New York became the first stop of China’s Three Tenors’ world tour in an effort to promote Beijing tourism, the exchange of culture and people, and to show China’ talent in Western art. The three Chinese tenors, Dai Yuqiang, Warren … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: February 2012
Time to load up on Italian Chardonnay…
Apparently, humans are not the only creatures to like Italian wines’ ingredients. A new type ofmoth is invading many Italian vineyards, particularly Chardonnay in the North in the region of The Veneto. The pest, now named Antispila oinophylla, is being studied closely, … Continue reading
Mia’s Italian: Almost Time For Italy!
Hi everyone! I can’t believe it’s almost time for my Italy trip! I have been progressing more and more into the Living Language system and continue to enjoy its methods of teaching. Even though the methods repeat for each lesson, … Continue reading
Karaoke: A Brief History of the Sing-Along
Happy Friday! What better way to celebrate the end of the week than letting loose at your favorite karaoke bar. Before you round up your co-workers, here’s a brief history on this Japanese pastime. You probably know that karaoke (カラオケ) … Continue reading
A Rainbow of Macarons
If you haven’t yet bit into a macaron, one made by a reputed producer especially, you are in for a special treat. Visually, their presentation evokes a rainbow of mouthful delights. The story of the macaron began in Europe in … Continue reading
Mia’s Italian: Learning To Socialize
Hello everyone! I have been focusing molto (a lot) on the Socializing lesson because I feel like it is crucial for my trip. I am learning how to say that I know how giocare a tennie (to play tennis) and … Continue reading
Fabio Capello quits as England’s soccer/football coach
Soccer/football or calcio as we call it is a de-facto religion in Italy — with its own devotees (some of them fundamentalists like hooligans or ultra’), priests (soccer coaches and team presidents, like Mr. Berlusconi), and Sunday rituals (matches). So, the news … Continue reading
Be Environmentally Friendly and Romantic in Italian
In Italy San Valentino is not that different from most of the countries: dates, dinners, gifts, and flowers (some cynics would add: false promises). Italian is a — some would say “the” — very romantic language. So, here are some handy … Continue reading
Valentine’s Day in Japan
How are you going to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day? Are you exchanging greeting cards? Are you giving chocolates or other gifts to your special someone? Maybe you’re planning a romantic dinner at a restaurant. In Japan, バレンタインデー barentain dee … Continue reading
情人节快乐 qíngrén jié kuài lè ! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world as the holiday of love. In China, Valentine’s Day is called qíng rén jié 情人节. Qíng rén jié is regarded as a relatively new holiday celebrated among young people as … Continue reading