Thursday, February 15, 2007

Italy Perpetuates 'Betrayed Spouses' Festivities

As a consolation for men and women who had their hearts broken because of treacherous spouses resulting to the dissolution of their marriages, Italy every year holds the Festival of the Betrayed Spouse, popularly known locally as the Festa del Cornuto. It is typically held in Rome with this year's event taking place at the Rocca Canterano Village and is expected to be attended by huge figures of cornutos (the Itallian label for a betrayed spouse).

Actors in vibrant costumes pull off ironic poetry targeted at unfortunate husbands and wives whose spouses broke their trusts. This is foreordained to provide temporary treatment of the sadness that fills the hearts of the victims of treacherous marriages by way of giving them a whole day of fun and surprises. Roasted chestnuts are given out for free, not only as part of the festivities' gratify but also to celebrate the town's local delicacy, which is instrumental in providing the image that Rome holds. One of the more intoxicating things about the Festa del Cornuto is the choice of a patroness that defines the overall theme, which is done every single year. Interestingly, former US First Lady Hilary Clinton was chosen a couple of times as the unofficial almsgiver of the 'betrayed spouses' festival.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Seeking the Renaissance: An Overview A Glance of Italy

Vigorous with lush cultural artifacts and home to a multitude of historical spots, it's no wonder why Italy can be considered a nation which is in itself a certified art gallery. Its highly romanticized setting lures tourists from any parts of the world. I just had had an opportunity to travel to Italy when I was asked to take photos of scenic places for a magazine. After spending almost two weeks in this marvelous country, I must say that any other trips I had in the past had never been so memorable and pleasurable like the one I just had had in Italy.

One thing that you would notice upon going outside of the airport is the peculiar aroma that fills your nostrils, an aroma that's both warm and welcoming. I later on conceived that this scent came from the nearby restaurant that sells freshly made pastas. Marvelous dining -- that's another major feature attribute of Italy. Known for its marvelous taste on food, you can be assured of having one of the most memorable dining experiences the world can present. Other than satisfying your cravings appetite for marvelous food, Italy can also satisfy your "intellectual" hunger. Home to more than half of the certified UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy operates as a bridge towards mankind's highest point in culture and intellect, the Renaissance.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

A Growing and Familiar Understanding With Pasta

Turn your normal day into one courageous foray for the taste buds by trying Italy's best-known export, the famous pasta. Due to its availability, you might grow worn out of the regular spaghetti, so why not try something new and enthralling for a change. Head off to a diner in Italy - or even in your own country - and order something that sounds different to you.

Try the manicotti or the cannelloni, a hefty tube of pasta that is constantly a crowd favorite. These are usually stuffed with either meat or ricotta cheese, and are jammed with delicious tomato sauce seasoned with herbs. Another is the wheel-shaped rotelle, which is often used in salads and succulent soups or drizzled with sauce. On the other hand, ravioli and agnolotti are pasta dough that are flattened and overflowing with either vegetable or lamb. A popular dish in Piedmont, Italy, this can be simply cooked by pan frying or poaching. Pasta sauces are often very flavorful and very succulent because of the use of strong additives and cheese. Among the choice ones are basil and oregano, which gives the sauces a palatable flavor that enhances the whole dish.

So the next time you feel courageous, why not try something unusual for a change. Widening the area of your culinary experience and strengthening your taste buds is a worthy task to pull off.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Get Amazing Discounts at the Outstanding Florence Outlet Mall

Italy has been the home of exquisite dressmaking for decades. Design gurus, both self-proclaimed and established, create masterful pieces of wearable art that everyone around the world just love to buy. I'm talking about rich folk who can actually spare a few bucks to lavish on such stunning Italian designer clothes. Other folks who can barely make rent by the end of the month choose the fast route -- going for knock-offs. Why go for a sham when you can get the genuine item at an extremely affordable, or at least significantly lower, price? That's why my friends and I thank the haute couture deities everyday for probably the most clever shopping discovery of our time -- the outlet store.

The Mall, located in the rich green Tuscany hills, provides tourists and residents a shopping trip they won't soon forget. This exquisite outlet mall sells wonderful designer clothes by recognized Italian brands, such as Giorgio Armani, Balenciaga, Fendi, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, and many more. A lot of tourist services, like Outlet Florence Tours, will take you to the smashing shopping malls in town so that you may enjoy savings from anywhere between 10% to 70%. Hit two birds with stone; view the awesome sights and tour the land with a few shopping bags in tow.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Italian Motels 101

Since Italy is one of the most mind-blowing places in the world, it's not the least bit surprising that millions of people flock over it twelve-monthly. The 40,000 hotels that can be found all over Italy is confirmation that tourism is very much lively in the country. With so many to take your pick from, this might imply that making a hotel reservation in Italy is a no-brainer. Well, it may be for regular visitors|vacationers, but it may not always the case with neophytes. If you're a neophyte to the entire process of making a hotel reservation in Italy, here are some suggestions for you.

When making a motel reservation, be sure to pay your deposit. The Italian law asserts that a hotel reservation is only in force if a deposit payment has been made. If, for some reason, you have to withdraw your hotel reservation, do it at least 14 days (or 30 days during tourist season) before the explicit date of your visit or stay; otherwise, you won't get a refund for the deposit you paid for. If you desire to pay less for a hotel reservation, go see Italy on off-seasons. In practically all Italian cities, off-season is generally around November to March, while off-seasons in ski-resorts are during the months of April to May and September. An incomparable trip to Italy starts with a stress-free hotel reservation.