Oddio! Invoking the Divine in Italian.
THIS is one of the most often used phrases when speaking Italian. You may adhere to the "Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in [...]
Moving to Italy? Not all regions are created equally.
Don't overlook this and don't neglect to do your homework. I've been fielding copious inquiries about the bureaucratic processes and hurdles in Italy. I wish [...]
How Italians Describe Someone Who is Crafty.
This one will come in handy. If you plan on living in Italy or spending a lot of time here you'll inevitably be transacting business. [...]
Italian Coffee Protocol – Know the Ropes!
It’s the little things that make the difference. Especially in regards to the coffee culture in Italy. Once you’ve spent ample time here you’ll understand [...]
Announcing Italian Snippets – Designed to Take You Deeper into the Italian Way
Leave it to the Italians to give colorful dimension to saying “What a mess!” This topic is featured in the first of what I hope [...]
An Unforgettable Tasting of Artisanal Organic Cheeses from Abruzzo.
This ranks as one of the best experiences of my life. I know, it’s a lofty claim. But, on a sunny October afternoon, I found [...]
EIGHT Tips for Dealing with a Car Accident in Italy
If only all my topics could be fun… And if only a car accident in Italy wouldn’t happen to you. It did to me. I’d [...]
Our Olive Harvest in Umbria Yields Gold!
What a glorious experience from start to finish! When I’d taken a closer look at our trees back in late summer, I knew this year’s [...]
Italian Holiday Greetings are Easy but Come with a Few Warnings!
Have no fear! Italian holiday greetings aren’t difficult. In fact, you can probably nail them all within a mere thirty minute’s practice. Then you need [...]
Prosecco vs Champagne in International Competition
This is the story of a Prosecco that took on Champagne and other sparkling wines and prevailed! Don’t get me wrong, I love champagne. Veuve [...]
Meet Our Italian Cat Family
Consider this a birth announcement of sorts. Yes, our Italian cat family has grown from two to three with the addition of little Olivia! And [...]
Now You Can Adopt a Sheep
Yes, you can adopt a sheep in Italy, even if you’re halfway across the world. And by doing so, you [...]
La Porta dei Parchi – An Organic Farm Ahead of Its Time
Organic farming was a unique concept forty years ago. Looking back to the late seventies and early eighties, I remember how organic products were a [...]
Join Me for a Tour of an Inspiring Organic Farm in Abruzzo
Go deep. This is becoming my mantra here in Italy. The potential for rich experiences is plentiful. But it’s easy to zoom by, to just take [...]
Italian Faces Etched with Emotion
I love faces. And Italian faces are endlessly fascinating to me. Being married to an Italian has taught me firsthand that the passion that is [...]
La Giostra di Cavalleresca di Sulmona – Don’t Miss It!
Guess who scored a press pass to La Giostra di Cavalleresca di Sulmona? That would be lucky, lucky yours truly, thanks to Saint Novelia, my [...]
Back in the Kitchen with Novelia for Spaghetti alla Chitarra!
A chitarra that makes pasta, not music? I argue that it makes both, especially after another guided journey in “la cucina” with my dear friend [...]
Letting Your Story Unfold
I’ve recently returned from a major writers’ conference in NYC and my brain is still on fire with all that I learned from a vast [...]