Italy is changing and so is View Italy

I have taken a short sabbatical from the things I enjoy to do the things I must. During this brief interruption I have been able to organize in my head certain tendencies occurring in Italy. The last two years have brought changes that are ripping at the core of Italian culture. I try to accentuate the positive aspects of my experience in Italy. In the last period it has been difficult to write because the positive is under attack. It is in the words of my kids that I find the most distress. They are at the beginning of life’s trek, just entering the work force.

The process began several years ago. Raffaella and I were in Milan for a doctor’s appointment. When we finished it was late afternoon and we decided to have an apperitivo in a local bar we had been to many times over the years. To our astonishment a Chinese couple was running the counter. Curiously we asked and found that this bar had been sold earlier in the year. The offered the same types of snacks with the Prosecco and the service was courteous. We have not been back to the bar. Things just were not the same. The new owners tried hard to maintain the establishment’s atmosphere but they are fighting a losing battle. They are not Italian. It is the little things that make the experience Italian. The attention to detail and the innate understanding of what is appealing is part of the culture.

A similar experience here in Dallas allows us to think about what our subconscious understands. Raffaella works with a company owned by first generation Italian immigrant. For Christmas he adorned the store with best ornaments he could find. When one of the employees complimented the decorations he sadly stated, “It is the best we could do. We could not find live vines or handmade ornaments.” To some the WOW factor is most important but our subconscious picks up the difference between something made to look like quality and something that is quality.

So my articles will change. I will maintain my food porn and perhaps one day I will publish a complete recipe list in a separate volume. Fashion still excites me. It remains exciting and imaginative even with the changes brought on by globalization. I will try and talk about restaurants and hotels where the family remains the basic building block of success. I will also talk about what is happening to the youth of Italy as Italy changes.

Your thoughts are always appreciated.

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Fiat 500 Wins Prestigious Car of the Year Award

As we are shopping for the perfect gift how about the Car of the Year. The newly introduced Fiat 500 has been named Car of the Year by a group of 58 automotive journalists from 22 countries. The 500 was reported to have been a hands-down winner over its six rivals thanks to its look, safety features, the quality of its interior and variety of its models and engines.

Competing against the 500 were the Ford Mondeo, the Kia Cee'd, the Mazda 2, the Mercedes Class C, the Nissan Qashqai and the Peugeot 308. The 500, a re-edition of the classic car, produced from 1957 to 1977, made its official debut in Turin on July 4.

The car has a retro-look to recall the classic 500, named after its original engine size, following the example of the new Volkswagen 'Beetle' and the BMW 'Mini'.

Between the end of the Nineties and the start of 2000, Fiat design put the emphasis on the product’s high degree of practicality, with particular attention to the car’s interior space. Today, the brand has evolved in a new direction for Italian design, where details are carefully amalgamated with harmonious forms and homogeneous styling: a combination of traditional values in a bubbly, innovative setting.

The theme of stressing the brand’s Italian quality is expressed by the rediscovery of influences from Italian cars of the Sixties and Seventies and expressions of Italian culture, particularly fashion; also contributing to the Fiat brand’s new personality are major design companies in the Turin area, such as Pininfarina, Bertone or Italdesign, who represent a cultural heritage envied throughout the world.

Unfortunately, Fiat does not have a US commercial presence. The entrance of the Smart car by Mercedes gives me hope that sometime in the near future this little jewel will find its way onto US streets. Fiat developed the platform for the 500 with Ford Motor Company of the United States, which will use it for its revamped 'Ka' model. Perhaps this collaboration can be the foot in the door for Fiat while giving Ford a hot car for the US market.

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Bottle of Ornellia 2005 sells at auction for $33,600 – Friends of Florence

I can imagine that many are checking their wine cellars right now to see just how many bottles of Ornellaia are on the shelves. Before you break you neck jumping down the stairs to open the doors of newfound riches, patience. Ornellaia is a wonderful wine. It is one of my favourites. It is not, for any year of production, a $33,600 wine. The sale took place at a Christie’s Auction in New York. The winners were a couple from Seattle and the proceeds go to the “Friend’s of Florence” to restore and maintain the entrance doors of the Battistero of Florence.

There are various non-profit organizations in the US dedicated to helping maintain the human treasures of Florence, Venice and Rome. From the Friends of Florence Website:

Friends of Florence is a non-profit 501(C)3 international foundation based in the United States. It was created to allow the citizens of the world to participate in the preservation and enhancement of this glorious city and the Tuscany region.

Through carefully selected projects, various works of art, architecture and literature will be restored, safeguarded or finally opened to the public. A committee of internationally respected experts and historians will guide the foundation in the selection of projects that will benefit from the foundation's work.

The great re-awakening of the human spirit from the darkness of the Middle Ages occurred in Florence. In the early 15th century, the study of antiquity - of the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome - became a Florentine passion, and with it carne a new respect for learning and a new-found creativity. The fruits of the great Quattrocento were boundless in Florence, making it the center of Western civilization for arts, architecture, philosophy sciences and political idealism. This small city became the emblem of humanism and gave the world such geniuses as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Galileo, Dante, Giotto and countless others who created works and ideals which continue to inspire the world. As we enter the third millennium, it is ever more important that the legacy of Florence and the Tuscany region be preserved, enhanced where possible, and protected. Many of the unique treasures found in and around Florence are in danger of being ruined from neglect or sporadic preservation. The city itself is a work of art, rich in beautiful palaces, churches, museums, secret corners, and splendid gardens. All must be carefully protected so that Florence and Tuscany will remain a symbol of humanism and man's creativity and genius for centuries to come.

Current Projects include:

Sculptural Group Above the Door of the Baptistry
Ghiberti’s “Door’s of Paradise”
Twelve Caesars of the Medici Collection
Tribune in Uffizi Gallery

You can receive additional information on their projects, how to get involved and/or what is coming in the future directly from the group.

Tags: Ornellaia Wine Auction Red Wine Florence Tuscany Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy

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Tuscany seen from the inside

It is not often that I pimp another site. The exceptions are sites that offer something truly unique. The Italian Wine Guy offers a view of wine, culture and the US in a way that can be useful in finding balance in life. Recently I found, actually he found me, an expat in Tuscany. Discover Soriano views daily life in the Tuscan town of Soriano. He includes great information about how to live the Tuscan experience.

I believe he organizes specialty vacations like culinary tours and wine tours. I like the site because it has great information and detail on the area. While View Italy talks more generally about Italy I believe the best way to vacation is to go into one area and stay there for the entire time. Learn everything you can about the food, the wine, the local products, and the people. This will mean that you may have some down time but after all, this is a vacation. You should relax and rejuvenate.

Check out this Tuscan Information Center and let me know what you think.

Tags: Italian Vacations Tuscany Soriano Wine Vacations Travel Italy

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Travel Tips Italy – Navigating the difficulties of Strikes

Every year the fall brings contract negotiations and inevitably strikes. Some years the strikes have little meaning. Other years they can really be a nightmare. Italy’s government is now run by a Romano Prodi. Romano Prodi wants to be remembered as the Italian father of Reaganomics. His government has undertaken numerous initiates to break down the status quo and change the way Italians live and do business.

Without going into the politics of these initiatives, Italians are not Americans. When their government does something the citizens do not like the Italians will strike and hold very large demonstrations in the street. Eventually they will get a referendum going and block the government’s attempt to do whatever it is that the people do not like. Presently there are several hot topics. Alitalia is being sold and the unions do not like the conditions of the sale. This means that there can be, without any notice, a strike blocking the major airports in Milan and Rome.
To attenuate this risk I would think about using the train for internal transfers and use the airports of secondary cities like Torino for European flights. Intercontinental flights are not usually blocked by strikes.

One of Prodi’s initiatives is to eliminate the union of fuel distributors. It is thought that this union is responsible for limiting oil company’s capabilities to raise prices. In response to the government’s attempt to eliminate the union the fuel distributors announced that they will be executing 15 days of strikes. Over the years I have lived through several 1 or 2 day blockages. Thinking about how you travel, one can go on with normal life without any difficulties. I have only experienced one 15 day blockage, back in the late 80s. This was disastrous for those who had to drive.

If the fuel strike occurs, fill your car immediately. Eliminate any non essential driving. When you see a gas station open, fill up. When you are desperate, the union makes sure that a certain number of gas stations on the Autostrada are open. Check with your hotel about where to fill up. Whenever you exit the Autostrada network make sure you do so with a full tank of gas. Following these suggestions will limit the difficulties you may face should the strike occur.

Tags: Italian Vacations Autostrada Travel Tips Travel Italy Summer+Vacations

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Another Reason why Italian Women are so fantastic – They are in good shape!

A recent study found that 7 out of 10 Italian women believe that frequent sex is imperative to stay in shape. They prefer an hour with their man than eating grilled chicken and salad. The women have spoken, sex is not only fun but can help you get rid of a couple of extra pounds. The article, published by the magazine Dimagrire (lose weight), interviewed their readers between 20 and 45.

According to 74% of the women interviewed, sex is a major contributing factor to maintaining their weight, just as important as working out at the gym. Only 1 out of 10 thought that sex was not an important factor in any diet. It seems that Italian women are taking this very seriously and viewing sex as a physical routine capable of burning as many calories as any other workout. The result is very demanding women counting minutes and calories. They are scheduling longer workouts to increase the number of calories consumed.

Unfortunately for us mortal men, 64% of Italian women believe that changing partners increases the physical benefits. Let’s say it, losing weight with this workout regime can really be a pleasure.

The interview did not just limit themselves to superficial questions but went into great detail about activity and positions. The most efficient seems to be standing upright because it is the most difficult and uncomfortable. The parts of the body to receive the greatest benefit are the legs. For Italian Women it is not just about losing weight. The participants believe that having sex often increases muscular elasticity and reduces the signs of aging while eliminating problems of sleepless nights and stress.

The article finished throwing a bit of water on the popular beliefs about sex. Doctor Bruno Fabbri, of the center for sports medicine of Padova, explained that sex in the missionary position (I was a missionary but never had any sex…) burns about 600 calories an hour. He also indicated that the normal duration for European couples was 13 minutes and 50 seconds.

Italian women are passionate, feminine and interestingly aggressive. I am fine with this tendency. It takes my admiration of these goddesses to an entirely new level. I may not be up to the requirements of my goddess but am always happy to try…

Tags: Italian Women Diets Culture Travel Italy

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Ferragosto 2007 – Buon Ferragosto!

Americans do not feel it but there is a desire to relax sweeping across Italy. It is Ferragosto. The companies have been closed for about a week now and the 15th of August is known as the hottest and laziest day of the year. The cities are empty. Turta de Lac is in the oven and Tortelli Cremaschi abound. I too, want to escape. Just getting dressed in the morning is a chore. It is time for a short vacation, a few days to recharge the batteries.


September springs back to life with uncommon vigor. So much to do and so little time. The fashion scene will be the mainstay. October brings technology and wine. November means chestnuts, mushrooms and tartufo. December, all of December, is holiday.

A couple of days my readers will forgive me. Take some time for yourself while the sun bakes the earth and I will see you again this weekend. Buon Ferragosto!

Tags: Italian Vacations Ferragosto Beaches Travel Italy Summer+Vacations

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Lamborghini Alar – Quanto Sei Bella !

Lamborghini Alar is a beautifully inspired work of art. I think many of the same characteristics I desire in women are the same as I look for in car. Thinking about those with significant disposable income, they have harems of cars. Each one loved and cherished. Each car has a unique attraction. I love cars with sinuous lines, unusual designs, extreme performance, and a cabin that snuggly embraces you in soft and sensuous leathers.

The newest addition to the house of Lamborghini is a vehicle worthy of lust. I am not one to chase after the latest tight suspension or the body with exaggerated curves. The Lamborghini Alar is mysterious and aloof yet inviting all to dream about her. Her silhouette is long and sleek. Her oversized dark tinted windows sit on top of a solid body.

Air scoops in the side doors flow into the wheel wells adding aerodynamic stability while creating an hourglass type figure. If you are fortunate enough to sneak up on her from behind the cooling slats leading out from the bubble like back window become wings of a great dark eagle.

The most likely vision you will be fortunate enough to have of this little beauty is in the rear view mirror as she approaches quickly and swiftly. Her numerous air scoops in both the hood and front spoiler intertwine seamlessly creating a series of curves, nooks and crannies. As you start to dream of this beautiful babe she is gone, simply little red lights leaving your horizon. The emotion remains, you have been touched by an angel, even if only for moment. She is a glimpse of heaven. Once you have seen her, she will always be there, in your dreams, waiting just for you.

The Lamborghini Alar is my car of the decade.

Tags: Italian Culture Italian Cars Lamborghini Travel Travel Tips Italy

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The Mythical Fiat 500 Reborn

I had my first introduction to the Fiat 500 in 1979. As a young pup along with a friend from Idaho we packed into the back seat of a friends 1965 Fiat 500. We were somewhat concerned. The lawnmower engine strained with our extra weight. At every corner we laughed nervously as a grinding sound permeated the cabin. Although the car was not scraping the ground the lateral movement from the curve would overcome the springs tension and the wheels would rub the surrounding well.

Most Italians have owned this car. It is the first car of many. Usually third or fourth hand as the new driver made their mistakes on this indestructible toy. Production of the 500 ended in 1975 and the few vehicles still running in the 1990s became collector’s items. A piece of Italian culture was disappearing.

Fiat stopped making the vehicle because sales were failing. There were so many 500s that the market was saturated. The Fiat story is similar to the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagon Beatle, cars that were victims of their own success. No one really missed the Fiat 500. They continued to run and as the years passed they took on a retro appeal. We can thank the rebirth of the Fiat 500 to the successful re-launch of the Mini Cooper and the German Bug. The new star of automobile giant Fiat launched the new, improved, reformulated, fantastically marvelous Fiat 500.

The party was impressive. A huge platform floated in the river Po. A huge crane lowered the new model slowly into the forum where 6000 people from all over the world cheered the newest model in the Fiat stables. Fireworks exploded and the 500 sign illuminated the night sky. For 500 lovers, and for many Italians, this was a welcomed event.

The entire year’s production of 500s pre-sold in less than three weeks. Without a doubt the 500 will be a favorite among younger drivers and baby boomers remembering their toys. As a tourist it will be difficult to try one of these babies but if you have local friends a trip around the city in the Fiat 500 should be an interesting trip.

Tags: Italian Culture Italian Cars Fiat Travel Travel Tips Italy

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Travel Tips – Medical Care while on Vacation in Italy

I have just started a new company, 4D-EMR, providing free storage and access for medical records so this post is a bit of self-promotion. You are quietly sipping a Prosecco, gazing over the cliffs of Positano as the sun sets over the distant horizon of the Mediterranean Sea when your arm goes numb and a sharp pain shoots into your chest. No one wants to think about it but what do you do if you have a serious medical problem while on vacation in a foreign country? You think about all the horror stories from the politicians about waiting six months for emergency care. You remember, “Everyone wants to come to the US to be treated.” Shortly the pain subsides and you decide to wait until you get home to go to your doctor.

This is not a good solution. Most likely you will worry about your health for the rest of the trip and perhaps cut the trip short. Understanding the system will help you navigate through some of the misconceptions.

Italy has national health care. It also has private health care just like the US. The difference between the two is that with the private system you will live like royalty while in the hospital with your own suite, personal nurse and usually a sofa bed for your partner to sleep comfortably while staying with you. The national system, depending on the type of illness and treatment, may put you in a single room or in a room with six other people. The quality of care, that is what really matters, is excellent in both cases. The public system will not turn you away even if you are not Italian, you see, every human life has value.

If you have an emergency, the best solution is to go to the Hospital Emergency Room, it is called “Pronto Soccorso”. If you have a stomachache or a sore foot you may want to ask the hotel for a doctor who speaks English. They will have a complete list of specialties and often can get you access to sports doctors for mobility injuries that somehow seem to happen while on vacation.

The hospital will usually bill you at home at a later date. Doctors will usually want to be paid in cash. To avoid any unexpected money concerns, Europe Assistance will sell you a policy for a few bucks a day and this will cover everything from health emergencies to your car breaking down in the middle of nowhere and getting you to your destination.

If you need to replace a medicine that you have lost or forgotten, go to any pharmacy, preferably have the hotel call beforehand. There are real pharmacists, Doctors with degrees in Medicine, in the pharmacy. The pharmacy will have a lighted sign with a green and white or red and white cross. Every area will have at least one pharmacy open 24 hours. Outside of normal business hours you will pay an extra fee but they available. Most local residents will be able to tell you where the closest location of the “Farmacia di Turno” is, they may even accompany you there.

It is always a good idea to have a list of any medications you are taking and any known health problems. Also the name and phone number of someone to contact in the case of emergency is a good thing. Your personal physician’s name and phone number could prove valuable.

To sum it up, if you are not feeling well on vacation, do not tough it out. Medical care in Italy is excellent and may be the difference between a beautiful experience, eating great food, drinking marvelous wine while enjoying the sunsets and spending a week starring at the ceiling.

Raffaella just read the article and added a quick, “Ti’e’, Ti’e’!” obviously with the appropriate hand gesture. This is not something one wants to think about when going on vacation but better safe than sorry.

Tags: Italian Culture Italian Vacations Travel Travel Tips Italy

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The Nights of San Lorenzo – Wine, Food and Fireworks in the Squares of Italy

The nights of San Lorenzo are always a festive occasion. Sometimes it is an opportunity to take your partner out for a romantic evening in the hills of Italy gazing at the universe’s fireworks show. With a family more organized events are in order. Either way the week of August 10th is full of festivities across Italy. The traditions of San Lorenzo change from region to region, as do the festivities.

In Romagna it is custom to bathe in the sea seven times during the evening. Similar to a baptism this tradition is said to purify the soul and bring fortune. Cervia, in Romagna, celebrates the Fires of San Lorenzo with a fair on the beach. Wine tasting, local foods and artisan products are offered along with music and dancing.

Crotta d’Adda, in the province of Cremona, organizes a more futuristic style of festivities. The local astronomy group gathers in the Park of the Prince, on the shore of the river. Computerized laser shows and celestial maps accompany the shooting stars. The group provides telescopes and experts to explain the heavens.

The Wine Touring Club and the City of Wine organize wine tasting and gourmet food events in the major Italian cities where local wine producers present their newly released products.

Tags: Italian Vacations Cervia Emilia Romagna Beaches Travel Italy Summer+Vacations

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Italian Garden Gnomes go Missing – Save the Gnomes

Northern Italians are worried for the garden gnomes. Over the past couple of years they have been disappearing during the night. The thefts are propagated by an international organization dedicated to freeing the gnomes from the mediocrity of middleclass suburban gardens. Homeowners from Cuneo to Trieste are concerned for the well being of their beloved garden friends. A group of young entrepreneurs has come up with an interesting solution to stop this new form of cultural terrorism.

Seven young men from Cuneo in Piemonte will dress up as the fabled dwarves and entertain kids for an evening before camping out in people's gardens. "Our services are very cheap. We're prepared to work for the price of a dinner," said Fabio, the leader of the group. The gnomes' fees are next to nothing anyway since they're offering their services on eBay, the online auction site, for as little as one euro.

"We'll even work for free if people feed us," Fabio said.

"The Front has to be stopped".

Though never as active in Italy as other European countries, the Garden Gnome Liberation Front is still capable of striking fear into the hearts of gnome-owners. In a recent case in the northern Italian city of Bressanone, several gnomes were reported missing after a lecture in the nearby city of Brunico by a Swiss academic whose theories have sought to legitimize the Front's pranks.

The Front is devoted to saving gnomes from allegedly unnatural fates in boring middle-class gardens and restoring them to their native habitats in rugged mountaintop scenery. The Swiss professor, Fritz Friedmann, wrote a book claiming that gnomes are living beings imprisoned by man in cement because they are repositories of the wisdom of the "Great Dwarf".

Do not be surprised if your Travelocity customer service is lacking when traveling in Europe this year. It is not because they prefer the mundane over the unique instead it is rumored that security concerns for their beloved mascot have limited their presence.

Tags: Italian Vacations Piemonte Lombardia Gnomes Travel Italy Summer+Vacations

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Prosecco and Sabers – Who’s your Daddy!?!

A one-line headline on the newswires caught my attention:

“Winemaker Gianluca Bisol, the group will gather in the northern town of Treviso at the weekend to display their skill at opening champagne bottles by slicing off the top with a saber.”

The Bisol family makes a few really good Prosecco wines. Many know that the method of making many Prosecco wines is the Charmat not the Champagne method. It seemed reasonable to think that anything having to do with Bubbly would interest Gianluca Bisol. He is involved in most of the wine and educational associations in Veneto.

Opening a bottle of Champagne or Prosecco with a saber seemed a bit sensationalist. I assumed that they were talking about some new bottle opener called the saber. I was amazed to find that it is exactly what it says it is, open a bottle of Champagne with a sword. There is a worldwide association of Saber Rattlers. The association counts 30,000 members in 12 countries. The newest chapter of the group is opening in Treviso.

The practice goes back to the times of Napoleon. Several writers have documented both the method and the story. After reading their accounts, my cynical mind went to work. Bisol has a vested interest in developing this fashion. Urban Daddy writes:

“Of course, the only thing that looks worse than struggling with a champagne cork is struggling with a saber and a champagne cork, so in a word: practice.”

How many bottles will we break in the interest of practice? Once I learn how to do it perfectly, Prosecco would be a requirement at any dinner with friends.

Enough of my malicious considerations. This would be an impressive display if your friends don’t call 911 when they see you walk in with a sword. As you are swiping away at the neck of an innocent bottle of Prosecco you can grunt, “Who’s your Daddy!?!”

Tags: Prosecco Sparkling Wine Italian Wine Veneto Sommelier Champagne Travel Italy

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Italy Summer 2007 Women’s Hairstyles

David Lebovitz, a chef in Paris, wrote a humorous article about some cultural differences between France and the US. It could have been about Italy and the US. Looking good is important for most Italians, especially women. When friends visit, they will often comment about how people seem to have a different style, sometimes lacking in the US. The culture of fashion plays an important role but it is also about attention to the little things. An Italian primps whenever going out in public.

Even here, Raffaella will get up two hours before she has to go out in the morning to “get ready”. Her brother would teasingly call it the remodeling phase. She dedicates this time whether we are going to the lake or she is going to work. It is important for her. It is also important to most Italians. Recently an Italian poll indicated that 70% of Italians thought that "a gentleman" did not wear jeans.


Italian women consider hairstyle is as important as silk blouses to the general look. The weekly appointment at the hairstylist is a must. Hairstyles follow trends just as clothes. This year’s trend is longer hair, pulled tightly to the head. A hair band, called a cerchietto, is a must. This is not new. My daughters all have worn cerchietti since they were little. It keeps the hair out of their eyes and frames their beautiful faces. The novelty of this year’s trend is how elaborate the hair bands are.

Many years ago the hair band was jewelry, often made of gold with gems or polished wood. Most hair bands today are simple plastic in various colors but this year that changes. Plastic hair bands have molded bows. A stylist will weave silver or gold hair bands into the hair during the weekly appointment. I like this trend. I doubt it will last more than a year or two so this may be a great occasion to stock up on some unusual pieces if this is your thing.

Ladies, while visiting Italy this year, try this Italian custom. Go to the stylist once or twice, you may really enjoy it.


Tags: Women's Fashion Hairstyle Womens Spring Summer Fashion Travel Italy

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Exclusive Beach in Riccione – No Men Allowed!

The Adriatic shores of Italy are the favorite destination of Italian family vacationers. The white sand beaches span the coast and the water remains waste deep for miles into the sea. The waters are warm from late May and riptides rarely occur. This makes the Adriatic the perfect beach destination for families with small children. Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica are some of the most famous. Millions of Italians hit the coast cities during the summer vacation period. The area has also developed their infrastructures for the under 30 crowd with discotheques, nightclubs and low cost dining. Apparently this summer paradise was missing something, a beach just for women.

Beach number 134 in Riccione, run by a female entrepreneur, is open only to women. She states that she is merely filling a need just as the all female hotel in Switzerland and the German bank that only opens accounts for women. The Italian bloggers are ablaze with commentary, most of it negative. The thought is that our culture is succumbing to the puritan influences and that before we know it women will be criticized if they dress too sexy. Some have even taken it to the extreme saying that this is the first step toward a 1950s attitude toward women.

I have no problem with this type of beach. If my daughters wanted to catch some rays on an exclusively feminine beach I would not immediately think they were lesbians. I could also see how this would be a great solution for those with jealous partners. The partner may be more content thinking that his wife, girlfriend or partner will not be parading around in a hot bikini in front of 1000s of men. It is not clear if male children, or any children for that matter, are allowed.

I can also see advantages for the shy girl not entirely comfortable with her looks preferring to visit this type of beach. Perhaps a couple of girlfriends traveling Italy not wanting to be bothered by overactive men would be attracted to this type of establishment. I do not see this as puritan, lesbian or any other thing. If that is how you are comfortable go for it.

I am not sure if it will survive or if the number of establishments will increase but for now it is an option. You can find more information about the exact location of this beach at your hotel in Riccione.

Tags: Italian Vacations Riccione Beaches Adriatic Sea Travel Italy

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Understanding Italy – Nobility, wines, food and jeans

Italy has some basic rules. Just about everyone is of noble blood or knows someone of royalty. Some areas make fantastic, complex, refined wines while others, just a few miles away traditionally produce young simple table wines. Only in the last twenty years have some producers of heirloom wines, dating back to the Roman Empire, began creating some marvelous complex wines. Just when you think you know Italian cooking you take a ½ train ride and potatoes become rice and then rice becomes pasta. Local stores no longer carry twenty types of Taleggio instead they have twenty types of fresh fish. In the home of fashion, seventy percent of Italians say that a gentleman does not wear jeans.

Italy is complex. The Italy that you know is not the Italy I know. Our families may come from the same region. We may have lived just miles apart but your traditions will not be the same as mine. This is confusing for many foreigners. They think that the only difference between Milan and Rome is the architecture. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Italy is a rather recent invention. This is not to say that the Italians have not been around for a long time just that the current Italian state is just over 100 years old. Giuseppe Garibaldi and the thousand red shirts united Italy under the reign of the King of Sardinia. Strangely enough the kingdom is Sardinia included the Island of Sardinia but was based in Piedmont.

Looking back to the XII century we see the political structure of the Italian peninsula through the XIX century. These kingdoms were not friends. They were constantly at war with each other or allied with some other European royal family. This translates to foods, wines and fashion varying significantly from region to region. Piedmont cuisine and wines are very similar to French. Lombardia traditional recipes are rich in cheeses, rice and polenta. Southern Italians do marvelous things with fish and vegetables. Friuli food is has influences of German and Austrian nobility and Emilia Romagna does marvelous things with pasta.

So why is all this important for your vacation planning. Each region you visit is a different culture. It will be impossible to appreciate the area just passing through for a day or two. It is important to spend time, shop at the local markets, eat at the trattoria and drink some local wine. This will take some time but the experience is well worth the extra attention.

Tags: Italian Culture Italian Vacations Travel Italy

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