The Italian Origins of the Word Quarantine
It all began in the 17th century in Venice with the term quaranta giorni (forty days). Currently, we're inundated with the coronavirus news and the [...]
Immigrating to Italy – The Process Keeps Getting Slower
It's been seven years for me... And when I compare my experience making the move from then to now, and after copious stories that I’ve [...]
Locals Exercise Their Creativity with Radicchio Trevigiano
January is the last harvest month of radicchio from Treviso And, many locals say the best comes last. From my vantage point here in Treviso, [...]
C’mon, Is Naples Pizza Really THAT Good?
Yes, Naples Pizza IS! At least, to my discriminating taste buds. I've sampled incredible pizza all over Italy. Rarely have I been left wanting. I'd [...]
Know Your Italian Idioms!
I applaud Italians for having created such colorful phrases. Italian idioms, in my opinion, kick butt on English idioms. And, if you're serious about going [...]
Time to Make the Leap to Speaking with an Advanced Italian Tongue
Okay, no more putting this off. I've been living in Italy for six-and-a-half years now, and I get along pretty well with my mid-intermediate Italian [...]
When a Cinghiale Comes to Call
Don't trifle with these creatures. Cinghiale, which is a wild boar, can be found all over Italy. I've heard that, years ago, after their population [...]
I Hit the Wine Jackpot at Lidl
You can as well, with a good strategy. If you don't know Lidl, they're all over Europe and they're a cleverly run chain of German [...]
Learn How to Order Takeaway in Italian
Mastery of a few everyday Italian expressions goes a long way... in helping expats (and visitors) assimilate into the Italian culture. Italians notice and appreciate [...]
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 [...]