Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, I’ve put together the best Italian-inspired gift ideas to create a list that will make your Christmas merrier and brighter. This list includes some of my favorite things, items that I personally own and items that I'd buy for someone who is crazy about Italy and all things Italian. I hope it will help you find the perfect gift for the special people in your life or even for yourself. *wink wink* [Tweet "Stuck for gift ideas? Check out this wonderful gift guide for Italy lovers!"] … [Read more...] about 🎅 The perfect Christmas gift guide for Italy Lovers – Home & Food Edition
Culture
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Art in Rome: Via Margutta and its 100 Painters
“I Cento Pittori di Via Margutta” (One hundred Painters of Via Margutta) is an unmissable open-air art exhibition that takes place twice a year in Rome. It features artists from all walks of life and it’s free of charge for everyone. First, a little throwback for those of you who are not familiar with this event: the tradition began in 1953 when a group of local painters decided to revitalize the street with bright colors in the aftermath of world war two. Via Margutta has been home to every kind of painter, sculptor, and craftsman ever since. The beauty of the Cento Pittori exhibit lies in its rich variety: you can gaze on vividly colored watercolors, then turn a corner to see sketches and drawings of all types. More than 3,000 artworks are usually showcased, making this … [Read more...] about Art in Rome: Via Margutta and its 100 Painters
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Italian Easter Vocabulary, Phrases and Traditions
Christmas may be the most important festivity in Italy, but Easter is a close second. Many cities and villages host religious parades and celebrations - also known as “processioni” - during which a statue of Jesus or the Virgin Mary gets carried through the streets. The Sunday that precedes Easter - called “domenica delle palme” - represents a special moment for Italian Catholics: the Mass lasts longer and olive tree branches blessed by the priest are distributed in churches as a peace symbol. In Rome the Pope takes over St. Peter's Square to greet people from all over the world. Easter Monday is a public holiday called “Pasquetta” and most shops are closed. The usual custom is to go out—whether is a picnic with friends or a trip to the countryside, outdoor activities are a must on … [Read more...] about Italian Easter Vocabulary, Phrases and Traditions
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What to do in Nice – France
Before you read this article, be sure to take a look at the most delightful attractions and sights of Nice. Done? Okay, let's dive in! Nice offers a wide variety of entertainment to people from all walks of life. It's impossible to count them all! I'm happy to share with you some of the most interesting ones. … [Read more...] about What to do in Nice – France
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Je suis en France!
I'm writing this blog post from le centre de la ville de Nice, in France. C'est magnifique! I still can't believe I'm actually here. Seriously. I'm in love with this city. There's no so much chaos as in Rome and the people I've met so far are really lovely and kind. Do I need to mention the sea? It is très, très beau and that's why I call it mon paradis bleu. I always feel so calm and relaxed when I go to the beach. I feel like I'm breathing again. Rome is a metropolitan city and the pace is always so fast that I had forgotten what it feels like to properly relax and enjoy every single moment of the day. … [Read more...] about Je suis en France!
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Summer plans – Where will I be heading to?
Summer is here. The temperatures are already pretty high in Rome. The sun always shines and lights my way when I go out. I love the feeling of sunrays on my skin. I love the smell of flowers all around me. Rome is as magnificent as ever, but it’s even nicer to see the Spanish Steps covered with colourful and bright flowers. They give that extra special touch to the square. … [Read more...] about Summer plans – Where will I be heading to?
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How does one become Italian? Is it a matter of citizenship or just a state of mind?
I was inspired to write this post by the experience of a Canadian actress, Lisa Ray. She recently took a trip to Italy and fell completely in love with the country. It is always exciting to see someone opens his or her heart to new people, new places, new cultures. That's what she did. She embraced the Italian lifestyle fully and completely. She left a piece of herself in every city she visited: Rome, Capri, Pisa, Florence, Venice and so on. It is pretty clear that she enjoyed la dolce vita since she always had something nice to say about every place she discovered and explored. … [Read more...] about How does one become Italian? Is it a matter of citizenship or just a state of mind?