In the Archaeological Museum of Populonia in Piombino, Tuscany, lies the remains of an ancient ship that sank off the coast of Tuscany in 130 B.C. The ship was actually found in 1974.

Part of the wreckage included pills that were sealed in several tin containers. They were completely dry even after being submerged in water for close to 2,000 years.

Using DNA techniques, they were able to identify that the tablets contained about a dozen dried garden plants including celery, carrots, radish, onion, parsley, etc.

It appears that even during ancient Rome, they were using these pills to treat skin disorders, intestinal disorders, vitamin supplements, etc.

If you have been in Italy for any amount of time, you realize that transportation strikes are something that you must deal with on occasion.

There is a transportation strike scheduled for November 16th through November 17th, 2011 - please be aware of this as it may impact your travel plans.  Bear in mind that not all strike announcements ever materialize.

Planes: All Day Nov 17th
Ferries: All Day Nov 17th
Trains:  From 9PM Nov 16th to 9PM Nov 17th
Ships: From 8AM Nov 17th to 8AM Nov 18th

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's most powerful prime minister and longest-lasting since Musolini, decided to step down earlier today amid the economic crisis that has surfaced in Europe, which recently saw the resignation of Greek Prime Minister Papandreou.

Berlusconi, Italy's richest man, a media mogul who owns television networks, newspapers, advertising agency, and even the Italian soccer team AC Milan.

Born in Milan, he made a fortune in the media business, but first made his money from the real estate boom in Milan in the early 1960's.

He started his political career about 17 years ago, and served as Italian Prime Minister three times.  His career has been marked with extreme popularity, flamboyance, controversy and even sex scandals.

"Vattene Berlusconi!" – "Get outta here Berlusconi!"

Many in Rome celebrated the news as Berlusconi has been blamed for the current economic crisis.

So who will be the next prime minister for Italy?  Many believe it will be Mario Monti, a former member of the European Commission.  Monti studied at Bocconi University (Milan) and Yale University in the United States.  He earned the nickname of "Super Mario" during his second stint at the commission.  We shall see if Super Mario Monti can get Italy back on track to economic reform and get back to its reputation as an economic power for the European continent.

There will be an election, probably in January 2012 to determine the next Italian Prime Minister.

One of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean is the island of Sardegna (Sardinia).  Bill Gates has a house on the Costa Smeralda, so that tells you how beautiful it must be. It is the second biggest island in the Mediterranean (behind Sicily).  It is a place with a very unique culture and cuisine, very different from the mainland Italy.  Here is another interesting fact:  It is  not earthquake-prone like the rest of Italy.

Recently added to the "Places" menu is an article written by Oksana Kolesnikova about her first time visit to this beautiful island.  Read her article to find out more about her visit to Sardegna.