Hello everyone! My trip to Italy is right around the corner and I have recently been working on making vocabulary flashcards for my family and I to practice with. Though no one in my family really understands what I’m saying, … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: March 2012
Know Your French Champagne: 3 Variations
The bubbles of sparkling wines (‘vins mousseux’) is what gives them a unique refreshing quality. Champagnes are of course the most famous of all, and are synonym of festive times and luxury. Nevertheless, there are many outstanding sparkling wines made elsewhere waiting to … Continue reading
Italian Youth Flee the Country, Again
Sclerotic job market, over-regulation, and lack of meritocracy are just a few well know dark sides of Italy. Now, as a consequence, a “new” phenomenon has been developing in the last few years: youth go abroad to find better opportunities. Nothing wrong when … Continue reading
Celebrate Spring with the Japanese Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
Spring is officially here! How about celebrating the arrival of beautiful spring the Japanese way? 花見 Hanami (“flower viewing”) is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of “flowers.” The tradition is over a thousand-years old! In fact, “flowers” … Continue reading
¡Yo también quiero un Chihuahua! (I want a Chihuahua too!)
Chihuahuas look so cute and adorable; they are also known for their small size and big temper, although they are more than devoted to their owners. Chihuahuas’ origin is unknown, as much of the canine’s history is speculation, but it … Continue reading
Add This to Your Vocabulary: Polyglot
A polyglot is a person who speaks, writes, or reads a number of languages, according to Dictionary.com. One of our great Facebook fans brought this awesome news story about the U.K.’s most multi-lingual student to our attention. Twenty-year-old Alex Rawlings … Continue reading
Tapas, the Little Dishes of Spain
Tapas, the little dishes of Spain ¿Why are they called tapas? The literal meaning for the word “tapa” is “cover or “coaster.” According to popular stories and old legends, in Castilla, Spain, the land of Don Quixote, men frequented taverns … Continue reading
Does Love Make You Speechless, Literally?
Have you ever felt like you can’t describe how you feel, especially when it comes to relationships? It might be because the word simply doesn’t exist in English. In Psychology Today, Pamela Haag, Ph.D., author of Marriage Confidential, posts the … Continue reading
Hidden Tunnel Discovered Under One of Most Popular Squares in Italy
Piazza Duomo, the square opposite the Cathedral (Cattedrale), in Milan is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for both tourists and locals. While restoring the massive Vittorio Emmanuele II statue (the guy was the king of Italy), a … Continue reading
Seeing the Start of Spring through Mayan Eyes
Chicen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico for its ancient Mayan ruins. One of the busiest times of year is from March 18-22 when thousands of locals and travelers from abroad congregate to El Castillo, … Continue reading