Hi All.....I am in Ascoli Piceno for a couple of weeks. If anyone is in the area and wants to grab a lunch or a cocktail, just send me a message. This is a great town to visit, Eric Bengel

This month marks my first anniversary chasing La Bella Vita. The last 12 months have been a journey with highs and lows. My Bella Vita started with Immobiliare.it. After visits to Italy with organised tours, I decided to buy a house on a hill in Trieste. Fortunately, Jessica Piazza of Antica Trieste, the agent, was and is fantastic. Today I was in her office. We were talking and laughing (laughter was about me buying a billard table that will not fit in the games room). Seriously, she is a friend and I would not have been able to make it without her. Thank you Jessica. Antica Trieste has also grown and moved into larger premises. A subtle sign that the Trieste real estate market is growing. I wonder what this means to local people who are trying to buy. I did meet a husband who had moved from Venice to Trieste. He was explaining that it is not easy for young professionals to buy. For my part, I am addicted to window shopping in real estate agent windows. My sense/impression is prices have risen 15% to 20%. Having stayed with various short stay providers, the number and options are overwhelming. Maria and Antonio at Reception Trieste stand out. Also Simone Sapio at Unit House is excellent. Knowing how long and hard these people work, does raise some questions about who is able to chase the Bella Vita. I would discuss issues with a host before posting a review. I do not post hostile reviews. Often people are working long hours and have tight turn around between guests. We are all human after all. Given the number of short stay properties, this may lead to a "hollowing out" of buildings where neighbours are no longer there. What does this mean for Trieste's aging population? Migration is happening and it is noticeable in the Trieste centre. Today I met a charming waiter who is from Morocco (a country I love). He is chasing his Bella Vita. A life where he can have a family and see that family have an education. Many are accepting low paid but essential jobs that keep Trieste ticking. Thank you for the essential workers that keep Trieste functioning.

Hi Guys! For those who love art, the El Dorado Hills Art Association is having a fine art show on 10 October starting at 9:00 and going until 5:00 and the El Dorado Hills Library. . I will be showing several of my pieces of all sizes and price ranges. This beauty will be there as well. I attended last year and the talent was off the charts. There are so many beautiful artists creating one of a kind pieces.

With the on-site filming of Chasing La Bella Vita here, we're making Torrita di Siena the new filming capital of the world!