Category Archives: Italy

When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Cake

Amalfi lemon

I have been waiting for the laundry to finish so that I can make lemon cake. This has less to do with laundry being time intensive (it’s quite simple, once I actually put the sheets IN the machine), and more with electricity. My washing machine is directly next to my oven. These appliances are found […]

What is Ferragosto? Italy’s August 15th Holiday

August 15th is a major national holiday in Italy – but what is it for? Beach trips? What is Ferragosto, really? The History of Ferragosto This is the day when the Catholic church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven after her life on Earth (much in the way the Feast of the Ascension […]

11 Dining Habits that Make You Look Like a Tourist in Italy

Eating out in Italy is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an important part of the country’s culinary culture.  But making a mistake at the dining table is also a surefire way to out yourself as a tourist. There are unwritten rules about how and what to eat when dining out in Italy. In order to […]

Palazzo Donn’Anna in Naples

Naples feels like a city in constant, chaotic decay. One of the most beautiful examples of abandoned grandeur is Palazzo Donn’Anna, which sits on the edge of sea at Via Posillipo. The facade appears to be crumbling and the empty windows gape open. Palazzo Donn’Anna, however, was not abandoned. It was never finished to begin […]