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12

Feb

A Taste of Italian Wordplay

by Joyce McGreevy on February 12, 2019

A woman serving gelato reminds the writer that Italian wordplay includes many Italian food idioms—that aren’t about food. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

What’s as cool as gelato minus the calorie count? Italian wordplay!
© Joyce McGreevy

Spice Up Your Speech with Italian Idioms

One of the pleasures of travel in Italy is immersing yourself in the language. As you treat your palate to its cuisines, treat your tongue to Italian wordplay.

Oh,  I see:  Sampling Italian idioms is a rich, non-fattening way to savor Italian culture.

An array of Italian side dishes remind the writer that many Italian idioms refer to food. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Many Italian idioms were inspired by food—but are rarely about food.
© Joyce McGreevy

Complimenti Allo Chef!

In English we favor plain statements when seeking the simple truth:  “Tell it like it is.”  “Give it to me straight.”  Read more...

 

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Italy/Proverbs & Sayings

21

Jan

Everyday Aha Moments in Italy

by Joyce McGreevy on January 21, 2019

Santa Croce and passing trucks in Florence inspire an aha moment about everyday Italian rituals. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Santa Croce inspires. So do the delivery-truck drivers on their daily predawn rounds.
© Joyce McGreevy

Discovering Beauty in Life’s Little Rituals

It’s no revelation to say that icons of awe-inspiring beauty are everywhere in Florence. For some visitors,  the rarified aha moments induced by a surfeit of grandeur can even become physically overwhelming.

But as Italian psychologist Piero Ferrucci writes, we can also “discover [beauty] in everyday life: a song heard on the street, a crumbling old wall, the reflections in a puddle.”

The Arno at sunset in Florence Italy inspires an aha moment about life’s little rituals. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

A walk along the Arno at sunset is glorious, but . . .
© Joyce McGreevy  Read more...

 

Crossing Cultures/Discoveries/Italy/Life Lessons

07

Jan

In Florence, a Feast of Festivals

by Joyce McGreevy on January 7, 2019

A view of Firenze from across the Arno inspires a writer to reflect on the cultural traditions of New Year in Italy. (Image © Victoria Lyons)

Winter in the city of Dante: Florence invites reflection and revelry in equal measure.
© Victoria Lyons

Savoring the First Week of the Year
Is an Italian Cultural Tradition

Are “the holidays” a faint memory? In some countries, all trace of yuletide is tidied away with alarming efficiency. Trees that inspire ho-ho-ho’s one day, get the heave-ho the next.

Here in Florence, Italy, January’s air is still redolent with balsam. Fairy lights arch over streets, and by Italian cultural tradition, a feast of festivals continues. Long past December, much remains to be savored, so my friend Victoria and I go with the Florentine flow.  Read more...

 

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Italy/On Foot

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