|
Written by Larry Aiello
|
|
Saturday, 08 October 2011 20:13 |
The site has a new menu item called “Places” – which will look at each of the many different places in Italy. I’ll be adding more in the near future. One of the recent additons has been about the city of Milan – here are some more interesting facts about the city:
- After Milan was badly damaged during WW2, it attracted many immigrants. About 15% of Milan’s population is foreign born.
- Milan has a “Chinatown” section around Via Paola Sorpi, Via Bramante and Via Messina. It started in the 1920’s, where most of the workers were involved in the silk industry. Later the workers shifted their skills towards leather production.
- 1/3 of all the Filipinos in Italy live in Milan.
- Milan has the highest income earners in Italy (per capita).
- Molto caro – very expensive – Milan is the 12th most expensive city in the world.
- High fashion headquarters for Valentino, Armani, Gucci, Prada and Dolce and Gabbana.
|
|
|
Written by Larry Aiello
|
|
Sunday, 02 October 2011 23:33 |
|
 There is always a bit of mystery and intrigue when one is referring to a black Madonna, since they are so rare. In Tindari, Sicily (on the northern coast) there is a legend of a black Madonna.
The old legend has it that the Madonna of Tindari is originally from the Byzantine empire. She was passed along to the local monks after she fell of a ship bound for the Orient.
The legend grows even more interesting...there was once a pilgrim woman who refused to pray to the Madonna because she was black. After the woman accidentally dropped her baby in the Lagoon of Tindari, the black Madonna demonstrated her compassion by raising the sands in order to form a sandbar so the baby could be saved. Wouldn’t it be great if more people in this world were as forgiving and had the same compassion as the black Madonna of Tindari?
Every September in Tindari they celebrate and honor her with a Feast of the Black Madonna.
|
|
Written by Larry Aiello
|
|
Saturday, 01 October 2011 13:04 |
|
Italy is preparing for their St. Francis celebrations.
St. Francis of Assisi, one of Italy’s two patron saints (the other is Catherine of Siena), is revered on October 3rd and 4th in his home town of Assisi (festa di San Francesco), which lies high above the Vale of Spoleto on Monte Subasio. St. Francis was born 1182 and lived to 1226 and was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. He is known as the patron saint of animals and the enviroment.
|
|
Written by Larry Aiello
|
|
Friday, 16 September 2011 14:35 |
What can you expect if you are planning a trip to Italy for the Fall of 2011? Well, for one thing, the autumn season is probably the best time to visit Italy, for the following reasons:
- Airlines often will lower their fares - Alitalia just announced a special to Italy
- The big crowds of summer disappear
- Weather is still pleasant, especially in September and October
- Fall fashion in high gear, especially Milan, Florence and Rome
- Food festivals such as wines, truffles, chocolate, chestnuts and mushrooms
What will the weather be like in Italy?
If you are looking for beach weather in Italy in September, you should plan on visiting the southern Italian beaches in Sicily and Calabria. As you go further inland, or up north, the weather will tend to be cooler. In October the days get shorter, and the mornings start out crisp and cool, but the days warm up pretty nicely.
November rains in Italy
November is one of Italy's rainiest months, especially in the northern parts. This is typically when you find the acqua alta in Venice, which is known for its occasional flooding during high tides. However, November also brings some sunny days as well. Toward the latter part of November and early December, many parts of Italy, especially north of Florence will experience their first snows. See the weather table below:
Fall Festivals in Italy
This is a great season for festivals - especially the food festivals. Chestnuts are very popular in Italy, so you will find many chestnut festivals in October, one of the more popular one being in Sardinia. Even halloween in Italy is becoming more popular. Some of the better festivals include:
Therefore, if you ever wanted to travel to Italy, don't let the cooler weather keep you at bay. There are many great reasons to visit Italy in the Fall, all you have to do is book your trip! Buon Viaggio.
Eurail Selectpass | Rent a car in Italy
|
|
Written by Larry Aiello
|
|
Italy (along with the UK) will change its clocks back one hour on Sunday, October 30th, 2011 at 3AM. The United States and Canada will change the clocks backwards the following week on November 6th at 2AM. Therefore, New York City will be 5 hours behind Rome time for this week only, and then will get back to the normal 6 hour time difference after the time change in November.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 26 of 39 |
