Category Archives: Announcements

Think twice before eating in the streets of Rome.

Posted on November 13, 2012 by

    In an attempt to polish the image of the Eternal City, Roman Authorities are cracking down on public eating and drinking at historic sites. The municipal ordinance, signed by the city’s mayor, that took effect beginning of October, gives police officers the right to fine anyone caught … Continue reading →

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Rebellion in San Gimignano

Posted on July 18, 2012 by

The medieval village of San Gimignano, a famous Unesco Heritage site in Italy, is rebelling against the measures of austerity imposed by the Government of Mario Monti.. The town’s maire has been asked to reduce its staff by 30 percent. “It’s crazy,” laments Giacomo Bassi. “In … Continue reading →

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Library book review

Posted on June 25, 2012 by

Bookstores and libraries have played a big role in my reading life. Growing up in Brussels, Belgium, they were within walking distance from my parents’ house. At the end of the street was a second-hand bookseller and two blocks away, a large department store. Around … Continue reading →

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Spotlight on Italian City Taxes

Posted on May 14, 2012 by

In January 2011, Rome introduced a new tax on accommodation, amounting from 1 to 5 euros per person per night, depending on the type of lodging. The move was quickly followed by Florence and Venice. Not to be undone, Naples, … Continue reading →

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The Amazing Amalfi Coast

Posted on January 28, 2012 by

It is certainly no secret that the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Timeworn villages clinging to vertical cliffs, scores of hairpin turns along the SS163 Costiera, deep blue Tyrrhenian waters lapping against secluded beaches and glorious romantic sunsets are … Continue reading →

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Negotiating Roundabouts

Posted on January 17, 2012 by

Happy 2012! I hope everyone had a great start to the year. I’ve been a little delayed in posting as I had to readjust myself to the West Coast time difference.  9 hours to be exact. It takes me about a week. I … Continue reading →

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Noel in Brussels, Belgium

Posted on December 24, 2011 by

Brussels’ most famous symbol is dressed for the occasion.  Manneken Pis poses proudly for onlookers from all over the world who gasp at his size and laugh at his behavior. One of the legends associated with the toddler recounts that he had gone missing. He father found him peeing in the … Continue reading →

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