Umbria Jazz Photo Diary

The first two weeks of July I was in Perugia, Italy, for the Umbria Jazz festival. Umbria Jazz 26 was held a week earlier than usual, because the organizers wanted to book Sting, who was available only on July 3rd. It was definitely worth it! Sting has performed in Perugia three times: in 1987, 2012 and 2026. I was there in 2012 as well and I have to say, Sting looked and sounded better than ever before!

Umbria Jazz 26 had a recordbreaking number of sold tickets... 46,000! There was an average of 20,000 visitors per day (for 10 days) who watched approximately 275 shows (28 shows per day, divided over 15 venues). Can you believe that? It's the biggest jazz festival in Italy and I will show you why. Perugia is a beautiful city, with stunning architecture. There are many -and I do mean many- good restaurants and bars. The local food is no nonsense, just how I like it! Pasta, pizza, veggies and salads, hamburgers... there is something to suit al tastes.

Umbria Jazz always knows how to please the crowds.... from big pop and rock stars at the Arena Santa Giuliana (their biggest venue) to "niche" jazz musicians at the Teatro Morlacchi and Sala Podiani... From jazz music for kids to the "swing stage" at Mercato Coperto, where people could dance to traditional jazz music... From jazz lunches and aperitivi at restaurant La Taverna and wine bar La Bottega del Vino to blues and rock and roll at the Giardini Carducci... it's just too much to mention.

Some of my favorite shows included Sting, Jon Batiste, Gilberto Gil, Zucchero, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Kenny Barron, Sugarpie and the Candymen (at La Bottega del Vino), Accordi Disaccordi and Ray Gelato (both at Giardini Carducci). Unfortunately I also missed several concerts that I really wanted to see... but that's just part of the deal when you're at a big music festival.

What I love most about Umbria Jazz is the people and the atmosphere. While Perugia is very crowded during Umbria Jazz, there are still places and moments to enjoy a romantic sunset, watching little kids dance to jazz music, an unexpected street artist who takes your breath away, connecting with old and new friends, dancing salsa and samba at the arena, sipping an Aperól Spritz while overlooking the Umbrian hills... 

Thank you Perugia and thank you Umbria Jazz!

Want to read more about Perugia and the Umbria Jazz festival? Please continue here:
Five things to do in Perugia
Holiday Season in Umbria
Ristorante La Taverna Perugia

Happy Ferragosto

Buon Ferragosto to all my Italian friends! On August 15th the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in Italy, although originally it was a holiday with Ancient Roman roots. The name Ferragosto comes from the Latin "Feriae Augusti", which means Festivals of the Emperor Augustus. The tradition was started in 18 BC to celebrate the end of the harvest season. That's just amazing, isn't it? A holiday that has been celebrated for more than 2000 years!

Want to read more about Ferragosto? Please continue here:
Ferragosto

Y'am Capri

Y'am Capri is a beautiful fashion brand and store on the island of Capri. Owner Valeria de Gregorio, who was born and raised in Capri, designs everything herself. She chooses the colors, the fabrics and all the intricate details. It's the epitome of luxury if you ask me. In fact, her (jet-set) clients travel to Capri from all over the world. 

The flagship store in Capri is tiny, but packed to the max with gorgeous pieces. I always feel like a kid in a candy store when I'm there! Valeria sells her famous Hellenuccia bags, jewelry, luxury resort wear and everything in between. She uses handmade techniques, local artisans and sustainable fabrics to produce her clothing line.

But besides the beautiful clothes and accessories, it's Valeria's hospitality that is unmatched! Last time I was there, she and her mother insisted on getting a cup of coffee for me (at the nearest bar). They were so sweet!! I have to say, in this day and age I prefer shopping at small, local shops, rather than spending my money at big international chains.

Whenever I'm wearing my Hellenuccia bag, it always transports me back to Capri! It reminds me of my wonderful holiday, of this beautiful island, of Italy, of Valeria and her lovely shop. And the funny thing is, I always get so many compliments from men and women, young and older people, fashionistas, etc. Y'am Capri has a universal appeal.

Next time you visit Capri, you must stop by her shop! In the mean time, you can take a look at her website and order online.

Y'am Capri
Via Madonna delle Grazie 7
80073 Capri (NA)
Italy
Website: Y'am Capri

Citytrip Valencia

Valencia... it seems like everybody is going there right now! I recently visited this beautiful Spanish city for the first time and I have to say "wow"! I absolutely loved the architecture, the museums, the cathedral, the (enormous) Turia garden, all the pretty squares, the beach and of course the people. 

Valencia has a very mediterranean vibe and laidback atmosphere. Especially the boho district "Ruzafa" gave me that holiday feeling. In certain streets it actually felt a bit like Cuba, with all the colorful houses, palm trees, artesan and vintage shops.

Talking about vintage shops... I found a true gem on Gran Via de las Germanies, "El Vestidor Vintage". This beautiful store specializes in luxury vintage. Items include dresses by Emilio Pucci, Balenciaga, Natan, shoes by Prada, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and bags by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Loewe.

Besides vintage fashion, you can find all the big brands in Valencia: Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo (near the Poeta Querol street and the ceramics museum), Zara, Mango, H&M, Intimissimi and so on. The prettiest fashion store in Valencia, if you ask me, is Loewe. The store is located at the Plaza de la Reina, in a recently restored Art Nouveau building.

In case you're not a fashion lover... no worries! There is something to do for everyone. Art lovers should not miss the Museo de Bellas Artes Valencia, which has a large collection of paintings by local artist Joaquín Sorolla. Another favourite of mine is the ceramics museum, located inside a stunning building, Palacio del Marqués de dos Aguas. Even if you're not interested in ceramics, this museum is a must!

To get to know the city better, I would recommend taking a bicycle tour. You can explore all the major tourist attractions, as well as the Turia garden (a 9 kilometer long park) in a couple of hours. I went on a tour with Verrassend Valencia, a Dutch organisation, but there are many different ones. Most of them can be found in Ruzafa, in Carrer de Cuba.

And then I haven't even told you about all the bars and restaurants.... Valencia is definitely a place for foodies. From trying the local paella, to all the different tapas, from Horchata and Fartons to Argentinian pastries... it's hard to choose. You can start by going to the central market and try to conquer a spot at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena.

Another great place is the roof top bar Atenea Sky, overlooking the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. It's a very trendy place, with cocktails and DJs... so dress the part and order a "Agua de Valencia"! But beware, this drink has absolutely nothing to do with water... it's a (strong) cocktail made with orange juice, cava, vodka and gin.

Well, I guess you just have to take my word for it: Valencia is the place to be!

Photos taken at:
Atenea Sky https://ateneasky.com/en/
El Vestidor Vintage https://elvestidorvintage.com/
DDL Boutique https://www.ddlboutique.com/
Ceramics Museum https://www.cultura.gob.es/mnceramica/en/home.html
Marina Beach Club Valencia https://marinabeachclub.com/en/home/
Santo Pastel https://santopastel.es/
Loewe store https://www.loewe.com/eur/en/home
Museo de Bellas Artes Valencia https://museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es/va/
Verrassend Valencia https://www.verrassendvalencia.nl/