by Dianne Hales | Jan 19, 2021 | Books, books on Italy, Dante, food, Food and Drink, Italian language, Italy, Language, learning Italian, Sayings and expressions, Travel, Tuscany, Web/Tech, Weblogs
As we celebrate this Anno Dantesco (Year of Dante), I’m reminded of a special pleasure that the poet shared with his countrymen: a passion for the local bread. In his epic Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri, banished from Florence for political reasons, bemoaned...
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 | Oct 6, 2020 | art, Books, books on Italy, culture, history, Italian language, Italy, Language, literature, love in Italy, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs
Every October the United States celebrates Italian heritage month—with good reason. More than a mere country, Italy embodies a culture that has transformed art and architecture, language and music, food and fashion. Imagine painting without Leonardo. Sculpture...
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 | Mar 10, 2020 | Books, books on Italy, food, Food and Drink, history, Italy, Language, Web/Tech, Weblogs, women
During Women’s History Month, I’m dedicating my March blog posts to Italian women who inspire us with their passion. If one taste captures the essence of passion, it would have to be chocolate, especially Italy’s most famous—Perugina chocolates. They were...
