Mourning Sound in Barga - Pete's Newsletter - Issue #7
Book of the Week
I finally got around to reading Ready Player One and like most, I got a real kick out of it.
I recommend picking it up before the movie is released next year. I expect the cinematic interpretation to differ greatly from how readers see the book in their mind's eye.
Judging from the trailer, the movie looks pretty bad, but I hope to be proven wrong.
Songs of the Week
I have two songs for you this week.
Song one: This one is for fans of Americana/country-rock stuff. It is a sad little love song by Jason Isbell. Start there and then check out the entire album
"Flagship" a song by Jason Isbell on Spotify
Song two: I find most of Grizzly Bear's music to be a little draining, but I really dig this song. It is an ambient mid tempo track with David Byrne-esque vocals and quirky melodies.
"Mourning Sound" a song by Grizzly Bear on Spotify
Article of the Week
Ah.. glorious late nighties pop music. I can still smell the horrific stench twenty years later.
Podcast of the Week
Fun story about a dynamic duo ripping off the House and getting their revenge.
Destination of the Week
Barga sits under the radar in a mountainous river valley in northern Tuscany. My ancestors on the Simonini side came from the area. Turns out it is a perfect medieval Italian village.
Where to stay:
Check out Casa Fontana, a quaint B&B owned and run by a friendly Scottish couple who have lived in Barga for years. The location is perfect and they give great recommendations and assistance during your stay.
Casa Fontana Tuscany B&B, Barga on TripAdvisor
What to do:
A few kilometers from Barga, visit the Hermitage of Calomini, a remote chapel built into a steep mountainside. Afterwards, have lunch at the family owned Agriturismo next door, Antica Trattoria dell'Eremita, which will serve you fresh river trout and liters of crisp white wine.
Tip before you go:
Time your trip with one of Barga's cultural festivals. We were there during the annual Jazz Festival. You can find event information here