Yes. It’s time to share the news. I’ve been formulating this post in my wee head for several days, along with several imaginary Facebook posts, that attempt to say in a snappy, positive, yet calm way that we’re leaving Italy and moving to the UK… Read More
Well there’s a title that will do absolutely nothing for SEO! But you know what, I don’t care, because this is my blog and I’ll write what I want to! And this time I’d like to write about some of the things I didn’t know I… Read More
Lest anyone accuse me of being ‘grumpy-expat’ (moi?) I thought it time to share with you some of the beautiful sights of the Pontine Coast (and its islands, too) where we are fortunate enough to have a family holiday house. If this doesn’t encourage you… Read More
Want to blend-in this summer in Italy? Scared of looking like a bright, white beacon of English/Irishness in a sea of bronzed & beautiful Italians? Today, I share with you all I have learnt about ‘doing’ summer in Italy, since my initiation about 7 years… Read More
As I’ve previously discussed on this blog, I didn’t do a huge amount of preparation for expat life. I didn’t give too much thought to the practical difficulties, the language barrier, or indeed the many positives that would emerge from such a big life-change. I’m… Read More
If your only Italian word is ‘Ciao’ and you’re a) tempted to spell it CHOW and b) not entirely sure if it means Hi or Bye – well, this is for YOU. Here follows the essential words and phrases in Italian that I wish someone… Read More
This week I’m delving yet deeper into la bella lingua italiana as I share with you my review of Tutto italiano audio magazine. This is a bi-monthly magazine & audio cd for intermediate to advanced learners of Italian. Ever keen to find new ways to lessen… Read More
I try and read as much as I can of other expats’ writing on life in Italy and living abroad in general. The other day I came across a piece by Fiona McArdell about her 5 month stint in northern Italy on the excellent blog… Read More
Today I bring you a fleeting but fine example of how the Italians never miss an opportunity to be poetic. Be that through their graffiti (always heart-rending), their journalism (often creative) or their food-packaging (quite possibly life-changing). A biscuit in Italy is not just a… Read More
The Italians aren’t known for their fondness for brevity. Keeping things snappy isn’t one of their strengths. Official documents rarely feature bullet points or numbered lists, preferring the long-hand approach, where everything is eel-aaa-boooooooooo-raaaaaaaa-ted- on in rather a lot of (extraneous) detail. At least to… Read More
Truly, Madly, Italy 