by David | Aug 19, 2007 | culture, photo, travel
This dramatic statue in Ferrara depicts Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery reformist Dominican priest of the 15th century. Still somewhat controversial today, Savonarola organized the “Bonfires of the Vanities” in which Florentines burned their books, fancy...
by David | Aug 16, 2007 | culture, photo, reading & writing, travel
The Italian word of the moment is campanilismo. Translated by BabelFish as “parochialism,” campanilismo refers to local pride or patriotism, sometimes very local. If you ask somebody where she’s from and she says “Boston” or “New...
by David | Aug 13, 2007 | culture, economics
This weekend in Massachusetts, there was a state-wide sale: 5% off everything in the store! Except clothes, cars, and anything over $2,500. It’s an event known as the Tax-Free weekend, and it seems to be quite a big deal. But I’m not sure why. Five percent...
by David | Aug 6, 2007 | culture, transportation, travel
I bought Rick Steve’s French, Italian & German phrasebook largely because it included that phrase, which means, “if you don’t slow down, I’ll throw up.” Driving on the Autostrade (that’s Italian for “Autobahn” which...
by David | Aug 5, 2007 | culture, economics
by David | Aug 5, 2007 | culture, eating, travel
I am not making this up. According to the guidebook… Ferrara’s interesting foods with unusual histories: … The Bread (Ciupeta) In the 16th century, the Dukes of Ferrara led a luxurious court life. The Dukes’ cook served for the first time a...
