My first christmas in Italy and what a celebration! In fact, two days of it. Christmas eve (vigilia di Natale) with my dear friend Emi and her wonderful family, including i nonni. Christmas day (il giorno di Natale) with my other special friends Rosa and Roberto and their families. After a few days of pre-christmas frenzied activity—the Italians […]
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Christmas markets in Italy
Italians love celebrations and christmas is a big one! They are out and about buying gifts and christmas ornaments, christmas trees and beautiful wreaths and trimmings. Christmas markets are very popular, especially in towns like Bolzano where the mercatino di natale attracts crowds of people. The stalls (bancarelle) sell mostly handmade ornaments and gifts and […]
Continue ReadingCultural visits in the Veneto and Lombardy
Like many regions in Italy, the Veneto is a rich cultural centre, and along with Mantova in Lombardia, there’s lots to see and do at any time of the year. These are a few of the current exhibitions I visited over a few days.
Continue ReadingMarvellous Mantova
Marvellous Mantova! For everything from its delicious Tortelli di zucca, to its magnificent palaces which are surrounded by beautiful gardens and filled with art
Continue ReadingWinter shopping in Verona
If shopping is one of your favourite things, you’ll love shopping in Verona. On the main thoroughfares like via Mazzini you’ll find everything from high fashion (think Versace, Prada, Max Mara and Trussardi) to chain stores like Sisley, Intimissimi and Goldenpoint (a favourite of mine for socks and stockings). There are also department stores […]
Continue ReadingNelson Mandela, the end of a journey
Hello everyone! Although Italy is a long way from South Africa, the death of Nelson Mandela has brought back memories of my birthplace and events which were a catalyst to my family’s emigration. Having read a number of articles over the last few hours, I decided to share a piece I wrote whilst at university. […]
Continue ReadingA golden hour in the Giardino Giusti, Verona
The golden hour — sometimes called the magic hour by photographers — is the first and last hour of sunlight. Spending an evening’s golden hour in the Giardino Giusti is a serene experience and a must for garden lovers.
Continue ReadingFirst impressions of an Italian winter
The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued. […]
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