The enchanting story of Pinocchio, written in 1881 by Carlo Lorenzini, is a beloved children’s classic. Not only in Italy, but all over the world! Since February 23rd is Pinocchio Day, I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to one of Italy’s lesser-known theme parks: The Pinocchio Theme Park! However, some […]
Although Italy is a small country with a relatively small population, it boasts 70% of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage sites. In fact, Italy tops the UNESCO World Heritage List with 50 sites. China follows with 47 sites, and then Spain with 44. Italy is also one of the richest countries in Europe in […]
In the 1970 musical Scrooge, even the grumpy Christmas-hating Scrooge eventually realized that “December the 25th is the dearest day of all the year!” (Watch the trailer here.) I never needed any convincing about that. The sound of Andy Williams singing that Christmas was “the most wonderful time of the year” had always filled our […]
‘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; And […]
Everyone wondered, and no one knew. Knew who Mr. Pemberton was, that is. Oh, they all knew of the Pemberton family. At least the older ones. The cranky old man who used to throw things at them when they were kids. And just because they passed his house! Not because they’d stolen his apples or […]
Happy Thanksgiving from Italy!! Although it always amazes me how many people don’t know that Italy doesn’t celebrate this holiday. And it saddens me too, because it means that many (even in North America) don’t seem to know the history of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a distinctly North American holiday, inspired by the celebrations of the […]