The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog

Jul 06, 2026

Siena: Italian History, Palio, and Tuscan Delights in a Single City

Siena stole my heart, and I know it'll steal yours too—between the Palio's roar, the wine's warmth, and the light that feels like gold. This is the real Tuscany

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Jul 05, 2026

Rome & Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Your Dream Italian Vacation is Ready

Discover Italy’s best! Wander through Rome’s iconic landmarks, then escape to the Amalfi Coast for sun, sea, and stunning scenery—all in one trip.

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Jun 20, 2026

€50 to Enter Venice?

A controversial proposal by Venice's new mayor could see day-trippers paying up to €50 to enter the city during peak periods.

Venice has always been a city unlike any other. A place of beauty, history, romance, and wonder. But now, if Venice's new mayor gets his way, day-trippers could soon be paying as much as €50 just to enter the city.

The proposal comes from Venice's newly elected mayor, Simone Venturini, who believes higher fees will help manage the overwhelming number of visitors arriving on the busiest days. Venice already charges day visitors an access fee on selected dates, with prices currently ranging from €5 to €10 depending on when you book. The mayor now wants permission from the Italian government to raise that amount dramatically during peak periods.

I understand the problem. Anyone who has visited Venice in summer knows how crowded it can become. The city faces enormous costs maintaining its canals, bridges, historic buildings, and public services. Tourism brings money, but it also brings challenges.

Still, I worry about the message this sends.

Venice is not a theme park. It is a living city, home to real people who shop for groceries, go to work, and raise their families among some of the world's most beautiful surroundings. Charging €50 to enter risks turning Venice into an exclusive attraction available only to those who can easily afford it.

There is another concern too. The existing entry fee has raised money, but it has done little to reduce visitor numbers. Crowds have continued to arrive despite the charges. If €10 has not significantly changed behaviour, will €50 really solve the problem? Or will it simply make Venice seem less welcoming?

Venice desperately needs protection from overtourism. On that there is little disagreement. The question is whether higher entrance fees are the answer.

As someone who loves Venice, I hope the city finds a balance that protects its fragile beauty while ensuring that future generations can still experience the magic of wandering through its quiet canals, hidden squares, and timeless streets without feeling they have bought a ticket to an amusement park.

Jun 17, 2026

Your Guide to the Best Beaches Near Rome-Locals Don’t Want You to Know

Looking for the best beaches near Rome, those that aren’t packed with thousands of tourists? We found the best of them all. Your beach getaway from Rome awaits

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Jun 17, 2026

The 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Italy

Discover Italy's best-kept secret: 11 breathtakingly beautiful towns and villages that will captivate your heart and leave you longing to explore more.

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Jun 04, 2026

Before You Move to Sicily or Calabria, Read This First

Dreaming of a new life in Italy? For many people, Sicily and Calabria seem irresistible. Both offer stunning coastlines, charming villages, warm weather, and a lower cost of living than many other parts of Italy. However, before packing your bags, there are some important realities you need to consider—especially if you're planning to retire or spend your later years in Italy.

Healthcare Can Be a Serious Concern

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing where to live in Italy is healthcare. While Italy's healthcare system is often ranked among the best in the world, the quality of care varies considerably from one region to another.

Unfortunately, Sicily and Calabria have struggled for years with healthcare-related challenges. Waiting lists can be long, specialist appointments may take months, and some hospitals lack the resources available in central and northern Italy. It is not uncommon for residents to travel hundreds of miles to other regions for important procedures or specialist care.

For retirees and anyone with ongoing health concerns, this can become a major issue. A beautiful home overlooking the Mediterranean loses some of its appeal when accessing quality healthcare becomes difficult.

Other Challenges of Living in Southern Italy

Healthcare is only part of the picture. Both Sicily and Calabria face economic challenges, higher unemployment levels, and less developed infrastructure than many parts of central and northern Italy. Public transport can be limited outside the larger cities, and dealing with bureaucracy often requires patience.

While these regions are wonderful for holidays, daily life can sometimes prove more complicated than newcomers expect. Many expats arrive enchanted by the scenery but later discover that practical matters have a much greater impact on their happiness.

Why Umbria Is a Better Alternative

If you're looking for a region that offers beauty, authenticity, and a higher quality of life, Umbria deserves serious consideration. Known as Italy's Green Heart, Umbria is famous for its rolling hills, medieval towns, excellent food, and welcoming communities.

The region also benefits from generally stronger healthcare services, good transport connections, and a central location that makes exploring the rest of Italy easy. Best of all, property prices and living costs remain reasonable compared to many of Italy's most famous destinations.

Before You Make Your Decision

Every region of Italy has its attractions, but moving abroad requires looking beyond postcard views and sunny beaches. For many expats, Umbria offers a more balanced and practical lifestyle than either Sicily or Calabria.

Click the Continue Reading link below to discover why Umbria may be the ideal place for your new life in Italy.

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May 29, 2026

Verona, Italy – Unmissable Attractions & Insider Travel Tips

Experience the magic of Verona, Italy! From ancient streets to romantic escapes, our insider’s guide shares the best-kept secrets of this historic city.

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Apr 23, 2026

Shock and Sadness in Florence

The historic Fountain of Neptune in Florence — a masterpiece that deserves our respect.

I’m sitting here shaking my head… and honestly, my heart feels a little broken. Something happened in Florence this week that I just can’t brush off.

A tourist climbed onto the beautiful Fountain of Neptune—yes, climbed right up—apparently as part of a pre-wedding prank. A joke.

The fountain, created by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1559 for Cosimo I de’ Medici, is one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. Police quickly intervened and arrested the 28-year-old, who reportedly said friends had dared her to touch his groin.

A moment of “fun.” And in those few careless seconds, thousands of euros' worth of of damage were done to something that has stood with dignity for centuries.

A Moment That Meant Nothing… and Everything

I keep thinking about how quickly it must have happened. A laugh, a dare, a phone camera ready… and then it’s over. But what gets left behind? Not just the physical damage, but something deeper.

Because this isn’t just about a statue.

This Is Florence’s Heart

That fountain has watched over Piazza della Signoria since the 1500s. It has seen generations come and go, lovers meet, children grow, history unfold. It was created by Bartolomeo Ammannati for the powerful Medici family—a symbol of pride, strength, and artistry.

And yet, in one thoughtless act, it was treated like a stage prop.

I wish people understood… when you touch these things, when you climb on them, you are not just breaking rules. You are breaking something that belongs to all of us.

When Travel Loses Its Soul

This is the part that hurts the most. Travel should open our hearts. It should make us softer, more respectful, more aware of the beauty around us.

But somewhere along the way, for some people, it has become about the photo, the laugh, the moment to share online.

And the place itself? It becomes secondary.

A Quiet Plea

If you come to Italy, come gently. Please.

Stand in the square. Look up. Take it in. Let it move you.

But don’t climb, don’t grab, don’t treat these treasures like they’re disposable. They are not.

Because once something like this is damaged, even if it is repaired… a little piece of its story is lost forever.

And that is something no prank, no laugh, no photograph is worth.

Apr 17, 2026

Why Gen-Z Is Ditching Doomscrolling to Live Like an Italian Grandmother

Living like an Italian nonna just went global, so buy that floral dress today, learn how to make pasta, how to use a Moka and be sure to never mind your own business. That way, you'll live to 110.

Welcome to Nonnamaxxing – the viral lifestyle movement where Gen-Z adopts the time-tested habits of Italy’s legendary grandmothers. Forget hustle culture. The new flex is la dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing, preferably while sitting on a hard chair, watching the world go by.

But why are twenty-somethings suddenly obsessed with channeling a 90-year-old from Sardinia? Simple: Blue Zones. These longevity hotspots—including many in Italy—prove that walking everywhere, cooking sauce from scratch, and meddling in everyone’s business actually works. Nonnas don’t count steps; they just live. They don’t buy wellness shots; they sip espresso from a Moka pot and argue passionately about the correct way to roll gnocchi.

On social media, #nonnamaxxing is exploding with aspirational pasta recipes, floral apron hauls, and tutorials on how to properly scold your neighbors for not eating enough. The message? Stop optimizing your sleep score and start optimizing your community. Cook for others. Stay active without a gym. And above all, put down the phone.

Apr 12, 2026

8 Must-See Places to Visit near Venice with Map

Visiting Venice? There is so much nearby too. So, don’t go missing these 6 incredible and unforgettable sights that will make your trip even more magical!

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Apr 02, 2026

7 Stunning Italian Coastal Towns You Must Visit This Year

Italy dreaming? Explore these 7 coastal towns with breathtaking views, charming lanes, and unforgettable seaside escapes. Perfect for lovers of Italy.

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Apr 01, 2026

Venice Unveils Bold New Skyline Vision

Venice has revealed plans for a towering new skyscraper set to dramatically transform its historic skyline. Rising high above the domes and bell towers, the proposed structure—informally dubbed the “Pesce d’Aprile Tower”—is already being described as “a modern marvel” and “possibly a step too far.”

City officials insist the project is part of a long-term plan to bring Venice “firmly into the 21st century.” According to the lead architect, the design was inspired by a desire to “balance Renaissance beauty with… well… height.”

A New Landmark in the Lagoon

The skyscraper, which appears to rise directly behind the iconic domes of the city, will reportedly include luxury apartments, a rooftop aperitivo bar, and a glass elevator offering panoramic views over the lagoon. Developers say it will be the tallest building in Italy—by quite some margin.

“We wanted something subtle,” one planner explained. “Something that blends in.”

Reactions from Venetians have been, shall we say, mixed. One lifelong resident was overheard muttering, “First the cruise ships, now this?” while another simply shrugged and said, “At least it’s not another souvenir shop.”

Practical Concerns… and a Few Questions

Naturally, questions have been raised about how such a structure would even be built on Venice’s famously fragile foundations. Engineers have reassured the public that the tower will be supported by “advanced floating technology,” although details remain—conveniently—unclear.

There are also reports that gondoliers are already planning new routes to accommodate the increased shade the tower may cast over parts of the Grand Canal.

Too Good to Be True?

As excitement—and confusion—continues to grow, some have begun to suspect that the start of construction on April 1 might be foolishly quick.

Still, in a city known for defying expectations, who’s to say what’s possible?

Mar 30, 2026

Visiting Burano Island - A Mini-Venice Colored Bright

When the crowds of Venice start getting on your nerves and your mood turns grey that's when you need to color your life bright... with a Burano island visit.

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Mar 14, 2026

Italy’s Citizenship Door Slammed Shut? A Painful Moment for Americans With Italian Roots

Update (March 2026): Italy’s Constitutional Court has now ruled on the challenge to the new citizenship restrictions, upholding the government’s ability to tighten the rules around jure sanguinis. While the court confirmed that citizenship by descent remains valid in principle, it also made clear that the state can place limits on how far back claims can go. In practical terms, the decision supports the government’s move toward restricting eligibility mainly to people with closer Italian family ties, leaving many distant-ancestry applicants facing a much harder path.

For decades, Americans with Italian ancestry held onto a beautiful dream: one day returning to the land of their grandparents through jure sanguinis—citizenship by descent. But recent legal changes and political pressure have left many feeling that Italy’s door has suddenly, and painfully, slammed shut. Families who spent years gathering documents now fear their chance to move to Italy may be slipping away forever.

The Shock of the New Rules

New restrictions and tighter interpretations of citizenship laws have hit thousands of hopeful applicants hard. Where once even distant ancestry could open the door, new proposals aim to limit eligibility mainly to those with very close Italian family ties. For many Americans whose roots go back generations, the message feels clear—the path they once believed was open is now closed.

The Constitutional Court Decision

All eyes had turned toward Italy’s Constitutional Court hearing in March, seen by many as the final chance to overturn or soften the new restrictions. The court’s ruling has now clarified the legal landscape: while jure sanguinis itself remains part of Italian law, the government is allowed to tighten the rules around how it is applied.

For many families in the diaspora, this decision feels like the closing of a long-standing door. Those with recent Italian parents or grandparents may still qualify, but people whose Italian roots go back several generations could now find the path to citizenship far more difficult.

Heartbreak Across the Diaspora

Online forums and expat communities are filled with stories of sadness — people who spent years studying Italian, planning moves, or dreaming of retirement in a village tied to their ancestors. The emotional connection between Italy and its global diaspora remains strong, which makes the sudden uncertainty feel even more painful.

The Reality Right Now

Stricter interpretations are already being applied, and many applicants are facing delays, refusals, or growing confusion. The Constitutional Court’s decision appears to confirm that Italy can move toward a more restrictive system for citizenship by descent.

Italy has not erased its connection to its children abroad—but for many Americans longing to return, the road has never felt steeper or more uncertain than it does right now.

Mar 06, 2026

Update: Niscemi

UPDATE: When we first heard about the landslide in Niscemi back in January, our hearts sank. It is exactly the kind of quiet Sicilian town we love—simple, close-knit, and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Sadly, life there is still far from normal.

More than 1,500 residents had to leave their homes after a huge section of hillside collapsed on the edge of town. Many families are now staying with relatives elsewhere in Sicily, while others have been placed in small hotels, guesthouses, or temporary municipal accommodation arranged by the local authorities. Some elderly residents have moved into nearby care homes for safety.

Large parts of the affected neighbourhood remain closed off inside a restricted “red zone,” and residents can only return briefly with officials to collect belongings.

Italy’s Civil Protection teams are still monitoring the unstable ground while engineers assess how to stabilize the area. Emergency funds have been released, and the government is working with local authorities on longer-term solutions.

Despite everything, the spirit of the community remains strong. Sicilians look after their own.

Feb 16, 2026

A Valentine’s Day Heartbreak in Salento: The Arco degli Innamorati Collapses

Valentine’s Day 2026 will be remembered with mixed emotions here in Salento, where one of the region’s most beloved natural landmarks — the Arco degli Innamorati (Arch of Lovers) — dramatically collapsed into the Adriatic Sea. What had stood for centuries as a stunning limestone arch carved by nature’s patient hand was wiped away in a single stormy night.

A Symbol of Love and Beauty

Known locally as the Arco dell’Amore, this striking natural bridge was part of the faraglioni off Torre Sant’Andrea, a coastline of white rocks and turquoise waters that has enchanted visitors for decades. Photographers, honeymooners, and travellers alike have long flocked here to capture its magic, making it one of the most romantic backdrops in all of Puglia.

Nature’s Relentless Power

In mid-February, a series of violent storms — intense rain, strong winds, and crashing waves — battered the Salento coast. The relentless assault of the sea accelerated ongoing coastal erosion, weakening the fragile rock until, on the night of Valentine’s Day, the arch gave way and fell into the water.

A Loss Felt by All

Locals and officials alike described the loss as “a devastating blow to the heart.” It is hard not to feel a pang of sadness seeing such an iconic piece of the coastline disappear. Geologists remind us that natural wonders like this are always vulnerable, but the timing — on Valentine’s Day — adds a weight of emotion to this natural event.

Today, all that remains is a scene of broken rock and a reminder that nature’s beauty, as breathtaking as it is, is also incredibly fragile.

Jan 21, 2026

The Horror of Graffiti in Italy

In centuries past, young Italians signed off on some of the greatest artworks the world has ever seen. Now, they sign off with nasty scribbles on walls.

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Jan 21, 2026

Addio Valentino

Today, we say farewell to one of the greatest names in fashion: Valentino Garavani, who passed away on January 19. For those of us who have loved Italy and its beauty, Valentino was more than a designer—he was a storyteller. Every gown, every suit, every delicate detail carried the spirit of elegance, romance, and joy that feels unmistakably Italian.

I’ll never forget seeing my first Valentino dress in person. The way the fabric moved, the way the colours seemed to glow—it was like watching poetry take shape. And that, I think, was Valentino’s gift. He didn’t just make clothes; he made people feel extraordinary. A red dress, for him, was not just a dress. It was confidence, it was celebration, it was magic. It made you stand taller, smile brighter, and step into the world as your most elegant self.

Valentino’s influence went far beyond the runway. He captured the heart of Italian style—the effortless combination of luxury and warmth, beauty and comfort, glamour and humanity. His work reminded us that elegance is not just about fashion, but about living beautifully, appreciating art, and sharing joy with others.

He was also a man of great kindness, generosity, and humour. Those who met him often speak of his warmth, his laughter, and the way he made everyone feel important, whether you were a celebrity walking a red carpet or a young apprentice learning to thread a needle. That generosity of spirit, perhaps even more than his genius with fabric, is what makes his legacy so enduring.

Today, as we remember Valentino, we celebrate a life that taught us to love beauty, to embrace artistry, and to always find the magic in the little things—a perfectly tailored seam, a dress that catches the sunlight, a smile shared with someone you care about. The world of fashion has lost a giant, but his vision, his passion, and his love for life will continue to inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, Valentino. Thank you for showing us how to dream in fabric, colour, and heart.

Jan 12, 2026

The Definitive List of Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast

The fragrance of jasmine & lemons in the air, colorful cottages tumble down to azure seas. You will love it here. This is where to stay on the Amalfi Coast.

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Jan 12, 2026

What About Going Shopping in Rome?

What could be better than shopping in Rome? Not much! Before you start though you've got to read our guide filled with all the best shops and outdoor markets.

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Jan 12, 2026

Discover Vasto: An Italian Coastal Town Without the Crowds

Planning a trip to Abruzzo? Vasto offers stunning beaches, a historic old town, and authentic local life. See the top things to do and why travellers love it.

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Dec 19, 2025

The Italian Espresso Water Ritual: Before or After?

Ciao bella! 💙

Ah, the great Italian espresso debate—acqua before or after? Let me settle this like a true nonna!

In Italy, you drink water FIRST...✔ BEFORE espresso: A small sip of still water (naturale) cleanses your palate, so you taste the coffee's full richness—no distractions! (This is especially sacred in Naples!)✔ AFTER espresso: Some Italians sip water after to rinse their mouth, but it's less common.

Why?

Tradition! It's how bars have served espresso for decades—water first, poi coffee.

Taste magic: Water resets your taste buds so that first sip of espresso is perfetto.

Hydration hack: A little water pre-coffee helps counteract caffeine's dehydrating kick.

Pro Tip: If the barista slides you water with your espresso, they're subtly telling you to drink it first—it's the Italian way!

Extra: Want to impress at a café? Order:"Un caffè e un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore" ... then sip the water before the espresso. Che classe! 😉

Allora, ricordati: Water first = true Italian style.

Bacioni,Maria

Dec 16, 2025

Italian Travel Bucket List: Unforgettable Must-Do Experiences

Your Italian Bucket List: I've all those unmissable experiences to try in Italy. My absolute favorite is number 14—it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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Dec 15, 2025

A Secret History: Millions of European Slaves taken to Africa

Did you know that perhaps millions of Europeans, including Italians, were captured by slavers from North Africa and taken to Africa? Most people have no idea.

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Dec 10, 2025

Italian Cuisine Becomes the First Cuisine Ever Honoured by UNESCO

At last, a piece of news that warms the heart as much as a bowl of nonna’s Sunday ragù: Italian cuisine has officially become the first cuisine in the world to be recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. A historic moment and one that feels beautifully deserved.

But this honor isn’t just about iconic dishes. It’s not about pizza, pasta, or gelato alone (though they have certainly carried our flag far and wide). What UNESCO has recognized is something far deeper: the living culture behind Italian cooking. The rituals, the gestures, the passing of traditions from one generation to the next — all those invisible threads that bind families and communities together.

Italian cuisine is a universe of diversity. It stretches from the Alpine flavors of the north to the sun-drenched kitchens of the south, from the simplicity of cucina povera to the elegance of centuries-old regional specialties. Each region — each village, even — brings its own history, shaped by landscape, climate, memory, and love. And now the world acknowledges this extraordinary richness.

More importantly, UNESCO highlighted what every Italian already knows: our cuisine is a way of life. It’s respect for ingredients, for seasons, for the land. It’s the joy of sharing a table, the pride of preparing a family recipe exactly as your grandmother taught you, and the belief that food is not just nourishment, but culture, affection, and identity.

For travelers, this recognition is an invitation. Come to Italy not only to see our monuments but to understand us at the table — to taste the heart of each region, to wander through morning markets, to sit in a tiny trattoria where the menu hasn’t changed in decades because perfection doesn’t need adjusting.

For us Italians, it’s a reminder to cherish what we have. To keep these traditions alive. To cook, to gather, to share.

Italian cuisine is now a treasure of humanity — officially, proudly, and for the first time in history.

And truly… it couldn’t have happened to a more delicious heritage. Buon appetito!

Nov 26, 2025

Worry-Free Tours to Italy

Discover Italy with ease! We handle everything for group tours and events, from hotels to guided tours, ensuring a worry-free, unforgettable Italian experience.

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Nov 07, 2025

Explore Tuscany: What to See and Where to Go (with Map)

Discover Tuscany’s most enchanting towns, vineyards, and hilltop villages. Join me on a journey through timeless beauty, with a map to help you find your way.

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Nov 07, 2025

A Dolphin in Venice:

Every now and then, Venice gives us something unexpected. This autumn, that gift came in the form of a dolphin. Yes, a real dolphin, gliding and leaping through the Venetian Lagoon as if he’d always belonged there.

Locals have nicknamed him “Mimmo,” and he’s quickly become a little celebrity. Videos show him swimming alongside gondolas, diving beneath the vaporetto wake, and delighting tourists who can hardly believe their eyes. For a city known for its bridges, masks, and marble palaces, the sudden appearance of a dolphin has added something new: a moment of pure wonder.

But not everyone is cheering. Marine experts and wildlife groups are worried. The Venetian Lagoon isn’t exactly dolphin territory; it’s shallow, crowded, and noisy. Every sound echoes off stone walls and wooden docks. To us, that’s part of Venice’s charm; to a dolphin, it’s chaos. Their world runs on sound; they navigate, feed, and communicate through delicate sonar. Boat engines and propellers can confuse or even injure them.

For now, Mimmo seems healthy. He’s feeding on fish and appears curious rather than frightened. But the message from environmentalists is clear: if you’re lucky enough to spot him, admire him from a distance. Don’t feed him, don’t chase him, and resist the temptation to crowd him for a photo.

Venice has always existed on the edge—between land and sea, beauty and fragility. Perhaps Mimmo’s visit is a gentle reminder of that delicate balance. A call to protect the magic we still have.

I often say that Venice never stops surprising me, and this time, it’s done it again, in the most extraordinary way.

Oct 31, 2025

Happy Halloween

Halloween in Venice is unlike anywhere else. Forget the flashing lights and plastic decorations you might find elsewhere — here, the city itself feels like it was made for this mysterious night. When the fog rolls in over the canals, and the narrow calli echo with the sound of footsteps, Venice becomes a living stage for stories of ghosts, whispers, and secrets from centuries past.

It’s no surprise that locals say Venice doesn’t need Halloween — it is Halloween. Walk through the misty alleys near the Arsenale or along the quiet canals of Cannaregio, and you’ll understand. The palazzi seem to watch you, their faded facades glowing softly under flickering streetlights. You half expect a masked figure to appear from the shadows and vanish again just as silently.

The Venetians have a playful relationship with mystery. Children still dress up and knock on doors for dolcetti, and some of the smaller islands — like Burano and Lido — host little parties and parades. But the real magic is in the atmosphere. Couples stroll hand in hand through Piazza San Marco, where the basilica gleams like something out of a dream, while cafes serve pumpkin risotto, mulled wine, and pastries filled with chestnut cream.

And then there are the legends — the ghosts said to wander near the old prisons by the Bridge of Sighs, or the spirits of sailors lost to the lagoon. Whether you believe them or not, Venice invites you to imagine, to dream, and to let yourself be enchanted for one mysterious evening.

For me, Halloween here isn’t about fear—it’s about wonder. It’s the city reminding us that beauty and mystery can live side by side. And nowhere does that better than Venice.

Oct 31, 2025

A Bridge to Far?

Today I want to talk about one of Italy’s oldest dreams. One that pops up every few years as if it were brand new: the famous Bridge over the Strait of Messina. I remember hearing about it when I was a little girl, and every time they say, “This time, it’s really happening.” Yet here we are again. The Italian Court of Auditors has just blocked the project, refusing to approve the decree that would have allowed construction to begin. In short—everything’s on hold once more.

The government insists the project will go ahead, but... the Court has raised questions about the costs, the procedures, and the paperwork. The Prime Minister claims it’s an “overreach of authority,” but the result is the same: no bridge, just more arguments.

Honestly, I don’t believe the politicians anymore. Not because I don’t want to believe—the idea of a more connected Italy, with the South finally linked to the rest of the country, is beautiful—but because we’ve heard this story too many times. Every government makes grand promises, waves around shiny renderings, and then… nothing happens.

Let me be clear: I’ll believe in the Bridge over the Strait of Messina when I see it built. When I see the cranes rising, the workers busy, and the concrete pillars taking shape. Until then, I’m not holding my breath.

Maybe one day it will happen — and when it does, I’ll be the first to celebrate. But for now, I prefer to stay grounded. Italy is a wonderful country, capable of extraordinary dreams… but also of promises that vanish like morning mist.

Oct 29, 2025

The Arrive in Venice Experience - soon available for air passengers.

There is a moment in Venice that takes your breath away—the very first time you step out of the train station and see the city laid out before you. I’ve been lucky enough to arrive here many times, but that moment never loses its magic. The glint of sunlight on the Grand Canal, the graceful curve of a gondola passing silently by, a water taxi in a rush, ancient palaces—Venice doesn’t announce itself quietly. It welcomes you fully, immediately.

For years, travelers arriving by plane missed this. They stepped off their flight and took a taxi boat or bus. Beautiful, yes—but never quite the same. There is something profound about walking out of Venezia Santa Lucia station: you don’t just see Venice, you are in it. The city surrounds you. Every stone, every canal, every reflection in the water is part of your first steps.

Soon though, from late 2026, thanks to the new train connection from Venice airport, this magical moment will be available to everyone arriving from the skies. You'll step off the plane, hop on the train, and in less than half an hour, experience Venice the way it was always meant to be experienced. No taxi boats, no bus lines, no delays—just the city unfolding in front of you.

It is a moment that makes you stop, inhale, and simply marvel. Venice doesn’t wait politely for your arrival—it greets you. For anyone visiting, I always say: take the train. Sit by the window, watch the islands approach, and let yourself arrive fully. That first glimpse of the Grand Canal as you leave the station is not just a view—it is Venice embracing you, heart and soul. And now, with the airport train, it is a moment every traveler can have, no matter where they start their journey.

Venice has always been a city of dreams. Step off the train, and for the first time, you are truly in one.

Oct 09, 2025

Pasta Tragedy for USA/Italy

Ciao amici, it’s Maria here — and my heart is heavy today.

News from across the ocean has left me so sad. The U.S. government has announced a huge new tariff on pasta made in Italy—an extra 92% on top of existing duties of 15%! Can you imagine? That means the real, authentic pasta that so many Americans love could soon cost twice as much.

What’s happening?

American officials claim some Italian pasta makers sold their products too cheaply, calling it “unfair competition.” But here in Italy, it feels like a punishment for doing what we’ve always done best — making pasta with love, care, and the finest ingredients from our land.

What it means for pasta lovers in America

For years, so many of you have written to tell me how discovering real Italian pasta changed the way you cook—the texture, the flavor, the joy of it! But now, many families will have to turn to cheaper, mass-produced versions filled with who knows what. That makes me so sad. The simple pleasure of sharing a plate of true Italian pasta, the kind that tastes of sunshine, sea breeze, and tradition, might slip out of reach.

And for our pasta makers?

It’s heartbreaking. Many small, family-run producers depend on exports to the U.S. They pour their hearts into every box of pasta, each one a little piece of Italy. These new tariffs could force some to stop exporting to the USA entirely.

This isn’t just about trade

It’s about culture, friendship, and everything that connects Italy and America at the table. Pasta isn’t just food — it’s memory, warmth, and love. I can only hope that reason, and maybe a little bit of Italian heart, will bring this back to the table where it belongs.