Enjoying la dolce vita in Italy is easy for the Italians. They know just how their system works, what to do, where to go and how to go about things.
1. Behave like a good guest.
Even if you speak a few words of Italian, rest assured, everyone will instantly know that you are not Italian. To travel well in Italy, you don’t need to desperately try to look and be Italian, it just means you should be yourself, as a good guest. Being a good guest means playing things by the Italian rules. One of these would be to not touch things in stores like you normally would in North America. It’s not done.
2. Adapt to local circumstances.
Expect to experience Italy in Italy and not North America in an Italian setting. There is no two ways about it: the Italians do things in their own peculiar ways. E.g. You have to go to this counter to pay and to that counter to pick up your meat or bakery goods. One handles the money, the other the food.
Just when you think they are extremely good with hygiene, don’t be surprised if you find no toilet paper, soap, nor a toilet seat in many public places, cafes and restaurants. Don’t bother complaining about it. Just bring your own gear along.
These two examples might be easy to fit in with. Much harder on the American mind is the fact that shops and restaurants have their own set hours. Shops open in the morning and close at 1 pm for lunch. Restaurants start lunch at 1 pm till 3 pm, and are close till 8 pm when they open again for dinner. Set an alarm clock to wake up early so you can get things done and bring a few snacks along to help you manage this rather rigid restaurant schedule.
Overall, enjoy rather than get annoyed when things are arranged differently than they are at home. After all, this is why you are in Italy. To experience something new. Relax, and enjoy some more gelato as you find something else to do because whatever you planned is closed, and none knows when they will open again because someone is on strike.
3. Be polite.
Italians are generally courteous and polite and certain manners will open doors for you. Italians say ‘buon giorno’ when they walk into the shop, and not only the shop keeper but also the other clients greet them back. Just participate in this by saying ‘buon giorno’ when you walk into a store. Observe local politeness and follow suit.
4. Practice walking before your trip and bring sensible shoes.
I always advice guests to take their smaller children for long walks for a few weeks prior to coming for a visit to Italy. Italy means walking. And bring and wear comfortable, flat shoes while here.
Between uneven cobble stones outside(see photo) and slippery marble floors inside, Italian flooring is a challenge.
While you will see young Italian fashionistas wearing super high heels, realize that they usually are not walking very far, i.e. just from their little scooter to the coffee shop. They are certainly not going on a 5 mile sight-seeing tour through Rome like you may be. So, be like an Italian grandmother instead: wear flat, comfortable shoes and you’ll be so happy that you did.
5. Relax.
Italia is best experienced rather than raced through. Yes, it’s true: Italia is one big giant outdoor museum and there is just soo much to be seen. However, to get the best out of your Italian trip, you have to actually slow down, have fewer plans and go with the flow. In practical terms that mean that you should spend at least 3-4 days in each location and do a lot fewer sights than are on offer. Just pick a top 3 and add if you have time. Remember that the best thing about visiting Italy is simply being there.
When planning Napa Valley travel, you should understand the key areas that make up the majority of Napa Valley. Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville/Rutherford, Yountville, and Napa are towns that offer winery tours, pleasant accommodations, and other activities that tourists can add to their Napa Valley travel itinerary. As Napa Valley is well known for its wine, adults will find plenty to do, but children may not be quite as thrilled.
Calistoga became popular in the early 1800’s when settlers discovered the amazing restorative properties of the area’s natural hot springs. From that day forward, tourists arranging their Napa Valley Travel itinerary, and who are seeking a little rest and relaxation, have flocked to Calistoga. Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit organization that offers relaxing Napa Valley travel choices. At Harbin Hot Springs, guests can relax in any of the resort’s natural springs, attend artistic workshops, or stroll the 1700 acres of impressive landscape.
Located in St. Helena, Beringer Vineyards is California’s oldest winery in full operation. Founded in 1876, Beringer offers daily tours and wine tastings for a very affordable price. The vineyard is packed with lush landscaping and historic buildings. St. Helena is also a haven for antique shoppers. The area’s extravagant Meadowood golf course will appeal to the avid golfer. Couples needing a mix of activities on their Napa Valley travel itinerary will enjoy St. Helena.
Any movie buff knows the name Francis Ford Coppola. Formerly known as the Niebaum-Coppola Vineyards, Rubicon Estate in Oakville/Rutherford continues to produce top-notch wines. Rubicon Estate offers special estates throughout the year. The St. Helena Olive Oil Company is another “must see” on many Napa Valley travel itineraries. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are both produced daily and can be sampled in the retail section of the company.
Yountville, California is no more than one mile in length. Tourists love adding Yountville to their Napa Valley travel plans because the town can be seen by foot. Park your car, put on some comfortable shoes, and see the sites. Amazing architecture is only one of the rewards. France’s Moet and Chandon sister company, Domaine Chandon, is located in Yountville. Daily tours of the winery that specializes in sparkling wines are free. While a trip into the tasting room lets you enjoy a few samples.
In Napa, La Belle Époque remains a highly requested bed and breakfast. Romantics of all ages book rooms at this gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian months in advance. The Wineries of Napa Valley is a unique organization that offers samplings from many of Napa Valley’s wine makers. The Wineries of Napa Valley sells a wine tasting card that allows ten-cent initial samplings from each winery in the establishment.
Whether you are arranging a romantic Napa Valley travel plan or wanting to explore the world of winemaking, Napa Valley is a lavish option. Though the area can be a little on the pricey side, Napa Valley travel plans create a lasting memory.
Traditionally served in a “demitasse” – a special cup with a capacity of 3 oz. – as a shot, espresso is a special drink: a mouthful of sensations and flavor. Espresso defines the very essence of coffee.
Italians are proud of their tradition and do know what a good espresso means. When asked, they’ll even define the true test of a perfect espresso: when you ad sugar to it, the sugar should remain at the surface of the cream for thirty seconds before sinking. Are you ready to start counting? Customarily espresso is drunk in one sip. But what if you want to double the pleasure? Well, you could just order a second espresso, or order a Doppio from the start. An espresso doppio means, in Italian, a double shot.
Espresso Americano, as the name suggests, is a type of beverage consumed in the “American style”. Practically what you do is add hot water over a traditionally prepared espresso to make a full regular cup. Espresso Americano can be consumed with milk and sugar.
For a richer taste, there are other espresso recipes you might want to try. Espresso topped with a spoonful of whipped cream is also known as espresso con panna. Or maybe you’ll find tastier a macchiato: espresso topped with milk foam. An espresso Romano is a traditional espresso shot with a twist of lemon. For a hot summer day, try a Granita: freeze sweetened espresso and then crush it. This is a perfect topping for ice cream specialties as well.
You can also enjoy espresso in various cocktails. A classic espresso cocktail is the Espresso Martini. To prepare a drink for two you need 7 oz vodka, one espresso shot, ½ oz Kahlua and ice. Shake vodka and crushed ice for about 30 seconds, then add espresso and Kahlua and give it another two or three shakes. Let it stand for about a minute and then strain into two martini glasses. Garnish with coffee beans.
Another vodka-based espresso cocktail is called simple: Vodka Espresso. Shake one shot of vodka, one espresso shot, two teaspoons of castor sugar and ice cubes for thirty seconds. Strain into a glass and layer one shot of Amarula Cream on top.
Another tasty cocktail with espresso is the Mocha Martini. Let’s say you’ve forgotten to drink your espresso shot and now it’s cold. Why waste such a delicious beverage? Use it in a cocktail: shake one shot cold espresso, one shot bourbon, one shot cocoa liqueur and one shot Amarula Cream with crushed ice. Strain into a chilled glass and then float half a shot of double cream in the center. Garnish with cocoa powder.
As you see, espresso is an amazing drink that can ad flavor to many other drinks. One may be able to even define espresso as a sip of Italy: sensual, romantic, full of flavor, appetizing, mysterious and passionate. You can enjoy this beverage in its traditional form, or let your imagination discover new possibilities. Chefs even use espresso to improve the taste of certain cakes and ice cream, create syrups and much more. Why not create your own espresso-based recipe?
About the Author
Michael Russell, your Independent guide to Espresso
Wet your appetite for a wine country vacation. The new Book ‘San Luis Obispo County Wineries‘ featuring California’s Best Wineries is a great resource. Author and Photographer Janet Penn Franks Captured the Charm and Splendor of Central Coast Wine Country in this already Best-selling Book.
Hundreds of gorgeous, inspiring photos grace this first-of-the-series book, “San Luis Obispo County Wineries” which highlights the world-renown wineries of California’s Central Coast. The lavishly illustrated book from author and photographer Janet Penn Franks makes the tour of the county’s many early and newly established wineries easy, fun, and informative. San Luis Obispo County Wineries is currently available throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $35.00.
San Luis Obispo County’s world-renowned wine country presents residents and visitors with an unforgettable adventure in wine tasting. Dozens of picturesque tasting rooms set among vineyard-covered valleys and rolling hills offer guests a feast for the eye and award-winning vintages to please the palate. “I am pleased to present this first-of-the-series book,San Luis Obispo County Wineries,” said Franks, who has also published the second-of-the-series release, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY WINERIES, as well as several Web-site pieces and numerous magazine articles on Central Coast architecture and history. “Wine tasting has significantly increased in popularity during the last decade so my goal was to offer comprehensive and user-friendly guides that outline the Central Coast wineries.”
San Luis Obispo County Wineries profiles 60 of the region’s premier wineries and features the history of area winemaking, which highlights many old wineries that are now world-renown for their world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Roussanne, Viognier and sparkling wines and port. “San Luis Obispo’s first vineyards were planted more than 200 years ago when the King of Spain sent Catholic priests to colonize rugged Alta California,” said Franks. “The grapes were used to make sacramental wine.” During the past ten years, Central Coast Wine Tasting has become a huge industry and sampling the region’s offerings makes for the perfect California Wine Tour. Wine tasters of any level–novices to aficionados–can enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with its miles of uncrowded beaches while sampling the many fine wines this spectacular region has to offer.
A Helpful Wine Country Travel Guide
Both informative and inspiring, San Luis Obispo County Wineries offers the following helpful guidance:
* Gives an informative history of area winemaking * Explains AVA (American Viticulture Area) designations * Outlines the setting and history of each profiled winery * Pairs selected wines with signature recipes from each winery * Lists winery locations, tasting-room hours, winemakers’ specialties, banquet facilities, and contact information * Offers a glossary of wine terms * Provides lodging suggestions for visitors
Over half a century ago, Elizabeth David, the doyenne of British food writers, wrote somewhat disparagingly about the wine of Provence.
“It was”, she wrote, “the kind of wine which it was wisest to drink out of a tumbler so that there was room for a large proportion of water”!
She was talking specifically about the wines of the Luberon, but her opinion of Provençal wines in general was not much higher.
“Most of them,” she wrote, “are made by the co-operative societies nowadays, and what they have lost in character they appear to have gained in fieriness.”
Well, what a surprise Ms David would have today!
It’s probably true to say that over the course of the last two or three decades the wines of Provence have increased in range, quality and popularity more than those of any other French wine area.
This has been due to a number of things: the harnessing of modern wine-making techniques, the introduction of new, hardier, more reliable grape varieties, and, of course, the arrival of a new breed of young, intelligent, dedicated winemakers.
Today the wines of Provence are amongst the most appreciated and sought-after in France.
And, best of all, they continue to improve!
It is convenient to divide the wines of Provence into two main areas.
Firstly, there are the wines of the Southern Côtes du Rhone, beginning just above Avignon and running practically the whole length of the Rhone valley.
Although some excellent white wines are produced, the region is best known for its fine, heady, powerful reds, which are particularly suited to the rich, spicy, full-flavoured food of Provence.
The most famous, of course, is Chateauneuf-du-Pape – and no visit to the region would be complete without a trip to that charming and totally wine-dominated little town. But there are other, equally illustrious, although not quite so well-known, labels, such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Hermitage, etc.
Further south, one starts to encounter the less-famous but steadily improving wines designated simply as Wines of Provence. There are eight appellations d’origine controlées wines, as follows:
AOC Cotes de Provence: Best known until now for its fresh, light rosés, this appellation also produces wonderful, herb-flavoured reds and an increasing range of aromatic whites, many of which will continue to improve with age.
AOC Coteaux d’Aix en Provence: Reds, whites and rosés, continually improving, mostly made to be drunk young and fresh.
AOC Les Baux de Provence: The appellation refers only to the reds and rosés. These are strong, elegant wines developing faint but distinct truffle flavours with age.
AOC Palette: An appellation since 1948, these are outstanding red, white and rosé wines which can be laid down for many years.
AOC Coteaux Varois: Fresh, young wines of all categories, quite similar to Cotes de Provence, but made to be drunk younger and sooner.
AOC Cassis: Believe it or not, the oldest appellation in the whole of France! Full-bodied, fragrant white wines, perfectly suited to the wonderful fish and seafood of the region. Some reds and rosés also produced.
AOC Bandol: The whites and rosés are certainly worth trying, but this appellation produces really exceptional full-bodied reds which can be lain down for up to 30 years with no problem.
AOC Bellet: From the area above Nice, this apellation produces red, white and rosé wines, although the whites predominate. These are fresh, elegant wines with both almond and citrus flavours. The rosés have hints of honey aromas, and the reds a hint of cherry.
More and more wine merchants and supermarkets are starting to stock Provençal wines – but you may have to search for them. Compared to other wine regions of France, such as Bordeaux, Beaujolais, the Languedoc, etc. Provence produces a relatively small harvest – and the Provencal wine-lovers like to keep it for themselves! Certainly, the more well-known Cotes-du-Rhone wines are readily available. If you’re interested in trying some of the more obscure wines, have a word with a specialist wine dealer and see if he can order some for you.
Better still – visit Provence and buy them on site.
This article has been adapted from the author’s web site dedicated to the food, wine, restaurants and recipes of Provence.
When planning Napa Valley travel, you should understand the key areas that make up the majority of Napa Valley. Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville/Rutherford, Yountville, and Napa are towns that offer winery tours, pleasant accommodations, and other activities that tourists can add to their Napa Valley travel itinerary. As Napa Valley is well known for its wine, adults will find plenty to do, but children may not be quite as thrilled.
Calistoga became popular in the early 1800’s when settlers discovered the amazing restorative properties of the area’s natural hot springs. From that day forward, tourists arranging their Napa Valley Travel itinerary, and who are seeking a little rest and relaxation, have flocked to Calistoga. Harbin Hot Springs is a non-profit organization that offers relaxing Napa Valley travel choices. At Harbin Hot Springs, guests can relax in any of the resort’s natural springs, attend artistic workshops, or stroll the 1700 acres of impressive landscape.
Located in St. Helena, Beringer Vineyards is California’s oldest winery in full operation. Founded in 1876, Beringer offers daily tours and wine tastings for a very affordable price. The vineyard is packed with lush landscaping and historic buildings. St. Helena is also a haven for antique shoppers. The area’s extravagant Meadowood golf course will appeal to the avid golfer. Couples needing a mix of activities on their Napa Valley travel itinerary will enjoy St. Helena.
Any movie buff knows the name Francis Ford Coppola. Formerly known as the Niebaum-Coppola Vineyards, Rubicon Estate in Oakville/Rutherford continues to produce top-notch wines. Rubicon Estate offers special estates throughout the year. The St. Helena Olive Oil Company is another “must see” on many Napa Valley travel itineraries. Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are both produced daily and can be sampled in the retail section of the company.
Yountville, California is no more than one mile in length. Tourists love adding Yountville to their Napa Valley travel plans because the town can be seen by foot. Park your car, put on some comfortable shoes, and see the sites. Amazing architecture is only one of the rewards. France’s Moet and Chandon sister company, Domaine Chandon, is located in Yountville. Daily tours of the winery that specializes in sparkling wines are free. While a trip into the tasting room lets you enjoy a few samples.
In Napa, La Belle Époque remains a highly requested bed and breakfast. Romantics of all ages book rooms at this gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian months in advance. The Wineries of Napa Valley is a unique organization that offers samplings from many of Napa Valley’s wine makers. The Wineries of Napa Valley sells a wine tasting card that allows ten-cent initial samplings from each winery in the establishment.
Whether you are arranging a romantic Napa Valley travel plan or wanting to explore the world of winemaking, Napa Valley is a lavish option. Though the area can be a little on the pricey side, Napa Valley travel plans create a lasting memory.
4. Practice walking before your trip and bring sensible shoes. 
‘ featuring California’s Best Wineries is a great resource. Author and Photographer Janet Penn Franks Captured the Charm and Splendor of Central Coast Wine Country in this already Best-selling Book.
