I Racconti di Luisa – Il Falò Posted by Geoff on Feb 19, 2015
Story by Luisa with an introduction by Geoff A good friend of ours, Luisa, grew up in Vittoria, Sicilia. Sometimes when we’re chatting she opens up her ‘box of memories’ as she calls it, and recounts episodes from her youth. “Do you like writing?” I asked her one day, “yes, I used to” she replied…
The Amatriciana Dilemma Posted by Serena on Feb 17, 2015
What are the true, authentic ingredients of Amatriciana sauce? This was the main topic of discussion in all the Italian newspapers last week. Why? Because master chef Carlo Cracco had the cheek to tell a member of the audience on a TV program that you should add uno spicchio d’aglio in camicia (a clove of garlic…
Parting Words Posted by Geoff on Feb 16, 2015
A chill wind sweeps the darkening platform and whistles mournfully through the overhead cables. A plastic wrapper rattles by as it chases a leaf along the tracks. The speaker crackles to life, and a distant voice, seeming to emanate from some far off continent, announces: Il treno proveniente da Parma, diretto a Livorno, è in…
St. Valentine’s Day in Italy Posted by Serena on Feb 12, 2015
In Italy, La Festa di San Valentino is very different from the Valentine’s Day I experienced in the UK. I still vividly remember my first Valentine’s Day in England, not because it was so romantic, but because it was full of cultural surprises. It all started a couple of days before the 14th of February…
The Pinoli Thieves Posted by Geoff on Feb 11, 2015
Pinoli, essential ingredient of many Italian culinary delights, such as the classic pesto alla Genovese, are becoming so valuable, at up to 100 euros a kilo, that they are being targeted by thieves for resale on he black market. What Are Pinoli? Pino Pinea (The Stone, or Umbrella Pine). Photo (CC) by Matt Westgate Pinoli…
Italian Transitive and Intransitive Verbs – A Practical Guide Posted by Serena on Feb 9, 2015
Funnily enough, a few days ago I received two different comments on a post that I wrote a long time ago on the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. I went back and had a look at the article and decided that it’s definitely time to revise this topic. The original article is worth checking…
Our Italian Journey – Part 3: Pontremoli Posted by Geoff on Feb 5, 2015
In this episode guest blogger Bill Auge concludes his ‘Italian Journey’ series with a visit to our home town, Pontremoli in Lunigiana. “… a walk along the country lanes…” Photo: Bill Auge We’re back on the rails again heading northwest toward the northern reaches of Toscana. This time we’re moving at a more leisurely pace through…