Italian Life + History Archives

An Italian Convenience (June/July 2023)

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. A staple in most Italian neighborhoods, and in many cities most streets, is the tabaccheria or tabacchi. These shops, marked with a giant white T sign overhead, are pillars of Italians’ daily routine and visitors should know why. Historically, they sold everyday goods such as tobacco (hence the …

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Members Only: Virtual Workshop – How to Plan an Extended Stay or Move to Italy

I was completely blown away by our two sessions for our How to Plan an Extended Stay or Move to Italy Virtual Workshop – which is a free bonus for all current paid members. Even if you are not sure if an extended stay or move to Italy is part of your future, do yourself a favor and watch the two …

Caffè Sospeso (December 2022/January 2023)

This article originally appeared in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. A cup of coffee for napoletani is more than a caffeine boost—it’s an inevitable part of their daily ritual. So much so, that Neapolitans have a custom in which they pay for their coffee and a second, leaving a caffè sospeso or “suspended coffee” for the …

Resources and Ideas: Adult Study Abroad and More (October/November 2022)

This article originally appeared in the October/November 2022 issue of Dream of Italy. If it seems daunting to pack up your life and move to Italy for an extended stay: Tranquilli! There are many resources to help make your dream a reality. If detailed planning isn’t your thing, turn to one of the companies, including a prestigious university, that are offering …

Star-Crossed Love: Florence’s Own Romeo and Juliet (February/March 2022)

This article originally appeared in the February/March 2022 issue of Dream of Italy. Before Romeo and Juliet, there was Francesco and Bianca. She, a runaway Venetian of noble blood; he, the Medici heir apparent to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. As with Shakespeare’s fictitious characters, the real-life Bianca and Francesco faced intense opposition to their union. Angry family members, spiteful …

The Small But Essential Pleasures of Italy (October/November 2021)

This article originally appeared in the October/November 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. For me, dreaming of Italy—which is all I have done since my last visit there in October 2019—might not be what you would expect. Yes, there is the sublime cuisine and superb wine, but I write Italian cookbooks and can make dishes at home that remind me of la …

10 Tips to Enjoy Italy’s Art to the Fullest (June/July 2021)

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. Italy reminds us that we are all on the same journey of life, uninterrupted for centuries, in search of meaning, beauty and delight. I often think of a medal made for Michelangelo’s 85th birthday, his last-known portrait. The artist chose to be represented as a blind pilgrim, in ragged …

Kathy’s Irresistible Invitation to Italy

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. Editor’s Note: To have someone write kind words about you and the work you have devoted your life to is a gift. To have those words penned by the poetic and iconic Frances Mayes, well that’s an altogether otherworldly experience. Not only does Frances join me on …

Dreaming of Italy Through Atmospheric Paintings

This article originally appeared in the April/May 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. The new TV special Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive will also be airing on PBS stations as a pledge special to raise funds for public television. Actor Joe Mantegna joins me to co-host these breaks but because of the pandemic, we had to film virtually in private …

Specchio/Mirror (Poem by Salvatore Quasimodo)

This poem originally appeared in the February/March 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. Salvatore Quasimodo was a Sicilian civil engineer, born in Modica, who began writing poetry in his twenties. This poem was published in his first collection “Acque e Terre”, which translates to Waters and Lands, in 1930. Specchio Ed ecco sul tronco si rompono gemme: un verde più nuovo …

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