I receive a lot of worried messages asking me if it is true that Italians NEVER drink cappuccino after 11 am, and what visitors can do if they really want that coffee fix later in the day. While there is no law in Italy that bans a cappuccino after 11 am, you really won’t find […]
Learning a new language is usually a lifelong process but that does not make it an impossible one. (Or at least that is what I am discovering having already lived in Rome for 10 years). There are always new ways to build understanding, learn new vocabulary, and stretch towards fluency. Depending on your goals, timeline, […]
Sorrento is a picturesque town on the far end of the Bay of Naples known for its lemons, ceramics, and, well, tourists. Located south of Naples and just before the Amalfi Coast, the city has long drawn international visitors who are charmed by its beauty and sea views. The lure is understandable. While Sorrento is […]
Mario Draghi, the Prime Minister of Italy, and other government officials have recently announced a “Green Pass” for people hoping to travel to Italy from countries such as the United States. It was rumored that those who can show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19, can enter Italy […]
One of the things that I really cherish about my life in Italy are the small social interactions that revolve around food. This can mean shopping at a local market to interact with the vendors, making small talk with the barista over a morning caffè, and of course, sitting down for an aperitivo. Aperitivo in […]
I hope you gnocchi how much I enjoy a good joke. Hello? Anyone? But seriously, I need a break from the news and I love a good Dad joke. If you are looking for a little pick-me-up, these pasta jokes are (almost) so bad they are good. And if you have any more pasta puns, […]
The Euro is a common currency used across many EU countries and it can be fun to collect coins issued by different countries. The designs you will find on the coins are country-specific, though they can be spent across all Eurozone countries. Italy’s usual designs, for example, feature Dante and an image of the Campidoglio, […]
The success of Italian cuisine around the world is really a testament to how seriously Italians take food. I imagine you may have heard of Barilla and Nutella, but there are plenty of other iconic food brands that are famous closer to home. Take Pastiglie Leone, a candy manufacturer that has been delighting palates since […]
