Many travelers to Italy might never know the importance of Carnival, or carnevale, in Italy. But the few who have seen the pictures, or happened to be here during Carnival season will know: it’s huge. Carnival is far more than just eerily elaborate masks in Venice. It’s celebrated by young and old in ever town… Read more »

In 2018 I made a goal to read at least 2/3 of my books for that year in Italian. I read well in Italian, but it still requires a bit more brain power and a bit more time, so I find myself rarely reaching for my Italian book when there are so many in English readily… Read more »

This is not a specific travel plan, but a list of places that most pique my interest now. They are places that I should have already visited; places I’ve seen but need more time with; and places that have just recently come on my radar. Few of the destinations are top picks for first-time visitors, but I’d… Read more »

Everyone does travel year-in-review blog posts. But let’s be real: it only really works for those lucky few who have been to dozens of different destinations. Those with enviable schedules and even better photos. I’d love to do a year in review of the sort, one that shows me jet-setting across the world (even if that’s not… Read more »

Resolution time! Like I said last year, these Italy Travel Resolutions are suggestions on destinations, mentalities and experiences to try.  Each year I try to give tips and ideas for your next trip to Italy. To help you learn from my mistakes, or to give a nudge in a more unique direction. The resolutions are not restricted to any certain year…. Read more »

We might think that the 12 days of Christmas are simply the most annoying of the Christmas songs, but here in the Old Country it still exists. With nearly a fortnight of celebrations, the peak of Christmastime in Italy runs from Christmas Day on December 25th to the Epiphany on January 6th when the Three Wise… Read more »

Some say that so-called “soft skills” are the economic powerhouses of the 21st-century. That more than specific technologies, we need to help our children develop a high emotional intelligence, diplomacy and cross-cultural communication skills.  Little touches on my life more than cross-cultural communication skills. Traveling abroad or even more, living abroad, inherently requires some level of cross-cultural communication.  Defined… Read more »

I have a click-bait post all written and ready to go about how to learn a second language. How-to posts are enticing, popular, usually great SEO… but they can also be remarkably superficial. The post included all the usuals: get a teacher, immerse yourself with audio, magazines and books, leave your pride at the door when talking… Read more »

I’ve always loved Thanksgiving. Not because of its history, which is absolutely terrible, but because of what it’s become today. A long weekend to recoup and recover. A time for family. An entire holiday with the simple idea of giving thanks for the wonderful things in our lives. And one of the few holidays with… Read more »