You might have heard about a little blogging contest called Blogging from the Boot, being hosted by yours truly and Tina Ferrari of Tina Tangos. The contest is in full swing, finalists have been selected and voting is now open for the Best Italy Expat Blogging from 2009. (So please go vote!)

During the process of reading submissions and chasing down finalists, I stumbled upon some top-notch travel writing, written by some of my fellow expat in Italy bloggers. I’ve pulled some of my favorites together here for you today.

Enjoy!

Photo by: Scintilla, finalist for Best Expat Photography, 2009

- Danielle of When In Rome Tours tells her story-and the thought process behind the decision-to take 17 of her closest friends and family with her on her Big, Fat, Italian honeymoon and offers a spotlight on Emilia Romagna’s fast cars and slow food.

- Katja of Driving Like a Maniac shares her Roman Holiday-Part I and Part II while discussing the wisdom of wearing the same pair of shoes for the entire trip.

Photo by: Lucia, finalist for Best Expat Photography, 2009

- Laura of Ciao Amalfi! talks about one of her new favorite Sunday traditions-listening to the old men play Bocce ball and offers an up-close-and-personal tour of her backyard … the Amalfi Coast.

- Linda of Milanese Masala writes about learning to love nature in a peaceful Tuscan agriturismo while watching a not-so entertaining game of cat and mouse.

Photo by: Lucia, Finalist for Best Expat Photography, 2009

- Lucia of Dim Sum, Bagels and Crawfish (dang, now I’m hungry!) offers her take on Palermo with kids and talks about discovering Posidonia Sphereoids in Sicily.

- Francesca of Burnt by the Tuscan Sun writes about how much Rome has-or hasn’t-changed in the last 2,000 years, offers travelers tips on tipping and even gets into a little Italian potty humor with her post, A Royal Flush.

While these post highlight great Italy expat travel blogging from 2009, I know I’ve missed some fantastic writing. What were some of your favorite Italy travel posts from 2009? Feel free to leave them in the comments!

I wonder what Robin would say about it … let’s hop on over and see what travel tips she is offering up today.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

After two weeks of accepting posts, nominations and submissions, the first annual Blogging From the Boot contest is closed for entries. Judges worked all weekend narrowing down the entries, breaking ties and notifying finalists.

And now it is up to you.

The three finalists from each category are listed on the AffordableCallingCards.net website, along with links to their respective blogs and posts. Take your time, read through the posts and click the “VOTE” link below each section to cast your vote for that category.

But I warn you … it won’t be easy.

The judges had a hard time narrowing the entries to three in each category. How, oh how, could I ever vote for just one?

So grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax and read Blogging From the Boot: The Best of 2009

READ ENTRIES AND VOTE HERE!!

Voting is open between now and Friday, February 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM … which just happens to coincide nicely with World Nutella Day!

And speaking of World Nutella Day, one of WND’s co-hosts, Michelle Fabio, of Bleeding Espresso just happened to be one of the judges for the 1st annual Blogging from the Boot contest. I’d like to publicly thank Michelle, along with Georgette Jupe of A New Beginning! Bring it On! and Audra de Falco of That Girl in Italy for judging the contest … so, grazie mille, ragazze!

One of the most enjoyable things for me as a co-host of Blogging from the Boot was getting the chance to work with bloggers I didn’t know well. Although like many Italy expat bloggers I “knew” Tina of Tina Tangos, I hadn’t worked with her on blogging projects until now. For any of you considering teaming up with her on projects, I highly recommend it. She’s a gem to work with and I hope we can join forces again in the future.

And to all of the Italy expat bloggers who entered the contest. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You helped make our first annual blogging contest a success, you educated us about private, maternal issues, shared personal wedding and honeymoon stories  and warned us of potential stalkers … and bankers.

Congratulations to all of the finalists and in bocca al lupo!

Vote Now!

Whoa. Stop right there. Don’t hit that back button or double-check the url.

You are in the right place.

Welcome, friends and blog readers to the new My Bella Vita.

It has been a long road, through logo design, color choices, font options, column width and header size and seriously, it is enough to make a girl wrap herself into a fetal position and moan html, html, html until someone snaps her glazed-over eyes into focus and forces her up again.

I mean, I’m just saying … I didn’t do that. Well, maybe once.

But in the end my friends at Kaiz Agency came through and designed a new template we feel will highlight some of the changes we have in store for this website.

Oh yes, my friends … there are changes.

In addition to the funky new logo and what will soon be a photo slide show-small technical delay, slide show’s a comin’, few tweaks, no worries-I’m expanding products and services offered here.

Custom Itineraries

We all know Calabria can be intimidating and a well-traveled Italophile once said, “Calabria is not for the faint-hearted.” But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come. Calabria has beaches, mountains, ruins and religion, a unique cuisine, good wine and warm people and it is listed as an “Italian favorite” for many people who have visited.

But it is not easy to get around Calabria and researching the area can be tough.

The custom itineraries I offer will help with that.

Based on your preferences, I’ll create a custom itinerary, complete with hotel reservations, transfers, car rental and activities for each day of your trip. You can read more about that here.

Travel Consulting

For travelers who prefer to make their own reservations, but still need recommendations on which areas to visit, what activities to book or which city or location is the best base for their southern Italy vacation, Travel Consulting is the way to go. You can read more about that here.

Tips Booklets

I recently completed my very first tips booklet, “Don’t Get Stuck With Dirty Drawers … and 64 other tips for traveling in Calabria.” More information will be available soon.

—

Prizes and Fun Stuff

In conjunction with this week’s relaunch, I’ve joined forces with other Italophiles around the world to bring you some great prizes.

Check back this week to enter new drawings for prizes such as free nights at a bed and breakfast in Catanzaro, free itinerary planning and free Italy photos!

Today’s prize: A premium subscription to ItalianPod101, the award-winning website that was featured on Newsweek, PC Magazine and right here … at My Bella Vita.

All you have to do is leave a comment on *this* post between Monday, December 7 and Sunday, December 13. Winner will be announced on Monday, December 14.

In bocca al lupo!

Over the last few months, My Bella Vita has been washed, scrubbed and dried, and we’ve made a few changes you may not have noticed.

Now we are pulling out the paint.

photo credit: Marshall Astor – Food Pornographer

In the coming weeks we’ll roll out a whole new My Bella Vita-but I need your elbow grease to do it.

You in?

If so, just answer the following five questions-an anonymous survey you can take in 60 seconds or less-and I’ll bring the beer and pizza!

Grazie mille! Feel free to contact me if you have anything else you’d like to say.

I appreciate it.

Photo by Yan Pritzker Photo on Flickr

 
“How do you say that again?”
 
“I thought I’d be fluent by now.”
 
“I’m just not good with languages …”
 
One of the first things expats who move to non-English speaking countries are faced with is the 24-hour language fest-and if you are anything like me, you left your invitation at home.
 
Over the last year negative phrases like these have crept into my consciousness and crowded my mind with self-doubt and insecurities. I. Just. Can’t. Get. It.
 
I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am perfectly conversational in Italian, can understand most people and accents and can basically get by in any situation.
 
But it ain’t purty.
 
Post continues here.
 

 
There is nothing like a trip back home … back to the vastness of America’s first national preserve, back to the home of Texaco, TexJoy and Seaport Coffee, back to the birthplace of country music legends Jones, Chestnutt and Byrd.
 
And yes. I am glad to be home.
 
For the last four weeks I’ve been exploring the state capital, visiting our bayou-bound neighbors in the Pelican State and melting in sun-scorched southeast Texas. Seriously, it has been in the high 90s since I arrived and has even hit 111 once or twice. And I thought Calabria was caldo!
 

 
But the weather isn’t the only thing that’s hot here in southeast Texas. One of my Beaumont buddies released his first album Have You Heard? in 2007 and since then, Italian-American singer/songwriter, Damian Giglio has written more than 40 songs and had his music licensed for MTV’s The Hills and The Real World.
 
If you haven’t heard, then don’t fret. You can listen to a sample of Damian’s music, purchase a CD, or follow Damian on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Or maybe laughs and giggles is more your thing? Fellow Kountzite and stand-up comedian Erik Knowles is making headlines in California where he has opened for Sarah Silverman, Pauly Shore and Bobby Lee. He was a finalist at the California Comedy Festival and has performed in comedy clubs throughout California, Arizona and Texas. You can see him live at The Comedy Store in La Jolla, California, check out his clips, follow him on Twitter or visit his Facebook Fan Page.
 

 
In other celebrity news, Sandra Bullock’s restaurant Bess Bistro is the place to go in the Lone Star capital and has been listed as one of the Top Three Austin experiences by OK Magazine.
 
I partied there last month with Andrea of Andrea Unplugged and although Sandra Bullock might be the restaurant’s shining star, it was the profiteroles that stole the show.
 

 
So here is hoping ya’ll are all staying cool and enjoying your summer! Until next time … buon weekend!
 

 
With all of the language learning talk that has been going on around here, I decided to test my skills and head to Lamezia Terme’s finest movie theater to check out Dan Brown’s latest hit. While I’d love to say I loved Angels and Demons, I just can’t. It is not you, Mr. Hanks … it is me. I just wasn’t ready for that kind of Italian-language only commitment.
 

Photo: Roaring Forties Press

 
However, what I am ready for is Rome’s Angels and Demons: An Insider’s Guide, written by Angela K. Nickerson and photographed by Christine Cantera of Miss Expatria. The guide is just under 50 pages and is a history book of Rome’s best piazzas, churches and obelisks as visualized in the book or seen on the Big Screen. Side notes and travel tips for visitors are included throughout the guide. Download your FREE copy here.
 
In other Italy-related news, Chicago authorities recently found 1,600 stolen Italian artifacts worth an estimated $5-$10 million in a suburban bungalow. Among the loot were ancient Etruscan artifacts that date back to 900 B.C., books and documents written by popes and kings and a handwritten preface to a book that was penned by Mussolini.
 

Photo: Chicago Breaking News Center

 
Elsewhere in the blogosphere … I was recently interviewed by Lulu of Calabrisella Mia where we discussed blogging, writing and finding inspiration. I am also scheduled to be a guest blogger next Friday at City Girl Lifestyle where the site’s owner and I will exchange perspectives on how being an expat has changed us.
 
And speaking of change, I’m heading to Texas on Tuesday to tackle the state capital and be a blushing bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding, spend some much needed recoop time with my family and get away from this grueling southern Italian heat (because everyone knows how breezy southeast Texas summers are).
 
So starting Tuesday, I’ll update My Bella Vita three times a week. Next week, I’ll post Tuesday (because those are sacred travel tip days), Thursday (to wrap up the Saint series) and Friday … just because. After next week, I’ll post Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays through the end of July.
 
In other blogging news, Marryann of Finding La Dolce Vita has called it quits. Interestingly enough however, one of her last posts was still available through my Reader. Given her recent departure from the blogosphere and Joe of Italyville’s touching post regarding his friend’s decision, I found it fitting to include some of her post here.
 

FRIENDS: Will say “hello.”
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.
 
FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Call your parents mom and dad.
 
FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing and just being together.
 
FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.
 
FRIENDS: Are for awhile.
ITALIAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

 
Thank you for your contributions to the blogosphere over these last few years, Maryann. I join Joe and your other blogging buddies in wishing you the best on your new ventures.
 
Buon Weekend!
 

 
Those of you from the major metropolis of Kountze might have heard this headline before …
 
“Moore n’ more about People, Places and Things”
 
by Buddy Moore
 

photo credit: theogeo

 
“Moore n’ more” was my dear ole Dad’s legendary headline column. He wrote it over a thousand times and mentioned tens of thousands of people, places and things that were important to his readers.
 
With the support of my mother and sister, I’d like to continue his column by bringing it to you … right here on My Bella Vita. Starting today, “Moore n’ more” will be published every second Friday of the month, ’til we run out of people, places or things to talk about. And I suspect that’ll take awhile.
 
To kick things off, I’m going to answer some questions. Stellina emailed me a few weeks ago and wanted to know what the heck was up with the PdP. Don’t you remember her? The PdP was our Polish neighbor who stole my dog, tried to steal my husband and repeatedly insulted my Americainzed Italian in public. Well, she eventually got evicted, leaving Viale Isonzo and yours truly, PdP’less.
 
Carole D. has mentioned how she loves stories about my father-in-law, that carne-cookin’, pasta-boilin’ scrooge who whips up three-course meals and gets grumpy when all plates aren’t wiped clean. Well, Carole D, il suocero is just fine. He’s still cooking and I’m not still eating-not enough for him, anyway. But I found a way to put a stop to those comments. From now on, when he says, “Tu mangi poco,” or “you eat so little,” I respond with a heartfelt “Ahhh, grazie!” After the first two of three times … he got the message. He certainly doesn’t want to encourage me not to eat.
 

 
Speaking of eating, Judy Witts, Tuscan-chef extraordinaire and long-time Italy-based expat has published her first cookbook, Secrets from My Tuscan Kitchen. The handwritten recipes and blank note pages make a perfect addition to any Italofile’s collection … and the dishes? Well, let’s just say her husband isn’t the only Italian husband who approves.
 
Another new book has hit the shelves and this one, too, gets our stamp of approval. Traveller’s Calabria, the first and only English-language guidebook dedicated entirely to Calabria, has hit the shelves and I can’t wait to see it. Lara Dunston and her globe-trottin’, camera-toting hubby, Terry Carter, have visited more than 60 countries around the world and I’m happy to report they’ve included our bed and breakfast in catanzaro as a recommended place to stay in Calabria.
 
In other travel news, two of my favorite American-based Italy bloggers are heading to the Bel Paese. Robin, my Travel Tip Tuesday counterpart, is set for her two-week stint in the Eternal City, while Jessica of Why Go Italy is busy planning her month-long hiatus. I’d like to wish them both safe travels.
 
And I’d like to wish you, un buon weekend!
 

 
Overused cliches, “when it rains-it pours,” “between a rock and a hard place,” and “every cloud has a silver lining,” were born from seeds of truth that grew into expressions people pick and use as needed.
 
But I always thought, “if it rains-it pours … .” Who cares?
 
In the end, you still get wet!
 
How wrong I was.
 
The last ten days have been the most emotional days I’ve had since my dad died in February-possibly because the protective shock barrier is wearing thin or maybe because of the upcoming holiday I’m dreading so much or maybe just because … .
 
Then smack dab in the middle of the rain, it started pouring and I became a blogless blogger.

photo credit: smellyknee

 
My old domain name was stripped and I found myself figuratively between a rock and a hard place. I could either pay Siteground-the company I had bought my domain name from-$199 or I would lose the site.
 
Although my domain name account at Siteground was listed as expiring in February, 2010-they pulled it, altered “my account section” information and blocked me from their site.
 

photo credit: russelljsmith

 
Pay $199 and let them get away with it=Rock
 
Move to a new domain, lose all of my incoming links, subscribers and loyal readers=Hard Place
 
The next day Siteground sent me an email that said, “It doesn’t say 2010 (in your account section) and it never did.”
 
I have little experience dealing with companies who outright lie to their customers but I didn’t feel like giving into their ransom was a choice I could live with …
 
Since I couldn’t imagine the universe conspiring against me at a time like this I searched for the silver lining.
 

photo credit: Aaron Escobar™

 
- Should I let go of My Bella Vita?
 
- Should I start a new site focusing exclusively on living and traveling in Calabria?
 
- Should I try to merge the old My Bella Vita with a new Calabrian-focused site?
 
What should I do?
 
Twelve hours of Internet searching, a half dozen espressos and just a few temper tantrums later here I am at my-bellavita.com.
 
In the end I just couldn’t let go of My Bella Vita and merging my personal anecdotes of Calabrese in-laws, hysterical neighbors and old Calabrian-wives’ tales with a professional Calabria travel website just didn’t seem to fit.
 
The silver lining I did discover, however, was the inspiration to create a new Calabria travel site that I’ll share with you in the future.
 
So thank you, loyal readers, for sticking with me through all of this. Please update your bookmarks and feeds to reflect the new domain name – http://my-bellavita.com.
 
In the end, I think I’ll come out ok. But if I don’t, I’m sure there is another overused, ineffective expression out there that will fit the bill.
 
Grazie mille!
 

It has been said printer’s ink runs deep, but it is really more than that. I think printer’s ink is hereditary. It’s genetics. It is stamped into our DNA and no matter how hard we try to fight it … it begs to be free.

At least that was the case with me.

I’ve said before my father was a small-town newspaper journalist, a short story writer and a storyteller. He could spin a tall Texas tale quicker than a hurricane could hit Houston or have our entire town in a tizzy trying to decipher his latest scavenger hunt clue.

He was fun and he passed that on to me.

photo credit: ArTaide

I don’t talk about my freelance writing much on this blog. Yes, it is scribbled on the right-hand side over there and I’ve received a few emails from curious readers and some requests from potential clients but I don’t really get into the details much and I’ve never shared those other links.

So today is the day.

When I am not brainstorming travel tips or trying to make sense of these crazy Calabrians, I’m working on other exciting assignments.

Because of the ghost-writing nature of some projects I can’t share links or details, but over the last year I’ve been busy scripting children’s stories for an overseas book publishing company, working on appendices for ESL books for children, developing newsletters for a corporate training client, blogging for an international card company and writing historical fiction short stories for a non-profit organization-that I got to work with my father on! I have also had several articles published in Panama Q Magazine, from romancing 1950’s style in Bocas del Toro to  harvesting coffee beans in the hills of Boquette.

photo credit: Otäcon

And there are a few online articles, as well.

According to the editor,  Five of the World’s Best-Kept Secret Destinations was one of the most popular articles on their site in 2008. How flattering. I think it is only because we love to dream about visiting places like Yogyakarta, Indonesia or Stranja, Bulgaria or well, read the article-you might have heard of that last place … once or twice.

Looking for a place to get away from it all? Think about heading to one of the Seven Best Hidden Beaches in the World or spend some alone time in one of the Six Least-Densely Populated Nations on Earth.

If you prefer to stay in the US, then get a glimpse of Six National Parks You’ve Probably Never Visited, then kick back and relax in one of the Five Charming (and yet Still Under-Appreciated) US Cities.

Have extra airport time on your next vacation? Then learn How to Maximize Time on Your Next Layover or get the scoop on Five Places You Can Become a Coffee Snob.

Getting married? Well Venue is Everything and figure out how you can Save Money With an (Almost) Hometown Honeymoon.

Whew … I know. That was long. But if you are anything like me, you’ll be wanting to set sail-or hop on a plane, or plan a roadtrip or get in gear and walk to some of these fabulous places. But instead I am stuck here in southern Italy with nothing to do but drink limoncello and walk on the beach … oh yea, and get back to work.

If you are interested in a career in freelance writing, then head over to Bleeding Espresso where she is answering readers’ freelance writing questions all week.