I have just partaken in a Palm Sunday Catholic procession and Way of the Cross for miles through the streets to the Port of Pozzuoli in Campania, finishing outside the spot where St. Paul stayed. It was very beautiful. I was surprised at how many young people were there especially young men. This was lovely to see. The prayers and songs were amplified out on loud speakers throughout the town so even if you were inside you could not but hear it. The onlookers too were very respectful.  The prayers in Italian sound so moving.  A lovely soft sun today which was nice to warm the cockles of one’s heart.

Easter is an important time in Italy; Vatican city in Rome, being the center of the world Catholic Church and also a separate state in Italy with its own rulings and autonomy. They even have their own stamp. The Vatican organisation is made of  80% Italians so the Catholic church is controlled by Italians even though the pope is German. The majority of popes over history have been Italian. And as Italians are slow to change their way of doing things (which also can be both good and bad)....is it any wonder that the Catholic Church is slow to change with the people!!

The easter eggs in the shops are very ornate and one can buy hand made large chocolate eggs with presents inside them. If one is a romantic man and wealthy, he can even buy an egg with a diamond bracelet inside for his lover. And girls - many Italian men are sporting diamond earings and no they are not gay!!

It is quite fresh here in Campagnia still and I thought spring would have arrived by now.  Settled now and working from my lovely apartment that I had last time when visiting this region, right on the beach at Pozzuoli on the gulf of Napoli. I can see the isle of Capri out my window now as I write and there is a bright red geranium on the balcony that would make a lovely typical italian postcard. Red geranium, light blue sea then the darker blue of Capri rising up from the sea - beautiful!!.

PITFALLS FOR THE INEXPERIENCED!

I recently have had a huge challenge booking many apartments in Italy at short notice for a large family in the July school holidays which as you all know is also the European and American summer school holidays.

Also many Italians take holidays in July to avoid the August traffic jams. Large three bedroom apartments are rare as hens'teeth in the major cities of Italy as all the large properties have been split up into smaller apartments for rent.

At the end of it all I was so happy that I was able to help this family because if they had tried to do it themselves without knowing the Italian ways - it would have been a disaster as it was challenging enough for us and we know who we are up against!!....

17 March 2011 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy

All of Italy will be celebrating the day when in 1861  King Victor Emmanuel II became king of Italy with many events around the country but especially in Rome.

Schools and Offices will be closed.

I highly recommend anyone travelling to Italy to watch the wonderful BBC videos hosted by Francesco da Mosto a delightful Venetian. He combines the fascinating history with beautiful filming and scenery with his charming Italian humour. It is a treat to watch and a great way to spend a wet sunday afternoon -  travelling around Italy with Francesco. Watch Francesco to get some ideas of where you want to travel and what you wish to see, then contact Passion for Italy Travel and we can help you organise your Itinerary, accommodation and tours.

Passion for Italy would like to extend our greatest sympathy to all who lost their loved ones and family in the Jan 12, 2011 Grantham and Toowoomba flooding  disaster and especially to those who lost their children. Our heart goes out to you and you are in our prayers. Also to all who have lost their homes and possessions in Queensland and the rest of Australia - we are thinking of you.

The New Year lies before you
Like a spotless tract of snow
Be careful how you tread on it
For every mark will show.
(Anonymous)

Il Nuovo Anno ti si apre davanti
Come un sentiero di neve immacolata
Attento quando ci camminerai sopra
Perché le tracce si vedranno.
(Anonimo)

What I love about the Italian people is that they are so passionate about food. Lunch is the most important meal of the day. No fast food for Italians. It would show that you do not respect yourself if you eat bad food or food that is not fresh. Meals made from the basics right the way up is the only way to go. Add to that the fact that Italy does not allow genetically modified hybrids in their fruit and vegetables, so here you will eat the best tasting produce on earth.

I cannot wait to stay in this hotel in Matera. Only recently opened it is the latest new and exciting hotel in Italy. The New York Times described this amazing place as one of the most extraordinary locations in the world; The Times declared it among the 10 most beautiful hotels in the world; and Condé Nast’s Tatler called it one of the 100 most beautiful hotels on the planet. See our presentation of this incredible hotel restored with exquisite taste as only the Italians can do.

http://www.passionforitaly.com/Matera-Italy/Boutique-Hotel-in-a-Grotto-in-Matera-513.html

Napoli reminds me of Malaysia.... one gets exhausted from all the noise and the crowds. Although it is amazing city and I am fascinated by it...it never ceases to shock me and alarm all my senses. To see families riding around on motorbikes -  three or four on one bike with no helmets and a baby stuck in between!!!.... I am used to it by now but was pleased to see my Italian friend from the north, shocked as well as when I first saw it ten years ago my jaw used to drop too in horror...!!!