by Rachel | Feb 18, 2021 | Life in Italy
Venitian mask wearing is a tradition which goes back as far as the 12th century, and historians speculate that it was a response to one of the most rigid class structures in all of Europe. Masks gave the wearer certain freedoms they wouldn’t have had normally....
by Rachel | Dec 22, 2020 | Podcast
All around the world, the end of October and early November is a time to celebrate the enduring connection between the dead and the living. In the U.S., we celebrate Halloween on October 31 every year, and while it may seem so, this isn’t just a randomly selected day...
by Rachel | Dec 22, 2020 | Podcast
I am in the mood for food! And today I want to talk to you guys a bit on the magical condiment called, “balsamico.” Did you know balsamic is made from grapes? True Aceto balsamico is made from a mix of lambrusco and trebbiano grapes that are pressed, stems and all, to...
by Rachel | Dec 22, 2020 | Podcast
Roman gladiators are recognizable and famous all the world over. Thanks to Russel Crowe, hollywood, cinecitta and other portrayals, the sandals and swords image of a battling hero is etched in all our minds. But who were these gladiators really? There are some...