After 70 days of strict quarantine which allowed people to only leave their homes for urgent reasons, and always with a legally binding signed statement, Italy began to reopen on May 4th. First, some businesses such as factories were allowed to restart. Other places like eateries we’re finally allowed to open for takeaway. Children were […]
28
May
May
There are few bars in Rome that have a view of the Colosseum. Yes, there are a few gussied up (and pricey) coffee bars right on the street near the monument but they don’t have much atmosphere. For a truly special drink near the Colosseum, the only real choice is the stunning bar at Palazzo […]
20
May
May
Tucked into a little dead-end that you might otherwise pass right by is one of my favorite hidden wonders in La Serenissima. The spiral staircase of Venice is officially known as La Scala Contarini del Bovolo. In Venetian “bovolo” means snail shell, which is usually known as a “chiocchiola” in Italian. The pretty stairs do […]
12
May
May
Updated: July 5, 2020 First things first: everything that has to do with the novel coronavirus comes with a lot of uncertainty and changes quickly. I am not an epidemiologist or a government official. This article is updated to inform you of travel restrictions in Italy in 2020 and to direct you to the official […]
08
May
May
From St. Mark’s Basilica to the world-class art collections at the Peggy Guggenheim museum and L’Accademia, there are plenty of traditional must-sees to fill your days in Venice. But one of the unconventional landmarks that should be on your list to visit is a used bookstore – Libreria Acqua Alta. The bookstore is named because […]
06
May
May
According to Italy’s consumer group Coldiretti, Italians have gained an average of 2 kgs (4.5 pounds) during the country’s lockdown. Normally considered one of the healthiest countries in the world, many residents (47% according to one survey) say that losing weight is high on their post-lockdown to do list. The group points to several reasons […]
06
May
May
Walking through Rome and suddenly stepping onto Piazza della Rotonda to see the Pantheon in all its ancient glory is an unforgettable experience. First, you will note the domed ceiling, then the columns, and near the top of the Pantheon you will see some old writing. There is some complex history around the Latin words […]
04
May
May
Confetti might bring tiny colored pieces of paper to mind, but that would be “coriandoli” in Italian. In Italy, confetti is a traditional sweet that is given out at celebrations. The sugar-coated almonds are a major part of Italian wedding traditions but are also handed out as gifts to guests at major events like births and […]