Journeys Viaggio

Opening soon is an exhibition of Dutch paintings  at Palazzo Fava in Bologna, ticket sales are already going through the roof for the show, which will run from February 8 to May 25.  The exhibition will feature works by seventeenth-century Dutch painters, on loan from the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, among them Johannes Vermeer’s world-famous ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’, on display  for the first time  in Italy. More than 70,000 tickets have already been sold. A  theatre performance with music by Franco Battiato to open the exhibition sold out within minutes.  Area hotels are offering special room packages in junction with the exhibition – some include entry tickets to the showing.

For more information, see theflr.net/vermeer.

For years scientist and nutritionist have been telling us about the health benefits of a diet rich in olive oil…the cardiovascular and digestive benefits of the ‘Mediterranean diet’.  New researcher from the University of Florence have found that a component of extra virgin olive oil may prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.  French scientists are researching the theory that olive oil can lead to improved cognitive function, particularly among older adults.So versatile is olive oil that it can be used as an integral part of both your diet and beauty regime.

Walk around any supermarket and alongside bottles produced for use in the kitchen you will spot soaps and creams also made from the humble olive oil.

Spain produces over 45% of the world’s olive oil, and Italy, producing 25%, comes in second in world production.

See more at: http://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/8-things-know-about-olive-oil#sthash.h2RnX5g7.dpuf