Showing posts with label Rome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rome. Show all posts

Saturday, March 9, 2019

The Italian-American's Guide to a First Visit Home

Everyone’s first trip to Italy is bound to be special. The land’s natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture create an atmosphere that’s unlike any other in the world. Coming to Italy for the first time is even more special if you come from an Italian-American background. You may technically be a tourist, but you’re also a child of the land who’s coming home to the place where you can trace back your roots.

As a returnee to the motherland, you’ll want to see as much of it as you possibly can in the limited amount of time that you have. It’s your opportunity to reacquaint yourself with where your bloodline came from and to experience what Italy is all about.

If you’re an American of Italian descent, here’s a list of places that you’ll want to visit when you go to Italy. You may not be able to land on all of these locales in one trip, but you’ll want to hit as many of these targets when you do make the trip. Here are our suggested places along with useful info on food and language:


Do Your Research
 The first place to begin this exciting journey is to research the roots of your family in Italy. A great number of the Italian diaspora left the towns and villages near Rome, along the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean island of Sicily. Whether you know the exact ancestral village of your family or just the general region, a journey to Italy will greatly enrich your Italian pride.


Caput Mundi
 Start your journey in the Italian capital of Rome. The Eternal City was once the capital of the ancient world and is now a vibrant, chaotic mix of  modern comforts and relics of the past. You can stand in the Piazza Campidoglio which was designed by Michelangelo and just around the corner, visit the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland).
 Photo

Photo: Piazza Campidoglio in Rome

For those of you who have an interest in history, it’s important to understand how young Italy is.The country wasn’t the state that we know now until 1871. For centuries, Italy was a group of semi-autonomous territories ruled by monarchs, foreign leaders and popes. Rome was named the capitol of the Republic of Italy when the nation was put together, giving birth to the Italy that we know and love today.


Naples and the Amalfi Coast
 An easy distance from Rome is the ancient ruined city of Pompeii, the city of Naples and the enchanting Amalfi Coast.  Spend a day exploring Pompeii and learning about this once wealthy Roman town that was buried alive by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.Its fragments come alive with vibrant frescoes, houses, temples and shops all preserved in the volcanic ash that sealed the locale’s fate.

Head overto the city of Naples. It’s bordered by Vesuvius on one side and by the Bay of Naples on the other.  You can visit Bourbon castles, shop in lively markets and take long walks along the bay on newly pedestrianized lungomare.

Just under an hour from Naples is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The over 1,000 twists and turns along the SS163, also known as the Amalfi Coast Drive, affords views off dizzying precipices, sparkling seas and fragrant lemon groves. Spend a few days exploring the pastel villages that seem to precariously cling to the steep cliffs. Take the time to immerse yourself in the culture and observe how the residents of this area have preserved a lot of elements in the old Italian way of life.


Photo: Road going to the Amalfi Coast


Sicily
 A large portion of Italian-Americans can trace their roots back to Sicily – Italy’s largest island. If you’re Italian-American and you’re not sure where your family hails from, there’s a good chance that this is your ancestry’s motherland. When you visit Sicily, be sure to see Mount Etna, the dramatic and still active volcano near the ancient cites of Ragusa, Noto and Modica. Modica, with its soft, orange baroque architecture is best known for the delicious chocolate that it produces. Combine learning about your family history with ancient history in the town of Agrigento with a visit to the Valley of the Temples.  The 5th century BC ruins are set in an almond grove with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.


Photo: Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily

Food
 Food is as much a part of Italian culture as art, fashion and history are. Italians who migrated to the US in its early days brought along their great culinary practices which have evolved over time. The result is a separation of paths between authentic “Italian cuisine” and what we know in the mainstream to be Italian food.

For the record, there really is no such thing as Italian food. The culinary styles in Italy are diverse and regionalized. What you’ll see being served in Rome will be vastly different from what you’ll see in Venice. Also, a lot of dishes that you might recognize as Italian in the US do not actually exist in Italy. A lot of what Italian-Americans know as Italian food are actually creations of Italian migrants who established food businesses when they were in the US. The difference in the availability of ingredients and the tastes of customers in America have compelled Italian cooks to improvise and adjust their recipes according to local supply and demand.


For instance, you will not find spaghetti and meatballs served together in Italy. You may get a strange look from a waiter if you ask for chicken parmesan. You’ll definitely not want to ask for Caesar dressing on your salad even if it seems like the right thing to do. In Italy, olive oil and balsamic vinegar are the preferred flavorings for fresh vegetables.

Language
 I was recently chatting with a millennial 9th-generation Roman over a plate of amatricina and he said something interesting about Italian-Americans who visit Italy.  He explained to me that they often speak Italian with a vocabulary from 100 years ago. Using words that now in modern Italy only bis-nonna’s use and with a degree of formality seldom heard. Think of it as akin to someone speaking like one of our founding fathers. Also, know that sometimes the slang or dialect you may have learned at your grandfather’s and uncle’s knee may be infinitely more vulgar than you intend.

Your first trip to Italy will infinitely strengthen your Italian American identity and heritage.It’s a very special feeling that gives you a better sense of belongingness and perspective about yourself and the world around you, Pack your bags, board that plane and enjoy your trip to the land that gave rise to your family. Hopefully, your first trip to Italy is just one of many more to come. Ciao!


About the Author
 Priscila Siano is the Marketing Director of  Tour Italy Now, an online tour operator specializing in Italy travel. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients. For more on Priscila and her work, connect with her on Google+.


Thursday, May 31, 2012

Rick Steves Travels To: Rome, Italy: The Ancient Forum

You know what they say, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do.' If you've never been to Rome, your missing one of the most historical and educational trips of a lifetime. To be in Rome is to be in the middle of history. The structures, streets, architecture leave you in awe and all the while you're standing in modern day Rome. Watch this tour with travel guru Rick Steves as he ventures into historic and new Rome.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Like it or Not- "Jersey Shore" Cast Is In Italy Filming Another Season

The cast of "Jersey Shore" is officially now in Italy. Like it or not, they have an Italian following. What Italian Americans think is so horrifying, Italians are seeing Americans who happen to have an Italian background. So, it asks the bigger question... how bad is this really?

I'm telling you right now, Italians will not see this in the same negative light as many Italian Americans here who feel they're being portrayed by a bunch of degenerates. Instead, the Italians will view them as Americans and if you've been to Italy, you know that Italians love Americans. Most of them anyway. They love everything about America, which includes mainstream television and shows that are broadcast on MTV.

I mentioned in a previous post about this, that I don't think this show is about being Italian American, its more about an American culture or actually a tri-state culture. The guido culture is a real thing in New Jersey, so for those people who are in denial about it, its time to accept it because its now on television. Granted, we have to maintain some kind of boundary on the language and references to Italian Americans, because not all American sub-cultures are the same or the people within them.

Here is a recent article in People magazine with the recent pictures of the cast in Italy upon arrival. Should be interesting to see how this pans out and which Italian American organizations raise hell about it.







Sunday, March 20, 2011

Social Media and The Vatican - Pope John Paul II

Recently the Vatican announced they've launched social media pages for Pope John Paul II as a way for the world to connect with the Roman Catholic Church's message.

The sites launched are Facebook and YouTube. Here you can see and connect with the world about Pope John Paul II. The Vatican launched the pages in preparation for the beatification of Pope John Paul, which is the last step before sainthood, which is set for May 1st.

In a world of instant communication and no communication among the youth. It's a positive step for the church to connect with the world and youth through social media. My theory on social media is to compare it to being in a room while people are talking, if you're not in the room, no one will know what you've said, saying or want to say. Its always to be better in the room and send the right messaging, whether it be a brand or person.

To learn more about the social media pages launched by the Vatican read this article here:


*** The picture above is COPYRIGHT OF ITALIANAMERICANGIRL.COM & Italian American Girl 2011 -- You must ask permission for re-use. ***


Thursday, December 24, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

How Following Top Travel Tweeters Can Land You The Best Travel Deals To & In Italy....

If you haven't heard about Twitter then you have to get on the boat and sign up! Twitter is a social media networking site that allows you to join in active and instant conversation.

If you're looking for information on travel, then all you have to do is search for travel Tweeters. I've been on Twitter for almost a year now http://twitter.com/ItalianAmerGirl) and if there is any information that I want to know or find out regarding travel I just check my Tweetboard and catch up on the latest and greatest deals available to Italy.

Now, I talk about Italy because that's our niche, but you can also find top travel advice and suggestions by some of the best travel experts to other parts of the world. Not only are you getting up to date airfare sales information but you can also find comparison price information, reward program updates, flight information if you're traveling, hotel accomodation pricing, villa availability, the list is endless.

Here is a list of Top Travel Tweeters that provide endless resourceful information on Italy. Sign up and start following them, you can only benefit from their Tweets.


Also if I've missed any other "Travel" tweeters who specialize in Italy, send me an email...I will add you. Italians support each other, or at least I try. ....
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter-- @italianamergirl


Thursday, July 23, 2009

ItalyItalia.com Launches New Travel Site With Insider Travel Guides To The Best Areas In Italy.

ItalyItalia.com is a fast growing Italian travel portal who offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge on Italy. Every region has a section filled with articles and travel guides, with the purpose to inform and help our visitors to organize the perfect vacation. Let’s say that you are going to Sicily this summer and you want to learn more about the island. What do you do? You go to our Sicily section and there you will find travel guides and articles on Taormina, Palermo, Cefalù, the Aeolian Islands, Sicily’s fascinating history and much more.

In addition to reading and insights, Italyitalia.com suggests a careful selection of hotels, with the possibility to book directly online in a fast and easy way. We are currently concentrated in the Southern Italy.

Italyitalia.com’s main goal is to provide you the tools to create an unforgettable vacation in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. One cannot help but fall in love with the amazing history of Rome, the magnificent spas on the island of Ischia or the art history in Florence. Who hasn’t dreamed of going gondola in Venice or sit on a terrace in Amalfi and drink a glass of Limoncello? Our staff of Italian and foreign journalists has undertaken to update the contents of the portal to provide an information service that is always varied and to help you fulfill your dreams.

Visit ItalyItalia.com for the latest and up to date information on travel to and within Italy.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Breaking News..... Earthquake Hits Central Italy.

We would like to extend our prayers to the people of Italy who suffered great tragedy last night while a 6.3 Earthquake shook and destroyed many homes and buildings in neighboring cities outside of Rome and further central. We send our warmest wishes for every one's health.

To find out what you can do to help: Click onto Why Go Italy's site, where you can find detailed info on donating necessities to the hard hit areas. http://bit.ly/vTk0


News Articles:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_italy_earthquake

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/06/italy.quake/index.html

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Pope Is Praying For The Jobless & Less Fortunate.

Its nice to know the Pope has gathered millions in Rome to conduct a prayer for all those jobless and less fortunate. He urges the world in this global financial crisis to show more solidarity and to help those less fortunate. I love that our Pope can incorporate real issues into the Catholic church, realizing that the financial crisis requires more than money but kindness to everyone. I think this is a great Christmas lesson. If you're unemployed, at least you know the Pope has your back.



Read more here:
http://tinyurl.com/6caezj

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig In Rome Watching The Election.

Super Celebs, Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig were both in town for their movie premieres this week. Leo is promoting "Body of Lies" and Daniel is promoting his new James Bond flick, "Quantum of Solace." Both celebs were due to hit many red carpet events but expressed to both their PR people that they wanted to make sure to be able to watch the US elections instead of attending premiere events and parties. Wow, these celebs are really impressing me. Brains and beauty for these two is just too much for me to handle. Way to go guys!



The Pope Supports and Pledges To Pray For & Help President Elect Obama.


Rome-- Pope Benedict XVI, said today in a congratulatory telegram to Obama that he would help support and pray for President Obama's great responsibilities ahead for America and the international scene. He called, the presidential win a 'historic occasion,' and continued to pledge his support.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Who Doesn't Love Monica Bellucci..??

Rome, Italy--
If there is any Italian film actress that really represents the beauty and grace of an Italian woman its Monica Bellucci. She hit the red carpet for the Rome Film Festival for her new film, "The Man Who Loves." Can't wait to see her new movie.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Tomb of Ancient Gladiator Found In Rome!

If you love history and archeology than this is the find for you. Today in Rome, while unearthing an area for a construction site, workers found ancient ruins including the tomb of the soldier who inspired the character of Russell Crowe's "Gladiator." Wow. Just think, what history lies in the grounds of Rome, just amazing. Historians believe this is one of the greatest finds yet in the Rome area. To learn more about this amazing discovery go to:

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Madonna Dedicates "Like A Virgin" to the Pope at her Sticky N Sweet Concert in Rome Over the Weekend.



One of my favorite Italian-American women of all time. I love Madonna, I mean who doesn't. She just hit a milestone with turning 50 years old this year. Damn, I can only wish I look as hot as her when I hit 50. So, she just started her the first leg of her Sticky N' Sweet tour and opened up with a major ground-breaking concert in Rome. Now, Madonna even though she was raised in an Italian Catholic home has been known to challenge the 'church.' Over the years, Madonna was banned several times from performing in Rome due to her over the top artistic performances.

I remember watching the "Truth or Dare" documentary where Madonna is giving a press conference in Rome trying to explain her case to the Italian people after her show was banned because of risque segments. She went on to say, how she's an Italian American and basically not interested in offending the church but just trying to express herself. Now, after a more than a decade, Madonna returns to Rome, welcomed by all the Italians and including the Pope. She says, "I dedicate this song to the pope, because I'm a child of God. All of you are also children of God." So deep, love Madonna. I will be honored with seeing Madonna in concert when she hits Madison Square Garden this Fall. Can't wait!