The enchanting story of Pinocchio, written in 1881 by Carlo Lorenzini Collodi, is an Italian children’s classic that is still loved today. Not only in Italy, but all over the world! And since February 23rd is Pinocchio Day, I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to Italy’s little-known Pinocchio theme park!ContinueContinue reading “Italy’s Pinocchio Park [Video]”
Tag Archives: celebrations
The Days of the Blackbird: An Italian Legend
January 29, 30, and 31 are generally considered the coldest days of the year here, especially in northern Italy. They are also known as the Days of the Blackbird (i Giorni della Merla). And this can be traced back to the Italian Legend of the Blackbird. Different areas of Italy have their own variations ofContinueContinue reading “The Days of the Blackbird: An Italian Legend”
Italy is for Nature Lovers
Italy is a small country with a relatively small population but it has 70% of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage sites! In fact, with 50 sites, it leads the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is followed by China with 47 sites and Spain with 44. But apart from its spectacular beaches, Italy’s natural areasContinueContinue reading “Italy is for Nature Lovers”
Christmas Clubs and Hard-Times Gifts
In the 1970 musical Scrooge, even that grumpy Christmas-hating miser finally realized that “December the 25th is the dearest day in all the year!” (Watch the trailer here.) I never needed any convincing. Andy Williams singing that Christmas was “the most wonderful time of the year” had always filled our home during the holidays. AndContinueContinue reading “Christmas Clubs and Hard-Times Gifts”
Groundhog Day in Italy
Time seems to fly by, especially as we get older. Since our return to active ministry, the to-do lists get longer, time seems shorter, and some days it’s hard to keep up. I can’t believe February is almost here. That means many people will be keeping an eye out for groundhogs (marmots) peeking out ofContinueContinue reading “Groundhog Day in Italy”
The Night After Christmas: A Poem
‘Twas the night after Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was hungry, not even a mouse; The stockings still hung there, all limp and bare, With hopes that no tummy aches would soon appear. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With visions of presents flying through their heads; AndContinueContinue reading “The Night After Christmas: A Poem”