"Toc, toc, toc." Wiping my hands on my apron, I went to the door wondering who would visit so close to lunch. "Buon giorno," I greeted the unexpected visitor hesitantly. "Can I help you?" not really knowing what to say or do. I'd never been visited by a priest before! "Well, I'm here for the … Continue reading Italian Easter Traditions
The Day Italy Stole our Hearts
We love this nation, although of course like any place, Italy has its share of negatives and downfalls. But somehow, when we look back over the years, all we see are the people we've grown to love. The beauty of the land and culture. And the thread of God's unwavering faithfulness woven through from beginning … Continue reading The Day Italy Stole our Hearts
The Italian Passeggiata
As the sun wanes in the western sky, the cool evening air beckons, and Italians everywhere take to the streets - for la passeggiata. Young, old, and in between - it's time for the evening promenade. If you've never experienced one, I can only assume you've never been to Italy. At least not the real … Continue reading The Italian Passeggiata
Even Animals Speak Italian!
Ask any child what the chicken says and he or she is sure to say "Cluck, cluck." Unless of course, that child happens to speak another language. For you see, animals speak different languages, depending on where they live! There is no universal way for mimicking animal sounds. So when we do imitate their sounds we … Continue reading Even Animals Speak Italian!
The Italian Tooth Mouse
No one seems to know just how Italy's tooth mouse got his start. But it all began in Spain, with old grandfather Pérez Mouse, who worked for the king. Back when the king sold him all his baby teeth...
The Italian Carnival: A Venetian Tradition
Carnival has long been celebrated in Italy, but no Italian carnival celebration is more famous than than that of Venice. But did you know that Venetians didn't limit mask-wearing only to carnival?
You Might Be Italian If…
Have you ever wondered if you might possibly have Italian roots? Find out by taking this simple test. Or to learn if you truly are Italian at heart!
Italian Newspapers {Thoughts of the Past}
It’s funny how one little word brings thoughts from the past. Like dads in red flannel slippers, and other simple homey things that should always find a place in this world.
Autumn in Italy
Autumn in Italy! Grape harvest and wine making, olive gathering, and oil pressing. Ah, this is autumn in Italy! And right in our own garden, at that! Mario harvests our olives — the time-honored way. Hand-picked, one-by-one. He probably wouldn't want to try it with a hundred trees, but with our two it's not too … Continue reading Autumn in Italy
Culture Shock: Italian Worm Cheese
We have a saying in Italian. Non c'è niente di nuovo sotto il sole. (There is nothing new under the sun.) And yes, I know it's from the Bible. But I also know that King Solomon, who wrote that, didn't live in a foreign land. Otherwise, I wonder if he might not have changed it to: "There is … Continue reading Culture Shock: Italian Worm Cheese
