot when traveling to Bella Italia. On average, I walk a minimum of five miles a day and many times it’s closer to eight … Continued
Six years ago I wrote a post about an Italian lifestyle titled Mammoni – Mamma’s Boys in Italy and today it ranks as my most popular post. Mammoni, a term applied to single Italian men who live at home with their … Continued
If you told me I could click my heels three times and I’d be in Positano, I wouldn’t have to think about it. My answer would be “Yes, please, right now.” Since I don’t live in a fantasy land and … Continued
For all the times I’ve tried to describe the Amalfi Coast road, I could never really adequately explain what this short video shows so clearly. A classic example of “show, don’t tell.” Thank you, Coastal Living Instagram, for posting this … Continued
Many of you know that I’ve been working on my first novel, and now I’ve reached the next step in the writing process. For the past few weeks, my manuscript has been in the capable hands of my editor, Susan … Continued
Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and these photos easily explain why. Located in central Italy, Tuscany stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Tyrrhenian Sea. From the rolling hills with scenes of serene … Continued
Last week travelers were affected by an airport strike in Italy.. So what’s new, right? Strikes in Italy are commonplace, part of the lifestyle. They can occur with all modes of transportation, and they do, on a regular basis. During … Continued
You know, you can do the same thing ten times and still learn from your experience. And this certainly holds true for travel. No matter how many times I travel to Italy I learn something new, sometimes through challenging experiences. … Continued
Emerging out of the depths of the Tyrrhenian Sea are mammoth rock formations. I experience a magical moment when I first see the towering “sea stacks” located at the southern end of the island of Capri. They cause me to … Continued
Italy is a photographer’s dream, with views to die for everywhere I go. So to choose one place where the view is a favorite is impossible…Enjoy just a few of my most memorable scenes from my travels to Bella … Continued
Whenever I travel to Italy, my camera is a necessity to capture the memories of a place and its photographic images forever. The images are from Lucca, a delightful city in Tuscany not far from Pisa or Florence. If you … Continued