Archive for 'Uncategorized'
Il Pettirosso Posted by Serena on Mar 29, 2018
Why does the Robin have red feathers on its breast? An Easter legend explains: Un giorno di duemila anni fa, una mamma uccello stava volando in cerca di cibo per i suoi piccoli quando notò sulla cima di un colle tre croci con tre uomini appesi. Incuriosita l’uccellino si avvicinò e notò che uno di…
The Haunted Castle Posted by Geoff on Mar 16, 2018
What would a medieval castle be without its ghost? Boring! But if you feel the need to have a ghost in your castle … at least come up with an original story. Geoff’s Patent Original Formula For Castle Ghost: The ugly psychopathic twin sister The hidden horde of Spanish gold The faithful adopted wolf The…
Donna Ti Voglio Cantare Posted by Serena on Mar 8, 2018
Today’s the 8th of March, Festa della Donna (International Women’s Day), and to celebrate I’m going to translate a song called Donna Ti Voglio Cantare (Woman I Want To Sing About You), by Angelo Branduardi. Angelo Branduardi is a popular folk singer and songwriter who draws inspiration from Medieval and Renaissance music. His wife, Luisa Zappa…
Il Vento Posted by Serena on Feb 22, 2018
Outside there’s a strong wind howling and whirling the snow around. According to the news, this wind comes from Siberia and is called ‘burian’. They say that it will bring even colder temperatures in the next few days. Inspired by the weather, I searched the Internet for a poem describing the wind, and finally found…
Italy … Always On Holiday? Posted by Serena on Jan 4, 2018
Despite the fact that many foreigners believe that us Italians are always on holiday, we only actually have 12 official holidays each year. Let’s find out what they are: 1. – Capodanno On the first of January we celebrate Capodanno (New Year’s Day). The name comes from capo dell’anno, literally: head of the year. Does…
From Sestri To Punta Manara – Part 2 Posted by Geoff on Dec 29, 2017
It’s cosy in the little bar looking out over la Baia Del Silenzio, and the cappuccino is hot and creamy, just right! We’ve forgiven Claudio, who suggested that we came here (see part 1), and are ready for a good walk up the rocky hillside that beckons from the other side of the bay. If…
From Sestri To Punta Manara – Part 1. Posted by Geoff on Dec 27, 2017
It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and we’re in our favourite Pontremoli bar with some friends. “Allora ragazzi, cosa fate per la vigilia?” asks Claudio, the barman. Serena and I have a long standing tradition of going for a walk and having a picnic somewhere beautiful on Christmas day. But this year hanno messo brutto…