Top Four Accessible Landmarks in Italy

August 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment

There are few experiences quite like visiting Italy. The unique ambience brings tourists back year on year, and the gorgeous landmarks are enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike. Italy does have a few characteristics that disabled travellers need to be aware of, however, with many of its villages and towns feature cobbled streets, for instance. It’s also common to find its town and villages perched atop steep hills to offer exquisite views.

With this in mind, preparation is key. We’ve teamed up with an Italian stairlift gathered up the most accessible-friendly landmarks in Italy to help you plan your trip!

The Rome Colosseum

A trip to Rome isn’t complete without seeing the famous Colosseum. Originally named the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum housed the infamously bloody battles between gladiators. The Colosseum’s creation built over Emperor Nero’s palace — a deliberate move by Emperor Vespesian in order to remove any association between him and the tyrannical previous emperor.  [Read more…]

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Cooking Flavorful Dishes With Capers

August 9, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Capers are a favorite for many household meals because of the burst of flavor they add to dishes. You can have them brined or opt to use the capers dried. The capers have a distinct lemony, salty flavor that also has a hint of olive. People use them to add tanginess and a tad of texture to a variety of recipes, including pastas, sauces, and meats. However, capers have a strong taste; hence, they are added sparingly into meals. That means you will need to take care when throwing in the capers into the dish you are cooking so that they do not overwhelm the flavors of other ingredients in the meal.

Capers are harvested from the Capparis inermis or Capparis spinosa flowers. They are the unripened buds of the flowers. The Capparis inermis are prickly perennial plants whose origins can be traced to the Mediterranean and some sections of Asia. The use of capers dates back to 2000 B.C. where they are mentioned in a dish in the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh. The capers are harvest when they are green and unripen, then dried in the sun before being pickled in wine, vinegar, salt, or brine. They are peas-sized balls with a tangy lemonish flavor that is close to that of green olives. Try growing your own capers and grow different varieties for different flavors in your cooking. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Featured Post, Food

Reconnecting With The Old Country

June 24, 2019 by Leave a Comment

 

Italian-Americans are a crucial part of the USA’s social fabric, but there is evidence to suggest that connections to the old country are disappearing. According to Fortune, just 550,000 people now speak Italian in the USA, down from 900,000 in 2001. A big part of this is first-generation immigrants passing away, and ties to Italy growing weaker. Preserving a connection to Italy takes effort, but there are simple and quick ways to re-engage with your roots.

Writing a letter

Email, texts and instant messengers have made modern life much more convenient than ever before. Unfortunately, they often don’t carry the same depth of thought or character as a hand written letter. There are few better ways to make an immediate connection to Italy, then, than by penning a letter. Having family isn’t even necessary; according to lifestyle mag Yes!, pen pals are more popular than ever before. Furthermore, it’s financially viable; according to delivery website OnlineStamp.net, postage costs remain low, as does stationery. In the short term, why not reconnect by talking to someone who lives the life? [Read more…]

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The Financial Picture Through The Eyes Of Italian Americans: Here’s How It Differs

May 10, 2019 by Leave a Comment

In April 2019, the Personal Financial Satisfaction Index for the first quarter showed that financial happiness among Americans had risen by 11 percent and hit a new high. As consumers begin to feel much more secure in their financial lives, the focus shifted to what was driving the change in their view and the ensuing positivity. While economic factors such as job growth can be held partly attributable, there are a host of personal factors such as inclines to saving and retirement preparation views that have also contributed.

However, it is well known that the United States of America is a country of diversity, and just as its culture and food will differ across ethnicities, so will their approach to their financial lives. Italian Americans account for almost 6 percent of the American population and are considered a vibrant part of the country. They bring with them wonderful food, wine and also a few unique Italian habits practiced in life including on the monetary front. Here’s how the financial picture differs for the Italian American population.

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Filed Under: Featured Post, Lifestyle

Ten Perfect Ways to Enjoy Italy

April 27, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Italy has a staggering amount to offer travelers…and residents. Romantic cities, timeless hill towns, snowy mountains, idyllic islands, vineyard-covered countryside, and a rivetingly beautiful coastline. Plus, outside the major cities, homes start at a mere $50,000—or less.

Expats in Italy say they love not only the art, culture, impressive architecture, world-renowned food, and easy access to the rest of Europe, but also the slower pace of life and the culture that prioritizes family and friends over work and to-do lists.

In fact, Italy has so much to offer that deciding what to do on an exploratory trip can be a challenge. The correspondents at International Living have put together a short list that goes beyond the usual sightseeing destination and shows off some of the enjoyable, affordable, and lesser-known qualities of this remarkable retirement destination.

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Featured Post, Travel
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