Valloria, The Stunning Village of Painted Doors
Prepare to be blown away by this "open-air museum." That's how many people refer to the tiny village of Valloria, Liguria. And what's crazy [...]
When you’re ready to throw in the towel…
There’s been a lot of that sentiment going around. Especially after two torturous years of uncertainty. I, for one, have felt like I’ve been [...]
My Up-Close Experience with Making Farinata di Ceci
Farinata di Ceci is a revered culinary treasure in Liguria. This savory dish is made from a batter of chickpea flour, water, and olive [...]
Italy Gets Serious with the Super Green Pass
Italy’s vigilance has been paying off. It certainly seems that way when one looks at what is happening elsewhere in Europe. Our numbers, while [...]
The Tao of Italy
The Tao of Italy will teach you the art of “wu wei” or “effortless action.” It can be a hard lesson. Old habits die [...]
The Italian Driver’s Manual – Definitely NOT Light Reading.
La patente di guida requires dedication to these resources: Your faithful companions on your journey earning your license are the Italian driver's manual and the [...]
When Castagne and Bocce Come Together.
A sizable bocce tournament was the perfect event for the pairing. Just last Sunday, I tucked my long legs under my chin and jammed [...]
If You’re Accused of Having “Le Braccia Corte” (Short arms)…
Then people are implying that you're stingy. Maybe "le braccia corte" is being used in jest when it's your turn to buy the next [...]
Bocce Ball, Yummy Wood-Fired Pizza, and Generous Italian Friends
Oh, what an afternoon and evening it was! I'm still thinking about it, treasuring this experience of playing bocce ball and eating homemade, wood-fired [...]
How to Say “Take It or Leave It” in Italian
Italian idiomatic expressions are usually a far cry from their English equivalents. And how to express "Take it or leave it" in Italian is [...]
Italy Implements the Green Pass
Today I saw the Green Pass checks in action.For those of you who don’t know, the EU Green Pass is a document showing that an [...]
EVERYTHING Grows in Italy’s Riviera dei Fiori
It's a well-earned named.Flowers, fruits, and vegetables grow like gangbusters in this westernmost stretch of the Ligurian coast called the Riviera dei Fiori. Now, I [...]
The Allure of Vespa Living
What took me so long?Why did it take eight years of living in Italy before I saw the light? Crazy. Vespa living is full of [...]
Italy Remains Open as Vaccinations Keep Plugging Along
An Update to Last Week's Post (below).Yes, a lot can happen in a week, particularly the Covid fallout from unrestrained celebrations of Italy's big Euro [...]
Italian Warmth Abounds at MP2 in Imperia
Relationships in Italy can flower beautifully.When they do, you’ll be thanking yourself for having Italy your new home and for doing the work (which includes [...]
Italy Turns the Corner
It almost doesn’t seem believable.But, yes, Italy turns the corner after so much time and after so many ups and downs. Finally, the daily stats [...]
Paying Homage to Formaggi Italiani!
Thank you cheeses!I’ve made this joke for years, mimicking an evangelical in rapture. Now, I’m dead serious in my praise of formaggi italiani (Italian cheeses) [...]
You Asked for It, So Start Pedaling!
Start pedaling? Huh?You're probably scratching your head, wondering what the heck I'm talking about. Well, as you work towards immersing yourself in the Italian language [...]