Sophia Loren

Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone, known as Sophia Loren, is a famous italian actress and singer, starring with the biggest american stars in European and American films. She became famous for her characteristic roles- loud, a little vulgar, very expressive and also poor women. She won an Oscar and at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in the "Two women" based on the novel "La Ciociara" of Alberto Moravia. In 1958 she went to Hollywood, working with an italian director- Vittorio de Sica.
 Sophia Loren starred in many italian films, for example "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (1963) and "Mariage Italian Style" (1964). She is considered as one of the most beautiful women in the world and she was twice married Carlo Ponti- an italian film producer, which was 22 years older than she. 
I encourage you to watching films, in which Sophia Loren participated.


J.

Venice

Venice is a city, which is located in northeastern Italy, by the Adriatic Sea. Is called the most beautiful city in the world. The Grand Canal passes through the middle of this city and nearby there is St Mark's Square (in italian: Piazza San Marco), located in the oldest part of the city. Unfortunately, it's often flooded by water. Independently of the weather conditions, in Venice is always charmingly, when it's raining or when it' s the middle of summer. The canals in Venice are shining, when reflect the sunlight like liquid mirrors... Humans have always predicted a collapse of Venice, because this city was located on the water and until now. Venice is famous particularly for its canals, where the tourists can  go by gondola, drinking a delicious and italian wine. Every year in Venice is organised a Carnival and Venice Film Festival. There aren't many cars, usually people move by gondola through canals and smells the moisture everywhere. In this city, like out of a fairy tale, the tourists can visit the local stalls and souvenir shops. In Venice the speciality of many restaurants is fish and seafood. 

This place is like paradise on the earth! 

J. 

Milan Cathedral

Generally speaking the Milan Cathedral (in italian Duomo di Milano) is a gothic and marble cathedral, which is located in Milan in the Region of Lombardy in northern Italy. Is the one of the most famous buildings in Italy and in Europe. The Milan Cathedral belongs to the largest churches in the world, as well as its stained-glass windows! Long ago there was the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and Roman Basilica of Santa Tecla of the 4th century, which were demolished and renovated. Gian Galeazzo Visconti began construction of the temple in 1386, whereas this Cathedral was finished in the era of Napoleon. 

When you will visit this place, you don't forget to attract your attention to: 

• the roof, on which you can enter (but you have to buy an admission ticket) take a walk and see the beautiful view;
•  la Madonnina - the statue of Our Lady, located at the pinnacles, which is a symbol of that city;
•  the Tomb of Saint Charles (it. Carlo) Borromeo located in the crypt under the Main Altar;
•  the stained-glass windows - the oldest originated from the first years of building of the Milan Cathedral.

I invite you to see it with yours own eyes! 



J.

Gnocchi alla sorrentina

Today's post will be dedicated to Gnocchi alla sorrentina- one of the most popular dishes from Sorrento situated in the  Campania region in southern Italy. The Gnocchi are potato dumplings, oval-shaped, which in combination with fresh tomatoes and basil, create an italian course is to die for :-) The taste of this uncomplicated dish, reminds me stay in Italy, which was a most memorable experience! We can buy this pasta or do it yourself in your home. 
To make this dish, we need the necessary ingredients, such as: 1 kg of tomatoes, 1 mozzarella, a bit of grated Parmesan, a few leaves of fresh basil, 1 garlic clove, olive oil, salt and pepper. 
When I haven't enough time for preparing my dinner, usually I reach for this simple recipe, almost effortlessly! The result of Gnocchi alla sorrentina is always positively surprising.
Enjoy your meal!


J.

Lake Como

Lake Como (in italian Lago di Como) is situated in Northern Italy in Lombardy, which is considered the most beautiful lake in the world. This lake is the deepest in the Alps and one of the deepest in Europe. The shape of the lake on the map similar to the letter "Y". On this lake is located one island- Isola Comancina, which was inhabited in the ancient times, but unfortunately these settlements were destroyed in the 12th century. Lake Como has 3 parts: Ramo di Como, Lago di Lecco and Ramo di Colico. Every day you can journey by ferryboat or by boat. In this way you can avoid touring by land this lake, to get to coastal towns. There is an ideal place for windsurfind and kitesurfing. Very often this lake is used as background in many films, such as "Casino Royale" and "Star Wars". Interestingly, many famous people, for example- George Clooney or Madonna have villas here. 
This lake enchants tourists with its beauty, originality and magic.
I encourage all people, who love open spaces, coastal towns and perfecy scenery, to go there during your holiday! Certainly, you will relax there, among the unforgettable sights! ;-)

J.

Mount Vesuvius

My dream is to see for myself the Mount Vesuvius (in italian il Vulcano Vesuvio), which is located on Italian Peninsula, on the Gulf of Naples, in the region of Campania. This volcano continues to be active and is classified as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Has a height of 1281 metres above sea level. In 1979 took place a volcanic eruption, during which were destroyed Pompei, Herculaneum and Stabiae. However the last great volcanic eruption was recorded in 1944. From ancient times the volcanic slopes were exploited economically. Until the present date, thanks to the fertile soils, are cultivated different varieties of plants, fruit and vegetables. 
The oldest vulcanological observatory (Osservatorio Vesuviano) is situated between Ercolano and Torre del Greco on the Valle del Salvatore. This observatory records 24 hours per day the seismic activity and earthquakes. The museum belonging to this observatory, you can watch exhibition of volcanologists achievements from the last 2000 years... I would very much like visit this place in the very near future! 
I hope that I will be able to follow my dream!

J.

Gli spaghetti alla carbonara

One of my favourite italian dishes is exactly Carbonara (in italian Spaghetti alla Carbonara), which consists of the pasta, usually spaghetti pasta and the sauce prepared from eggs, bacon, cream, cheese- Pecorino Romano and pepper. It's necessary to cut bacon into a small pieces and later fry in hot frying pan with olive oil, may be added a clove of garlic. The preparation of sauce also shouldn't be the hardest: you have to mix eggs with cheese, cream and pepper. After draining of water from the pasta, you can mix all ingredients.
 The flavour of the Spaghetti Carbonara is equally interesting as the story of this dish. One of the main theories of the origin of the Carbonara says that this dish was invented by Italian soldiers during the Second World War and was transported in the region of Lazio by miners of Umbria. The different theory says that Carbonara derived from another dish- cacio e uova- which consisted of eggs, lard and cheese. Probably the name of Spaghetti Carbonara comes from 'Carbonaro', which means 'the coal stove' or from 'Carbonari', which means 'the miners'. 
I recommend cooking this nourishing and delicious dish! Surely you will be glad!

J. 

Erice

Erice is a historical town and comune in the province of Trapani in Sicili in Italy, situated on top of a Mount Erice at 750 metres above sea level. In ancient times Erice was known as Eryx (in greek), this name comes from mythical Eryx.
I was there in April this year and I' m quite enraptured by the climate of this tourist town and by the panoramic imagery of Trapani. Erice is surrounded by the Aegadian Islands. The first settlements were founded in the fifth century B.C. by ancient  Elymian. Where took place conflicts between the Greeks and the Carthaginians. Definitively Erice was ruled by the Carthaginians. Later the Romans gained control of the city.
Just you can visit here  the ancient the Venus Castle (Castello di Venere) and the ancient Temple of Venus ( il Tempio romano di Venere Erycina). There you can also visit the Museum Antonio Cordici, where you can see an archeological excavations from prehistory to the Roman times.
Personally, I'm enchanted by this place- Erice- situated in a mountainous area with a wonderful views. Certainly, I will go there again!

 

"Don't move" an italian film

"Don't move" (in italian: "Non ti muovere") is an italian melodrama directed by Sergio Castellitto in 2004. The leading role play Penelope Cruz, Claudia Gerini and Sergio Castellitto (also a director). Timoteo- the main character is a surgeon. One day his daughter Angela sustains a motocycle accident and then has to pass this difficult period without wife, because she went on business trip. For this reason he is deeply stressed, when his colleague- surgeon operates Angela. After the surgery, he tries to talk to unconscious daughter and he confesses his great mystery that he betrayed his wife and presents many facts about an extramarital relationship.

Through this story- a sort of time travel- the viewers can meet all his life story and know this problem. We can follow memories of Timoteo and we can be a participants of his life.

For me "Don't move" is really worth watching, because contains the truth of life and we can learn something important for the future. A particular atmosphere in this film influences on our mood and feeling after watching this wonderful film...

J.

Milan- the fashion capital

Milan is one of the most amazing italian cities, which is considered not only as the European capital of fashion, but the fashion capital of the world. This city is famous for untypical monuments with a rich history, elegant restaurants, churches- Milan Cathedral- (Duomo di Milano) and many brand shops of the most popular designers in the world. Milan is visited by many tourist, because attracts attention its beauty. There are many museums, galleries, for example Pinacotheca The Sforza Castle Pinacoteca (Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco) with a gorgeous paintings of Titian or Canaletto. Milan is unbeatable in the fashion, where you can visit local shops any buy an original clothes that no one has. It is precisely this city dictates trends to the world. All people want to wear, what the designers show on the catwalks, for example: Prada, Gucci, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace or Fendi. Milan is famous also for the cosmetics, the interior design and the cars! 

When you will plan a big shopping for clothing (or not only), I advise you to go to Milan :-)

J.

Palermo

Palermo is a city and municipality in Southern Italy, situated in the island of Italy on the Tyrrhenian sea and is the cultural, economic and tourist capital of the region of Sicily. This city is over 2,700 years old. Palermo has its own culture and, unparalleled style and an original atmosphere, thus attracts many tourists!
I like the square Quattro Canti- Piazza Vigliena- built in the Baroque style, located in historical centre of Palermo. And, admittedly, this city is very deprived, but for me as a toruist is very interesting place, because is distinguished by its otherness, authenticity and mysteriousness... Walking down the street in Palermo, there is very loudly and there is many people. 
As regards a typical tourist place, it's definitely- the Catacomb in Convento dei Cappuccini in Palermo, yes, this place is overwhelming, but certainly is worth visiting. And the chapel in Palace of the Normans (Palazzo dei Normanni) you have to see! 
This city is very original for Street Art- numerous graffiti on the walls, for example in the district Kelsa and Borgo Vecchio. I recommend this place, because I am convinced that Palermo you will be awesome for you :-)

J.

Quattro Canti, Piazza Vigliena, a Baroque square in Palermo, 

Sicily, Italy

The street art in Palermo

La Grande Bellezza

"The Great Beauty" in italian "La Grande Bellezza" is an italian-french drama film, directed by Paolo Sorrentino in 2013. This film won an Oscar and at Cannes Film Festival in the same year. The leading role in film played Toni Servillo as Jep Gambardella. "The Great Beauty" presents a story about man, who has 65 years old, is an unsatisfied artist, journalist and lives in Rome. Jep spends a lot of time on big, noisy parties and passing affairs. His life is full of pleasure, although empty, superficial without values. When he finds out the death of woman, who loved years ago, his life changes dramatically, this causes that he start thinking about his past life. In this film is presented a gorgeous image of Rome and many other image of the beauty until the luxurious life, creating even the impression of dream and surrealistic dimension. In my view, this film is too long, because is three hours long... But it's important to be prepared for watching a film of this specific type.
I recommend you to watch this beautiful film! ;-)

J.

Elsa Morante

Elsa Morante is an italian writer- novelist, first wife of Alberto Moravia (my favourite italian writer, I has already written on my blog about him). Her novels are identified by poetry in beauty or the evocation of feeling and penetrating analysis of characters. The books best known are: "La storia"- "History" a story about Rome during World War II and "L'isola di Arturo"- "Arturo's Island"- according to me the plot of this book is very interesting and he book grabs my attention from the start! ;-) I would recommend you! I also read "Aracoeli" her last novel, which present the relationship between mother and son. In Poland Elsa Morante isn't as well famous as in Italy, but should be. Her works were published by house Einaudi and were translated into many languages. The writing stile of this italian novelist is very specific and original and for this reason I would encourage you to read some her novel, because are noteworthy!


J. 

The book cover of "Arturo's Island" of Elsa Morante

Cannoli

When I was recently in Sicily in the region of Italy, I tasted this sicilian specialty- Cannoli. 

Cannoli in the sicilian dialect "cannolu", what means "little tube" is a dessert and come frome the Palermo. This sweet is also popular in American cuisine. Cannoli consist of a tube of fried pastry dough, which is similar to dough of polish "faworki" and filled with a creamy filling with ricotta. There are many sizes of Cannoli, for example "cannulicchi"- the size of the finger, which are very popular in south Palermo. There are many tipes of filling- with ricotta or vanilla pudding, different kinds of additives: colourful sweets, grated chocolate, nuts or candied fruit.

The history of this dessert is very interesting. Cannoli was treated during Carnevale season in Messina and is a symbol of fertility.

J.

Macari and San Vito Lo Capo

Macari and San Vito Lo Capo are two beautiful small towns in Italy in the region Sicily in the province of Trapani. This town developed in 18th century. In San Vito Lo Capo are about 4000 inhabtants. 
There are spectacular mountains and is located by the Tyrrhenian Sea, many restaurants and souvenir shops for tourists and a particular and wide beach.
My holiday apartment was in Macari, where you can see a breathtaking scenery, grass-covered hills and sandy and rocky beaches. There is also the Riserva naturale dello Zingaro. When I was there, I saw a prickly- pear (a kind of cactus), European olive trees and orange trees.
Every morning I drank a delicious coffee looking at an amazing viev- the top of the enormous mountain! 
There isn't any shop or supermarket, there is only a bus stop and small bar. The distance between two towns is 5 km, about an hour away on foot. I remember this trip very nice, despite poverty that prevails there. Wherever I met the people in Sicily, everybody was outgoing and friendly. 
When I will find the time I would go there once again!

J.

Tiramisu

The best and the most popular italian dessert for me is a Tiramisu! From italian 'tiramisù' means 'cheer me up' or 'pick me up'. This kind of dessert is coffee flavoured and is made of finger biscuits dipped in coffee with a mixture of mascarpone cheese, egg yolks and sugar and dusted with cocoa! Yummy! For the first time in the 1960s Robert Linguanotto- owner of "Le becchierie", prepared this delicous dessert in our restaurant. Probably the origins of tiramisu are from Veneto or Friuli Venezia Giulia. This dessert can be served with the addiction of alcohol Marsala or Amaretto liqueur. Generally this 'cake' is eaten cold. There are a lot of another variation and modern version with Irish cream, brandy or all kinds of fruit - strwberry, lemon, banana, raspberry or even coconut! 
When I have a moment and I drink a coffee I like eat this special dessert. Unfortunately the preparation of tiramisu is very time-consuming and rarely I have enough time for make it.

J.

"Contempt"

"Contempt" is a 1963 drama film written and directed by Jean- Luc Godard. This film based on the italian novel "Il disprezzo" (originally translated into "A Ghost at Noon") by Alberto Moravia. I love this book and if I could, I'd read all the time. It's great! In this film play a role: beautiful Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli, Jack Palance and Giorgia Moll. 

"Contempt" presents a life of married couple and a progressive loveless between husband- Paul Javal (a playwright) and wife- Camille Javal. A husband is indifferent to courtship of film producer Jeremy Prokosch in relation to his wife. This situation cause conflict between two people. Camille feels a big contempt to her husband. I think that "Contempt" is noteworthy, however I like a book much more. In the book Moravia uses reference to the mythology and also a book contains parallels of the main characters- Paul, Camille and Prokosch, which correspond to Ulysses, Penelope and Poseidon.

 In my opinion this film is so different from this book. Personally speaking, I prefer read books than watch films based on a books.

I encourage you to watch this film and also read this book!

J.