The suitcase is packed after finally, a third was culled. Have I packed enough, too much, the right stuff? I’m suffering suitcase anxiety! There’s been much agonising about what to leave behind. Further advice on the packing list has been received. Thanks, especially to my italian friends! I’ve culled about a third, but I’m troubled. […]
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What to pack for winter in Italy
[dropcap size=dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat to pack (and what not to) for a winter trip to Italy is a dilemma especially when we are heading into summer in Australia. Christmas in Italy has always been on my wish list and I’m finally going to experience winter there for the first time. Winters in Adelaide are cold, but nowhere […]
Continue ReadingTravelling to Italy from Australia – making it easy
As you know, I love pretty much everything about Italy. But the one thing I really don’t look forward to, is getting there. Did you know that transit time from the major capital cities in Australia to Milan or Rome is around 23 hours? So, how do you make travelling as easy as possible?
Continue ReadingA few of my favourite (Italian) things
The jasmine is blooming on my verandah. It makes me feel homesick—for Italy.
Continue ReadingWading through the foreign language swamp
Learning a foreign language is like wading through a swamp; you take two steps forward and a step back. It’s been found that in the early stages of foreign language learning, that we acquire around 2000 words which occur with high frequency. But that isn’t enough for real conversations, to understand the news or to read a book. Apparently, around 7000 words are ideal.
Continue ReadingItalian celebrations – Ferragosto
Italians love celebrations and Ferragosto on 15 August, is a national holiday which has its origins in the year 18BC in the time of the emperor Augustus.
Happy holiday and Buon Ferragosto!
Italian style, grace, and Il Galateo
The words Italy and style are synonymous. Just think the Vespa, Ferrari and Versace. And if Italian style and grace is what you’re after, look no further than Sophia Loren. The Italian philosophy which emphasises beauty, style and grace is called ‘la bella figura’ or ‘the beautiful figure’. But, it’s also about behaving well or Il Galateo.
Continue ReadingChristmas Aussie style, New Years Eve stile Italiano
Our special friends braved their own long Italian Journey to be with us at Christmas. A crazy different experience for them, starting with the weather!
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