Is English corrupting the Italian language?
Written by admin on 29 September, 2009 – 9:30 pm -
It’s time for another guest blog. Ainsley Okoro has written a very interesting and amusing article about how the Italian language is being corrupted through the overuse of English words. I thoroughly enjoyed it and trust you will too.
Brits don’t do foreign languages very well – which might explain why they spent centuries making sure everyone else learnt English.
So as a 40-something-year-old Brit, the four years I spent trying to master Italian were a struggle. Frankly, I half-wished that way-back-when we had made Il Bel Paese part of the British Empire as well.
Continue reading …
Posted in Language | 3 Comments »
Santa Maria Nuova
Written by admin on 22 September, 2009 – 10:45 am -
The 2009 Palio di Asti was won by Santa Maria Nuova. It is the fifth time in the history of the event that they have been victorious (they recently had back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006). Tele Cupole, Piedmont’s regional television channel, showed the event live but had to leave before the climax as there were too many false starts (at least three)!
Posted in Entertainment, History, Travel | 6 Comments »
The Oldest Palio in Italy
Written by admin on 17 September, 2009 – 9:17 am -
A Palio, an annual historic contest between the neighbourhoods of a town usually involving horseracing or other medieval sports, is literally the silk banner awarded to the winner of the contest.
The most famous Palio in Italy is that of Siena which is held every 2nd July and 16 August. It dates back to 1644. However, Italy’s oldest palio is that of Asti, Piedmont, and dates back to 1275. It takes place on the third Sunday of September and comprises of 21 competing Rioni or neighbourhoods. About 1200 locals, including the famous Sbandieratori or flag-wavers, parade through the streets in medieval costume and a bareback horse race takes place in Piazza Alfieri in front of a large crowd (ticket holders only). After three preliminary heats and a display by the Sbandieratori the final race is run and the Palio awarded. Last year the winning rione was San Lazzaro, who, as tradition dictates, have been celebrating for the whole year!
Posted in Entertainment, History, Travel | 4 Comments »
Corri sotto le torri
Written by admin on 10 September, 2009 – 6:38 pm -
What do I like most about Italy? Now that’s a difficult question. I’ve thought about it quite a bit recently. Obviously there’s the food, the weather, the history, the people and so on. But maybe, for me anyway, it’s that there’s always something going on at the weekend. Mercatini, sagre, feste, fiere, mostre, gare, sfilate, rievocazioni storiche. The list goes on. It’s quite easy to find something to do, even in small towns.
I’ve been in Italy for nearly four years now but last Sunday was the first time I took part in a fun run (even though I enjoy running around Turin alone). Le corri sotto le torri (Run Under the Towers) was only in it’s second edition – an 8km ‘race’ around the beautiful city of Alba in Piedmont.
Posted in General | 1 Comment »
italyitalia.com
Written by admin on 4 September, 2009 – 10:14 pm -
I recently discovered this Italian travel website which I feel would be very useful to many of my readers. It’s definitely worth checking out and has both an Italian and an English version. Stefanie D’Angelo explains more about the site:
ItalyItalia.com is a fast growing Italian travel portal who offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge on Italy. Every region has a section filled with articles and travel guides, with the purpose to inform and help our visitors to organize the perfect vacation. For example, if you are going to Campania and you want to learn more about the region. Instead of going out to buy a travel guide you go to our Campania section and there you will find travel guides and articles on the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia and much more.
ItalyItalia.com also have a careful selection of hotels, with the possibility to book directly online in a fast and easy way. We are currently concentrated in the Southern Italy.
What is our purpose with ItalyItalia.com? Italy is a magnificent country, from the amazing history of Rome, to the impressive art heritage in Florence. We want to help our visitors discover the best Italy has to offer. Our staff of Italian and foreign journalists has undertaken to update the contents of the portal to provide an information service that is always varied and to help you fulfill your dreams.
Visit ItalyItalia.com for the latest and up to date information on travel to and within Italy.
Links
Campania section
Amalfi
Ischia
Rome
Florence
Posted in Culture, Travel | 2 Comments »
