Legend says the residents of this fine Magna Graecia city amused themselves by teaching their horses to dance. Their hated arch-rivals in Kroton (modern-day Crotone), used this to their favor and sent a pipe band into town as they attacked. Rather than riding the Sybarites off to war, the horses began dancing and thus, the victory went to Kroton.

To finish them off, the warriors from Kroton diverted the river and drowned the city.

Many residents fled and created a new village called Thurium, which later became an important colony under Roman rule.

Although they were envied for their indulgent lifestyle, they Sybarites were a smart bunch. They were accredited with creating the world’s first traffic-lighting system, minting their own coins and recognizing intellectual property.

Today the ruins at ancient Sybaris and Roman Thurium comprise the world’s largest excavation site, measuring almost 2,500 acres. To put it in perspective for Italophiles who have visited Sibari’s much more famous archaeological cousin, Pompeii , the site there is 124 acres. However, to date, little has been uncovered from Sybaris other than Greek streets, Roman baths and a mosaic-clad villa. Nearby, the National Museum of Sybaritic Archeology houses finds from the excavation site and many people consider that a more useful glimpse into the indulgent and oh so bella vita of ancient Sibari.

***

This article was recently published in Calabria Close-Up, a snippet highlighting Calabria destinations that is part of the My Bella Vita Newsletter bundle. If you would like to read more about the cities, towns and villages of Calabria or want to read about new recipes, tidbits and interesting facts on southern Italy, then subscribe to the newsletters today.

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Photo: Ruins at ancient Sybaris by marinajonica

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How much Calabrian history has been lost to the hands of time and how much is left to be discovered? This was the question that popped into my head after attending a lovely lecture by Dr. Francesco Vizza held on the terrace of the local museum in Ciro’ Superiore, Calabria this August. He talked about Luigi Lilio, possibly the most famous citizen ever to live in Calabria (except maybe Pythagoras), who was forgotten somehow over time. Who knows how this was possible since he made such a major contribution to society! This illustrious astronomer and mathematician created what is known as the Gregorian Calendar in the 1500′s, though it should be known as the Lilian Calendar. We are still using this calendar today.

In the mid 1500′s, Pope Gregory the XIII had a problem – the calendar wasn’t behaving as he wanted it to. Everyone was using the Julian calendar at the time. That was fine except that, due to some miscalculations for how long it took the Earth to revolve around the sun, the calendar dates were changing every year. Among other problems, this meant it was hard to follow the Bible’s rules about when Easter should be. The Bible states that Easter would be on the Sunday following the full moon following the Vernal Equinox (learn more here). Considering that the Julian Calendar wasn’t calculating the moon’s movements correctly, this wasn’t working out.

The Pope sent out word that all of the best astronomers and mathematicians had to solve this problem, not necessarily for the sake of a correct calendar that respects the moon’s movement, but more for this annoying little Easter date issue. He created a committee to solve it. Luigi Lilio’s grand discovery was that there were a few numbers missing in the number of days it took for the Earth to revolve around the sun, and solved the problem. He advocated for three common years followed by one leap year to make up for the difference, plus a complicated discovery about the epacts (age of the moon) that helped solve the Easter date mix-up.

Here is Luigi presenting his work to the committee. Note the man on his right who is counting on his fingers!

One of the most fascinating component’s of Lilio’s work was what he didn’t have at his disposal at the time. No telescopes, as those were brought from Northern Europe later on in the 1500′s and famously used by Galileo. He was also theoretically calculating these extremely complicated movements of the moon before the decimal point was discovered! Many say the decimal point was “discovered” by Scottish mathematician John Napier in the late 1500′s, but there is some doubt that maybe Luigi Lilio was already using it when he was making his calculations for the new calendar. If he did already know about it, the proof would be in his manuscripts, but only some have been recovered. Some think the rest of his manuscripts are located in the Vatican library which is not open to all scholars.

Let’s hope that someday one of the historians trying to remind Calabrians about their famous ancestor gets to enter the library and find out what else Luigi Lilio discovered.

This post was written by Michele Connors, my Calabria-spouse counterpart who blogs at Mignon Potenza. Visit her site there for more great stories about expat life, Italian food, wine and more.

Would you like to find out more about your relatives in Calabria? Click here to see how we can help.

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I met the group at the airport, along with our handsome guide/interpreter Andrea (who all the ladies tried to squeeze into their luggage for the trip back home) and our sweet but far-from-bilingual driver, Francesco. Somewhat quiet and timid on the ride to the Pollino, the group quickly meshed and by the end of the first night were already holding hands as they hiked to a hidden monastery and were singing, hopping and most-of-all laughing with each other as we danced the Tarantella.

The next few days were filled with a combination of long lunches, free-flowing wine, ruined castles, deep gorges, high peaks, pasta-rolling, cheese and wine-tasting and everywhere we turned, musicians, singers and would-be guides emerged to tell us more about “their” Calabria.

After four nights, we bid a sad farewell to our hosts-with the promise of a quick return-and headed south to Tropea. We stopped enroute so the group could have an upscale lunch of Calabrian seafood and chocolate tartufo and a secret behind-the-scenes visit to a local factory.

From Tropea, we ventured out to a nearby farm and learned the art of baking Calabrian bread and homemade pasta before feasting with the family on homemade *everything* – including, but not limited to, sopressata, ‘nduja, ragù, eggplant, peppers and pies.

We wrapped up our week at the luxurious private villa of one of southern Calabria’s most renowned chefs where we made crespelle (a specialty from my part of the boot) and enjoyed what was likely the most exquisite seafood meal I’ve ever had.

So many times throughout the week I forgot I was working … the group was tremendous and after a few days it didn’t just “feel” like I was with friends-I truly was. I left the tour Sunday with the renewed energy I believe vacations were intended to instill. Tour members kept thanking me, but their comments-such as, “after four trips, this is the first time I’ve seen the ‘real’ Italy, “this is the best vacation I’ve ever had” and the heartfelt “you pulled it off, kid!” are words of thanks I’ll never forget.

Tania and I are incredibly proud of the tour and are thankful to our guests for coming along on the first annual Calabrian Table Tour. We have already had dozens of requests for 2012 and will have our new dates published in the coming weeks. But until then, I’m going to have to find me a treadmill and a new pair of sneakers. Table tourin’ isn’t without its drawbacks. Or should I say, drawstrings. Which are the kind of pants I’ll be wearing if we keep this up.

Until next time … cin cin!

Are you heading to Calabria? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

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Think a southern Italian summer is all about bathing suits and beach towels? Well … in a way, it is. Beaches are the number one attraction for many southern Italy-bound travelers and even if beach-bumming is not your thing, you will likely want to pack a swim suit … should you change your mind. Additionally, here are five other things to wear so you can fit in with the locals and be comfortable throughout your trip.

1. Sleeveless Tops with Layers
Sleeveless tops and tank tops are perfectly acceptable for southern Italian summers, but you will often see Italians layer a short-sleeved sweater or jacket over their top … just to be cute. Men can wear short-sleeved t-shirts (solid colors work best) or polo-style shirts.

2. Sandals or lightweight Tennis Shoes
Finally … a season where southern Italians will wear open-toed shoes, so feel free to pack your sandals or even a lightweight pair of tennis shoes for your trip.

3. Lightweight Pants and Skirts
Although there is still a breeze in many areas of southern Italy, packing lightweight cotton pants and skirts will help you keep cool. As with other seasons, Italians are very well put together and over-sized pants or bulky skirts aren’t really the norm.

4. Shorts (with care)
A couple of years ago I’d have said to leave your shorts at home, however they are gaining in popularity here in southern Italy and you regularly see locals out and about in shorts. However … and there is a big however, they wear dressy shorts and/or typically tuck their shirts in and use a belt. Even in shorts, southern Italians are stylish.

5. Sunglasses
Yes, southern Italians wear sunglasses year-round, but if you are visiting in the summer months, you’ll definitely want to pack a pair of your favorite sunglasses-or pick up a pair at a local market-to help you fit in. Not only will they help protect your eyes from the gllaring Mezzogiorno sun, but you will also look stylish when you are at the beach, touring villages or engaging in my favorite summer pastime … eating gelato!

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the summertime?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Two Wheels Blog

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This post originally appeared in 2008 but it sums up exactly what I love so much about the Easter celebrations in Calabria.

***

How many of you have ever been to church on Good Friday…you know, the Stations of the Cross service? How many of you have ever seen the Stations of the Cross – live?

Well, now I have.

Last Friday, yes…Good Friday to be exact was A’ Naca in downtown Catanzaro. Held every year, this processional reenacts the Stations of the Cross, stopping momentarily in front of several important churches throughout the city, while circling the downtown area.

We arrived just in time for the beginning – at exactly 4:26 PM. The church was already crowded, and there were several miniature Mary’s dressed for the occasion. There were four 10-foot crosses propped on their sides, and a confessional-full of other props and decorations just waiting to be needed

We waited.

We waited.

We waited.

Finally, we overheard…

“6:00? 6:00? It is going to start at 6:00? How will we keep the children occupied for that long?”

“Children?” I thought.

“How will I keep my husband occupied that long?”

And, so, in typical southern Italian style, we watched with interest the disorganization and scurrying around us. At 6:00, they opened the church doors and I saw this.

Hundreds, if not more, Calabrese anxiously awaiting – despite the cold wind and sub-Easter temps for the processional to begin.

My shock was momentarily distracted by the arrival of the star, who appropriately bent his head in solemn preparation for his big role as he pushed past the spectators to the front of the church.

After another half hour, they were ready to begin.

Musicians, clad in matching black and gold robes, heralded the commencement of A’Naca, as droves of clergymen and members from the various churches throughout Catanzaro began the processional. They strode out in groups, dressed in pastel colors of blue, pink or beige, representing their different churches.

Just before the final Stations, the Bishop appeared and along with other church officials, read a declaration.

Jesus is raised from the dead, and in undoubtedly the most dramatic point of the event, Catanzaro’s firemen heave the alter above their heads, as the crowd of onlookers gasp in amazement. Everyone cheers and a few women, standing bundled on the blistery street, dab at their eyes.

The processional ends with Mary, who while rejoicing in the salvation of her son, is carried throughout the streets of Catanzaro …

as dozens of young girls, dressed in like-clothing accompany her for the journey.

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It is a common myth that southern Italy boasts year-round warmness and even in the springtime, temps drop and it gets downright chilly. If you are planning to visit southern Italy this spring, here are four things you can wear so that you will fit in with the locals, look stylish and still be comfortable.

1. Layers
Spring is one of the most unpredictable seasons in southern Italy, so plan on layering your tops with cotton shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts and sweaters and you’ll be ready for any occasion. You might also want to throw in a spring scarf to add to the mix.

2. Comfy, Closed-toed Shoes
Although in Texas, we wear flip flops or open-toed sandals most of the year, southern Italians wear closed-toed shoes until they are ready to go to the beach. I’ve actually lost count of how many of my Italians friends have commented on my open-toed shoes, even on warm spring days in April or May.

3. Sweaters
Depending on where you are going in southern Italy, the nights will likely get pretty cool, so pack a sweater or light jacket you can use for your nightly passeggiata with the locals.

4. Pants
Even if you are lucky enough to have some mild-weather days during your trip, you won’t see many-if any-Italians in shorts. Although they are gaining in popularity here in southern Italy, most Italians only wear them in the summer. Skirts are also acceptable, as are dark-colored jeans.

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the spring?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: The Epoch Times

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A couple of months ago I admitted to my Facebook friends and fans that Ricci e Poveri’s “Sarà Perchè Ti Amo” had me bouncing around faster than a Globetrotter’s basketball on Kid’s Night.

Yea … I like that song. It was one of the first Italian songs I learned and I quickly noticed how memorizing the words increased my vocabulary and improved my grammar.

Over the years, there have been a few other songs that stood out and helped me get past certain grammatical humps, if you will. And I’m gonna share them here.

Enjoy!

Sarà Perchè Ti Amo: Ricci e Poveri
… because like I said. It makes me wanna bounce.

50 Special: Cesare Cremonini
My newest obsession. I have actually listened to this song so many times that I’ve made my husband hate it. How is that even possible?

Pensa: Fabrizio Moro
It’s slow, thoughtful tune and anti-mafia stance are enough to make anyone want to learn the words.

Si Può Dare di Più: Enrico Ruggeri
It reminds me of that Christmas commercial where the little boy’s eating the Bauli… you know what I’m talking about, expats!

Estranei A Partire Da Ieri: Alessandra Amoroso
The slow music makes it easy to follow along and really, who doesn’t love a good Italian love song every now and then?

Are you an Italian music fan? If so, what are some of your favorite songs? Have you used music to help you learn a new language?

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: The Epoch Times

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You’ve probably heard Ti Amo and Amore but those are far from being the only Italian love words you’ll hear in the bel paese. Italian is one of the most romantic languages in the world, so leave it up to the Italians to create hundreds of ways to romance their Valentines.

Here are five of my favorite Italian love words and phrases. Feel free to steal them and use them on your own sweetie this Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to say something sweet and sexy to your sweetheart.

1. Ti adoro (tee ah-DOH-roh): I adore you
I *adore* ti adoro and find the soft rolling “r” sound even sweeter than “ti amo” or “ti voglio bene.” For extra sweetness, say “ti adoro, caro,” or “ti adoro, tesoro,” just a couple of ways you can say, “I adore you, sweetie.”

2. Sei la mia vita (say lah Mee-ah vee-tah): You are my life
This sexy-sounding phrase has all of the drama you’d expect in an Italian saying, so either write it in a card, email or text or whisper it in your lover’s ear during your Valentine’s date.

3. Voglio baciarti (vol-yo batch-ar-Tee): I want to kiss you
Does this one really need an explanation?

4. Stammi più vicino (sta-ME pyoo vee-CHEE-noh): Come closer (or stay closer) to me
Ok, so I really learned this line in one of my favorite sing-along Italian songs, but I love it and from time to time I’ve used it on my husband without him cringing at the Ricchi e Poveri reference.

5. Che begli occhi che hai (k-BEH-lyee OHK-kee k-eye): What beautiful eyes you have
I asked my husband for a couple of recs to add to this list and ooh la la … he came up with this one. He also threw in a bonus from his teenage flirting years.

P’s Bonus:
Hai un sorriso stupendo (Eye oon so-REE-so STOO-pen-doe): You have an amazing smile
It might sound a little over-the-top in English but trust me, in Italiano this one works.

What are some of your favorite Italian love words and phrases?

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you with your itinerary.

Photo: Becoming Italian Word by Word

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However, between cluster feedings, Calabria tours and our bed and breakfast, I wasn’t sure *how* I’d celebrate World Nutella Day 2011 or how I’d fit in finding, creating and perfecting a new recipe.

So, I thought about waxing poetic about all the things I love about this chocolaty-hazelnutty spread.

I considered doing a mini-roundup of my previous Nutella Day recipes.

I almost started a post that included my family’s favorite ways to enjoy Nutella … (think spoon and American white bread).

But then I saw a cooking show with my favorite Tata that inspired a new recipe and voila … Nutella and Mandarin S’mores were born.

I substituted whipped cream for charcoaled marshmallows, pulled a couple of mandarins off of our trees and pulled together this delicious dessert in less than 10 minutes.

Here’s the scoop:

Ingredients:
(Makes six s’mores)

>> Any kind of flat cookie (12)
>> 1/2 cup whipping cream
>> Nutella
>> 2 mandarins

Directions:

1. Whip your cream for a few minutes until it is fluffy.

2. Add the juice from one small mandarin. (This will change the texture of your cream, making it firmer and easier to spread on your s’more)

3. Continue to mix for a minute or two.

4. Spread the top of one cookie with a thin layer of Nutella. This will be your top. (Note: It is easier to “decorate” the top of your s’more before it is filled with Nutella and cream.)

5. Spread another cookie with a generous layer of Nutella, then cover with a layer of cream.

6. Top it with your Nutella-decorated cookie, add a mandarin slice and serve!

Delizioso!

As always, grazie mille to Michelle of Bleeding Espresso and Sara of Ms. Adventures in Italy for founding (and hosting) World Nutella Day. Check out their sites on Monday for a full roundup of today’s recipes.

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your itinerary.

Loyal readers might remember my What to Pack for a Calabrian Winter post from last year or maybe a guest post from Laura at Ciao Amalfi! that featured five words to keep you warm this winter. I’m going to merge those posts today and include five tips on what to wear in Italy during the winter.

1. Scarves, Hats and Gloves
Italians love accessories, so add some chic to your wardrobe by purchasing a selection of scarves, hats and gloves once you are in Italy. Not only will they help you stay warm, they’ll also help you blend in with the locals, will be easy to pack and will make a great souvenir from your trip.

2. Dark Pants / Jeans
Although black pants and dark jeans are good staples for any trip, they are essential for a winter trip to Italy. In general, you will see Italians wearing dark jeans or darkly-colored pants. They are slimming, after all, and can usually be worn a few days before needing to be washed.

3. Dark Shoes
Keeping with the dark theme, you’d never see Italians wearing dark pants and white tennis shoes, so invest in a good pair of darkly-colored walking shoes and you’ll be in step with what the Italians are wearing this winter.

4. Boots
There is nothing like a good high-heeled stiletto boot to help you fit in with the Italians, but if you are on vacation and plan to do any amount of walking, go with a low heel. I see a lot of tall boots, usually worn over pants or jeans. I’m a shorty, so that look doesn’t do well on me, but if you’ve got the legs to pull it off, by all means, pull those boots on.

5. Fitted Coats / Jackets
Italians are very “put together,” which means you won’t find them in over-sized coats or jackets. Everything is tailored, so wear a coat or jacket that fits well and you won’t feel like the frumpy foreigner amidst a sea of leggy locals.

What else would you suggest travelers wear if they visit southern Italy in the winter?

Be sure to check out Robin’s travel tips this week at My Melangè.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.

Photos: Moda Webwoman

I can’t remember the first time I had fagioli e rape, or beans and garden greens, but I was apparently underwhelmed. Maybe it was in a restaurant that offered it as part of an already overflowing antipasto or maybe the rape, (pronounced raa-Pay in Italian) wasn’t in season, but it just didn’t do it for me.

A year or so later, I tried it again. This time in a local trattoria when my husband spotted it on the menu and gobbled it as a side dish with his secondo. A couple of months ago, I spotted these bitter greens in the market and ever-so-kindly asked my father-in-law if he had a recipe.

He made them the next day.

And again the next week.

And no … I’m not spoiled.

If you want to take the easy way out you could technically use frozen greens and canned beans. We only half-cheat, using canned beans and fresh greens.

Here’s our recipe.

Fagioli e Rape

Ingredients:

>> 10.5 ounces borlotti beans (Gourmet Sleuth says you can substitute kidney or pinto beans)
>> 2 pounds greens
>> 1/2 onion, finely chopped
>> Olive oil
>> Salt
>> Crushed red pepper

Directions:

1. Wash the greens and cook in salted, boiling water for a few minutes (until soft.)

2. In a separate pan, sauté onion using good olive oil and add the beans.

3. Heat thoroughly.

4. Combine the greens and beans and top with crushed red pepper.

This dish is great alone or as a side item and goes well with homemade Italian bread.

Buon appetito!

Are you heading to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Here are five more Italian Christmas words you will see during the holiday season.

1. Albero di Natale (Al-bear-o dee nah-TAH-leh): Christmas Tree

Even though I sometimes misspeak and say “Albergo di Natale” instead of “Albero di Natale” when referring to our new Christmas tree, this is one holiday word you’ll want to know in Italy. Interested in taking your use of this new word one step further? Then learn this Italian proverb …

“La vita è come un albero di natale, c’è sempre qualcuno che rompe le palle.”

Or rather, “Life is like a Christmas Tree. There is always someone who will bust your balls.”

Ahem. Moving on … .

2. Il Presepe (Eel prey-SE-pey): Nativity Scene

There is no way you can visit Italy in December and not come across a presepe. These Italian nativity scenes are everywhere from private homes, to public buildings to churches, shops, restaurants and bars. You can read more about the history and traditions of the presepe here.

3. Pupazzo di Neve (poo-PATS-so dee Ne-vay): Snowman

The first time I heard this word I thought they said, “più pazzo di neve,” and actually gave my crowd quite a laugh by repeating it as such. “No,” they told me. “The snowman isn’t crazy, he’s just a puppet.” Well, they can laugh if they want, but that lingual blunder left its mark and now I can never see a happy little snowman without thinking him a bit mad. You can remember the word however you want, but my way is kinda fun … brings a smile to me, at least.

4. Babbo Natale (BAHB-boh nah-TAH-leh): Santa Claus

To remember this one, just think of “Father Christmas” … “Babbo,” also the word sometimes used for “dad” or “daddy,” or rather “Father,” and “Natale,” for “Christmas.” And really, who wants to risk not knowing Babbo Natale’s name this Christmas Eve?

5. La Vigilia (Laa vee-GHEE-lee-uh): Christmas Eve

Speaking of Christmas Eve, La Vigilia is one of the most important nights of the holiday season. Families gather for their seafood cenone and oftentimes go out for Midnight Mass together.

I’ll be taking off the next week to enjoy my first Calabrian Christmas … so from my Calabrian-Texan family to yours … Buone Feste, Ya’ll!

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you with your itinerary.

Photo: Scuola Leonardo

 
So pull up your chair, tie on your napkin and get ready to indulge … oh, and thanks for stopping by.

(originally posted, December 2008)

***

As in other parts of Italy, food plays a starring role in a Calabrian Christmas. You won’t find turkey or gravy passed around these tables, but like in the US, there will be more than enough homemade food and holiday cheer to go around.
 
Calabrians love celebrating with their cuisine and there is no shortage of generosity when it comes to commemorating their Savior’s birth. As with other holidays - or typical Sundays – you can expect a multi-course meal that might begin with an aperitivo and antipasto, followed with primi (first plates), secondi (second plates), side items, fruit, desserts and coffee.

Oh, and lots of wine.
 
Aperitivi and antipasto both translate into English as appetizers. Confused with why Italians would offer two types of appetizers at their formal meals? Yea, I am, too. But aperitivi is either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink that is served with small finger foods as guests arrive, while antipasto is the appetizer dish that is formally served after everyone is seated.
 
The typical Calabrian Christmas Eve meal … or Cenone, as it is often called, is based on seafood, so appetizers would likely include a variety of lightly fried seafood critters, a seafood salad and an assortment of cheese and olives. Here is a recipe for fried baccalà and broccoli.
 
The primi plate, or the official first round, is either a pasta or risotto dish, so think spaghetti with clams or mussels.
 
Secondi plates are served after the pasta dish and are normally either grilled or fried seafood, potatoes or a salad. No Christmas Eve dinner is complete without sauteed broccoli rape.
 
Seasonal fruit is served before dessert and coffee. Typical Christmas Eve dessert dishes are panforte, which is similar to an American fruit cake, panettone, which come in a variety of flavors and torrone, a hard candy typical of the holiday season.

You can check out the entire series here, with Celebrating Christmas in Italy, The Feast of the Immacolata and Southern Italian Christmas Day Traditions.

For other Christmas traditions around the world, visit the Blogsherpa Blog Carnival at Inside the Travel Lab.
  
* Please note that all of the customs and traditions I am referring to are typical of Calabria. I’m no expert on the other regions, but I hope those of you who are will chip in with your two centesimi!

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you with your itinerary.

Photo: Tiffany Blog

Like many modern bi-cultural families, my husband and I want to teach our children both English and Italian. We plan to implement the OPOL, or One Parent, One Language rule, which means I’ll speak English with our child 100% of the time while my husband speaks Italian.

Sounds simple, right?

Well the over-anxious, analyzing perfectionist in me is already thinking about the future. While the baby is, well, a baby, it is easy to speak one language to him and for us to communicate with each other using whichever language we prefer. However, what do we do when we start communicating together … as a family, sitting around the dining table, watching TV, talking politics or rocket science (because certainly he’ll be the next child genius to take the science world by storm …). What happens then?

Sure, we can plan to speak the minority language at home, but at some point the language he studies at school will take over and the other language will become his second language. I’ve seen it happen with my expat friends and heard tales of bilingual children who can’t cut it in a university in their second-language country.

I know I’m years away from that dilemma, but the topic and surrounding debate are interesting. One of my favorite blogs on the subject of rearing bilingual children is The Globetrotter Parent. While she doesn’t post as often as I’d like (I did say it was one of my favorites … daily would be good for me!) her posts are always well-researched and documented.

Other things I’ve been reading include:

Bringing Up Baby Bilingual, written by an American ex-French teacher who is teaching her children (and niece and nephew) French.

Raising Bilingual Children, written by a Venezuelan lawyer living in Germany, who is teaching her children Spanish, German and English.

Sue Scheff, particularly this article on 100 Tips, Tools and Tricks to Raising Bilingual Children.

An article in the Orland Sentinel about continuing the language immersion once they are “out in the real world.”

The FAQs at Linguistlist.org, with answers to questions about the OPOL method, imperfect accents, poor pronunciation and a Q&A that dispels the myth that multiple languages slow speech development.

I know there are a million things to think of-and worry about-as a parent and that with time, our child’s language skills will come. But even before we’re officially a mother or papà, we worry we’re going to mess up. I guess that’s just part of this new experience called parenthood.

Are you a parent to a bilingual child or do you plan to teach your children more than one language? What process did you / do you plan to use?

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you with your itinerary.

Photo: iicedimburgo.esteri.it

If you want to get into the Italian holiday season, here are five fun, easy-to-remember (and pronounce!) Italian words to add to your holiday greetings list.

1. Buon Natale (Pronounced: Bwohn Nah-TAH-lay)
Literally: Good Christmas, but used in Italy in place of Merry Christmas!

2. Buone Feste (Pronounced: Bwohn-ay Fest-ay)
Again with the “buon,” meaning “good,” this greeting is more general and means Happy Holidays!

3. Auguri (Pronounced: Ow-GOO-ree)
You may have heard this one before as it is used to express Wishes! to people for everything from holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, to personal birthdays and Saint Days and even celebrations, such as a wedding, graduation or the birth of a child.

4. Buon Capodanno (Pronounced: Bwohn Kah-poh-DAHN-noh)
Buon Capodanno literally means good “good head of the year,” but refers to New Year’s Day and thus, means Happy New Year!

5. Auguri di un Buon Anno (Pronounced: Ow-GOO-ree dee oon bwoh-NAHN-noh)
Think you can put this one together? Auguri … meaning “wishes,” Buon … meaning “good,” and Anno, meaning “year,” this expression means Wishes for a Good Year and is another way to say Happy New Year!

What are some of your favorite Italian Holiday greetings? Be sure to come back next week when I list my five favorite Christmas / Holiday words.

Are you heading to Calabria or southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you with your itinerary.

Photo: work4net

Since Continental-and her continent-hopping colleagues-discriminate against women who are eight months pregnant, I’ll be spending this Christmas and New Year in Calabria. I’m not sure what we’ll do yet … even short flights to Rome or Naples are out, but today’s guest blogger, Lisa Fantino, is offering some ideas that just might fit the bill for our New Year’s celebration.

Welcome, Lisa!

***

My Mom always says that the way you start the new year is how you’ll spend it and end it – I’m a believer. My first Capodanno (Italian New Year) on the Amalfi Coast … awhile back … had me racking up more frequent flier miles in the subsequent year than I ever could have anticipated (but that’s for another time).

The Napoletani know how to do New Year’s Eve and it all centers around fireworks … fuochi d’artificio. Come to think of it, most Italians love fireworks on Capodanno. I have never seen anything like it, before or since. The rumble starts in the early morning hours of the 30th while the wondrous lights in the sky come on like gangbusters at midnight and continue for three or four hours. It’s probably enough energy to light the State of Texas and likely resembles the London Blitz of 70 years ago.

The best place to watch is from a seaview piazza in towns like Sorrento, Praiano, Atrani or Amalfi. The crowds are lively and the celebration in Sorrento usually starts on the 30th of December with a parade and the lighting of the exploding Donkey in the Piazza Tasso. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seaview hotel room, then indulge in the luxury because it keeps you safe above the fray. You see, the thing is that some Napoletani throw caution to the wind and shoot pistols into the air if they can’t afford noisemakers or firecrackers. They never think about where the bullets may land. That doesn’t happen much along the beach towns but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

New Year’s Day itself is relatively quiet, as all recover from the explosive night before. If you’re lucky, you may even find one of the hotel spas open for a great way to knead in the new year. Tanti auguri a te!

Lisa Fantino is an award-winning journalist and attorney and the Amalfi Coast travel consultant and creative force behind Wanderlust Women Travel. She recently launched the Amalfi destination wedding site, Wanderlust Weddings. Her love of Amalfi has also inspired her to gather sterling silver jewelry and gifts inspired by the blues of the region at Amalfi Blu. She wrote this travel feature for Mindware Seminars. Learn more about them and their dental travel.

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Photo: BlueDeepBlue and dpserik via Flickr

Stocking Stuffers

1. Baci Chocolates: These delicious chocolate kisses are perfect for any holiday and are one of my favorite things to stuff in stockings. You can find them online using the link above or look in your local gourmet food stores … I used to see them all of the time in Marshall’s back home.

2. Pocket Coffee: For many Italophiles, no other candy compares to Ferrero’s marriage of rich chocolate and Italian coffee. Although they aren’t my personal favorite, they are uniquely Italian and make a great addition to any holiday gift.

3. Mini-Nutella Packs: The dessert / snack that needs no introduction, Nutella is to Italians what peanut butter is to Americans. Here in Italy you can find Nutella ornaments to hang on your tree, but in lieu of that, try these mini-Nutella packs. They are the perfect size for stockings.

More Food for the Thoughtful Gift Giver

4. Lavazza Coffee: I was hooked on Lavazza when I lived in the US and every package my now-husband sent over included a few months supply of this creamy caffeine in a can.

5. Spicy Calabrian Olive Oil: This olive oil with a kick isn’t just for Calabrians … in fact, the cherished red pepper is a staple in most southern Italian homes and is gaining in popularity throughout the country. There is a selection of other Calabria products, so choose your favorites and put together your own Calabrian Cuisine gift basket.

6. Italian Wine: You can find Italian wine in your local supermarkets or specialty liquor store, so buy your favorite Italophile two bottles … one to share with them and another for them to enjoy post-holidays.

Casa Dolce Casa

7. Moka Express Coffee Maker: Any coffee-loving Italophile will tell you that nothing beats waking up to your very own Italian caffè and while, yes, the coffee listed above is nice, having their very own Moka is essential.

I used the Bialetti Moka Express that used to just come in the standard steel but is now available in a variety of colors. Still, the Italians I know prefer the old model … why change a good thing, right?

8. Espresso Set: What better way to complete your Italian coffee gift than with a set of espresso cups and saucers?

The hanging cups showed above are everywhere here in southern Italy and make a cute decoration when they aren’t in use. In fact, I’ve bought a similar set for both my grandmother and an aunt and I have two sets of them at my house here in Calabria.

Italian-Themed Gear

9. “I Love” Apron: Ok, so yes, I’m biased here and made the link point to the “I Love Calabria” apron at the Italian Things store but check out that site … they also have “I Love Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia … etc, etc, etc …, including “I Love Italian Boys,” and “I Love Limoncello,” which yes, I do. To both of them.

10. Calabria Tote: Designed by the same guy as the aprons, this Calabria tote is a great gift idea for Italophiles addicted to Italy’s deep south. As visitors to this area will tell you, finding Calabria-themed souvenirs can be a challenge, so any of these items would make a great gift.

*** and now for the giveaway ***

Daryll Capparelli, the creative force behind the Italian Things store at Zazzle is helping one My Bella Vita reader kick off their Christmas season with a $25 gift certificate that can be used in any Zazzle store. Here are the details:

1. Join the Italian Things Fan Club on Zazzle (it takes about 30 seconds to register) – AND – leave a comment on this post telling me you did by Friday, December 10 at noon, Italy time.

2. For an additional entry, post this on Facebook and leave a separate comment telling me you did.

3. Same goes for Twitter. Be sure to leave me a comment here so I’ll add an extra entry for you.

And … that’s it!

Have fun shopping today and in bocca al lupo with the contest!

Are you heading to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Photos: Thumbnail, Italian Things-Zazzle; Other photos: Coffee Drinker.net, Amazon.com and Italian Things-Zazzle

As anyone who has ever been in love with someone who is more than a quick trip away will tell you, long distance relationships suck. It is amplified when your special someone lives in another time zone or if you are still in that “getting to know you” phase when you are forced apart.

All that aside, international LDRs can work and most of my expat friends have experienced separation from their significant other at some point during their relationships … and they all worked out just fine. If you are currently in an international long distance relationship, here are 10 tips to help your relationship survive.

1. Set Rules
Worried about being a nag if you “set rules” for your relationship? Think again. In his book, Long Distance Relationships: The Complete Guide, Dr. Gregory Guldner cites a study that claims 70% of LDR couples who don’t set rules end their relationship within six months.

2. Be on the Same Page Regarding Dating
Along that same line, make sure you and your honey are on the same page, especially when it comes to dating other people. My husband and I didn’t, but if you do, be sure to communicate openly and honestly when, and if, one of you wants to change that rule.

3. Set Times and Dates
I know it sounds like I’m obsessing over these rules, but knowing when you will hear from each other is vital for an LDR. My husband and I had one “set” time each day when he’d call me, so we both knew when we’d chat and had something to look forward to during our day.

4. Communicate Daily
Since the inception of Skype, communicating with your long distance lover is easier than ever. We didn’t have that luxury but as I mentioned, we still spoke every day. We had that one “set” phone call, then we’d call each other another one or two times throughout the day just to check in. Was it expensive? Yea … but not as bad as you’d think and now that you have Skype, you can forget about your pennies and centesimi and focus on your relationship.

5. Trust Each Other
I know, I know … easier said than done, right, but while trusting your partner is important for every relationship, it is crucial to the success of a LDR. There is no way you are going to know what he’s doing 24/7 and if he wants to stray, he certainly has the means, motive and opportunity. In fact, my husband came in while I was working on this post and I asked him for some input. His #1 tip … trust each other.

6. Share Your Insecurities
Oh, it is bound to come up at some point … he doesn’t answer the phone when you call, she can’t chat because of a work meeting and that nagging feeling is making you crazy. If you find you are constantly insecure and having “the talk” every few days, then you might have other issues you need to work on. However, if you are generally secure and something comes up that upsets you, address it. It could be something as simple as him calling later than normal because he wants to finish his new favorite TV show before he calls. Which brings me to my next point …

7. Don’t Create Drama
It’s hard not to wonder why your perfectly punctual partner doesn’t call when he says he will. You might envision him out with the imaginary hottie who moved in next door or picture him scoping the dance floor for a new fling. But don’t let your mind go there. You can’t do anything about it anyway and worrying yourself-or smothering him-will only damage your relationship and your self-esteem. Remember Tip #6 and discuss it.

8. Keep your Perspective
Richard and Kristine Carlson will tell you Not to Sweat the Small Stuff … and its all small stuff, they say. But in a LDR, the smallest things seem more important. However, keep your perspective. That one phone call can seem more important than it is because it is your one chance to talk that day but if you were in a normal, non-LDR, you wouldn’t lose it if you missed your boyfriend’s phone call.

9. Commit
All relationships take time to grow so depending on where you are in your relationship when it turns into a LDR, you may or may not want to commit right away. However, treat your LDR with the same patience and respect as you would a non-long distance relationship. At some point, you should both want to commit. If you don’t see yourself with this person 10 years down the road, then you are creating unneeded heartache for yourself and your far-flung friend.

10. Reflect
Speaking of committing, be sure you know who you are committing to. While flying off to Paris to meet your boyfriend will create a whirlwind effect that might seem exotic, don’t get caught up in the magic. It is easy to fall in love with the image of who someone might be, but make sure you are actually in love with that person as as you progress down the LDR trail

I know a lot of you have had a long distance relationship with your partner and lived to tell about it. What other tips would you offer?

Traveling to southern Italy? Why not get coached on when and where to go by someone who lives there?

Photos: Sara Hu via Flickr

Welcome, Lisa!

***

Now that you know the levels of love and how to express each of them, what do you do? What do you call that guy you’ve been living with (Mamma mia, without a marriage license)……..or the man you’ve spent every holiday with for the past three years………..or just the teenaged boy the girl next door is dating? It’s not simple.

In New York, you’re born……….you have a boyfriend (OK, several….dozen, but who’s counting). You get engaged (OK, maybe once or twice but that’s because the first was a jadrool (slang for the Italian word for cucumber … cetriolo). Then you get married.

It’s simple. Boyfriend – jadrool – fiancé – husband.

In Italy, not so fast!

Ragazzo – this is the word Italians use for boys, generally, but this is also the word that teenagers use for that special boy….the one who’s tossed away the key to their lock of love! He’s their boyfriend.

Fidanzato – this is a boy who’s much more committed. He’s your fiancé, the one you plan to marry some day, even if that day is five years away.

Compagno – this is the man with whom you reside without the benefit of marriage (although some might argue about the benefits of marriage!)

Here in The States, we make it pretty clear that “if ya like it than you shoulda put a ring on it,” and if not then you’re not my fiancé … you’re just my boyfriend. However, as a woman over the age of 18, I get strange looks when I refer to mio ragazzo. I’ve had one elderly Italian man go so far as to tease me and say in perfect English: “He’s your boyyyyyyyyyfriend!” emphasizing the word “boy.” And maybe that’s it – the boy versus the man.

I have been told that everyone in Italy now uses the word fidanzato to refer to a steady boyfriend, even if you’re not engaged; however, try to tell that to a man who clearly knows he’s not engaged and the girlfriend who wants to be. Or what about the couple in their 30s, 40s or 50s who is just living together, does the label “companion” make them less committed than a ring?

I believe this world is too tied up in labels and traditions and notions which complicate the simplest expressions of love. We raise or lower expectations depending on the culture instead of just going with your heart. Yet, when it comes to relationships, it shouldn’t matter what you call anyone but what two people know in their hearts to be true.

Cherrye’s note: I’ve also noticed more and more non-married Italians referring to their significant other as moglie and marito. Has anyone else noticed this? What else have you noticed about the labeling of boyfriends/girlfriends/fiances in the bel paese?

Lisa Fantino is an award-winning journalist and attorney and the Italy travel concierge and creative force behind Wanderlust Women Travel. She recently launched the Amalfi destination wedding site, Wanderlust Weddings. Her love of Amalfi has also inspired her to gather sterling silver jewelry and gifts inspired by the blues of the region at Amalfi Blu. In her spare time, she writes travel features for MNUI travel insurance and blogs as Lady Litigator.

Traveling to southern Italy? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip.

Photo: Sfidaturritana03

What is an Aperitivo?
Technically, an aperitivo is a beverage Italians drink before a meal. It can either be alcoholic (alcolici) or non-alcoholic (analcolici) and can range from a variety of bottled beverages to wine or Prosecco to house specialties. However, regardless of the drink, the best thing about going out for aperitivi, besides the chance to hang out with friends and people-watch, is the assortment of food that is served with your drink.

What Drinks are Available During Aperitivo?
The list of available aperitivo drinks exceeds both the space I have in this post and my experiences, but here’s a quick list.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
Crodino
San Bittèr
Fruit juice

Alcoholic Drinks:
Aperol Spritz
Campari
Negroni (Campari, Vermouth and gin)
Wine
Prosecco
Spumante
Assorted cocktails (I’ve ordered cocktails that range from Cosmos to Mojitos in bars in southern Italy, so depending on where you are, you might be able to get your favorite cocktail. That being said, they usually aren’t what you’d get in a bar in the US, so feel free to experiment or stick to something the bar knows well.)

I usually order a “frutta della casa” (fruit of the house) drink that is made either with alcohol or without and find them to be the sweetest-and prettiest-drinks in the bar.

What Should you Expect When You Order an Aperitivo?

In most (not all) bars in southern Italy, the barista will deliver an assortment of finger foods, such as small sandwiches, olives, chips, pizzas, bruschetta, arancini and/or potato croquettes directly to your table. As Tina from Tina Tangos pointed out last week in the comments, this is different from bars in northern Italy, where the aperitivo food is set out on a buffet table and customers serve themselves.

If no tables are available when you arrive for your aperitivo, then prepare to stand at the bar and have your drink and food served there.

When and Where Can You Order an Aperitivo?
In southern Italy, aperitivo is typically served before lunch, starting around 11:30 or 12:00, then again in the evening around 7:00.

Most bars will have some kind of aperitvo, but all aperitivi experiences are not created equally. Some of them are down-right disappointing, with stale pretzels and peanuts while others are so fresh and filling you’ll want to skip dinner.

More on Italian Aperitivi
For more on the Italian aperitivo experience throughout Italy, check out some of these posts written by my Italophile friends in the bel paese.

At Home in Tuscany: I Love Aperitivo

Italy in SF: The Aperitivo Tradition

Ms. Adventures in Italy: Guide to Italian Aperitivo and Drinks

Why Go Italy: How to Eat for Free (Kind of)

Where to Have Aperitivo in Italy
Two of my favorite places to have aperitivo in Catanzaro are Caffè Letteraria in the historical center and Baraonda in Catanzaro Lido. But now I need your help.

Where is your favorite aperitivo spot in Italy? Please share in the comments!

Photos: schoeband and Cinzia A. Rizzo via flickr

Traveling to southern Italy? See how I can help you create a custom itinerary just for your family or small group.