It has become obvious to most of the world at this point that “going back to normal” after this health crisis won’t be normal at all. Things about our daily lives are going to have to change, even after lockdown measures ease. We are now on our 38th day of lockdown, and we will definitely […]
15
Apr
Apr
Are you going to celebrate a birthday in Italy? In Italy, birthdays usually mean cake and presents, but some of the details differ quite a bit from the United States. The main one being: Italian birthdays are paid for by the celebrant. Your day, you foot the bill! Here are the top Italian birthday traditions, […]
12
Apr
Apr
With all of Italy in a nation-wide lockdown until May 3rd, and all religious services suspended, this has been a strange Easter. We heard the church bells start early this morning in Rome, though the mass would be celebrated without the faithful. The Pope live-streamed his Urbi et Orbi Easter message from an undecorated St. […]
08
Apr
Apr
I have struggled to watch some of the videos of an empty Rome, or to see normally busy sites in Italy completely deserted. It has been painful to see a country that is normally so full of beauty be laid so bare. Today is the 30th day of our national lockdown. As the curve seems […]
06
Apr
Apr
The artist known as Raphael was born in the pretty little city of Urbino in 1483. After spending much of his early career in Tuscany and Umbria, Raphael came to Rome at the request of the Pope. The High Renaissance artist spent the last 12 years of his life in Rome, creating a massive […]
05
Apr
Apr
The last place I visited before Italy went into a full national lockdown was Venice. I love the city and was so lucky to be there in the quiet of late January. One of the things of my Venetian bucket list is to take a class from Row Venice, a female-run non-profit of all women […]
04
Apr
Apr
The kitchen can be a place to turn to for comfort. Perhaps there is a trusted family recipe that always brightens your day, or maybe it is the place you go when you want to find new ways to nourish yourself and your family. If you need a little company, these are the best Italian […]
02
Apr
Apr
In case you need your dose of goosebumps for the day, this performance by young guitarist Jacopo Mastrangelo should hit the spot. As church bells finishing sounding and the sun sets in the background, Jacopo hits the first notes of a song by beloved Italian composer Ennio Morricone. The song was created for Sergio Leone’s […]