by Dianne Hales | Feb 23, 2021 | Books, books on Italy, Education, Italian language, Language, learning Italian, pets, Sayings and expressions, Travel, Weblogs, wine
I had my first conversation with an Italian dog years ago while I was jogging near Porto Ercole. A distraught man stopped me to explain that his pet was trapped in a steep ravine. He could push him from behind, but would I call the pup to come to me. The man addressed...
by Dianne Hales | Nov 3, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, food, Food and Drink, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, learning Italian, Religion, Roman history, saints, Travel, Uncategorized, Web/Tech, Weblogs, wine
The warm days of early November –- known as Indian summer in the United States –- are called l’estate di San Martino (the summer of St. Martin) in Italy. Wine producers celebrate the saint’s feast on November 11 by uncorking the vino novello (new wine) from the...
by Dianne Hales | Sep 1, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, food, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, Religion, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs, wine
Even though we may not be able to spend September in Italy, we can enjoy its sayings and stories. Settembre In the ancient Roman calendar, the year began in March. September, the seventh month, took its name from the Latin septem. During this pivotal month, the hours...
by Dianne Hales | Jun 23, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, Fellini, Film, history, Italian language, Italian movies, Italy, Language, movies, Social behavior, Travel, Weblogs, wine
In a business built on dreams, Federico Fellini, born a century ago, may have been the biggest dreamer of all. As a boy in Rimini, he kept a sketch pad by his bed so he could record his vivid fantasies. His lifelong passion was transforming his visions into stories...
by Dianne Hales | May 26, 2020 | amore, art, art history, Books, books on Italy, coronavirus, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, Leonardo da Vinci, literature, love in Italy, Romance, Sayings and expressions, Social behavior, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs, wine
Cari amici, In a world turned upside down, we know that we can’t return to what was, yet we have no idea what will be. Although much has changed, one thing hasn’t: our love for Italy. Over the past few months, we’ve wept for the lives lost. We’ve worried about friends...
by Dianne Hales | May 19, 2020 | amore, art history, Books, books on Italy, culture, Current Affairs, Florence, food, Food and Drink, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, Leonardo da Vinci, literature, love in Italy, Music, Renaissance, Romance, Sayings and expressions, Travel, Tuscany, Web/Tech, Weblogs, wine
Not even a global pandemic can stop people from doing what they love. Over the last few months, we’ve seen dancers dance; singers sing; actors perform—wherever and whenever they could. The same is true of writers. While sheltering at home in California, I...
