Italy

Five good reasons for having an Italian coffee

There is no doubt, in Italy, all parts of the peninsula, coffee is not only a good morning wish, but has gradually become part of a specific ritual: every Italian, since childhood, remembers the memory of the perfume of fresh-made (yet hot) coffee. But coffee for Italian people is not only part of the culture, there are many good reasons someone takes coffee or could invite you to have it together.

Firstly, having one is a sort of a no-strings date: if the boy or the girl you like asks you for such a break, it does not necessarily mean they have an interest in you. Yet, coffee is something informal but could be seen as a way of approaching the person you are interested in without seeming too involved, as the coffee break does not last long (Italian coffee is served in a little cup called tazzina) and this limited time may allow you to talk and get to know each other. That is why a coffee is a nice idea for a first date in Italy with someone, or for example for simply getting to know an Italian friend that you previously met on the web. Remember that if after coffee a dinner is what you are asked for, you are on your way to love (at least hopefully).

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Tuscany: discover Valdichiana valley

In this post Caterina, our new contributor from Italy, shares some tips for discovering lesser known places in Tuscany and some secrets for getting to know the locals.

Is this how you think of Tuscany? There is more to discover

Castiglion Fiorentino

If you loved the movie “Under The Tuscan Sun” you will adore the village of Castiglion Fiorentino, a sort of little Cortona but not so well known: its graceful shaped hills, together with its buildings of Etrurian origins, are really unique; why not wander under the Tuscan sun while the perfumes of golden sunflowers tickle your senses? Its romantic paths, shaded by emerald pines, are the perfect set of a romantic walk hand in hand; Castiglion Fiorentino really is a little secret jewel in Tuscany!

But, on the other hand, Castiglion Fiorentino is not just a typical picturesque country village: all the young people in the area would more easily remember its name for the very nice and fashionable pubs (The Garden and the Velvet) than for its typically Tuscan surroundings. Personally, I am also fond of the “Carro Armato” ice-cream: there is no better way of enjoying Italian life than with a gelato in hand.

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Giuseppe Boschetti – portrait of the artist

Although he does not sell his paintings, Giuseppe Boschetti is well known in his native Romagna (a region of North East Italy). His paintings are so much a part of him that he prefers to keep them on display in his house for family and friends, where they almost completely cover the walls of his apartment in Santarcangelo’s historic centre.

Giuseppe Boschetti exhibition

The artist’s studio is as chock full of detail as one of his paintings. A small, low table next to the easel is filled with paintbrushes in jam jars. Other surfaces are crammed with knickknacks: the top of one cupboard is crowded with empty glass bottles, another with wooden models. Look around and you see a vintage radio, an arrangement of seashells in a basket. A collection of modern art books sits inside one of the bookcases, pencil sketches hang on the walls. Light enters through skylights in the sloping roof, which ‘Pino’ warns us not to bang our head on.

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What buttons can tell you about Italian society

When I was a child, one of my favourite pastimes was playing with my grandma’s button tin. Over the years she had collected hundreds of buttons, and I used to tip them out onto the carpet and spend hours arranging and admiring them.

Giorgio Galavotti, founder, owner and curator of the Museo del Bottone (Button museum), has spent a lifetime playing with buttons. For years he ran a button shop, setting up the museum when he retired, so he could share his passion with others. The buttons on display are mostly from the shop, as well as buttons brought along by friends and locals who raided their own button tins after he opened the museum. When I ask Giorgio if he has favourites he looks a bit schocked. “They are all my children” he says.

I learn that my grandma’s button tin was not unique “every house had one, and it’s a classic childhood story, playing with the button tin”

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Cecilia: Italian by birth, Spanish at heart

Today we speak with Cecilia, born and raised in Milan, but currently living in Barcelona, Spain. Cecilia tells us about her experiences living everywhere from Spain to Bali, and why she is loving the Spanish lifestyle.

Tell us a bit about yourself. How would your friends or family describe you?

I’d like that my friends and family would describe me as a sensitive, reliable and sunny.

You are from Milan, but live in Barcelona and have also spent time in the US and Bali? Can you tell us a little about what inspired your move and desire to live in all these wonderful places?

I was born in Milan and I lived there for 24 years. At the moment I’m living in Barcelona, Spain, since July.

I’m studying in a master of translations in the Pompeu Fabra University. I really like Barcelona because is full of art and culture, and so multi ethnic. In this city there are also a lot of events and activities for young people. It’s amazing!!!

Two years ago I went to US to study English and to work like a babysitter in an American family. I looked after the two funny children and I learned a lot of English! I really liked this experience because I had the opportunity to know many people of different culture.

Last year I travelled to Bali, Indonesia, for two months because my ex  boy-friend was working there in a Diving company. It was the first time that I saw a place so different form my country.

At the beginning I was on holiday trying to find something to do and one day I read on internet an announcement of a family from US looking for a nanny and I immediately contacted them. It was what I wished!  I love children and I really enjoy to spend time with them. I knew the family and I began to work in their house looking after their so sweet 1, 5 old boy.

Tell us a bit about what culture you most identify with and why.

I identify more with Spanish culture than with the Italian one.  I really like the Spanish lifestyle. Spanish people are more relaxed than Italian people (I mean the northern part of Italy), the day is larger, lunch time is at 3pm and dinner time is at 9/10 pm.

What is the best part of living in your country? The worst?

I think that the best part to live in Italy is in the countryside of Tuscany. This place is so beautiful and quiet.

The worst I think is Milan, my city. It’s very grey, industrial and the people are quite cold.

What language or languages do you use on a day to day basis?

Here in Barcelona I speak Spanish with the majority of the people and Italian just with Italian friends who are living here and in Skype with my relatives and friends who are in Italy.

 Describe a favourite typical meal from your country

A typical meal of Milan is the “Cotoletta alla Milanese”.

It’s Veal cutlet coated in breadcrumbs. It is a typical dish cooked by grandmothers! So good!!!

Italian food lover in California

I found Simona’s blog while making a Google search to find out what lenticchie Castelluccio are. She’s an Italian living in California and describes Briciole (crumbs) as “An idiosyncratic and opinionated dictionary of Italian words related to food, with audio accompaniment – and recipes”.

Briciole is both cookery blog and guide to Italian language and customs related to food. For example this post, which touches on the difference between Italian biscotti, American cookies and English biscuits.

There’s also advice on how to track down Italian ingredients in California (including the lentils I was after). For Italian speakers, some posts are in both languages.

Read more:
Blogs from Italy
The cappuccino rule: fact or fiction?
Why Italians don’t use a bath towel