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…
Anche le Suore di Clausura firmano il Referendum Posted by Geoff on Aug 3, 2012
Financially, times are hard here in Italy. Politicians continue to preach austerity. Yet, when it comes to their own exorbitant salaries they remain, as usual, somewhat evasive. Hence the proposal of a referendum by l’Unione Popolare for the abolition of article 2 of law 1.261 of 1965, that regulates the indemnity awarded to members of…
Bisogna Provarle Tutte–Part 2 Posted by Geoff on Aug 1, 2012
Here’s the second part of Mattia’s blog Bisogna Provarle Tutte (You have to try everything!), in which he recounts his experience of working as a waiter at a large resort in Puglia. Il mio lavoro lì consisteva nell’assistere la clientela dalla colazione (dalle 7:30 del mattino) fino alla cena (fino alle 11:30 della sera) con…
Bisogna Provarle Tutte! – Part 1 Posted by Geoff on Jul 30, 2012
In this blog, our friend Mattia writes about his experience of working as a cameriere (waiter) at a large resort in the Gargano area of Puglia. Bisogna Provarle Tutte! Beh ovviamente mi riferisco alle esperienze lavorative che vi vengono proposte nella vita! Certo, non è facile fare questo tipo di ragionamento, perchè molte persone pensano…
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…