Vittorio De Sica

Vittorio De Sica was an italian actor and film director, one of the main representatives of neorealist movement. He starred in over 100 films, like What Scoundrels Men Are! (in italian: Gli uomini che mascalzoni! ,1932), I'll Give a Million (Darò un milione, 1935) or Grandi magazzini (1939). He spent hard-earned money (playing in many films) on his own film productions during the Second World War. He directed films, such as Red roses (Rose scarlatte, 1940), Miracle in Milan (Miracolo a Milano, 1951), Two Women (La ciociara, 1960), Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Ieri, oggi, domani, 1963) or Sunflower (I girasoli, 1970). Often he appeared as an actor in his comedy films. Vittorio De Sica achieved an international fame for film Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di biciclette, 1948), which is an example of neorealistic cinema. This film awarded an Oscar for best foreign language film. In his films he mainly focused on daily reality and life of urban poor. In his film productions is presented true reality, great moral sensitivity and  a criticism of social system. 

J. 

"Bicycle Thieves"- an italian film

"Bicycle Thieves" (in italian "Ladri di biciclette") is an italian, crime film, which is a representative of italian neorealism, directed by Vittorio De Sica in 1948. This film emphasises how life values like religion or morality are important. The plot of this film presents the story of Antonio Ricci, an unemployed italian, which has a dependent wife and child. In the post-war reality, he attempts to find a job and earn some money. Antonio gets a job, in which he has to put up posters and buys a new bicycle to make the work easier. Unfortunately, after a short period of time, his bike is stolen. Later the main character is trying to find the thief and to recover his bicycle. This won't be easy, whereas the whole area is hostile to him and he doesn't have any proof.

Moreover, "Bicycle Thiever" causes that the viewer feels contradictory emotions like an amusement or a sadness. Ideas of this film are pertinent and timeless. 

I encourage you to watch this italian masterpiece! ;-)

 

J.

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.