Che Culo!!! Posted by Geoff on Oct 30, 2017
It’s interesting, and rather amusing, that an article about a cultural visit to Parma should generate so much controversy about bottoms! Well, let’s put that controversy to rest shall we? But first, a word of advice dear readers. I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll say it again: don’t get hung up on literal…
Una Gita Culturale – Part 3 Posted by Serena on Oct 27, 2017
The day after la nostra gita culturale, I bumped into my friend Simona who asked me if we had a nice time in Parma. Simona: Allora, com’è andata la gita a Parma con Geoff, Iolanda e Anthony? Simona: So, how was your trip to Parma with Geoff, Iolanda and Anthony? Serena: Molto bene, è stata…
Una Gita Culturale – Part 2. Posted by Geoff on Oct 24, 2017
At 10:30 on Friday morning, we successfully navigate our way into the centre of Parma and, leaving our car in the dark, narrow, and very expensive underground car park, emerge just a few meters from Il Palazzo della Pilotta, right on the edge of il centro storico. Price shock number one: “Quattordici euro per sei…
A Musical Quiz Posted by Geoff on Oct 20, 2017
Music can be a great way to learn a language … if you can manage to find the right songs. Here’s one by Annalisa Scarrone that’s not too abstract and contains some very useful grammar. In the lyrics below, see if you can spot all the instances of il congiuntivo (the subjunctive) and il futuro…
Una Gita Culturale – Part 1 Posted by Serena on Oct 19, 2017
Not long ago, Geoff was chatting with a couple of friends in the bar about the imminent arrival of winter and how to pass the time, “perché qua a Pontremoli, non succede un cavolo di niente!” We need to keep our brains alive somehow, said Geoff … how about we organise una gita culturale (a…
La Lista Della Spesa Posted by Geoff on Oct 16, 2017
When you’re learning a language you need to use every opportunity to reinforce and internalise the grammar and vocabulary. Sometime, the most mundane of tasks can help you achieve this objective, such as writing una lista della spesa (a shopping list). Who knows, it might even make your shopping experience a little bit more fun!…
Al Negozio Di Casalinghi Posted by Serena on Oct 12, 2017
Today we’re going shopping in un negozio di casalinghi (a household goods store). Let’s see what we can find. Cliente: Buongiorno! Customer: Good morning! Negoziante: Buongiorno Signora! Desidera? Shopkeeper: Good morning Madam! How can I help you? Cliente: mi servirebbero i ricambi per la moka da tre. Customer: I need a change of parts for…