Maneuvering in the Italian Health Care System
Italians health care may not appear as efficient and well managed as other countries, but considering its comprehensiveness, low ‘out of pocket cost’ and overall quality, it probably should get more credit than it does. Even though Italians often complain about the Italian health care system, Italy ranks 2nd in the “World Health Organization ranking […] Read More
Cosmopolitan Identities
“In an era where global vision and cross-cultural competencies are critical to business success, multicultural upbringing can be far-reaching. Multilingual, highly-skilled and international experienced, they have unique skills and abilities that enable them to function more effectively in a global business environment.” Born in New York to parents of Chinese origin, Amie received her college […] Read More
Is an Overseas Assignment Right for You?
The allure of an overseas assignment can be very appealing to some individuals, especially for certain destinations that are very sought after, such as London. However, it is wise to note, that some of the most unsuccessful relocations from the US, for example, are into the UK – this may seem strange, but many people […] Read More
Independence Day Message from Sri Lanka Consul General
“our heartfelt appreciation for the Government and people of Italy for their generous support and goodwill …” It gives me great pleasure to convey my warm greetings and sincere best wishes to the Sri Lankan expatriate community in the Regions of Lombardy, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Piedmont, Trentino Alto Adige, Valle d’ Aosta and Veneto […] Read More
Italian Style Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And although you may be far from home, make the most of the season with our tips on how to celebrate an Italian Style Christmas. Your beginner’s kit should include first and foremost a Nativity Scene or presepe. These are essential during the holiday season and in […] Read More
The Italian Bureaucracy Shuffle
After almost 17 years in Italy, I certainly can’t say I’ve “gone native.” However, there are times that I realize just how second nature certain things have become in my day-to-day life here. I had this realization recently when speaking with an American friend who had just relocated to Italy. She was expressing frustration with […] Read More
Movember 2016 in Italy
Movember the Month formerly known as November is back in Italy in numbers. For 30 days your moustache turns you into a walking, talking billboard for men’s health. In 2015 over 700,000 between moustache growing men (MO Bros) and daughters, sisters, girlfriends, wives (MO Sistas) were the catalyst for Billions of conversations on men’s health […] Read More
The Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Part 3 of 3)
In part two of the series, we left off discussing stage three of cultural adjustment, adaptation, in which you were beginning to reach a place of understanding and acceptance of your new culture, and you found yourself feeling more like the person you were back in your home country, but with a new twist. As […] Read More
The Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Part 2 of 3)
In part one, we left off discussing stage two of the process of cultural adjustment, in which you were experiencing full-blown culture shock and all the frustrations and challenges that go with it. Again, this can be the most difficult stage of adapting to a new culture and the time in which it is most […] Read More
The Octopus and the Wedding Proposal
How did Salvatore propose?” a friend asked recently, referring to my Italian husband. When I told her that we’d decided to get married in Positano, she said that sounded breathtakingly romantic. Little did she know. When you grow up in the United States, you assume that a proposal will involve a man with a ring […] Read More
The Stages of Cultural Adjustment (Part 1 of 3)
When thinking about and planning to move to a new country, the number of logistical preparations to take care of can seem endless. Especially if you are moving not just by yourself, but with a partner and children in tow. Sorting out housing, schools, cars, documents – documents! – and much more, add up to […] Read More
Dual-culture parenting… who controls the A/C
Dual-culture parenting boils down to priorities, values and who controls the A/C Salvatore’s fathering was dependent on two all-important remote controls, each kept in a separate pocket of his velour dressing gown. When you marry a Southern Italian man, you’ve got to be ready for major differences in childrearing. In the early years of our […] Read More
48 Hours in Rome
Day 1 Rome is truly one of a kind. It is filled with incredible buildings and architecture, ancient ruins from the great Roman Empire, and some of the most important religious landmarks in the world. The most difficult part about a trip to Rome is narrowing down a list of the best things to see […] Read More
Intercultural Relationships: When They Don’t Work Out
You fell madly in love with an Italian man, someone who wasn’t like anyone else you had ever met. You quickly realized you could see yourself with this person in a permanent way. You decided you were willing – happy – to leave your own life behind and move across the world to be with […] Read More
Who was Mr. Marino?
Where did the name Palazzo Marino came from? Here is the story… Right in front of the Teatro alla Scala you can see an important building – now hosting the headquarters of Milan’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor… and obviously all the other people who work with them. This is Palazzo Marino; named after its old owner, […] Read More
Remembering Henry James
The interdisciplinary research project Remembering Henry James, presented for the first time in Florence by Design of the Universe and Laverna. Net in 2013, will find its conclusion from May 2 through 9 in Genoa, with eight days of cultural events dedicated to the American author on the occasion of the Centennial of his death. […] Read More
Symbolism Exhibit at Palazzo Reale in Milan
One cannot truly understand a culture until they have visited the museums, which aim to represent it. Such is the significance of Italy’s art museums. In Italy, there are a plethora: from the massive Uffizi in Florence, to the quaint Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, the majestic Palazzo Reale in Milan or the inimitable Musei Vatican […] Read More
Carlina – Stories and Legends of Milan
Carlina was a young girl from the Lake of Como, more precisely from Schignano. At the time and in those areas, according to custom, young brides dressed in black – and not in white as you are used to seeing today – this was to go unnoticed and avoid brutes taking advantage of them in […] Read More
The Secret Price of History
Most of us would agree that you can consider yourself well integrated into a new country when you stop translating back and forth from your native language and culture. Yet for a handful of assimilated expats, the translating not only continues but becomes a life passion. This is definitely the case for Gayle Ridinger, an […] Read More
Sri Lanka opens its first consulate in Milan
A message from Consul General Mrs. Pradeepa Saram To foster bilateral relations with Italy and serve the large Sri Lankan expatriate community, the Government of Sri Lanka established its Consulate General in Milan with effect from 1st February 2016. I am honoured to be the first Consul General of Sri Lanka in Milan, the financial […] Read More
History, wine and nature in a glass… or two!
As they say, life’s too short to drink bad wine, which is a perfect reason for visiting Val Tidone! Just an hour’s drive south of Milan will put you in the center of a landscape that is characterized by endless waves of vineyard creating glorious panoramas. The terroir of the Val Tidone is perfect for […] Read More
Italian Names and their Onomastico
Have you ever noticed that many Italians have the same name and most of them are named after a Saint? It is not lack of imagination, but a strong influence of their tradition. As we all know, Italy is one of the country with Catholic customs, one of these is the celebration of the Onomastico or […] Read More
Two Worlds, One Relationship
Are you in an intercultural relationship? Do you know firsthand the unique joys of having a partner who enriches your worldview, and the frustrations of having a partner with whom you are often on different pages, based on different points of reference, different societal norms and countless different cultural nuances? In my counseling practice, I […] Read More
48 Hours in Verona
What better way is there, than to spend Valentine’s Day in Verona, Italy’s city of love? Begin the tour at Castelvecchio (corso Castelvecchio 2). This medieval castle with its brick exterior and turrets is a wonderful architectural gem which houses an incredible collection of Medieval and Renaissance art. During your visit, take some time for […] Read More
The Venice Carnival
When thinking of the Carnival, two cities stand out from the rest of the world, Venice and Rio. Given the cold temperatures in Italy since the start of 2016, my pick would definitely be Rio, but as I live in Milan with my wife and two small children, let’s talk about a more realistic travel option, […] Read More
Have you met the Befana?
In Italy, January means epiphany and that means the Befana! (be’fa:na) which usually marks the end of the Christmas season. The Befana is a character from local folklore who makes her appearance during the feast of Epiphany on January 6th. In fact the name Befana comes from the word epifania, the Italian name for the religious festival […] Read More
How much do you know about Robert Burns?
Scotland is perhaps the only country in the world that regularly celebrates a poet: 25 January 2016 will mark the 257thanniversary of Robert Burns’ birth in 1759. Scots all over the world will get together for a traditional Burns Supper, which features Scotland’s most famous dish: haggis. We will have it flown in specially from […] Read More
Pizzoccheri Recipe
“Pizzoccheri” is a phenomenal Italian recipe commonly found at ski resorts in northern Italy. This pasta dish, served generally in winter, is a tradition of Valtellina in Northern Lombardy. The recipe, not suitable for those lactose intolerant, has two fundamental ingredients, buckwheat pasta and mountain cheese, lots and lots of mountain cheese. There is no […] Read More
Dressing for the Holidays
December is a very social month. You may have the perfect outfit for Christmas day, however it won’t do to re-use the same outfit for New Year’s Eve which will require something even more spectacular. The magic of the holiday season brings about many event; aperitivi, dinners and even breakfast engagements. If you are a […] Read More
Thanksgiving message from Ambassador Philip T. Reeker U.S. Consul General in Milan
Dear Friends, Our most original American holiday, Thanksgiving, is a time for all of us to count our blessings. In this spirit, I must thank this exquisite city where we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the appointment of the first United States Consul General in Milan. For a century and a half Milan has […] Read More