A funny side of Italy...
by mapakettle
For a funny slant on Life in Italy, please click on to the following site. I have never laughed so loud or so long as I did watching this clip.
Please note I take no credit for the production, but I wish I had this talent.
http://www.infonegocio.com/xeron/bruno/italy.html
You're a vistor...give respect
by mapakettle
We believe that if you always remember that you are a visitor, and treat the country the same way you would respect a persons home, then you will be well received. BLEND IN, don't try and dominate, be pleasant, polite, and respectful. Try and remember some of the tourists you have seen at home, and don't mirror their actions.
Keep your voices down, and your opinions to yourself. If you don't like something, wait until you are back in the security of your hotel room before making disparaging remarks which could hurt or annoy the people whose country you are visiting.
Attempt to speak some Italian, even if you mess up, you have tried. It is amazing how people will respond to your actions, just try.
Grande Fratello...Italy's Big Brother
by mapakettle
Excuse me while I attempt to explain this very popular television show. It is a take-off on the North American version of Big Brother, but very different. It has no real competitions for food stuffs, or to see who will get the private bedroom.
It is all about looking good, with a great deal of conversation, no action, but little stage plays, skits, and song. Somehow, it all works. I love the clothes the women wear. It provides me many hours of merriment, asking myself 'why' they would choose such garments.
Grande Fratello is vastly popular, and the results of the evenings vote to oust a house member, is a subject of the network news the following day. This series started with two married couples, one member of whom has already joined the 'departed'.
There isn't the back stabbing, the division of the house like there is in North America. The players really develop a love for one another, and real tears are shed when an eviction takes place (Italians are very emotional people). However, I must say, I am seeing snippets of hushed conversations which may indicate a touch of collusion. Remember, I don't speak Italian, so I'm guessing.
Every member of the house is a winner in the end, due to spot appearances on various shows, ceremonies of all sorts, and the tremendous public exposure makes them instant cult icons. Every household will know the names of each player, and will hold each favourite close to their hearts.
If I was to mention Patrick, every female Italian VTer would instantly be able to picture his dirty blond hair, and his charming manner. Patrick was in Grande Fratello 4 last season, and now is a regular on another famous show.
Grande Fratello 5 premiered this month (Oct) Ma Kettle and I tuned in, because to not do so, would hurt National Pride. If Ma misses an episode, she just tunes in to fellow passangers on the bus the following morning.
Italian TV was, at first, very campy to me. However, I have learned to enjoy the shows which start 'whenever' they start. Camp is fun.
LOOK AROUND
by BerniShand
As you wander around Padova look out for carvings high on the buildings, and small quiet side streets to take you away from the hustle and bustle and transport you back to another age
it cant be really `off the beaten path` ..... these streets have been well beaten for centuries, but you will often see beautiful scenes and interesting buildings never mentioned in the guide books, look carefully and you will see signs of the time before the streets were paved over, when Padova, like Venice, was a city of canals
Palazzo del Podesta
by croisbeauty
The truncated Torre bianca del Comune (white tower of the Commune) stands here between the two palaces. This formed the twin of the Torre rossa (red tower) overlooking the Volto della Codra.
The palace looks very attractive in the twilight.