Now that the holidays are over, the gifts given and received, what will you buy with those iTunes gift cards? Download one of Living Language iPhone and iPad apps. Read below to see what our customers are saying: Makes learning … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: December 2011
Enjoy “Il Pandoro” the typical Italian dolce natalizio!
So this is the time in Italy when you have to eat a lot of Pandoro. Pandoro is a typical Christmas cake from Verona. It is a sweet, star-shaped cake, typically prepared on the occasion of Christmas since the late nineteenth century. Its characteristic features are: soft and light, similar to brioche dough, delicate flavor and a very slight aroma … Continue reading
Deutsche Weihnachstlieder (German Christmas carols)
Christmas carols are an age-old German tradition cherished around the world. You’ll hear them in every single department store and in many offices to create the right atmosphere for the holiday season. Here are some fun facts about some of them. … Continue reading
Christmas in Dresden
Weihnachstlieder (Christmas Carols), Weihnachstbaum (Christmas tree), Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) and Weihnachststollen (Christmas Christmas Loaf) are German Christmas traditions that come together everywhere in Germany, but nowhere as remarkably festive as they do in Dresden. Dresden is the capital of the … Continue reading
Nativity record: Italy vs. England
The BBC has recently announced that an evangelical church near Bath, UK, the Welton Baptist Church is trying to beat the Guinness World Record for the most people in a nativity scene. So far, that has been Italy’s business. The record … Continue reading
Traditional Italian Christmas recipe: Capitone in Bianco / White Eel
Capitone in bianco or Anguilla in bianco is a very traditional recipe that is very common in most parts of Italy for the day before Christmas when, in theory, you should not eat meat. Ingredients are for 4 people. I used kilos, just … Continue reading
Nikolaus Traditions in Germany
Santa Claus is real. No really, he is. He was born on December 6, and he was the Byzantine Bishop of Myra in the 3rd and 4th century. According to legend, he performed many a wonder, some of them having to … Continue reading
Mia’s Italian: Nuovo Words, Including My Name!
Hi everyone, happy holidays! This week I have learned a lot of nuovo (new) words. Some are piccolo (small) and others are grande (big). I have also learned how to say bianco (white), nero (black), and all of the colors in between. I also … Continue reading
A Traditional French Christmas Dinner
After a protracted introductory course, we are called to sit down. The long oak table has been set with a array of silverware, plates, glasses and many other Christmas ornaments, as well as the ever-present bread in baskets and butter. l’Entrée (the … Continue reading
Christmans tree vs. Presepe in Italy
Christmas decorations and trees are very popular in Italy. Lights and decorations start around December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception. The main focus of decorations continues to be the presepe, the Nativity scene. Virtually every church has a … Continue reading