Italy’s Carnival – also known as Carnevale, arrives in our part of Tuscany with a flurry. Every February, in our small Italian town, our kids eagerly peek into store windows to see if coriandoli (confetti) is being sold yet. When the glorious day finally arrives, they rush in, purchase a bag each (after counting their …
Italian Carnival – 16 Not-To-Miss Carnevale Celebrations Read More »
Cheers in Italian – How we say ‘cheers’ in Italy, when we say it, and Italian toasting rules Let’s celebrate! In English we ‘toast’ or ‘raise our glasses’ (and later clink them gently together). This custom may come from the rite of drinking to the gods and to the dead in ancient Rome and Greece …
CHEERS In Italian – How We Say It, When To Say It, + Toasting Rules Read More »
Are you thinking about moving to Italy, but you want to know more about Italian schools? Or perhaps you’re traveling here with your kids and want to be able to explain what school is like in Italy. Our family lives in central Italy, and my three boys were born here and have lived here their …
Education in Italy – 20 Things that May Surprise You About Going to School in Italy Read More »
Italian Grocery Stores– different types of supermarkets in Italy, important things to know about shopping, helpful tips, useful words and phrases for shopping at an Italian grocery store and more! Ah, grocery shopping in Italy. Is it really romantic like they show it in the films? Skipping along cobblestone streets, stopping in at the jolly …
Italian Grocery Stores – A Visitor’s Guide + Helpful Tips Read More »
Picture this. You’re on vacation in bella Italia and you’ve just checked into your B&B in Florence. You drop your bags, walk into the bathroom to check it out and… you see a little basin next to the toilet. What is this toilet buddy? Is it a second toilet? A mini laundry sink? A drinking …
The Italian Bidet – How to Use It (+ Helpful Tips) Read More »
The Italian national anthem is a rousing crowd-pleaser, especially when sung by a passionate throng at soccer games. But do you know the history behind it? And that despite being sung everywhere it only become official in 2017? Let’s take a look at this popular anthem. History of the Italian National Anthem What is the …
Italian National Anthem – Lyrics & Translation (+ Printable!) Read More »
Like your mom said when you were little – always use the bathroom when you have a chance! Here in Italy, that means using it when you’re leaving your hotel, the museum you just visited, or the restaurant you just dined in. But, if you’re staying hydrated with water from Italy’s public drinking fountains, drinking …
Bathrooms in Italy – Everything You Need to Know Read More »
Are you on vacation in Italy and are getting ready to call a restaurant in Bolzano to make dinner reservations? Are you waiting for a phone call from your new Italian neighbor? Do you have your mobile phone by your side in case the handsome Italian boy from the disco finally calls you? If you’re …
If you’re renting a car in Italy, you’ll need to know how to get gas. I know it can be intimidating – the pumps are different, the staff speaks Italian, and you may be forced to interact with a computer. I’m here to help! I’ve driven (and gotten gas) all over Italy for almost 20 …
Italian Gas Stations – A Guide to Getting Gas in Italy Read More »
Are you sending a letter or package to Italy but are confused about what to write for the CAP? CAP is an Italian acronym – Codice di Avviamento Postale. It’s also called the codice postale. The CAP is Italy’s version of your zip code or postal code. It is always a 5-digit number. Where Does …
