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Articles: 1-30, 31-60, 61-90, 91-120

Happiness, Wisdom & Growth
2007-07-31 18:35:00
“Let no one be slow to seek wisdom when he is young nor weary in the search of it when he has grown old. For no age is too early or too late for the health of the soul. And to say that the season for studying philosophy has not yet come, or that it is past and gone, is like saying that the season for happiness is not yet or that it is now no more. Therefore, both old and young alike ought to seek wisdom, the former in order that, as age comes over him, he may be young in good things because of the grace of what has been, and the latter in order that, while he is young, he may at the same time be old, because he has no fear of the things which are to come. So we must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed towards attaining it.” —Epicurus, Letter to MenoeceusInternational Escort : Kathleen Glydefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Kabinett beschließt Teilprivatisierung der Bahn
2007-07-24 13:47:00
Berlin (dpa) - Die bundeseigene Bahn soll nach dem Willen der Bundesregierung teilweise in private Hände übergehen. Das Bundeskabinett beschloss am Dienstag den von Verkehrsminister Wolfgang Tiefensee (SPD) vorgelegten Gesetzentwurf zur Teilprivatisierung des Bahnkonzerns. Die Entscheidung sei einstimmig gewesen, hieß es in Regierungskreisen.Nur die Infrastruktur wie das Schienennetz der Bahn, Bahnhöfe und Energieleistungen bleiben zunächst 15 Jahre im Eigentum des Bundes. Die Bahn darf es in dieser Zeit jedoch wirtschaftlich nutzen und soll durch Anteilsverkäufe an Privatinvestoren international stärker werden.Tiefensee hatte angekündigt, er strebe Ende 2008 in einem ersten Schritt den Verkauf von etwa 25 Prozent Bundesanteilen an private Investoren an. Der Gesetzentwurf enthält dies bisher nicht. Der Zeitpunkt dürfte auch wesentlich von einer Einigung mit den Ländern abhängen. Bundestag und Bundesrat müssen dem Entwurf zustimmen. Via German NewsInternational Courtesan...

Sternen Pizzeria : Zürich
2007-07-20 15:39:00
Culinary adventures in Zürich from the Neue Züricher Zeitung. The Ebony Courtesan's favourite German online magazine. For the Black Courtesan's German speaking readers. Do call on the Ebony Courtesan if you need help translating:-)Sternen Pizzeria : ZürichÜberforderte Kellner im EngequartieHon. Schon lange wollten wir einmal im «Da Guido» bzw. «Sternen» an der Seestrasse zwischen Enge und Wollishofen essen. Und der Zufall wollte es, dass wir unlängst um die Mittagszeit hungrig dort vorbeifuhren. Wie eine Prozession schien beim Glockenschlag um 12 Uhr sich das ganze Quartier ins «Da Guido» zu drängen. Wir fanden noch einen letzten freien Tisch für drei Personen und waren überglücklich, als der Wirbelwind von Kellner uns auch schon bald nach unseren Getränkewünschen fragte. Karten waren allerdings noch keine zu haben.Der ganze Laden schien unter Strom zu stehen, am Buffet wurden wie wild Getränke und Teller bereitgestellt, und der Pizzaiolo schuftete Tempo Teufel i...

Golf Weekend
2007-07-18 20:04:00
'Tis the season for golf adventures with the Ebony Courtesan! Enjoy a weekend of golf with the Amorous Courtesan on the French Riviera, with its glorious mountains and sensuous beaches. The French Riviera is perfect for a weekend of golf, wine, sea and culinary pleasures.Play golf with the Ebony Courtesan at the Royal Mougins Golf Club, which was established in 1993. The Ebony Courtesan has been a member there for over two years. Royal Mougins is an exclusive private club. If you are not a member it is almost impossible for you to play golf at the Royal Mougins. So this is a wonderful window of opportunity for golf lovers:-)Golf NewsFive-times major winner Seve Ballesteros announced his retirement from golf on Monday, ending one of the most glittering careers in the modern game.The Spaniard, who won the British Open three times and the U.S. Masters twice, told a news conference at Carnoustie: "This has been the most difficult decision of my life."An emotional Ballesteros, 50, who u...

Summer Sun
2007-07-16 12:40:00
Summer Sun in Zürich.Warm and, when away from the cooling breezeof the Limmat. Humid, almost to the point of discomfort....The Amorous Courtesan calls for a glass of champagne:-)Summer SunGreat is the sun, and wide he goes Through empty heaven without repose; And in the blue and glowing days More thick than rain he showers his rays Though closer still the blinds we pull To keep the shady parlour cool, Yet he will find a chink or two To slip his golden fingers through. The dusty attic, spider-clad, He, through the keyhole, maketh glad; And through the broken edge of tiles Into the laddered hay-loft smiles. Meantime his golden face around He bares to all the garden ground, And sheds a warm and glittering look Among the ivy's inmost nook. Above the hills, along the blue, Round the bright air with footing true, To please the child, to paint the rose, The gardener of the World, he goes. Robert Louis Stevenson. ( 1850–1894 )International Escort : K...

Poetic Symbols
2007-07-13 10:29:00
The Black Courtesan believes that the poet will either be nature or seek the lost nature. The Ebony Courtesan nourishes her poetic spirit with long walks in the woods, poetry and painting.She is leaving this poem with you in honor of naive and sentimental poetry. A poet often makes enlightened use Of symbols, to produce A speaking, laughing picture that presents Some hidden truth, with style and consequence. For this, he takes the world: his book's the living Stuff of nature, and the inanimate too, weaving Its effect, be it a magnet, a swaying palm, Or what the scientist learns in the trine room Of his own kingdom.All is grist to his art, Arousing interest, stimulating thought. He sets his sound-bite: pithy, pointed, neat, Cogent, impressive, needing no exegete, Yet with abundant verses clarified Backing the aperçu. Here is amplified, Lovingly spread, the meaning of the symbol, Its property and point. The pair resemble Each other; they are joined like soul and flesh. The symbol co...

Die Deutsche Sprache
2007-07-11 19:48:00
As many of you know the Black Courtesan is fluent in German. A language she adores. She is sharing one of her favourite poems with you today. "The German Language" by Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock. Below in English and German:-)Ferner Gestade, die Woge schnell,Dem Blicke gehellt bis zum Kiesel ist, -Das Gebüsch blinket er durch oder wallt In die Luft, hohes Gewölk duftend, - der Strom;Wirbelchen drehn mit ihm fort. So strömt Die Sprache, die, Hermann, dein Ursohn spricht. (O, auch du glichest dem Strom, Mann des Volks, Da dir Roms steigender Damm lockert' und brach.)Tieferen Quellen entströmet sie Erst wenige Zeit, da der eine Quell Noch in Sand floss, sich verlor. Säumend jetzt Und mit der Eil hallte der jetzt aus dem Geklüft;Aber er rann in den Kies. Nun kam Der Glücklichen einer und leitet' ihnIn den Strom. Schatten umher pflanzt man schon, An der Kluft, weilen da schon Wanderer gern,Stehen und sinnen: Versiegt vielleicht Ein ähnlicher Quell in dem Sand auch uns? Und geb...

Golf In Carinthia
2007-07-08 14:08:00
For the golf lovers amongst you. A very informative and interesting article from the Black Courtesan's favourite Golf Magazine -- "Golf In Carinthia"Carinthia - the southernmost 'Land' of Austria, sharing borders with Italy and Slovenia - is situated in a basin of the Alps and has the longest hours of sunshine in the region. The golfing season can therefore start earlier here, from April onwards.Surrounded by breathtaking scenery – in the midst of mighty mountains and pristine lakes – Carinthia (Kärnten in German - the main language here) is a real golfer's paradise. Boasting two 27-hole courses, five 18-hole courses, two 9-hole courses and various driving ranges, Austria’s sunny south has a particularly high number of courses.What’s more, they are all within a radius of 85km and yet no two rounds are alike, thanks to the varied countryside. The warming rays of the early summer sun combined with the Carinthians’ attitude, love of life and excellent cuisine do you the ...

Charitable Giving
2007-07-06 16:33:00
The Black Courtesan welcomes you to her philanthropic work with a twist.The charitable foundation of the month is Barnardo's. Donate €3600 to Barnardo's and join the Ebony Courtesan for twelve hours of carnal pleasure. Valid for one "date" in September.For those interested please donate online Here. Or visit the Black Courtesan's website HereBarnardo’s believes in children regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability or behaviour. "We believe in the abused, the vulnerable, the forgotten and the neglected. We will support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.We do this because we believe that every child deserves the best start in life and the chance to fulfil their potential. We use the knowledge gained from our direct work with children to campaign for better childcare policy and to champion the rights of every child.For many people, the name Barnardo's is synonymous with orphans and orphanages. Today, there is no such thing ...

Clouds Gathering
2007-07-05 19:18:00
The Black Courtesan is currently reading Jackstraws Poem by Charles Simic. She thoroughly enjoyed "De Occulta Philosophia" :-)Thank you for such a thoughtful gift. It is said that Simic paints exquisite and shattering word pictures. Below is one of the Ebony Courtesan's favourite poems by Charles Simic.Clouds gatheringIt seemed the kind of life we wanted.Wild strawberries and cream in the morning.Sunlight in every room.The two of us walking by the sea naked.Some evenings, however, we found ourselvesUnsure of what comes next.Like tragic actors in a theater on fire,With birds circling over our heads,The dark pines strangely still,Each rock we stepped on bloodied by the sunset.We were back on our terrace sipping wine.Why always this hint of an unhappy ending?Clouds of almost human appearanceGathering on the horizon, but the rest lovelyWith the air so mild and the sea untroubled.The night suddenly upon us, a starless night.You lighting a candle, carrying it nakedInto our bedroom and bl...

Midnight Moon
2007-07-04 12:58:00
"There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery". How often does the bright moon come?With Wine, I ask of the blue sky.In the heavily palaces,I wish to return there, riding the wind,but fear that in the high places of jade halls and eaves,I cannot fend off the cold. Rising to dance with my clear shadow, scarcely possible that I among men,turn around the red lacquered pavilions,dip below the silken-curtained windows, shine on the sleeplessThere ought not be regrets,but why so often are you full at times of parting?Men have sorrow and joy and farewell and union.The moon has clouds and clear skies,waxing and waningPerfection is rare since days of old,so wish only that the years be long,to share beauty even across a thousand miles.by Su Shih (1037–1101)International Courtesan : Kathleen Glydefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

The Love Of A Courtesan
2007-06-29 14:01:00
Please note that as of July 30th --- The Black Courtesan is unavailable to new suitors until after August 10th.For further information please visit the Black Courtesan's website HereFor the art lovers amongst you. The painting pictured is called "Halbnackt" by Karl Hofer, a wonderful companion to today's poem:-)The Love Of A CourtesanWas it a fairy tale our time togetherThe distance between us, theEndless days of harmonyAnd profound oneness.Was it love, infatuation,Or were you in love with the idea of love,Or another...My all I gave to thee,Purity and innocenceWith a sweet ever after musicAnd what have become of me.The Love Of A Courtesanby Kathleen GlydeAnd since you know you cannot see yourself,so well as by reflection, I, your glass,will modestly discover to yourself,that of yourself which you yet know not of.William ShakespeareOn ArtART has not always been what we think it is today. An object regarded as Art today may not have been perceived as such when it was first made, nor...

I Love the Dark Hours of My Being
2007-06-27 15:31:00
I love the dark hours of my being.My mind deepens into them.There I can find, as in old letters,the days of my life, already lived,and held like a legend, and understood.Then the knowing comes:I can open to another life that's wide and timeless.So I am sometimes like a tree rustling over a gravesiteand making real the dreamof the one its living roots embrace:a dream once lost among sorrows and songs.Rainer Maria Rilkefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Li Qingzhao
2007-06-27 10:34:00
The painting pictured is called "The Courtesan" ( after Eisen )Painted in 1887 by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)I always remember the sunsetover the pavalion by the river.So tipsy, we could not find our way home.Our interest exhausted, the evening late,we tried to turn the boat homeward.By mistake, we entered deep within the lotus bed.Row! Row the boat!A flock of herons, frightened,suddenly flew skyward.Li QingzhaoLi Qingzhao 'During the several thousand years of feudal society in China , women were invariably placed at the bottom of society, their talent and intelligence given no chance to develop. Throughout the ages, however, nearly a hundred remarkable women writers succeeded in breaking through the bounds of the feudal ethical code and winning their rightful place in the history of literature. Their artistic achievements were by no means inferior to those of their contemporary male counterparts. Among these illustrious women, Li Qingzhao, a poetess of the Song Dynasty, was the m...

Poem Of The Day
2007-06-25 12:29:00
Please note that as of July 30th --- The Black Courtesan is unavailable to new suitors until after August 12th. For further information please visit the Black Courtesan's website HereSmeared DetailAlone, I absorbed myself in the restoration of a painting.Remember the oil pastel we had left out in the sun too long?It provided me with the satisfaction of something to salvage.Together, we had stretched wet canvas over the inconvenience of space.You left it to dry, while I was consumed with the surface.It was the size of canvas you had chosen for "A Picnic Scene."I said it was too grand for the soft nature of my style.Now the lady with the pink and white sun hat sits smudged,and while her twin boys roll around on a smeared blanket,the sky runs into bleeding dandelions.Gemini Reiterfeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

The Courtesan
2007-06-22 12:12:00
The painting pictured was painted in 1910 by Leo Putz. "Weiblicher Akt am Baum." Please note that as of July 30th --- The Black Courtesan is unavailable to new suitors until after August 12th.For further information please visit the Black Courtesan's website Herefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

The Courtesan's Breasts
2007-06-17 08:58:00
The Black Courtesan is exceedingly busy with her philanthropic work.Please note that as of June 24 --- The Ebony Courtesan is unavailable to new suitors until after July 12th. For further information please visit the Black Courtesan's website HereThe Breasts of Mnasidice - The Black Courtesan is especially fond of this poem.It conveys the bitter sweet emotions of life on canvas. The moods range from playful to melancholy. Somehow it reminds the Ebony Courtesan of her own ripe brown breasts...Carefully she opened her tunic with onehand and offered me her warm soft breasts asone offers a pair of living pigeons to the goddess.'Love them well,' she said to me,'I love them so much!They are dears, they are like little children.I amuse myself with them when I am alone.I play with them and give them pleasure.I sprinkle them with milk.I powder them with flowers.Their little tips love the fine hair with which I wipe them.I caress them with a shiver.I lay them to sleep in wool.Since I shal...

On Art - Wladimir von Bechtejeff.
2007-06-13 20:30:00
All art forms, including painting and music and poetry, are vehicles for usall to participate in being alive. Whatever adds richness to the experienceof being alive is in art.Quang Ho.Painting by Wladimir von Bechtejeff.( 1878 - 1971 )feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Berlin: Haupstadt der Barbaren...
2007-06-11 13:02:00
Foto: Alte Nationalgalerie, BerlinIst menschliches Leben möglich in der deutschen Hauptstadt? Falls ja: Wird die Zivilisation dort jemals ankommen? Der Berliner Alltag provoziert solche Gedanken - das neue Buch "Schaut auf diese Stadt!" widmet sich ihnen. Auszüge von Peter Richter, Claudius Seidl und Nils MinkmarEs gibt viele Fragen, die das Leben in Deutschlands Hauptstadt Berlin aufwirft. Doch die schnellen Antworten sind meist die falschen, sagen Georg Diez, Nils Minkmar, Peter Richter, Claudius Seidl und Anne Zielke - darum haben sie ihr Buch mit "neuen Geschichten aus dem "barbarischen Berlin" geschrieben. Die beiden Auszüge sind mit freundlicher Genehmigung der aktuellen "Frankfurter Allgemeinen Sonntagszeitung" entnommen. Via German News.International Escort : Kathleen GlydeBlack Courtesanfeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Art & The Sacred Whore
2007-06-07 12:19:00
The painting pictured is called "Nevermore" by Paul Gauguin, which was painted in 1897. ´The Ebony Courtesan is celebrating exoticism in art today.Happy Birthday Paul Gauguin! The Black Courtesan's most beloved artist."Through arrangements of lines and colors, I get symphonies and harmonies representing nothing truly real in the vulgar sense of the word,expressing directly no idea, but like music makes you think, without the help of ideas or images, simply through those mysterious affinities that are behind our brains and such arrangements of colors or lines" - Paul Gauguin ( 1848 - 1903 )In Honor of the Sacred WhoreI am the first and I am the lastI am the honored one and the scorned oneI am the whore and the holy oneI am the wife and the virginI am the barren one and many are my daughtersI am the silence that is incomprehensibleI am the utterance of my name.Gnostic prayer, found in the Nag Hammadi manuscripts'Sacred sex beliefs and practices attempt to defy and transform this vi...

The Ebony Courtesan & Mistress
2007-06-04 13:58:00
The Ebony Courtesan & MistressHair mahogany in colour,Growing sensually upwards, spreading its branches everywhereLike cherry trees under the Caribbean sky,Kinky, confident, bold,Skin the colour of brown autum leaves, wine stained lips - by Kathleen GlydePicture: Kathleen Glydefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Thomas Hardy
2007-06-02 11:37:00
Today is a wonderful day indeed!It is also the birthday of Thomas Hardy.Hardy was an English writer and poet of the naturalist movement. The Ebony Courtesan is sharing one of his poems with her readers today. "Between Us Now"...Between Us NowBetween us now and here - Two thrown togetherWho are not wont to wearLife's flushest feather-Who see the scenes slide past, The daytimes dimming fast,Let there be truth at last, Even if despair. So thoroughly and long Have you now known me,So real in faith and strong Have I now shown me,That nothing needs disguiseFurther in any wise,Or asks or justifies A guarded tongue. Face unto face, then, say, Eyes mine own meeting, Is your heart far away, Or with mine beating?When false things are brought low,And swift things have grown slow, Feigning like froth shall go, Faith be for aye. Thomas Hardy(1840-1928) feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Hepburn dress sells for $192,000
2007-06-01 11:39:00
Pretty in PinkA pink cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's has sold at auction for $192,000 (£97,233) - more than six times its estimate.The dress went under the hammer at a sale of film and entertainment memorabilia at Christie's in New York.The auction house said it had expected the dress to fetch $30,000 (£15,192).In December, a black Givenchy dress created for Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film caused an auction frenzy, selling for £467,200.The pink cocktail dress is believed to have been a late addition to the film and was used in the scene where Golightly learns of her brother's death and smashes crockery in a fit of grief. BBC Newsfeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Reading in the Pergola
2007-05-30 23:33:00
Picture by:Alice Beach Winter (American, b.1877), "Reading in the Pergola", c.1915. "Where the mind is without fear"- This poem is both thought-provoking and inspiring,the Black Courtesan is honoring Rabindranath Tagore today.Where the mind is without fearWhere the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is freeWhere the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic wallsWhere words come out from the depth of truthWhere tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfectionWhere the clear stream of reason has not lost its wayInto the dreary desert sand of dead habitWhere the mind is led forward by theeInto ever-widening thought and actionInto that heaven of freedom, my Father,let my country awake.In reply to Tagore's fearless and proud polemic, the Ebony Courtesan believes that we are never really free of fear."Fear always remains. A man may destroy everything within himself, love and hate and belief, and even doubt;but as long as he clings ...

Zürich Festival & The Amorous Courtesan
2007-05-29 10:34:00
The Black Courtesan highly recommends theLatin and South American festival, Zürich.She is preparing her bikini costume for this grand event.Falls Sie dieses Ereignis mit einer Deutsch sprechenden Führerin erleben möchten, wenden Sie sich bitte an obige Verfasserin:-)For three days, Latin and South American rhythms will be reverberating through Zürich's squares, streets and venues. The open-air Mercado Mundial entices visitors to enjoy culinary specialties and admire handicrafts from all continents. Friday, 15 June 07 - Sunday, 17 June 07. Caliente festival ZürichZürich Courtesan : Kathleen Glydefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Buying sex illegal in Norway
2007-05-27 19:41:00
Oslo - Norway's ruling Labour Party on Sunday voted to ban the purchase of sex in a bid to stop prostitution by targeting those who buy it rather than those who sell it, officials said. The decision by the Labour Party's congress puts Norway on course to join its Scandinavian neighbour Sweden in adopting such a policy. Sweden introduced a similar ban in 1999.Prostitution is allowed in Norway, although procuring it, commonly known as "pimping", is illegal. Street prostitution in the capital, Oslo, has become increasingly visible and aggressive in the past few years, provoking calls for a ban.Labour also has support from its coalition partners, the Socialist Left and Centre parties. They hold a combined 87 of parliament's 169 seats and will also be backed by the opposition Christian People's Party, which first proposed the ban. Via WN News"A majority of parties in parliament wants a ban on buying sexual services," Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, told a news conference. "We are go...

On A Chinese Vase
2007-05-26 09:38:00
Picture: Vase with butterflies and flowering peach branches, Yongzheng period, 1723-35Lovely as on the boughs of springBeneath the fallen suns of Ming,There bloom the flowers of the plumWhere bloomless autumn shall not comeThat came for all the years of Ming.And here the flower-white herons peerUnmoving on a waveless mere;And ever, past the green bamboo,The halcyon flies toward the blueFrom waters where the herons peer.Enchanted realm of porcelainWhereon the sunken suns remain,Wherein the perished blossoms bloom!An ancient spring defers its doomWithin this land of porcelainClark Ashton SmithParis Courtesan : Kathleen Glydefeeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

Blogs of Note: Chocolate & Zucchini
2007-05-24 20:30:00
The Black Courtesan appreciates cooking and good food. She is sharing her favourite food blog with you today. Chocolate and Zucchini is a mouth-watering blog; with the sexiest chocolate recipes around. Pop over to Clotidle Dusoulier's blog for chocolate and zucchini !For the gourmets amongst you.Chocolate & Zucchini is a blog written by Clotilde Dusoulier, a 27-year-old Parisian woman who lives in Montmartre and shares her passion for all things food-related -- thoughts, recipes, musings, cookbook acquisitions, quirky products, nifty tools, restaurant experiences, ideas, and inspirations.Paris Match - Review excerpt: "Dusoulier has contagious enthusiasm for her local Montmartre markets. Reading “Chocolate and Zucchini” is like going on a slightly frenetic shopping spree — in other words, irresistible"feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/kddv

A Day in Luxembourg
2007-05-22 12:53:00
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a small but perfectly formed treasure. Land of rushing rivers and crumbling castles, which is nestled between Belgium, France and Germany.It is called the "heart of Europe" by locals and erudite travellers. Luxembourg is a tiny and seductive city. An intriguingly sexy spot for a day of culinary, cultural and intellectual dalliance.Stay at La Gaichel in Eischen. A delightful rose-coloured residence with pretty balconies and nicely decorated rooms. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine from a nearby vineyard, and unwind in the garden;there's plenty of space for sweet contemplation:-)Luxembourg , Ehnen & EchternachtIf you are in the mood for lunch, Chiggeri is an excellent choice. Especially before heading to the wine museum. Chiggeri is famous for its creative dishes and extensive wine list. Open a bottle of champagne and toast to the future!Visit the Wine Museum in Ehnen and flirt with the nectar of the gods.You might also like to explore the Abbey Museum...

Blogs of Note: Vagablond
2007-05-21 20:50:00
Blogs of NoteVagablond. A blog on luxury travel, food and wine.Vagablond discusses boutique hotels, food, wine, shopping and more. Gil Zeimer is an accomplished travel writer and globetrotter, and such a kind person too.Join Gil Zeimer in his luxury salon, and read his latest post on: Hotel Albergo Villa Marta, Lucca Italy.An ideal setting for sensual delights. Villa Marta has been added to the Black Courtesan's list of exceptional hotels. Many thanks to Vagablond ;-):: Lucca, ItalyAn absolutely picturesque setting located in the heart of a typical Mediterranean Landscape where vibrant hills and cool woods offer an alternative to the traditional and geometric olives groves. A couple of miles outside the ancient walled city of Lucca, you’ll find the Hotel Albergo Villa Marta, a 19th-century hunting lodge lovingly restored by its husband-and-wife owners into an intimate 11-room guest house, surrounded by so many of the classic trappings of rural Tuscany that it almost seems like a ...