Immigration is in my blood. Can expatriotism be genetic?

A ponderous post from my stressful position in a Costa Rican hammock. Jealous yet?

6 things to know about Reggio Emilia

I occasionally get asked to summarize my vast (ha!) knowledge on life in Reggio Emilia to those who are looking to visit or move here. The following is what I usually tell them… (UPDATE: Plus, get info on our live Q&A session on what it’s REALLY like to live in Italy)

Who is more powerful in Italy: the Pope or the Mafia?

I’m writing to you on this beautiful Sunday morning with a quick post that perhaps differs from my usual jesting with the Italian culture. My marito and I woke up to an Italian news article by La Repubblica that surprised us quite a bit.

Don’t mess with the Malocchio, capisci? (Italian Evil Eye Curse).

I have put myself in harm’s way to write this post, so you better read it. And like it, dammit.

Alas, poor Juliet, thy breast hast been rubbed too oft.

Quick post to share the most awesome reader comment ever. Can you top it?

January 27 – Giorno della Memoria (International Holocaust Memorial Day)

A serious post for a serious day. In respectful remembrance of the Holocaust, here are some of my grandfather’s WWII photos, including those from Buchenwald concentration camp.