Francesco's blog
Ask An Italian: Where's the Line?
Francesco Serra, our good friend and resident expert on all things Italian, provides us with valuable insights on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: sshingler.
Our question today for Francesco....why is it that Italians never seem to get in an orderly line, say like the British or Americans do? When I'm in Italy I never know what to do, and feel intimidated to tell someone, hey, I was here first. Can you give me some insight and some advice on how to survive waiting my turn around a bunch of Italians?
Have a question about Italy? Send us an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask an Italian: What Do Italians Eat for Dinner?
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: FotoRita.
Our question today for Francesco....I am always curious what Italians actually eat for dinner. Is it the big spreads of food that we always see on TV or is that just for special occasions? What did you eat for dinner last night?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask An Italian: Vacation
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: volpe fatata.
Our question today for Francesco....I've heard Italians go on vacation for the entire month of August. What about you, where are you going? What will you be doing? Will you spend the whole month of August at the beach?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask an Italian: Weekend Activities
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: fabiola_de_blasco.
Our question today for Francesco....What do you do for fun on the weekends? What do you do on a typical Friday night?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask An Italian: Gelato
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: mulaohu.
Our question today for Francesco....When you are craving gelato, how do you know if a place is good? What are your favorite flavors? Do you think a cup or cone is better for enjoying gelato without making a mess? Do you have any other advice for gelato fans?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask An Italian: Ready for Some Football
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: Geomangio.
Our question today for Francesco....Hey Francesco! I love soccer....I mean football. Tell me all there is to know about the Italian football! What's the best way for a tourist to catch a game? Thanks, Frank from Boston
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask an Italian: Getting Around on the Train
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: lorenzocuppini.
Our question today for Francesco....Hi Francesco! Italian trains stress me out....I was wondering if you had any advice for taking the train while in Italy. How early do I need to arrive for the train? What's the easiest way to buy a ticket? And what is the whole deal between first and second class? Would appreciate any advice you could give on how Italians take the train.
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask An Italian: Open Air Markets
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: antanask.
Our question today for Francesco....I've heard that Padova has one of the best open air markets in Italy. How often do you shop there? What do you buy? Guidebooks like to portray Italians as shopping for fresh food at the market every day, but is this reality? What are your suggestions for a tourist who wants to try shopping at a real Italian market?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask An Italian: Calabrian Food
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Image: duegnazio
Our question today for Francesco....So, you're Calabrian, huh? I've heard Italian food varies greatly from region to region. What are your favorite dishes from Calabria? What ingredients are unique to the region?
Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
Ask An Italian: Where Do Italians Vacation?
Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
Our question today for Francesco....Tourists love to come to Italy to see the great works of art in Florence, Venice and Rome. But, where do Italians go on vacation? What are some of their favorite activities? When is the busiest time for travel in Italy?
Have a question about Italy? Send us an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.
