The Italian Spirit Tutoring
One of my students is from Buffalo, NY. When she told me the fascinating story of Garden Walk Buffalo, I thought it would be interesting to compare that tradition with the similar-but-different garden festivals of Italy. Garden Walk Buffalo is the largest free garden tour in the United States. Hundreds of private homeowners open their […]
Today we’re talking about a somewhat different cartoon: it makes you laugh and, as always, there is time for reflection within the laughter. These cartoons were part of my adolescence and remain timely, sadly because war remains current. Sturmtruppen is a famous Italian comic series created by Bonvi (the pen name of Franco Bonvicini, born […]
The History of the Officina Profumo‑Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella We are in Florence, just a few steps from the train station and the famous Dominican basilica. Here stands the Officina Profumo‑Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, considered the oldest pharmacy in Italy and one of the oldest in the world still in operation. Its history […]
March 8 is an important date in the global struggle for women’s rights. In many countries around the world, this day is celebrated as International Women’s Day, which in Italy is commonly known simply as Festa della Donna. It is a meaningful occasion dedicated to reflecting—both locally and globally—on the condition of women, on the […]
A market is a place where merchants conduct business and build relationships with the goal of expanding their trade, and this is a good description of the Ballarò market in Palermo. The name has two historical derivations, both linked to Sicily’s Arab‑Norman past (827–1091 for the Arab period, ending with the Norman conquest; the Norman […]
Why not explore some of Italy’s most underrated cities? Many of them are true artistic gems—rich in history, full of character, unforgettable culinary experiences, and an Italian spirit welcoming to visitors. You can skip Rome and Venice (they’ll forgive you!) and instead immerse yourself in the Baroque beauty of Lecce. Often called “The Florence of the […]
The Orgosolo murals emerged in the late 1960s. A group of students and artists decided to bring art directly to the people. The students were inspired by their teacher, Francesco Del Casino, an art educator who, together with them, painted the first mural in 1969 as a protest against the expropriation of land from shepherds. […]
There is a certain way the Italian Spirit reveals itself: an invitation to live life with curiosity. I was reminded of this during a trip to Taormina, Sicily. Taormina is breathtaking from every angle—the sea shimmering below, the dramatic cliffs, the layers of history woven into every stone. Its historic center is lined with elegant […]
What is a food desert? A food desert is an area with limited access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food. It’s a serious challenge to health and well-being, especially in the United States, where processed and fast food often dominate. But in Italy, the concept of a food desert is almost foreign. Why? Because food […]
When people think about Italy, they often hear music: operas or ballads, or perhaps how the language flows. Italian is uniquely melodic, expressive, and full of emotion. My students tell me Italian doesn’t just communicate; it sings. For me, teaching Italian is a way of sharing history and connection. Every lesson is a bridge between […]