italy's topics - tribe.net

Accomodation in Tuscany

John Locke — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:24:23 GMT

Hi, I'm planning to pass through Tuscany in the coming weeks, do any of you have suggestions in finding reasonable hotels or b&b's outside for instance Siena/Massa di Marittima or the Tuscany coast?

posted in italy - 3 replies

Italian TV

carolyna — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:01:06 GMT

What are the popular / good tv shows in Italy these days? I find tv is a good way to learn conversational phrases, any ideas on what might be entertaining?

posted in italy - 0 replies

Everyone ok?

SistaWeotch — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:16:03 GMT

My friends keep emailing me to make sure I'm ok. I'm in Napoli so I'm fine. Do we have any members or friends and family in Abruzzo?

Hugs and blessings to you all,
SW

posted in italy - 0 replies

Growing opposition to government’s xenophobic campaign

Steven — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:16:01 GMT

Growing opposition to Italian government’s xenophobic campaign
By Marianne Arens
29 January 2009

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/jan2009/ital-j29.shtml

On January 24, some 650 African refugees broke out of their guarded refugee camp on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Crying "freedom!" and "help us!" they ran through the center of the island's main city to protest against the deplorable conditions they have to endure in their camp as they await deportation.

In front of the city hall the refugees were greeted with applause by inhabitants who have carried out a series of protests against the militarization of the island by the right-wing government led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The former fishing island, which is situated halfway between Sicily and North Africa, is vigorously resisting attempts by the government to turn it into a huge prison camp.

One resident told German television, "We are not against providing shelter for the refugees, but we do not want a prison because these poor people also have rights."

The government recently made the decision not to send refugees landing on Lampedusa further on to the Italian mainland. Lampedusa had functioned as a transit station for refugees from North Africa, who were then taken on to Sicily or the mainland. Last year some 30,700 boat refugees landed on the small Mediterranean island.

Since Christmas, the government has pursued a policy whereby African immigrants can leave the island only via deportation back to their country of origin. Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni from the rightist Northern League explained, "Anyone who thinks he can illegally travel to Italy is making a big mistake." The government implemented a decree in parliament which makes illegal entry a crime to be punished with deportation and fines up to 10,000 euros.

The Berlusconi government is seeking to strike deals with Tunisia and Libya to cooperate in the repatriation of refugees and is demanding that both countries undertake measures to intercept refugee boats before they enter Italian territorial waters. Italy is also calling for the support of the European Union, and the EU vice president and commissioner for justice, Jacques Barrot, announced his own plans to make an inspection tour of Lampedusa. The EU has generally expressed its solidarity with the tough measures taken by the Italian government, which dovetail with the EU policy of isolating the continent along the lines of a "Fortress Europe."

Since taking power in May 2008, Berlusconi has led a concerted campaign against immigrants. In Naples last year, a Roma camp was set on fire with the tacit approval of the state.

At the same time, the government has used its xenophobic campaign as an excuse to militarize Italian society. Based on the national state of emergency called in July 2008 on the alleged grounds of a refugee crisis, Defense Secretary Ignazio Benito La Russa ordered the deployment of the army across the country. Now he intends to post army units to patrol up to one hundred cities.

On Lampedusa, a former NATO military base has been converted into a second refugee camp, a so-called "identification and deportation center," which is hermetically sealed by the Italian military and Carabinieri. The local population has expressed its opposition.

"Lampedusa is not Alcatraz," is one of the most frequent slogans to be heard, an allusion to the notorious prison island off the coast of San Francisco.

Parallels have also been drawn with Guantánamo Bay—and for good reason. Lampedusa was a prison island during the fascist dictatorship of Benito Mussolini, who incarcerated more than 3,000 political prisoners there.

Today, hand-drawn banners are draped on city walls with slogans attacking Senator Angela Maraventano (Northern League), Roberto Maroni and the minister responsible for immigration, Mario Morcone. One slogan reads "Morcone, you slimy provocateur—we are the people!"

The conditions in the hopelessly overcrowded identification center are intolerable. Planned originally for 750 persons, the camp now accommodates up to 2,000. Some of them are forced to sleep in the open under tarpaulins.

Over three years ago, in October 2005, Fabrizio Gatti, a reporter for the news magazine Espresso, wrote on the deplorable hygienic conditions in the Lampedusa camp. Gatti, who had disguised himself as a refugee in order to penetrate the camp, wrote of toilet areas full excrement and urine, flea-ridden mattresses and brutal wardens.

Those who, through desperation, have undertaken the risky and exhausting boat trip to flee their homelands need all the help they can get. Many of the boats transporting refugees are overcrowded wrecks barely suited for sea travel. Under conditions of bad weather and stormy seas, the lives of the refugees are at risk, and in the past few years there have been dozens of cases of boats sinking and deaths at sea. In addition, vessels containing refugees are harassed by EU and Italian coast guard patrols, which force them to make long and hazardous detours.

According to the relief organization Fortress Europe, 1,500 refugees died in 2008 attempting to enter Europe. Of these, 119 were estimated to have drowned or died of thirst or weakness in the Mediterranean waters to the south of Sicily. An additional 423 persons were listed as missing in the Mediterranean. This total of 642 victims averages out at two people per day dying while trying to enter southern Europe via Italy. In the last twenty years, an estimated 5,000 refugees have died in the channel between Sicily and Tunisia alone.

Immediately after the peaceful return of the refugees to their camp last Saturday, the government began the process of deporting several hundred inmates. A group of North African women responded by beginning a hunger strike against the deportations.

The government is deliberately seeking to use the refugee issue to whip up chauvinist sentiments in the population. In particular, the Italian ruling class is seeking to divert attention from the social consequences of the international economic crisis.

The level of Italian indebtedness is the highest in Europe (106 percent of gross domestic product) and one of the highest in the world. Already last October, the Italian state debt had risen to 1,670 billion euros. In December, Employment Minister Maurizio Sacconi provoked a scandal when he said that state bankruptcy could not be ruled out as a possible consequence of the finance crisis.

Lampedusa, whose economy depends on tourism, has already suffered economically. Nevertheless, the tactics employed by the government are backfiring, with local residents largely resisting the campaign to scapegoat refugees.

On January 27 the island was hit by a general strike. All businesses and schools were closed, shipping traffic came to a halt and the island's port was paralyzed. Residents marched from the city center to the port and threw a large wreath of flowers into the sea as a symbol of condolence for refugees who had died at sea.

Despite the widespread feelings of solidarity with the refugees and growing anger against the government, no party or organization is putting forward a progressive perspective to resolve the crisis. In fact, representatives of the political opposition and the trade unions seek in their own way to stir up patriotism and regionalism, on occasion going so far as to attack the Italian government from the right.

One example is Italo Tripi, the general secretary of the Sicilian trade union federation CGIL, who took part in the January 27 general strike in Lampedusa. According to Tripi, the problems on Lampedusa could be resolved by moving the detention camps for refugees. He said, "The government must come up with more serious and concrete proposals for immigration and modify the current Bossi-Fini law. They should also consider locating the identification and deportation camps somewhere else."

posted in italy - 0 replies

Astrologia italiana & europea ~ Lo zodiaco di Mose' 22

Vidamésse de Laon — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:41:10 GMT

First published by Klaudio Zic Publications, 2007, www.lulu.com/astrology. Copyright © 2007 by Klaudio Zic. All Rights Reserved. No part of this abstract may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or otherwise, for commercial purposes or otherwise, without the written permission of the author, except when permitted by law.

ASTROLOGIA EUROPEA

KLAUDIO ZIC
Academy for RTRRT and Scientific Astrology

ABSTRACT
The Academy of Scientific Astrology is based on astronomic principles confirming to the IAU convention. The calculations are performed on the HORIZONS integrator by Jon Giorgini of NASA JPL, Pasadena CA.
Subject headings: solar system – zodiac, astrology – precession – ascendant, religion – planetary exorcism
Online material: www.lulu.com/astrology

Exo 22:18 (22:17) מכשׁפה לא תחיה׃ Exo 22:18 Non lascerai vivere la strega.

1. MOTIVAZIONE

Il Signore, Dio d’Adamo, ci proibì l’uso della superstizione Chaldea, l’oroscopo fatto di 12 segni in un cielo assetato di movimento. Solo un presuntuoso può assumere un cielo privo di rotazione, non conoscendo le leggi celesti. La precessione e il punto base dello studio dell’ordine celeste. Un iniziato come Mosè conosceva queste leggi. Lui sapeva che CINGVLA ORIONIS ascende sotto la via del sole. Oggi quest’effetto lo conosciamo come ascendente subconscio. Era naturale in un Egiziano dell’epoca coltivare il monoteismo, pur evitando l’adorazione delle costellazioni.

2. PROBLEMA

L’Europa non ha mai avuto uno zodiaco. Non sapendo di mancare lo zodiaco, ha commesso molti errori. Oggi il problema non sta solo nei due segni d’errore, bensì in svariate superstizioni pseudo-matematiche e visibilmente non astrologiche. Già il fatto che oggi ognuno munito di programmi assurdi si accinge a calcolare la posizione del proprio sole natale e ridicola. Si sa che i programmi astrologici non hanno né idee né intenzioni di sprofondare nel calcolo della posizione solare o quella dei pianeti. Uno sguardo alle effemeridi NASA dimostra subito la posizione del sole e chiarisce i punti chiave del problema della superstizione. I venditori dei 12 animali hanno perso file e segno che non avevano mai già migliaia d’anni prima di Hipparchus. Un povero astrologo d’Alessandria non sapeva nemmeno calcolare l’ascendente, non avendo idea del cielo reale. Sicuramente dopo Hipparchus arrivo il peggio che trionfo nelle barzellette di Nostradamus.

3. APPROCCIO .:. VIDE SVPRA

Nella ricerca abbiamo usato l’integratore NASA JPL HORIZONS. Il lettore italiano sicuramente userà l’integratore SOLEX d’Aldo Vitagliano.
4. RISULTATI

I risultati della nostra ricerca sono delineati in quanto segue.

Lo zodiaco consta in 22 costellazioni che corrispondono alle lettere dell’alfabeto ebraico.
Il cielo presente dimostra 16 ascendenti nascenti ad est.
Il cielo egiziano variava attorno a due dozzine d’ascendenti. La costellazione del Delfino adornava il levante nel cielo di Delfi. Crater usci ad est con la ricerca del san Gral. Ariete usciva nei tempi di re Artù.

5. DISCUSSIONE

Il cielo d’oggi non conosce un ascendente Ariete, Scorpione o Capricorno. L’iniziato, osservando il cielo reale, scoprirà la sua vera stella natia, l’angelo custode, evocandolo.

posted in italy - 2 replies

Italian burning weekend - Time to register!

dragolar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:42:59 GMT

Are you ready to partecipate to the first Italian burning weekend? Join italian burners on Friday October 10th till Sunday 12th for a burning weekend played around the 10 principles mixed with italian hosting culture! The event will take place in a magic spot 5 minutes from Alviano (on the border of Lazio and Umbria) and we are already working to organize a unforgettable weekend!

Now it's time to register for the Italian burning weekend!

Like we wrote in the other announcement the event costs 75€ for 3 days (friday-sunday) 50€ for 2 days (saturday-sunday or friday-saturday). 25€ for people planning to stay only 1 day without overnight. With these money we will provide a camping area, food, drinks and art. We are planning 10€ for general expenses and 15€ for food and drinks. The general expenses will pay some art installations, the sound system, etc. If at the end of the event there will be some money left we will be happy to make a donation to the wonderful Burners Without Borders:

http://www.burnerswithoutborders.org/

You can send your money through paypal, 75€, 50€ or 25€ each person as explained above, to italy@burningman.com please remember to specify which days and which people are you paying for. Please specify also an email address for each person so we will be able to send to everyone attending the information on how to get to the place!
If you have a paypal account you know how to use it. If you really can't use paypal please send us a message to italy@bunringman.com and we will try to figure out another way.

It's important to pay as soon as you can for all the days that you are planning to attend becasue we will shop only for the people that have confirmed us the partecipation with the payment.

Deadline for payment is wednesday october 8th.

keep burning
Dario&Matteo
italy regional contacts
italy@burningman.com

posted in italy - 0 replies

First italian burning weekend - 10/12 october (1 hour north of Rome)

dragolar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:32:30 GMT

Did you not recover yet from post playa depression?
Do you miss playa hugs from random burners?
Do you feel sad of having lost BM this year?

Book your low cost flight ticket now and join italian burners on friday october 10th till sunday 12th for a burning weekend played around the 10 principles mixed with italian hosting culture! (yes we are talking about food and wine and the rituals that our culture has developped over two thousand years)

Location is a wild italian country house 1 hour north of Rome with a large kitchen and a huge fireplace in the cozy living room camping space will be arranged bring your tent your furry coats and your love!

We'll provide accomodation in Rome through couchsurfing.com for Thursday night and Sunday night if needed
(and of course www.couchsurfing.com/orseolo will be the base of the operations in Rome)

Talking about the agenda it is quite open we can plan and decide whatever we like (remember you are not a spectator eh eh) we will try to build a man and burn it of course! We'll have a sound system and probably some vj facilities
but this is not a party so we are building a number of activities that through the 10 principles. Will drive you towards a celebration of the positive side of italian culture!

PARTICIPATE
We need artists, dj's, cooks, dish washers, carpenters, engineers but most of anything we need burners at the moment we just need your ideas!
Close to the event we will need your hands and on the "playa" we will need your passion!

COSTS
We are working on the evaluation of the total costs of the event these will include camping accomodation, food and all the drinks for the 3 days we are trying to keep it cheap around 25 euros per day per person(assuming 10 euros for general expenses and 15 euros for food and drinks)
Let us know waht you think!

Hope to have some feedback soon!
keep burning
Dario&Matteo
italy regional contacts
italy@burningman.com

posted in italy - 7 replies

Teach u spaish, teach me italian

Carms — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 19:15:51 GMT

Mi name is Carms and Im looking to learn Italian, but Im not able to go to the school here, so, if someone have interest in learn spanish, I would love to have this exchange teaching us our lenguaje.
Im from mexico, but leaving in San francisco for a couple of years..ma veramente preferisco il italiano e anche la gente de la bella italia. (lol)

Let me know if spanish is another opcion for u.
Grazie mile
Carms

posted in italy - 3 replies

Codice Fiscale

carolyna — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:22:29 GMT

Are there any expats here that own property in Italy? What's the best way to go about getting the Codice Fiscale (fiscal code) that they require?

posted in italy - 6 replies

Italian Burning Man night in Rome!

dragolar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:57:52 GMT

Hello everybody!
We are pleased to announce the first meeting of the Italian Burning Man Community which will be held in Rome at the bar at Vicolo del Cinque, 5 on Saturday 10th of May at about 8pm.

It will be a night of madness and fun but mostly the first opportunity to assemble and activate the Italian community. During the evening people interested in go to Burning Man and curious to understand how it works will hear stories and advice from the people who have already been there.
You can get information about theme camps- what they are and what they offer; how to survive a week in the desert while leaving no trace; what moop is and why it should be avoided; why Burning Man is not (only) about music and crazy fun; how to find a small tast of Burning Man in Spain in July and much more!

Free buffet
In seeking to recreate the spirit of giving of Burning Man we are planning a free buffet. We invite everyone to bring something to eat to add to the buffet.

Photo Exhibition
We will try to show and/or print some photos of Burning Man to remember the special moments and show what happens in Black Rock City to those who have never been, we are looking for high-resolution photos to display and we hope that you will send us your best shots.

Dress to impress
Please dress up like only burners know how to do, show how the imagination can erupt even when Carnival is in the streets of our cities.

Gifting
Bring little gifts, chocolates, stickers, candy or whatever you want to give to your new friends. You will discover the happiness of gifting.

You cannot miss an evening like this, with a little bit of Black Rock City in Italy! We'll see you on Saturday 10 May in Rome.

Burning Man Regional Contacts for Italy
Italy@burningman.com

posted in italy - 1 reply

DeFalco?

defalco — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:20:18 GMT

Hello, I'll be traveling to Italy this Sept and I know that my Grandfather was from Sicily. I am hoping to look up the family name when I get there but wondering if there are any other DeFalco's on this site or if you know of anyone? Could be fun!

Ciao'

posted in italy - 1 reply

Napoli Comicon.

SistaWeotch — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:32:19 GMT

http://www.comicon.it/

http://www.comicon.it/download/CSgenerale.pdf

I'm going! :D

posted in italy - 2 replies

Harley Davidson Rental in Milan?

Jessamyn — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:02:07 GMT

My sister and I are going to Milan and she is fantasizing about renting a Harley while in Milan (she's a very experienced rider). I've searched the internet but found nothing. Any ideas? I'll be consoling myself in the nearest wine bar while she's out motoring around.
:-)~

posted in italy - 2 replies

Benevento pictures.

SistaWeotch — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:50:32 GMT

It was so beautiful I couldn't stop taking pictures!

http://www.photoblog.com/SistaWeotch/2007/11/24/winetasting-in-benevento.html

Ciao,
SW :)

posted in italy - 1 reply

Moving to Napoli.

SistaWeotch — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 07:19:17 GMT

Hello, all! I will be moving to Napoli on Oct. 21. I am signed up with Couchsurfing.com and already have a few friends there from my trip in June/July. But of course I would love to meet more people, so if you live there, please let me know!

Also, I am looking for information on:
1) kennels
2) cell phones

I will be taking my small dog with me. I know my employer is going to fly me back to the US for about 5 days at some point to do visa paperwork and such. I will need a kennel to leave my doggy in. He is a 15 year old Bichon, so he needs some extra tender, loving care. Any recommendations?

What is the best company to get a cell phone from? I will need both the phone itself and a service plan. I have avoided having a cell phone here in the US for as long as I could. I don't think I'll be able to do the same over there, as everyone I know seems to communicate exclusively be cellular. I am not likely to be a power user, so I don't need the newest, fanciest model. Just something for calling, voicemail, and text messaging.

Thanks so much!

Ciao,
SistaWeotch :)

posted in italy - 2 replies

electronic music in Italy

funkreater — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:37:35 GMT

Ciao Amicos and Amicas!

Im off to Italy for the first time in August (Taormina, Umbria and Rome) and wondering if anyone has any recomendations for some good electronic music and or clubs to check out. Im into the progressive style dub drum and bass trip hop nujazz variety. I just heard some of Rajaz's music on myspace and loved it! Any burners out in Italy? (Burning Man)

Salute!

posted in italy - 1 reply

Tiziano Ferro

Craig — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 03:47:23 GMT

I'm in love with him, especially for this song and video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB2OypHxFzc

Anybody have any reccommendations where I can get the latest album "Nessuno é Solo?" It's not listed on the iTunes USA site, and I'm prevented from downloading from the iTunes Italia site. I WANT THIS ON MY IPOD!!!

posted in italy - 2 replies

cycling Italy - routes?

missadventure — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:09:23 GMT

I will be cycling down Italy, from Slovenia, and taking the ferry to Egypt from there.

What would be the best route? Meaning: the most interesting scenery and best roads for cycling.

Thanks!

posted in italy - 3 replies

Dové gallerias di contemporanea buono?

zenutopia — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:12:56 GMT

Mi dispiace for my bad Italian. I'm looking for the hottest contemporary galleries in Roma, while I'm here. Any suggestions? WIll be in the city until the 16th. Grazie e ciao!

posted in italy - 1 reply

hi

aldopinga — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 18:44:37 GMT

hi all from turin
ciao a tutti da torino

posted in italy - 0 replies

Exhibiting in Milano, Italia

zenutopia — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:35:10 GMT

Will anyone be in Milano, Italia on May 14? I'll be showing art there. Would love to meet new people & accept advice as to what to do/where to go in that city. Also going to Roma, Cinque Terra, Firenze, Venezia, Lake Como & Bologna for fun.
Ciao!

posted in italy - 0 replies

Going to Italy

joanna — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:59:19 GMT

So I'm going to Venice, Rome, and Florence in June. What are the MUST sees? Any tips on...anything? Hotels, sites, any info would be appreciated!! I'm just starting to plan it...peace!

posted in italy - 6 replies

tribe.net: please assign a moderator

touguy — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:18:49 GMT

Hey there, "italy" members--

This Tribe doesn't have an active moderator, but as a matter of policy, Tribe.net likes all groups to have a leader. Can you collectively choose someone to moderate your Tribe?

When you've reached consensus, have the new moderator send a note to help@tribe.net, with the words "Moderator Change –italy" in the subject header, letting us know that you've selected a new leader. Please be sure to include a link to this discussion thread!

Thanks--

TOU (Terms of Use) Guy

posted in italy - 0 replies

Christmas in Italy... do Italians eat turkey?

Sue — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 13:47:49 GMT

First Christmas in Italy, and we're having guests from England, Canada and Denmark. We'd like to do a traditional meal (ok, traditional from a British perspective) but haven't seen turkey yet - is it eaten for Christmas dinner in Italy? Good organic suppliers, anyone?
Any other info on what's traditional (food and non-food) at Christmas and New Year in Italy?

posted in italy - 4 replies

Anybody heading over anytime soon?

whiskyandfeet — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 09:46:28 GMT

I just got back from Italy (and France and Germany!) and while I was there, I purchased too much time at Internet Train. I have a card with about an hour an a half left. I know the cards expire and won't last until my next trip. Does anybody want it?

posted in italy - 2 replies

Vitamin Juice

cherokeed — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 16:00:21 GMT

It is sold in a 1 liter box and it is a mix of many kinds of juice. If someone knowes the name of the brand please let me know. It is served in the mornings. There are 2 or 3 brands but I am looking for the one that is ABC or something. It is orange.

posted in italy - 5 replies

Volunteer and/or working in Italy

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 17:06:52 GMT

I am interested to see if anyone knows of any good volunteer or work opportunities in Italy. Volunteering would be fine if room and board was paid for. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

posted in italy - 1 reply

how is the water?

cherokeed — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 04:58:50 GMT

just wondering how often i am going to be buying water bottles vs. filling up with tap

posted in italy - 14 replies

A move to Italia

Gystilyn — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 22:45:10 GMT

Ciao.. Im a Californian and quickly on the hightail out of this estranged country, being the US. My destination: Italy.

I spent a month in Italy last summer, general tour of the northern most part of the country, never made it below Florence.

My curiosity is this: I’m prone at the moment to move to Venice. It would be only a pit spot in life... 6 months to a year, but the idea would be to predesignate a job to walk into, and a place to move into. I’ve searched various sites for rentals and job market, both of which I’m finding to be of crap if your not a tourist, and even then, furtherly crap if your not a millionaire. Venice does not necessarily need to be my destination, but I do know that I need significant amounts of water where I go (the canals being a driving force here) and the city atmosphere needs to exit. It doesn’t need to be a huge city, but something not so desolate as Cinque Terra or Bellagio. Think Florence or Venice size. Verona has also crossed my mind on that thought. I’m extremely unawares of the various towns on the eastern side of the country, and there may be more of varying sizes then I’m aware of. I’m down for anything. I’m down to share a place, might even prefer to move into a household that’s settled which might aid me in getting my footing. Nada se.

Im truly just in search for information. What’s the job market like in Italia? What’s it like progressively north to south? What would be a good line of work to step into which might afford me rent, food and travel? (this work bit noting an AA in Art with a few thrown in business courses and the ability to at least minorly speak Italian.) Do I need a Visa for staying more then a month or two? And if so, where do I wander to find such information out?

And most importantly, anyone currently living in Italia on this strange and lovely site? It’s not to say I’m incapable of going to a new place by myself... I’m more than, but it would be nice to create a communication with someone presently living there. I’m sure ya catch my drift.

Much appreciated loves and lovers. Gracie -Gystilyn

posted in italy - 9 replies

Best eats in Bologna?

whiskyandfeet — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 02:05:50 GMT

The Fam is visiting Italy in November, and we'll be stopping in Bologna for the first time ever. In our research in guidebooks etc, we cannot find a consensus regarding the best places to eat in town. One book will say XYZ is the best place, the next book says don't bother.

In your experience, where is the yummiest place to eat in Bologna?

posted in italy - 0 replies

SPAM? - BEST: U.S.-ITALY BUSINESS EXCHANGE STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAM

GiovanniMotta — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:59:05 GMT

May be somebody is interested....
Deadline extended to Oct 9

BEST: U.S.-ITALY BUSINESS EXCHANGE STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAM
PILOT PROGRAM

Goal: To foster an exchange of ideas and experiences that support entrepreneurship as an engine of economic growth in Italy and the U.S.

Means: A new business exchange program for young researchers, scientists and engineers sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Rome in cooperation with the Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation for Entrepreneurship (www.kauffman.org) in a joint program with the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom (www.ncge.org.uk). The pilot program will bring 5 Italian and 18 UK candidates together for a six month exchange in the U.S.

Program: (Subject to updates)
A. Orientation and Intensive Coursework on Entrepreneurship
(4-5 weeks, Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City, Kansas)
B. Academic Program
(1 week of study at Stanford University, Stanford, California) plus
(1 week of study at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts)
C. Entrepreneur Networking
(2 weeks with innovation/research centers, Boston, Massachusetts)
D. Internship
(12 weeks working in an entrepreneurial U.S. company; placement
determined by Kauffman based on applicant interests)
E. Wrap-Up/Lessons Learned
(1 week, Kauffman Foundation)

Dates: Applications: due September 30, 2006 (mail to best@mail.usembassy.it).
Selections: mid-October, 2006.
Travel: mid-January-July 2007.

Application Criteria:
*Recent laureates, scientists/researchers/engineers, aged 21-35, with a concept for a new
product/service for the Italian market.
*Good oral and written English skills.
*Completed application form (www.italy.usembassy.gov/p4g/best/).
*Agreement to return to Italy and share experiences.
*Visa restrictions: The program will operate under a J-1 visa program administered by the American Immigration Law Foundation. The J-1 visa requires that recipients return to their home country for two years before they are eligible for another U.S. visa.

Selection: A Selection Board comprised of representatives of the U.S. Embassy and Italian business persons will review applications and conduct an oral interview.

Mentors: Each chosen applicant will be assigned a mentor from the business community to provide assistance/counsel upon their return to Italy.

posted in italy - 0 replies

Dining in Rome and Florence

Amanda — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 17:34:02 GMT

Hi!

I'm excited to say that I'll be leaving for Italy this Thursday evening!! :) I lived in Florence for about a year in 2000, and this will be my first time back. The trip is to celebrate my two year anniversary with my boyfriend. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for dinner in either Florence or Rome. We only have one evening booked (Il Latini), and I would really appreciate any help!

Thank you!!
Amanda

posted in italy - 4 replies

International Driving Permit

carolyna — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:03:30 GMT

Is this required now? I'm going to be in Florence next week and need to rent a car, but I'm in Paris now. Anyone know how to get one quickly while in Europe if it's necessary?

posted in italy - 6 replies

Seeking lovers of italian living + architecture students for hobby/ "Pet project"

RogerV_dotcom — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 23:10:20 GMT

we're waaaay off hiring any pros so I can't spend a dime yet - i'm looking for someone who shares the vision and/or has time and/or needs a kickass student project.

I'm a money man, not an architect at all, but I sure love good design. Anyway, #6 on my "list of things to do before I die" is build (finance and get built, to me) a massive mixed-use complex styled somewhat on coastal italian villages like cinque terre.

I might take me 10yrs, but i'll eventually pull it off...i've helped finance 50+ million dollar deals and i'm 31, so why not $400 million?

Requirements:
-no cars in city center; underground parking / traffic only. likewise with warehouse/alleys - hidden or underground only
-Ocean view for sure, possibly coastal accesss/beach
-a mix of condos for sale, rental apartments, assisted care, hotels, retail, etc.
-we'll be nazi's on the CC&Rs to ensure cohesive design aesthetics
-shared amenities typical to newer PUDs i.e. schools, parks, shared space

other misc notes:
since it's private enterprise, i plan to stagger retail pricing to favor a balance of national chains aka gap/starbucks and local business i.e. at least 50% of retail / restaurant must be non-chain < 5 units

this is for california, about 25 acres approx, fairly dense, 1500 to 3000 residents. Wiring optical broadband for the entire city, so the entire "town" pays an HOA which covers internet and other shared amenities.

realistically, due to land costs this favors telecommuters so we're probably looking at anywhere from San Luis Obispo down through northern Malibu.

ok, so i'm a crazy dreamer, but hey money makes 'em happen and i'm good like that ;)

I'd love to hear from...
- anyone interested in participating and can start sketches and concepts
- anyone interested in the project in other capacities.

cheers - please forward or repost if you know anyone else who hates traffic, likes great living - good food, interconnected community, access to shared spaces/private places.

thx!
www.RogerV.com (Mortgage lender / creative financing expert)
www.MoviesThatSell.com (CEO dot-com for real estate industry)
www.LenderMate.com (CEO, mortgage technology co)

posted in italy - 1 reply

Luxurious Hotel in Rome, Italy

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:44:53 GMT

hi! i find this group interesting. i also wanna share some stuff on your group, and here's one nice article on travelling to Italy: http://www.exploring-italy.com/2006/07/10/luxurious-hotel-in-rome-italy/

posted in italy - 2 replies

Il Bacaro in rome

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 22:28:38 GMT

My girlfriend and I went to this restaurant in Rome located at Via degli Spagnioli 27. I must recomend that everyone avoid this place. We had reservations for 10 pm. way in advance of the date. when we got there they acted as if we were not expected. We had to repeat ourselves atleast 6 times. Since we were 15 minutes early they asked us to wait. 10pm came and went and they never called on us. 10:05 came and we asked them to seat us. they asked us who we were again. We waited again. It seamed they did not want to serve us. We finally get seated and the service was horrible.
They took another 15 minutes to bring drinks. When the food arrived (Veal in Grapefruit Sauce and cheese tortilini) the Veal tasted like a sickening desert and the other dish tasted way too salty.
UsuallyIi bail on a restaurant that does not care for its customers but becuase it was highly recommended I stuck it out. I encourage all of you to avoid my mistake.

posted in italy - 17 replies

Music in Southern Italy

joematzzie — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 18:32:43 GMT

I'm going to Calabria in August for vacation, and I'm also a professional guitarist, hoping to find so jazz jams or tarentella jams, or open mics etc to join in on, for fun and for meeting other musicians.

Does anyone here know about the music scene in suditalia? I was searching on the net and found some Jazz clubs in Bari but not much info.

posted in italy - 1 reply

WTF

giamma — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 02:16:45 GMT

WHAT THE FUCK

scusate il linguaggio, ma' che delusione le votazioni

posted in italy - 5 replies

Sicily - What to do in Mondello?

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 03:11:34 GMT

Ciao Tutti -

We are going to Mondello in Sept '06. We were their 2 years ago for a few hours and loved the water. Now we are going back and planing to spend 3 days. Can anyone tell us what there is to do? Night life, restaurants (place to hang and enjoy the italian culture), etc....

Also, we were thinking of renting a Vespa for a day. Any ideas where? Tried searching on the web, came up empty.

Grazie Mille

Jimmy

posted in italy - 1 reply

Cell Phones in Italy...

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:49:10 GMT

I currently own a Motorola L6 that was made for the UK market purchased on Ebay. I am wondering if there will be a problem using a 128 k card? In the USA the only GSM carriers use either 64k or 32k cards. Please tell me your experiences.

posted in italy - 2 replies

Odd Request

Mon, 01 May 2006 07:17:14 GMT

I am aware that there is a budding brewpub culture in Italy. I would like to find one or two brewpubs in Rome and Florence. Do any of you know of any good ones, or any books/guides on the subject?

posted in italy - 5 replies

Going to Sicily

jessica — Fri, 21 Oct 2005 18:34:00 GMT

I've been to Italy a few times, but I'll be in Sicily for the first time in March/April. Any tips/must sees?

-Jessica

posted in italy - 8 replies

flights

cherokeed — Fri, 19 May 2006 03:00:14 GMT

I am a bit confused as to the actual day I will be arriving in Italy. Please if you know if we will be arriving on the 8th 9th or 10th??? Here is my flight info:

US Airways 782
Depart: 6:30ammorning Seattle, WA Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA)
Arrive: 2:36pmafternoon Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia International (PHL)
Economy | Airbus Industrie A321 (321) | Food for purchase | 5hr 6min | 2372 miles
Seats: 10B, 10C

Change planes. Time between flights: 1hr 34min

US Airways 164
Depart: 4:10pmafternoon Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia International (PHL)
Arrive: 6:35ammorning Milan, Italy Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Economy | Boeing 767 Passenger (767) | 8hr 25min | 4101 miles

posted in italy - 2 replies

what to do for a week?

ladylala — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 02:06:40 GMT

I'm going on a family vacation to Italy at the end of the summer and have the option of arriving in Europe a week early and hanging out before the fam gets there.

Anyone know of a place that is beautiful/mellow/accessible/welcoming/exciting/bizarre ... any or all of the above ... ?? I'm doing a Roma/Firenze/Veneto art gallery tour with my family and would love to have a different kind of experience on my own. I'd love to: spend time on a beach, go to a big dance party, eat good food, be in nature, go camping????

Any and all suggestions most welcome. This would be around the second week in August.

Leah
(Spiacente per l'inglese. Non conosco molto italiano.)

posted in italy - 7 replies

Honeymoon in Italy

Xander — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:05:22 GMT

Hi,

I'm leaving on April 4th on a Italian Honeymoon until the 18th.

We are planning to stay in Rome until Easter gets too crazy and then head to Naples.

Any recommendations on decent cheap hotels, hostels, B&Bs, etc.... that we could stay at in Rome? Preferably in Old/Ancient Rome area.

Thanks,

X

posted in italy - 2 replies

trip has been booked

cherokeed — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 22:53:01 GMT

We are leaving for Italy September 8th for 2 1/2 weeks. I have not bought a train pass or booked any hotels

Should I? Or is just exploring good? We are flying into Milan and out of Naples. Perhaps I should book markers? Is a eurail pass a good idea? Is it easy to get to one city from another?

posted in italy - 4 replies

Voting

franceschina — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 16:29:00 GMT

How many of you will be voting in the upcoming parliamentary elections? I'm very happy that for the first time, Italian citizens living abroad will be able to vote in this kind of election (we voted in last year's failed referendum).
My concern is that I won't be informed enough of the issues and candidates to vote well. Does anyone know of websites, etc. that sort of spell out the party platforms, etc.?

posted in italy - 2 replies

Learning Italian by audio CD

cherokeed — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 08:23:53 GMT

Does anyone have a suggestion for the best set to buy?

posted in italy - 3 replies

A Tropical Rain Forest Event

Punjab — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 03:31:13 GMT

Hello,

I’m letting all of the tribes know about a regional event coming up soon – Rebirth. Burning Man, but rather than radical desert survival – radical tropical rain forest survival. Details of the event can be found here:

http://www.kapilina.org/bigisland/rebirth2006.html

Hawaii… Fire spinning capital of the world… Big Island… Hot tub ponds heated by thermal vents… Black Sand Beaches… LAVA… REAL LAVA! And a Burning Man regional event.

I’ve tried to figure out how to reduce costs as much as possible for everyone coming over from the mainland (if you can think of anyother suggestions please post):

Rideshare thread from the airport to puna here:
http://kapilina.tribe.net/thread/5438fe28-b674-4c10-9bed-3334aae6f4e3

Cheap Airfare From Mainland:
vacations.travelzoo.com/hawaii.../229965

www.airtech.com/specials.html

Shipping Art/Supplies:
http://kapilina.tribe.net/thread/daca9206-f7a4-4c58-a763-49b96731a584

Again if you know cheaper means please repost. See you all there!

posted in italy - 0 replies

my multicultural classroom

melissainferrera — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 13:43:23 GMT

hello all! i am a first grade teacher in new jersey, usa. this year we are really concentrating in exposing the children to "multiculturalism." i started a tribe specific to incorporating multiculturalism in the classroom...a place for teachers to share ideas, etc. would anyone be interested in joining? or does anyone have any ideas for me?

also, are there any teachers in here from other countries? i would love to maybe make some "pen pals" from around the world with my class. so maybe we could just communicate through here to each other and share the emails, information, etc. with each other about italy and other countries. let me know if you would be interested in that!

the link to the tribe is:
http://tribes.tribe.net/multiculturalclassrooms

thank you! i hope some of you will be interested! it would be great for the students!

posted in italy - 0 replies

Transportation Between Cities

D. — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 21:47:20 GMT

Hello everyone. I am heading to Italy for the first time in many years, since 1979. I would like to know the best way to go from the airport to my hotel in Rome, toVenice from Rome, to Naples from Venice and then to Florence from Naples ...and back to Rome. I read about the trains, however, I would like some advice and knowledge from someone first hand. Also, if you know about things that I should not miss and how to get around the areas, I would like to know that too. I plan on purchasing a couple books on Italy soon.

I appreciate your help with this.

Dyan

posted in italy - 14 replies

Mobile

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 06:56:01 GMT

My girlfriend will be going to Florence, Italy. I do not wish for her to be in an unfamiliar city with out a phone. I am curious to find out about the cost of a prepaid sim card for her cell phone? She will be getting her quad-band phone unlocked so she can roam abroad. What tips do you guys have?
I have heard TIM is the best, is that true?

posted in italy - 8 replies

Pensione a Roma?

streganina — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 16:08:01 GMT

Ciao a tutti. My 15 yo daughter and I are going to be in Rome in March, one day/night before we leave. We are visiting friends in Firenze. I have lived in both cities; my daughter has visited both. We won't want to be running around sightseeing. Just want to soak up atmosphere and meet up with friends for dinner.

Anyone know a great, moderately priced pensione that is near a train station to the airport for the next morning?

BTW, I booked through cheapfares.com and got personalized attention when needed. I highly recommend it.

Thanks, Nina

posted in italy - 0 replies

Ciao, a newbie to your Piazza

I-Thought-You-Knew — Sat, 26 Nov 2005 01:50:53 GMT

Just joined your tribe net and want to make my pressence known here. lol. I was an advent traveler to Italy while living in London, and so enjoyed it. Now I'm thinking of returning there someday. I've a feeling I may make Italy my home, if not London, again. What to hear your experiences in Italy and about Italy, and want to meet and connect with some friends?

TerryTown

posted in italy - 6 replies

US to Italy, is making the move easy?

Corrie — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 17:25:20 GMT

BF and I are looking into moving to Italy, the NW near France and Switz. Is this very difficult? We would like to try to buy or swap houses with someone. We live in Philly near public transportation and would consider swapping with someone in Italy. We just started thinking about so we are far from doing. Also he is an electrician and it is easy for him to find work here in the states is it just as easy over there? Any info/helpful web sites is greatly appreciated.

posted in italy - 18 replies

Going to Rome for the first time

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 03:57:28 GMT

Might anyone have any suggestions for places to experience? I am very much looking forward to my trip next week!

posted in italy - 9 replies

Carnival?

Majaraja — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 12:00:25 GMT

The fella and I will be joining family in Torino for the Olympics and we are debating a hop to Venice for Canival. I've been to Venice during the summer, but not the winter and not Carnival. I don't know anyone who's actually been and I'm wondering what the "tone" of the city is like then. Are the parties grand? Anyone planning on going?

posted in italy - 2 replies

ciao a tutti

linda — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 06:29:24 GMT

is there n e one who speaks italian very well and lives around the chicago area?

posted in italy - 0 replies

Any last minute suggestions for short bus trips from Florence?

justafoodie — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 16:38:52 GMT

I'm leaving next week for Florence and have great resources on restaurants, shops, etc. but have had difficulty in finding ways to get to smaller towns around Florence. I know the #7 goes to Fiesole, but would love to get to Pienza and haven't a clue how to get there since Rail Europe can't pull up a ticket.

Other places I'd like to see are Montalcino, Montepulciano, Lucca, Barga and even places in Unbria like Norcia, Gubbio, and Trevi. Any and all help will be appreciated. I know there are bus stations next to the train station, but no travel guide lists where they go.

posted in italy - 5 replies

:-)

fuzzynathan — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 02:01:10 GMT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051025/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_life_italy_pets

posted in italy - 1 reply

Any webcams on Florence?

whiskyandfeet — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 23:22:34 GMT

The only one I've been able to find is from the top of the Duomo facing towards the Arno, but the picture hasn't changed in months, so I think it's offline. Anybody know of any others that are active?

posted in italy - 0 replies

looking 4 someone to chat with

melissainferrera — Sat, 15 Oct 2005 02:05:31 GMT

I was wondering if there is anyone in the tribe that lives in Italy that is between the ages of 22 and 32. I am a 24/f from NJ and looking for someone, kind of like a pen pal I guess, to chat with so I can learn more about the country. I am actually 100% Italian and supposedly I still have some family over there, I just don't know where. All I know is that part of my family is from Sicily and others from Naples. If you are interested in chatting with me, just let me know by emailing me at maismiles527@aol.com

posted in italy - 1 reply

At Last

Thu, 13 Oct 2005 13:01:45 GMT

Finalfuckinmente! PocketCoffee h'arrivato! Io mango per tutto!

posted in italy - 1 reply

CIAO A TUTTI FROM ITALY

Sabina — Fri, 23 Sep 2005 13:08:21 GMT

Sono Sabina da Bologna.
Sorry, non scrivo in inglese, ma in italiano.
Prima o poi mi deciderò a fare un corso di inglese :-)
Ho trovato questo sito per caso e sono felice di leggere che così tante persone apprezzano il mio Paese, che io amo.
Volevo mandarvi un saluto dalla mia città
Oggi qui c'è un bel sole e, visto che vi piace l'Italia, ve ne mando un piccolo raggio col pensiero.
CIAO

posted in italy - 5 replies

Where do you live?

Billy — Wed, 17 Dec 2003 20:10:17 GMT

Someone live nears Milan? Have you ever thinked about a meeting?

posted in italy - 18 replies

Shock tactics to save Italian art

masokid — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 13:23:14 GMT

Organisers hope the image will kick-start the fundraising
Shock tactics are being used in Italy to scare Italians into helping to save their cultural heritage.
Organisers of a campaign hope an image of Michelangelo's David with a leg missing will scare Italians into forking out to save artworks at risk.

TV adverts and posters will feature the staged destruction of its most famous works with the slogan: "Without your help, Italy could lose something".

A third of Italy's cultural sites are deemed to be in a state of emergency.

Other famous art works used in the fundraising campaign include an image of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper with disciples scratched out and strips torn off the canvas of Botticelli's Venus.

They will form part of the biggest art fundraising campaign Italy has ever seen.

Future generations

Despite the paintings and sculptures headlining the campaign being in no real danger, well known treasures such as Venice or Rome's Colosseum are considered at risk.

Pollution, vandalism and natural decay have all contributed to the condition of many cultural sites.

Culture Minister Rocco Buttiglione said: "The care and defence of our cultural and artistic heritage isn't only the state's responsibility, it is every Italian's.

"Italians must care for the great art they have around them today, or it may not be there for future generations."

Rome's Castel Sant' Angelo is deemed to be at risk of collapsing

Ledo Prato, secretary general of CittaItalia, the non-profit foundation leading the campaign, added: "Italy would be an anonymous country without its cultural heritage - that's what people are realising.

"We are talking about hundreds of convents, churches, palaces and castles that are not as well known but are in dire state of decay and merit being remembered and cared for," he added.

Canne della Battaglia, the ancient battlefield where Hannibal beat the Romans in 216 BC, is one site in dire need of funding, according to Mr Prato.

Another is the 18th Century Royal Palace in the southern town of Caserta.

Italy has already pledged to pump more than one million euros (£638,380) to help save Rome's Castel Sant' Angelo, after an investigation revealed that the ancient papal fortress was at risk of falling down.

posted in italy - 6 replies

Hidden gems...

TJ_GR — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 05:16:38 GMT

I’m going to be travelling around Italy for a month starting Sept. 14th. I’ve done my research and am fine with plenty of sights to see and I have places to stay.

What I’m looking for are any hidden gems: restaurants, serenity spots, people-watching perches…you know, the little treasure troves of wonder we all stumble across when traveling. If you know of a place like that please pass it along.

Also, if there’s anyone in Italy who would like to meet up for lunch/dinner/coffee, maybe share a local’s perspective and discuss art, the human condition, life, the universe and everything…or maybe just the local football club, that would be cool too.

The places I’m visiting: Milan-Lucca-Cinque Terre-Venice-Siena-Florence-Orvieto-Sorrento-Rome.

In mid-October I’ll be flying from Rome to Egypt and spending 3 weeks adventuring. Interested in same info for there as well.

Thanks.

posted in italy - 25 replies

strange news

franceschina — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 03:07:16 GMT

http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200508042048-1211-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0&id=agionline-eng.oggitalia

DRUGS: 4 KG OF COCAINE IN PO RIVER, FROM MEN'S URINE
(AGI) - Rome, Italy, Aug. 4 - The Po river carries 4 kg of cocaine every day, 'input' by the urine of consumers. That's what a group of researchers of the Mario Negri institute in Milan, led by Roberto Fanelli and Ettore Zuccato of the Environment and Health dept, revealed. The idea initially came about from their previous studies on the presence of medicines in the river water. In fact, traces of medicines and drugs are to be found in urine. These substances, removed from the body through urine itself, are conveyed through the sewers and end up in the river. From their quantity, it is possible to draw up a quantiy and quality 'map' of medicines and drugs used by the people. The study, carried out with the University of Insubria (VA) and published on "Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source" (www.ehjournal.net), proved, for the first time, the presence of cocaine in the river Po and in water treatment systems in Varese, Cuneo, Latina, Cagliari.

posted in italy - 6 replies

Tarantella

starwilflowr — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 01:04:31 GMT

Can anyone tell me anything about this Sicilian folkdance or about anyone who dances it? It is the Esmeralda style of gypsy dance with a tambourine drum, no? Any information would be helpful!

posted in italy - 7 replies

Toscana

johninitalia — Sun, 07 Aug 2005 13:43:44 GMT

Hi tutti.
I'm taking my vacation in the hills, south west of Siena this year and wondered if anyone had some favorite beaches, hills to walk, villages to visit, etc that they could recommend?

Grazie, john

posted in italy - 3 replies

Good responsible tour guides needed Rome, Florence, Umbria

Tanniskobrinsky — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 03:28:06 GMT

Can anyone recommend tour guides, or one really great guide company for cities of Rome, Florence and possible daytrips in Umbria. Has anyone been on tours led by Context Roma and Context Florence? Do you have personal guides you've hired? This is for a Fall 2006 trip with a group of 18-24 people. Many in the group have art, architecture, natural history educations. I'd like to find someone who can offer more than a formula tour. I'm interested in underground Rome, the cities at night, ancient, Medieval, Renaissance - all passages of history, art, music, culture, spirituality, ancient rituals on through modern trends. We'll be 4 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence and a week in Umbria. If you know of interesting, responsible guides who can also help with ground transportation for the group please send ideas. We'd be willing to split into smaller groups if that's more manageable. Thanks, Tannis

posted in italy - 2 replies

So I am going to be in Italy in September.....

Pamela — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 05:22:26 GMT

Where should I go first? What are some things I should do over there? WHat is something that I shouldn't miss? I leave in 10 days! I will be in Spain for all of August and Italy in Sep. ..so let me know ...thanks! =)

posted in italy - 4 replies

Who's been to Carnival in Venice?

naomiselina — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 22:32:47 GMT

I'm thinking of going in 2006 and I'd like to get any feedback anyone might have.

posted in italy - 7 replies

Rome, Florence lodgings

Tanniskobrinsky — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 04:16:36 GMT

I'm taking a group to Italy in fall of 2006. One week we'll be in Rome and Florence - a few nights each. One week in Umbria where I've found a good place for us to stay. Anyone have suggestions on nice but moderate priced lodgings in Rome, Florence for a group with some charm, history, style with let's say 10 -15 double occupancy rooms? Thanks for the help - Tannis

posted in italy - 16 replies

If the wine talks to you, maybe it's time to stop

BonnieRose — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 20:09:49 GMT

If the wine talks to you, maybe it's time to stop Wed Jul 6,12:06 PM ET

Who needs a sommelier? A "talking" wine label could soon tell consumers in Italy everything they want to know about a particular bottle -- from its production history to the kind of food it should accompany.

"The idea is to bring the oenologist to the table so that each wine can explain itself in the first person," said Daniele Barontini, whose Tuscan company Modulgraf is putting the final touches on the product to be launched in November.

"We envision our talking wine label in restaurants, wine stores and at vineyards that offer wine tasting," he told Reuters Wednesday.

The new "label" would consist of a chip implanted in the bottle that could be listened to with a small device about the size of a cigarette package in the wine shop or the restaurant.

"It could tell you how to enjoy the wine, where it came from, everything you'd hear from a sommelier," Barontini said. "You could even have music."

He said producers of some of Italy's finest wines, like Brunello, had already expressed interest.

Modulgraf, a company specialized in wine labels and products aimed at preventing counterfeit, plans to launch the "talking wine label" -- which still doesn't have an official name -- at Milan's prestigious wine fair in November.

The label was patented by German engineer Florentin Doring, who works with Modulgraf. It could also help prevent counterfeiting, say its creators.

posted in italy - 0 replies

Italy with a kid

arachnea — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 21:53:40 GMT

It will be my second trip. I love museums, cathedrals, and other places where I can admire architecture, art, and the magnificence of history. In short, everything that will bore a rambunctious seven year old high functionin autistic boy nearly to death.

I want this to be as fun and exciting a trip for him as Italy was for me the first time. We will be spending several days at San Pancrazio, near Lucca. Then we will head on to Rome and Venice, because I do want him to see at least a little of the history and magnificence. And watching him chase pigeons in St. Mark Square is going to make me cry. :-)

What can anyone suggest that is a don't miss for a little kid? Something that will be fun for him, but also let him experience a new place and know that it is great.

posted in italy - 6 replies

Live 8 in Rome

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 15:00:55 GMT

I just noticed that Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will be performing in Rome for Live 8. Do italians know how to two-step? I guess that will give everyone the chance to go to the porta potties!

posted in italy - 0 replies

Michael John Angel Art academy

starwilflowr — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 00:21:11 GMT

has anyone been to or know of this art school firsthand?

posted in italy - 4 replies

taxes in italy

ItChick — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 21:55:03 GMT

are there any italians/expats who can explain to me in really basic terms how the tak system works in Italy?

I'm a Brit who moved to Milan in September to work for Italian company. I quit in February and since then I've been freelancing for British and Italian companies.

It's not like I've earned a lot of money but I'm worries about getting landed with a huge tax bill at some point too soon. Also as I'm "self-employed" does that I mean I need to have the "partita iva" or whatever that thing is called.

Sorry for the dumb-ass level of my questions but I only graduated last year so I'm new to this whole paying taxes thing

posted in italy - 3 replies

Nek - Una Parte di Me

Jessica — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 00:47:02 GMT

Hey, does anyone know when Nek's new CD will be available in Italian in the States? I'm trying to look for it online, and all I'm finding is the Spanish version... If you know a Web site that I can find it at, please let me know.

posted in italy - 3 replies

Berlusconi soap

franceschina — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 20:00:19 GMT

http://liberation.fr/page.php?Article=300175&Template=GALERIE&Objet=39505

This is just bizarre. And gross.

posted in italy - 9 replies

The Only Book About Loreena McKennitt

Niema — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:27:12 GMT

I just wrote a book called "Travels With Loreena McKennitt - My Life as a Friend”. According to one London journalist, "It's not only a must for every Loreena McKennitt fan but for anyone interested in the phenomenon of "Celebrity"”. The book is a behind-the-scenes look into the world of stardom and the consequences of fame. It is a gripping tale focusing on the relationship of two close friends and the impact on the friendship when one rockets to superstardom.

Many of you know Loreena through her music and her concert appearances. My book is about Loreena behind the footlights, about Loreena not only as a talented and famous musician but as a real human being.

For more information about me, my books and how to order signed and dedicated copies, please visit my website at http://www.niemaash.com or email me at purpleinc@fastmail.fm.

Niema Ash

posted in italy - 1 reply

absentee ballots

franceschina — Tue, 31 May 2005 21:07:26 GMT

Have any of you gotten your absentee ballots for the fertility treatment initiatives? I don't know enough about the issues to vote intelligently. Does anyone know of a site where the things are kind of broken down so that I can make an informed choice?

posted in italy - 4 replies

Learning Italian

GiovanniMotta — Fri, 03 Jun 2005 02:23:59 GMT

Any web site with a free (or very low cost) good Italian course?
I am looking for a real course, not a list of key phrases for tourists...
Thanks..

posted in italy - 4 replies

looking for an Italian tutor in Berkeley/Oakland/S.F.

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 06:30:22 GMT

I'm headed to Italy in the autumn and would like to learn some basic Italian before I go with an individual tutor who works around Berkeley, Oakland, or S.F. Thanks!

posted in italy - 2 replies

dollar gaining vs. euro

Chris — Tue, 31 May 2005 22:29:00 GMT

Since I will be leaving for Italy in less than two weeks, I've been watching the dollar gain steadily vs. the euro over the last 2-3 months from 1.33 to 1.23. Great for us selfish americans, not as great for Italians planning to visit the US. Still a far cry from the 0.8 or so from a few years ago.

Ciao,
Chris

posted in italy - 1 reply

Under the Tuscan sun, but also beyond food, and art, and aesthetics...

paola — Tue, 03 May 2005 13:56:20 GMT

A book which might prove useful to those willing to scratch a bit the surface of this country:

The Dark Heart Of Italy - Tobias Jones

I had a hard time when a very good friend of mine from the US challenged me: he wanted to understand better where does actual Italy come from, under its gorgeous surface. Post WWII, the URSS - USA cold war (with Italy as a prize,) the economic renaissance of the 60s, almost 20 years of political terrorism, 50 years of Christian Democracy party etc.
I was going to give up, the task was overwhelming, but then I run into this book. It was conceived as an essay about the rise of Berlusconi, but then it developed into an account of "all things Italian" through ten major political and sociological subjects.
Of course it's impossible to reduce a complex phenomenon in 200 pages, but surely it can be a good starting point for further investigation.

What I liked best is how Jones can keep his British perspective in recognizing some very Italian patterns, yet avoiding the blatant stereotypes. I like to consider myself up-to-date with what happens in my country, but this book gave me some food for thought.

Any thoughts or experience that go beyond the pretty Italian postcard? Then we can start again with Tuscany and Cinque Terre and "this is the land of the sun", I promise :)

posted in italy - 2 replies

Help! Need Photographer 7 June in Venice (PAID)

RogerV_dotcom — Fri, 20 May 2005 00:00:13 GMT

the one we had a arranged is totally out due to some family emergency :(

- it's a party for two we want to document...aka a tiny wedding. We don't need all the "staging" and everything, just some great artistic photos a few basic poses and us having some fun. We cannot afford the bids of EU3400 we have been getting.

I can afford a couple hundred bucks each if we get two people for redundancy and more selection - are there any photo bugs here looking for some travel fun money?

Thanks! Email my cel phone ASAP - we leave MONDAY for barcelona - mobile@ rogerv .com

<roger and ellie>

posted in italy - 2 replies

Accomodations Umbria/Tuscany

Tanniskobrinsky — Thu, 19 May 2005 16:02:31 GMT

Looking for a great place to conduct a group retreat (yoga based) in fall 2006 in Umbria or Tuscany. I've found a couple of possibilities, but am checking out others. A villa, retreat center, in the country, near hill towns. Also looking for mid-price range places for the group to stay a few nights each in Rome and Florence, maybe Venice. AND, may want to hire (or offer trip in exchange for help/work) Italian speaking tour person - with knowledge of Italian history and culture for this trip. More about what I do at www.healthabitravels.com - thanks - Tannis

posted in italy - 0 replies

summertastic

BonnieRose — Mon, 02 May 2005 09:01:36 GMT

the weather here is SOOO amazing. if ever did you want to come to Firenza now is the time: for in a month the stikyness humidity comes. one thing i don't get is why all the Italians still are wearing coats and scarfs. i understand they really like there cloths and fashion; but come on people -- it's 80 degrees outside.

vado prendare da sole ora: ciao ciao

posted in italy - 27 replies

I'm off!

Mon, 16 May 2005 18:09:52 GMT

So I leave in two days - Paris, Florence, and Venice. We're staying @ the HI hostel in Florence and at a small hotel in Venice. Both are just outside the cities, 10 minutes or so by bus.
Any tips?
The Florence transpiration web site has something about possible strikes but I can't read it... I suppose we could always take cabs if necessary.

posted in italy - 2 replies

Bergamo-London flights?

solarlab — Sun, 15 May 2005 20:11:14 GMT

ryanair.com turned up no availability.
does anyone know the best/cheapest wway to book a rt flight from bergamo to london in june? grazie!

posted in italy - 1 reply

International phone rental?

whiskyandfeet — Wed, 04 May 2005 16:15:41 GMT

Anybody have any experince with renting a phone for international travel? For two weeks in June, I will be going to Germany while my wife and son go to Italy, and we would like to stay in touch. I've done some shopping around, and it looks like phonerentalusa.com has the best rates.

Having never used a service like this, I'm wary of hidden fees, possibly spotty service, etc. I'm afraid I'll be lugging around a paper weight that will be costing me several dollars a day. Anybody ever do anything like this? Thoughts?

posted in italy - 2 replies

retreats in Italy

Tanniskobrinsky — Mon, 09 May 2005 03:14:04 GMT

I'm planning a retreat (yoga/pilates) for Fall '06 and am researching good places in Umbria/Tuscany. Any recommendations? Also planning for the group to stay a few days in both Rome and Italy, mid-price range - ideas on that also apprectiated. - Tannis

posted in italy - 0 replies

Anybody been to Campiglia Maritimo, San Vincenzo, Tuscany?

8a — Sun, 08 May 2005 23:43:25 GMT

I have been to Florence, Milano, Napoli, Rome, Sicilia already, but never been to the Tuscany on the countryside.

I am renting a little house in Campiglia Maritimo from August 17.

Any advices about cool things to do or nice places to visit (painting-churches-exhibit-architecture) or any good restaurants around there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

cat

posted in italy - 0 replies

Finally! Craigslist in Italy

paola — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 13:39:14 GMT

It seems that finally Craigslist got to our beloved boot, at least for Rome and Milan.

http://rome.craigslist.org/
http://milan.craigslist.org/

Apparently everything works, now it just takes a community!

posted in italy - 4 replies

??? Summer Housing???

galewc — Tue, 29 Mar 2005 16:55:48 GMT

We have a dream of renting a place in Italy, Greece, France and staying for the entire summer vacation, (Probably 3 different summers). For that matter anywhere would be cool... Wouldn't mind renting a place for the summer in Australia or Fiji or somwhere... Anyway, when I Google, I find places that seemed to be very glitzy and were also very expensive... Do any of you know if there are web sites or agencies for more reasonable short term leases/sublets? Thank you very much :)

posted in italy - 6 replies

Accommodation in Toscana

georko — Thu, 29 Jul 2004 14:52:17 GMT

Hi Tribe.
I am going to Tuscany in the first half of October for two weeks. I plan on going to Florence, Pissa (for an hour or two), Siena and posibly Genoa. I am olso planing on staying few days on the isle of Elba. Am I missing some important place?
How do I find inexpensive accomodation? Some guest houses, hostels or some old monasteries that except tourists that you now of in the area?

posted in italy - 16 replies

berlusconi satire

franceschina — Mon, 25 Apr 2005 15:20:42 GMT

Hilarious!

http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s3i8094

Rome-Silvio Berlusconi’s government suffered yet another embarrassing political setback yesterday-they were all re-appointed to office. Berlusconi has re-formed his ex-government in to yet a new government, Italy’s sixtieth in as many years.

Mr. Berlusconi and his entire Cabinet had resigned on Friday, in an attempt to avoid early re-elections. “I am very, very tired of this job,” he told the Italian Press. “Please-Please let me resign. Really-I need a vacation. Seriously. I can’t take any more of this.”

Just prior to his reappointment, Berlusconi visited the Italian President Carlo Azeglio at the prison that has served as the President’s home for the last 4 years. Berlusconi and Azeglio shook hands through the bars. “President Azeglio has given me his blessing,” said Berlusconi. “Basically he made me an offer that I can’t refuse. Literally.”

Mr. Berlusconi’s first attempt to be removed from office came when he decided to send 3000 crack Italian troops to Iraq as a part of the Coalition. “I cannot understand why this wasn’t enough to make the Italian people want to hang me upside down from a meathook,” said Berlusconi. “For some reason it didn’t work. Italians really don’t pay a lot of attention to what is going on in the World.” Mr. Berlusconi then used his own media empire to propagate the notion through to the Italian electorate that he is a staunch ally of Mr. Bush, but so far that attempt has also been a failure. “I just really can’t get their attention,” said a distraught Berlusconi. “Finally I tried a new TV show called ‘Rome’s most beautiful naked women’ and about one minute in to the first episode, we switched ‘accidentally’ to a video of George Bush and myself having dinner at the White House. There were lots of calls-but they all wanted to kill me. None suggested I leave the Government.”

For the foreseeable future, Mr. Berlusconi will continue to be at the head of Italy’s 60th Anniversary Government. Here are some of the other ministerial highlights:

Antonio Topo-Verme. Mr. Topo-Verme is the newly re-appointed Minister of Finance and Parking.

Dionicio Alitosis. Mr. Alitosis is the newly re-appointed Minister of Health.

Ricardo Ladro. Mr. Ladro reprises his role as the Minister of Revenue.

Marcello Sangue. Stays at his post as Minister of Defense.

Joachim Forte. Will stay in place as the Minister of Offense.

posted in italy - 1 reply

I love Italy! So much so that I'm moving there...

Maripat — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 02:29:38 GMT

...and need help. This has been my dream for so long, but I'm just now finding out the particulars of how to go about it. Right now I'm an ex-pat American teaching English in Japan and have decided that the place I want to go next is the place that I call home in my heart... Italy.

However, the realities are that work visas are (according to those in the know) incredibly difficult to come by if you don't have a job, and if you don't have a visa, you can't GET a job. Not to mention that the prices for housing in Rome seem to be outrageous!

As for work, I'm up for anything (ok, ok, within REASON, of course). As I've said, I currently teach English, but this isn't my chosen career path. I've also bartended in the past and managed small companies, so I am extremely versatile and flexible.

Places to live are another matter. I have no idea what the “good” areas of Rome are, not to mention how much they cost. I would, of course, prefer to live close to the center of Rome but realize that I probably won’t be able to afford that. If anyone in Rome can offer suggestions of where to start looking, that would be great. Also, will it be difficult to rent an apartment, seeing as I speak very VERY limited Italian? Do Italians have a problem renting to foreigners? That is a pretty big problem here in Japan.

If anyone has any help, ideas, suggestions, swift kicks to the head, I will appreciate and respond to all. I so appreciate any help from anyone! I feel as though I’m at the beginning of a wonderful adventure.

Thanks in advance for your help. Feel free to email me directly at maripat_f@yahoo.com

Ciao

posted in italy - 9 replies