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A Classic Italian Design – Part 2 Posted by Geoff on Jan 17, 2019
In Part 1, I wrote about the circumstances that gave rise to the world famous Vespa motor scooter. Today we’re going to look at her big sister, l’Ape. We saw the Ape in action in our recent blog, Italy’s Smallest Library, and I’m sure that if you’ve visited Il Bel Paese (Italia!) you’ll be familiar…
A Classic Italian Design – Part 1 Posted by Geoff on Jan 15, 2019
Did you know that in 1948 an Italian wasp gave birth to a bee? At that time, Italy was still struggling to recover from the devastation caused by World War 2. Amongst the many problems that had to be dealt with was a sever shortage of mezzi di trasporto (means of transport), with many people…
Italy’s Smallest Library Posted by Geoff on Jan 10, 2019
In our previous blog, A Positive Message For The New Year, we looked at 9 of the 33 individuals who were praised by il Presidente della Repubblica, Sergio Mattarella in his new year’s honours list. Today we’re going to focus on another fascinating individual who’s on that list: Antonio La Cava. We’d been planning to…
Barzellette Festive Posted by Geoff on Dec 28, 2018
Humour, that wonderful antidote to life’s trials and tribulations. It can certainly come in handy during the midwinter festivities … Due contadini vanno in un bosco per cercare un albero di Natale. Dopo due ore di intense ricerche uno dice all’altro: “Ora basta, il prossimo albero che vediamo lo prendiamo, che abbia le palle o…
The Moss Collectors Posted by Geoff on Dec 13, 2018
Here in Italy at this time of year it’s common to see people removing clumps of moss from rocks or old stone walls and placing it in a basket. When we were out walking a few days ago, for example, we spotted due suore (two nuns) in a field below us examining a terrace wall…
Road Rage In Italy! Posted by Geoff on Dec 6, 2018
Okay, I confess, that’s a clickbait title, just a cheap device to grab your attention. The real title may not sound as dramatic, but it is, none the less, very entertaining: Wheelchair Rage At The Rest Home! If, like us, you’ve had to deal with elderly and increasingly dependent parents, with all the consequent visits…
Il Dottore Delle Bambole – Part 5 – Translation Posted by Geoff on Dec 3, 2018
Here’s our translation of the final chapter in our detective story Il Dottore Delle Bambole. E’ sera, piove. Gisella Rossetti sta tornando a casa e intanto pensa al suo lavoro alla clinica di bellezza ‘Whole Body Wellness’. Le ore lavorative sono tante e pesanti, ma a lei piace molto. E poi deve essere contenta che…