Archive by Author
Rio Bò Posted by Serena on Aug 16, 2012
A few days ago, browsing through one of my grammar books, I came across a poem that I had to learn when I was at school. I was really pleased to rediscover it because I used to like it a lot, and I must say that rereading it hasn’t disappointed me, it still paints an…
I Ladri di San Lorenzo Posted by Serena on Aug 10, 2012
When I was a teenager I lived in a small village called San Lorenzo a Vaccoli half way between Lucca and Pisa in Tuscany. The patron Saint of the village is, of course, San Lorenzo, who is celebrated on the 10th of August. Amongst the various celebrations that took place there was (and hopefully still…
VIESTE, PER UNA VACANZA GARGANICA! Posted by Serena on Aug 9, 2012
In this blog, our friend Mattia gives us a taster of the Gargano area in Puglia. I’ve highlighted a few key words and expressions in red, and you’ll find explanations at the end of the article. Yeah, cari lettori. E’ davvero una bellissima giornata qui in Puglia! e proprio come oggi, molte giornate qui sono…
Al Passo del Lagastrello Posted by Serena on Aug 5, 2012
Last Tuesday was my birthday, and I felt the desire to do something a little bit special, I wanted to go for a nice walk somewhere new. I chose the Passo del Lagastrello, one of several passes that cross the Appennino Tosco Emiliano. I’ve always liked the sound of that name, “Lagastrello”, it has a…
Pomodori al Gratin Posted by Serena on Jul 27, 2012
This is a simple summer recipe originally from the Romagna area, on the Adriatic coast. The two main ingredients are: tasty ripe tomatoes and dry breadcrumbs. I usually make my own breadcrumbs using the method that I learned from my parents (this is traditionally my father’s job). When I have some leftover bread, I cut…
Il Premio Bancarella – The Rules Posted by Serena on Jul 26, 2012
To follow on from my previous Premio Bancarella blog, today I’m going to explain how the competition actually works. What makes the Premio Bancarella unique amongst Italian book prizes is the fact that it’s not awarded by a jury of critics, but is completely organised by booksellers from all over the country, including the Canton…
Il Premio Bancarella – The Origins Posted by Serena on Jul 23, 2012
Pontremoli and its surrounding territory, la Lunigiana, which is located in the northern tip of Toscana, has always been a point of departure for emigration towards the north of Italy and abroad. Amongst these emigrants there is a particular “species”, unique to this area, called i librai della Lunigiana (the Lunigiana booksellers), who have been…