Drinking Water in the Middle Ages - Another Myth Exploded

From buttons to water - here's another interesting link exploding a common belief people have about the Middle Ages - that they didn't drink water! What about all those references to "watered wine" because few people drank straight wine. But also, cool water in the summertime? Especially in Sicily, where it's not only hot, but two hundred years of Arab occupation produced scores of irrigation and fountains. And let's not forget the need for water because of all the public baths. Yes, people, bathing in the areas that have known Roman occupation was frequent and every town of a fair size had a public bath. Palermo had many. Anyway, check out this terrific article on water at http://www.medievalists.net/2014/07/09/people-drink-water-middle-ages/

Puglia anyone? Roman, Byzantine, Norman history up to Gallipoli

Apulia, or Puglia as the Italians call it, has something for everyone.  If you're a historian, like I am, or just a plain history buff, Apulia has it all.  From Roman to 20th century.  Not to mention, fabulous food, seafood, pasta, fresh everything.  The region is known for its wine and its olive oil and it's beautiful besides.  Check this article out from USA Today


http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-04-24-puglia-italy_N.htm

Wine anyone - how about Sicilian wine???

Now I know there aren't a lot of wine drinkers out there (lol) but if you like wine, European travel, traveling around Sicily and Italy and might want to try out local wines, check out this article from the travel magazine called Afar - http://www.afar.com/magazine/into-the-vines-the-wines-and-winemakers-of-sicily?&utm_source=newsletter041914&utm_medium=email&utm_content=logo&utm_campaign=weekly_wander