Rules of Engagement: How to Shop in Italy

Angela Caputi bracelets

So we know that there is definitely no shortage of shopping here in Florence and like most gals I loooove to shop. Italy is of course famous for its fashion and Florence has a few famous designers of its own like Roberto Cavalli, Patrizia Pepe, and Salvatore Ferragamo, who isn't technically Florentine (he's originally form Napoli), but loved it so much here that he bought a gorgeous villa in the hills of Fiesole overlooking the city where his grandchildren still live to this day, and one of my personal favorites, Angela Caputi.

But there are a few things you should know about shopping in Italy, especially if you are American.

We Americans are used to a whole different standard of customer service complete with the warm greeting when we walk in the door to asking if they can start a dressing room for us when they see even one article of clothing in our hand.  The salesperson is always checking up on us when we're trying things on and asking how everything is fitting and if they can bring us a different size in anything or perhaps even making suggestions based on the items we've brought in to try on.

Well my friends, the reality is that unless you are shopping at Gucci, where I assume they would be this attentive, although I wouldn't really know since I've never actually shopped at Gucci, don't expect this kind of attentiveness in Italy. If you are lucky you may get a shop keeper who gives you a smile and possibly says 'Salve' as you walk in but that's about as far as the service goes. For better or worse, this is just how things generally work.  

And if you do happen to have a question, be prepared to feel as if you are disturbing them and that they are being put out by you actually asking them to do their job! 

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping in Italy is that there is a NO REFUND policy. They will not give you your money back. Ever. Period. 

I've seen it happen. I've been in stores where American shoppers will come in with something they've purchased the day before expecting their money back only to get upset. I've even heard them say, 'well in the US they give us our money back in your store.' And to that you should probably expect their response to be something, like, 'Your not IN the US.'

You can exchange your item, but you will not be refunded. 

So before you buy anything here be sure that you really want it or at the very least there is something else in the store that you would want as an alternative. And be sure you try it on. You will not be able to exchange anything to another store location other than the one you actually purchased it in either. Most (big name) stores here are franchised meaning that they operate under a major company name but they are privately owned. Or they are small unique boutiques, which personally I prefer. And just to note that is a whole other experience entirely. 

In my personal opinion, this is incredibly poor business practice. There is a very precise mentality and psychology as to why stores in the US allow refunds. Think about it. If I know that I can bring something back if I change my mind I am more likely to buy it, however, chances are I'm going to think about it a little longer and won't ever end up bringing it back. Thus, resulting in more sales. Us women do things like that. We hang things in our closets thinking that some day we are going to find a use for it. If we like it enough to buy it we'll like it enough to hope that we may actually use it some day! duh!

Of course there is the thinking that if refunds are allowed people will purchase things and wear them and then bring them back resulting in quality issues. Of course this happens, but rarely and that profit loss is definitely minimal in comparison. But hey who am I to tell them how to run their business. 

As for customer service, well this is a no-brainer, if I walk into a store and someone is rude or has a superiority complex, well guess what? I'm turing around and walking out. So for this reason, I can't really feel sorry for them when they have to close down after only a few months of business. 

I hope this helps and gives you an idea of what to expect while shopping in Italy!

Got questions? Have a shopping story you want to share? Tell me in the comments below!

* Please note that my statements here are general. There are indeed many shops where you will find nice helpful staff. In my experience however, this is usually in the boutiques where the owner is also the shop keeper. These are the best places to shop anyway, your getting unique handmade or vintage products you won't find anywhere else in the world and you are supporting small local businesses and people who are living their dreams! 

Should I stay or should I go? My Italian love affair

The frustration of living in Italy. It's a common theme around here. It always has been, it always will be. In fact there has even been a documentary film made titled Italy:  Love it or Leave it addressing the issue, which  is quite serious these days. Two guys, one Italian one German, travel the entire country in a vintage Fiat 500 in search of a reason, something, anything, to stay here.

Over the 12 years I've spent living here I have seen many people come and go, some of them very good friends that I miss dearly. Both expats and Italians. I won't lie, it's hard to get close to someone and then one day find out that they are leaving because Italy no longer has anything to offer them. Of course with the way things are going lately with the economy and politicians I can't say I blame them. I've had my moments too. In fact back in 2004 I was frustrated enough to leave an amazing apartment and a 'decent' job and convince my husband to move to California with me.

We spent 3 years there while I went back to school and he worked odd jobs and took ESL classes at the local community center. Perhaps it was our circumstance that weren't ideal but somehow we ended up back in Italy. Why? Well because at the end of the day it's the place that suites us best. For now anyway.

I learned two very valuable lessons in those 3 years. Nothing and nowhere is perfect. And never say never.

Sure I get jealous of my sister's beautiful big house with her giant kitchen and family room, but guess what? Turns out she is just as jealous of my tiny one bedroom apartment and miniature kitchen in the city. For some Italy is not the best option for living as I can assure you it is nothing like 'Under the Tuscan Sun' or 'La Dolce Vita' unless of of course you are independently wealthy or freakishly gorgeous.

So NOT my life. 

But it does have its benefits and of course it's disadvantages, but so do most countries in the world. As my dear friend Michele put it before returning to Boston, one thing is for sure, no body moves to Italy to make money. Our reasons in fact, are very different.

The fact of the matter is this; Italy is an amazing country to visit or to come to study and a great place to live if you are an artist, designer, historian or other type of creative person who wants to be inspired Every. Single. Day. Or the kind of person looking for a new adventure and isn't concerned with the inner workings of the system or who doesn't mind working whatever job(s) come your way just to get by, then Italy is your country soul mate. The food is incredible and fresh and healthy, the wine is to die for and lets face it, the place is breathtakingly beautiful and chock full of history.

But if you are career oriented and looking to make good money or if you prefer structure over chaos, and expect things to function properly such as public services, then I would say that it will only be a matter of time before you decide its time to see other people. And it certainly doesn't help that the Italians themselves are not their usually happy go lucky selves these days. All things considered.

So the important question to ask yourself, wether you're deciding to come or go is, not where you are going to be happy, but rather what do you need to be happy. Trust me, living in Italy, is most definitely a test of mankind's greatest virtue and believe me, I have my moments even now, yes even now. There are times when I am ready to pick up and go but at the end of the day, what it comes down to is searching inside yourself and understanding what happiness means to you. We can't depend on anyone or anything else to that for us. Happiness is ours and ours alone. So just remember that the grass is not always greener, on either side.

One thing is for sure, everyone has to do what is best for them to find their happiness.

What do you think of all this? Have you loved and left? Or are you forever faithful? (or at least for now anyway) are you somewhere in between? Tell us the tale of your Italian affair!

Mentioned in this post:

Home.....

view of L.A from my sister's new backyard

...... After a these years I'm still not quite sure where 'home' exactly is however, we're now back  in our Florence home after a fabulous three week trip to Los Angeles to visit family for the holidays. It was so wonderful and I really didn't want to leave. We had a great time and there was not one minute that we weren't doing something. Like always I was amazed at how much my nieces and nephews had changed and grew. To be expected of course, but once again a reminder of how quickly time flies. And if that wasn't enough, I also had a chance to make my way through some old boxes that I had in storage. Some serious memories in those boxes. High school, college, study abroad and my first years in Florence. I can hardly believe it's now 13 years that I have lived here. They say home is where the heart is and I still have mine in two places. One thing is for sure, it never gets easier. 

At the moment I am battling jet lag and a bit of nostalgia but I'm getting myself organized to begin creating again. For now I am gathering inspiration from some great (new to me music) music and playing with my new toy! I decided it was time to enter into the 21st century and purchase an ipad. I love it! I can't put it down. I am convincing myself that it will add to my productivity by making uploading, blogging, tweeting and posting much easier. We'll see how that goes. Either way its still lots of fun and Spotify and Music Tube are AWESOME!! 

We've got a new project in the works that I am expecting to be finished by mid February (fingers crossed) Our garage is getting a makeover and that means I will be getting a new studio! Horray! Yes, the project has been delayed but hammers are hammering and walls are being broken as we speak, so yes my friends its finally in the works. I am gathering lots of new ideas on my Pintrest boards whie getting my creative juices flowing. And of course enjoying the newfound music selections. I hope you enjoy them and I will be back with another interview from fabulous Florentine designer oh so soon! 

Italian-American (Anglo) Culture Clash #2, That's a Bit Out of Line

If only they were as organized as their trees...sigh...

  A few weeks ago my husband and I made a trip to our electronics store to replace our old rusty refrigerator. After making our decision the salesperson filled out a form and told us to take it up to the counter and pay and then we could go pick-up our item from the warehouse down the street. As we headed over we could see that there was no one in line in front of us….

…..and then all of a sudden out of nowhere, this woman comes walking up (more like speed walking actually) and just swoops in right in front of us. And I mean we were literally 2 steps away from the cashier. My husband and I just looked at each other in disbelief, dumbfounded, and then just shook our heads and chuckled.

Unbelievable! And by now I know that I should expect things like that to happen but there are just some things that no matter how long I live here I just can't seem to get used to. And it happens everywhere you go, no matter what is happening, there they are trying to cut in front of you. I just stand there watching out of the corner of my eye, feeling myself getting more and more irritated with each centimeter closer to they get to me, and then I try to inch my way up a little further so that I can somehow have the advantage over them, but then, its that moment, the moment when the cashier is ready for that next customer, and somehow, I never know how, but they always manage to sneak their asses right in there ahead of me as if they have been waiting there patiently the whole time. Errrrrrrrr!!!!!!

I made the mistake of saying something a few times and then you just feel like a complete idiot, because the response is always, with a incredibly surprised look on their face, ‘oh scusi, non ti avevo visto.’ HOW EXACTLY DID YOU NOT SEE ME????  You were breathing down my neck for the love of God! And its not like there is really anything you can say at that point, they didn't see you!

What is it about the concept of a line that you don't understand people??? One after the other! Everyone will get his or her turn.

Waiting in lines in the country is really, truly a test of that virtue they call patience and Lord knows I am lacking it in spades.

But…..there are some things that are just left well enough alone. Either you can get upset about it or have a chuckle at how unbelievably ridiculous it is! The best way to handle the situation is just to say prego, and gesture for them to step in front of you. That way they will either feel like an idiot themselves….

….or not, but at least you can stand in line peacefully. 

But even if you foaming at the mouth ready to spit fire at the next person who dare try and cut in front of you, if they are over the age of 70 you may just want to retract your claws because the elderly have this special power around here, they get to do whatever they want and no one can say a thing. Although, if you saw a little Old Italian lady in the grocery store with an arm full of groceries, I imagine most of us would be happy to let her take cutsys anyway.

Italian - American(Anglo) Culture Clash #1: Give me Fever

A while back my Italian brother in law tried to argue with me that the only difference between living in Italy and the U.S is the language. I beg to differ. The truth is however,  that after 11 years, I tend not to pay attention anymore and when something does come up I brush it off, but I am  now starting to think that it is worthy to point them out as they occur. I hope you will find some interest or at the very least a bit of humor in dissecting the differences between these two ways of life.

So here we go, I'll start with #1

What to do in case of Fever:

Last week my husband was sick. He woke up with a fever of 38.5 (101.3).  Certainly uncomfortable and definitely worthy of staying home and resting. After taking a fever reducer and before getting back in bed he puts on another sweatshirt and gets under the down comforter. I proceed to take care of him by placing a wet wash cloth on his forehead and making sure he has a bottle of water next to the bed to stay hydrated. I pull the comforter off of him in my attempt to help him lower his body temperature.....big mistake.

 This apparently is NOT the way they do things around here. ( Mind you, in the 11 years that I have known him this is the FIRST time I have ever seen him with a fever)  No, in his upbringing being cold (shivers as a result of a fever) means that illness is sure to surmount and that the only way to get better is by staying warm, i.e under the covers. He then proceeded to eat steaming hot pastina for lunch and dinner.  Surprisingly, even after having taken the fever reducer again his temperature was still 101.3. I wonder why?

And of course my explanation that keeping his body warm by eating hot food and staying under the down comforter was not the proper way to reduce a fever was contradicted with his explanation that being cold will only make it worse and why would I want him to suffer like that?!

Speaking of illness, any illness, the Italians believe that the cold is to blame. And this is why you will rarely find air conditioning in Italian homes, even if it is 101.3 outside, they will tell you that air conditioning is bad for you and it will indeed, senza dubbio, cause every sickness and ailment under the sun from a cold to bronchitis, from a stiff neck to a back ache. Ho preso freddo ieri sera is a common expression used in the morning around my house. 

So there you have it. Cold = bad, so make sure you cover up out there!

Every Girl's Crazy 'bout a Sharp Dressed Man

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 This is a post that I have wanted to write for a long time, in fact I have a few blurbs written already that I will pull from and I also have one from a friend who expresses herself so eloquently on the subject.

With the way things are going around here lately, I think its about time to brooch the subject. Between the ever failing government and this most recent tragedy of the Costa Concordia, the cruise ship off the Coast of Gilli Island, it is time to talk about Italian men.

Get on the F-ing Ship!!! This has become the new motto in reference to the Italian Government!

I know what the idea is about them in the eyes (of women) of the rest of the world…….

Italian men, ahh, they are so beautiful, tall, dark and handsome, with such style and grace, they always look so elegant and put together. They must be so well organized, motivated and smart.  It’s just so sexy!

Well guess what?  Sorry girls, but I have to do it, really I’m sorry, I hate to burst your “Italian- Men- are- so- Hot” bubble, but if they look that good, chances are its because their Mamma or their WIFE (yeah, that’s right probably married even if they try to pretend otherwise, or they still live at home!) Washed, dried and ironed it for them. Punto. Sorry, but it’s the truth.

So what does this have to do with the government and a sinking ship? Well the Italian government IS a sinking ship, and the Italian men that run it are not willing to man up and take responsibility for it. Why? Well because they’ve never had to take responsibility for anything their entire lives. And I am 100% whole-heartedly convinced that it all begins with their underwear. I cannot tell you how many foreign women I know that are married to or partnered with Italian men who tell me that their significant other has never bought his own underwear or socks for that matter. And I am talking about men well into adulthood. And this is aside from the fact that the average Italian man lives at home until he is in his mid 30’s and then gets married to a nice Italian girl who will take over and continue to iron his p.j’s for him. But she will never buy his underwear because his mamma will still do that.

Ok, and then when he finally does move out and get a wife to take over, what happens now? Well he gets a job doing whatever because his fathers, brother’s, wife’s, brother knows someone who knows someone who can get him the job. He doesn’t necessarily like the job, but it’s ok, he’s not actually going to work anyway. But he’ll be the first to complain when the system or the services don’t function properly.

But the point is that he never really had to go out and look for the job, he didn’t really have to interview or convince anyone that he was qualified for the job, it was just handed to him, just like his underwear.

Ok now let’s talk about his good little wife who is at home making him breakfast, lunch and dinner and ironing his p.j’s. He marries her because, well, she’s pretty, or at least she was at one point in time, or maybe not, but she sure knows how to make a killer sugo, of course never quite as good as his mamma’s but, good enough. And now they have a couple of kids, (boys hopefully, there is actually an expression that is said at Italian weddings to this day regarding boys: Tanti Auguri and Tanti Figili maschi, which means, best wishes and lots of male children) And the wife is at home ironing her husband’s p.j’s and buying underwear for her son’s while her husband is out doing who knows what. Maybe working, but maybe not. Maybe he’s hanging out at a café on his lunch break hitting on American tourists, looking all nice in his freshly pressed suit and shiny black shoes.

What does this mean? Well, he has never had to be responsible for buying his own underwear, ironing (or even washing) his own p.j’s or finding a job, or cooking his own meals. Yet we expect that these same men are going to be responsible for successfully running a COUNTRY?????? 

Here is a blurb that was written by a friend of mine about dating in Italy.

It's true. and I'll come out and say it- I blame their mothers. When you're in your mid30s and your mother is ironing your underwear and socks (YES. I am NOT making this up ladies!!) There is a BIG problem here. Two things, when the Italian mother is such a huge part of their lives: they will place you in their mother's role and expect you to do/be the same. And, strangely, they will place you in their mother's role and you will never, ever live up to her. There should be an intense study on Italian men as a requirement for any psyche major.

Ok. But can we really just blame their mother’s? Honestly, I think they’re all at fault a bit here. So you grow up thinking that its ok to let everyone else do everything for you, but come on dude! You’re an adult, don’t you know by now that this is not ok. And seriously Italian Mamma’s teach your son’s to take care of himself. Why do you think you are helping them by doing this??? It’s actually a HUGE disservice. Now they get out there in the “real world” and they have no idea how to take responsibility of ANYTHING!

Just the other day I heard a story about a grown man who happens to be a police officer who lives on his own but the gym he goes to happens to be close to his mother’s house so what does he do? After the gym he takes his gym bag with all of his dirty sweaty clothes and drops them off at his mother’s house and the next time he goes to the gym, guess what? Yup! You got it, first he stops by Mamma’s house and picks-up his gym bag with nice clean gym shorts! Underwear and socks included, and probably ironed!!!! OMG! Italian women, I beg of you, I plead with you, STOP THE INSANITY!!!!!

Ok, now what happens is this. Italian man are used to having everything done for them, everything handed to them and they get married to make sure that well, they will never have to take care of any of these things themselves, but the marriage is not really about love. It’s about convenience, for both parties. Don’t think that oh these poor Italian women they suffer, no, their not stupid, they know what their doing but at the same time, I guess they really don’t have much of a choice, especially since careers for women suck in this country.  Now they have someone to take care of them, financially that is. So there is never really truly, this sense of responsibility in their relationships. There is no sense of responsibility in their relationship with their mother either for that matter, as the above example shows, he doesn’t have to give anything back to her, she just makes sure he doesn’t have to work too hard, because povorino he might get tired! Oh and sometimes he stays for dinner too. 

These Italian women latch onto their son’s in this weird Freudian reverse Oedipus kind of way I imagine because they never really had a mutual, loving, responsible relationship with the person that they married anyway.  I’m telling you people, its bizarre.

So the moral of the story is this, personally I’m not surprised that the captain jumped ship before the passengers. literally and metaphorically.  The Italians themselves have in fact used this story as a metaphor for their government. This country is being run by a bunch of little boys who don't know how to take came of themselves let alone an entire country! But they do have very clean underwear.

Now, do I think ALL Italian men are like this? Of course I don’t, I wouldn’t be married to one if I did. Certainly there are exceptions and the above statements are of course speaking generally about the Italian culture. But I will say that men that leave home and live on their own when they are 19 like my husband did and the coast Guard Captain Gregorio De Falco who told the cruise line captain to get back on the F-ing ship, are the exception, not the rule. 

Do you agree with me? Do you disagree with me? I want to know. Am I missing something here? I want your opinion on this issue! Comment below!

Driving in Italy, Baby You Can Drive My Car, Part II

I have been receiving a lot of messages lately about driving in Florence and Italy in general so I thought it might be time to revisit a post I wrote a little over a year ago on the subject.

"Should we rent a car?" "Can we park in the street?" "Is it better to rent a car then to take the trains and buses?"

No, no and not even close.  Let me take a moment to explain  a little bit about Italian drivers and driving in tiny towns that were once meant for horse and carriage.

First let's start with the Italians themselves. A relaxed, laid back culture enjoying La Bella Vita or La Dolce Vita, in Il Bel Paese. They're never in too much of a rush, they always have a smile on their face (insomma)  and they really know how to eat. All true, yes. Well then that must mean they are relaxed, courteous drivers to, right? Wrong! Totally and completely wrong. Its like something takes over when they get in a car or behind the wheel of a motor vehicle of any kind. It's like they all begin to channel Mario Andretti or Valentino Rossi. It's incredible. Its scary enough just trying to cross the street let alone drive a car amongst them! I know you think your cool and that you can keep up with them, but trust me please, you don't want to try. Remember that they all know where they are going, you don't, they're going to get mad at you and start honking and make you even more nervous. And you don't want to know what they're saying about you, trust me, I sit in the passenger seat in an Italian vehicle, you don't want to know. Ok, so fine you don't care, they can say whatever they want. But that's not the only reason you don't want to drive here....

Seriously something to keep in mind! Trust me, its all true!

Aside from the Italian's being just plain crazy drivers who conventionally forget what they learned at autoscuola,  you are dealing with tiny one way streets that are difficult to navigate, in tiny old cities with thousands of residents who need a place to park their cars. Most cities issue permits to residents only which allows them to park on the street and without that permit you will get parking tickets or even wheel locks if it happens to be street sweeper night.  The city of Florence for example and I'm sure others as well, also have limited traffic zones with cameras set up at each entrance to the historical city center and if you do not have permission to enter these areas, again you will be ticketed. And do not think that the rental companies will issue these permits, they will not, there is a reason why their offices are all located OUTSIDE these limited traffic zones.

I found this video on YouTube and its perfect! I cannot tell you how many times I've seen this kind of thing! This is exactly what you're in for! And who know how many tickets they got for entering the city center! Good thing these guys have a sense of humor about it!

Please believe me when I say this for your own good and for your SANITY! Don't drive in Italy. You'll thank me for it I promise.  The trains and buses are awesome. Check out Trenitalia for a time schedule for all of Italy, you can even purchase tickets online. If your visiting Tuscany check out Sita bus for routes within the region that are simple, quick and run frequently.

You will enjoy your trip so much more if you don't drive! Don't forget to check out the other post about driving on this blog.

Have a story to share about driving in Italy? Let others know about it in the comments section below!

La Dolce Vita-Una Passigiata

I've been cooped up inside for 14 days now.  What I thought was a simple cold was actually much more. So after  a couple of days on antibiotics I was seriously going stir crazy and decided it was time to get out and get some fresh air.  I took a walk that I haven't done in while, up into Piazzale Michealgelo, but instead of taking the known,  common route I decided on the road less traveled and wound my way through the side streets and less known paths and through the hills of the Tuscan countryside. I brought my camera along, it was sunset and the light was amazing. Here are a few shots of the evening in no particular order. I feel so much better now! It is this kind of beauty that truly enriches and inspires my life.

I think this is my favorite of all the photos I took. So sweetly waiting to go inside.

Foot path

The colors were amazing!

And this is my second favorite shot

Bella Firenze!

Very steep hill I walked down, then decided to turn around and walk back up. Talk about killer workout!

Path up to Piazzale Michelangelo from Porta San Niccolo'

Just a few reminders as to why I love this place so much. Florence truly is one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. 

Want o hear more about La Dolce Vita?  Click on the button below and visit my friend over at Ciao Christy!

Clenliness is Next to Goddessness

My husband and I are at it again. Cleaning that is. Getting ready to start a new project. Two years ago we moved from our little tiny studio apartment into what is essentially a converted garage. We had a big job, as we cleaned, scraped, tiled, painted and floored the space to make it livable. But that was just half of it, turns out there is another section in the front that is still full of tools and materials that he and his brothers have been using for work for about 15 years now. The plan is that we will be able to utilize the space as a studio and work space.

Moral of the story however, is that after 15 years of storing and collections things from who knows where, you can imagine some of the interesting things we've come across in the cleaning stages, such as this funkadelic clock radio from 1970-something, as well this bird cage(???) which we have no idea how it possibly got here because as far as we know, no one has ever had a bird.

And some Cosmopolitan Magazines from 1995, American mags nonetheless. But I have to say that THE absolute best thing we found was this little book called Casa Pulita, or Clean House. While, sure its nice to have tips on how to remove stains, it is really the image on the cover that grabbed my attention. A typical scene in many Italian households, including that of my MIL. It really is telling how the woman is vacuuming while hubby just hangs out in the chair watching her, mind you there is a full basket of laundry behind her just waiting to be washed, dried, folded or ironed and put away. But you relax honey, I'll take care of it. So not only are women expected to be brave casalinghe but they are also expected to look sexy while doing it. 

Is it just me or does she look a little annoyed?

Of course when I pointed this out to my husband he says "see, that''s how its supposed to be, and then you come along and want to change everything" Thank goodness his sense of humor is one of things I feel in love with! 

However, I must say that it has been a bit of a battle between me and my IMIL over the years. She just doesn't understand why her son is helping around the house and why his shirts aren't nicely ironed and hanging in the closet. And I cannot hold a conversation with my SIL without somehow discussing the various and best methods of cleaning and laundering or how long it took her to wash, dry and iron the bed sheets and the pajamas. Yes, that’s right, she irons not just the bed sheets but the pajamas too. Because you see that is how a womens brava-ness is measured in this country. How precise are the ironed creases in the shirts, how shiny is the bathroom floor and how tasty is your sugo? One friend even told me that she got the ‘dust check’ once form her MIL, as in she wiped the table then checked her finger to see how dusty it was. OMG!!

This is incredibly difficult for me to understand since I was not raised this way.

Of course this is an incredibly loaded topic of gender roles, equality and the position of women in Italian society. I could go on for pages, but really just wanted to share this very funny perhaps slightly disturbing book cover with you, and yes the publishing date is 1996, but honestly, it could very well be revised and reprinted and still be very relevant to many Italian women even today.

So what is your opinion on the topic? Are women making too big of a deal out of this?

Why Single Girls Want to Meet European Men

This is for all you single ladies planning trip to Europe! HA!



What's your take? I'm dying to know, leave me a comment below!

There's No Place Like Home

It seems like I haven't been home since June. Really.  I  know I wrote a similar post no too long ago, but it turns out that the traveling wasn't quite over so I may have jumped the gun on that one. The last 3 months have been incredible, truly incredible. I have had the opportunity to see and do things that I never thought I would and to see a little bit more of this beautiful country. As a guest at a friends dinner party said the other night, there is nothing ugly in Italy, its just beautiful and more beautiful. This couldn't be more true.

So June was crazy and fantastic with my parents who brought my nieces and nephews for their first trip. June/July was exciting, emotional and relaxing all at the same time with the Project Accessory audition and 3 weeks in California with my family.  August was stressful, wonderful and HOT! in Calabria with the in-laws for 3 weeks. I ate too much, swam in the Ionian Sea and got a nice suntan! But now I am home, a casa and I couldn't be happier. Traveling and exploring and gaining new experiences is wonderful and I wouldn't change it for the world, but, there is nothing like coming home.

The city is still a little quiet, as usual for August. For those of you who might not know, during the month of August the majority of the cities throughout the country literally shut down and everyone, I mean everyone heads to the coast.  That's right, for the whole month! So forget getting things done, or repaired or even mailed for that matter, just go to the beach, you'll be glad you did.   However, when September rolls around the energy is amazing! Everyone is ready to get back to life, they're all happy and relaxed and of course everyone has that sun kissed glow! I am definitely feeling that energy, I am ready to get back to life, my routine and my usual diet, but more than anything else I am ready to get back to work.  Here are a few photos of where I've been lately, not too shabby, I know,  and super inspiring too! These are just a few, I literally have hundreds of images. I am  hoping to get a photo gallery page up here so be sure to check back soon for more!

Venice is like Magic! Such a beautiful place!

 

 Venetian Puppy.  So sweet.

This is my new favorite place! Tropea in Calabria! Che Bella!  

 Famous Tropea Onions.

 Sweetest little lady! She stopped for me to take the shot, she was buying her bread!

 SUPER HOT PEPPERS! We got some, Luigi's in the kitchen now making olio piccante.

 My new summer home! Hey a girl can dream!

 

Or maybe I'll take this one so I can open my boutique downstairs.

 

CAUTION: Adult content below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

  Calabrese David:)