LIFE & PEOPLE

Three local Italians and two American travelers, the love for the same land, Salento, and a great passion for travel and culture. Salento by 5 is more than a book, is a collection of woven stories, travel tips, drawings, and …

Maria Coassin is passionate about gelato. Not just its creamy texture, distinctive flavorings or even the specialty ingredients she imports from around the world: Madagascar vanilla, Sicilian pistachios, couverture chocolate from Tanzania.     Coassin loves the science of it. …

The journey from Sicily to California was an opportune one for many Italians immigrating from “the old country.” Landscape architect and artist, Robert (Bob) La Rocca’s parents both immigrated to the U.S. at an early age, growing up in San …

In a world like today’s, in which social media rule and, generally speaking, the virtual aspect of our relations is predominant over the traditional face-to-face meetings, I AM Books – Italian and Italian-American bookstore and cultural hub – brainchild of …

Author’s note: This is the first installment of a serialized story that recounts my return to Italy and my grandfather’s journey to the U.S.    My grandparents poured into me all the Italy they couldn’t fit into their children.  To …

How often have you met couples that are far from being harmonious? That is, with the partner  telling the other: “You do your thing, I’ll do mine!” and then each intent on their own passions. Nancy Olnick, an hardcore New Yorker, …

Whether you choose to drive through the heel of Italy, from Lecce to Otranto, or from the Ionian to the Adriatic coast, the breathtaking town of Poggiardo – delicately hued, simply yet uniquely elegant – is a pleasant stop for …

Never as before the topic of immigration has been affecting the socio-political life of Europeans, and Italians in particular. However, considering the current situation a novelty would be a mistake, as the phenomenon has been part of the very history …

Tourism is one of the main motors of Italian economy, but something has been going awry in the past few years. Senseless mass tourism hasn’t really done all that good to Italy’s small economy: our “botteghe” and small restaurants have …

This is Vitalia Tours and Celebrations’ invitation to each of its guests. Anyone that joins the Vitalia adventure signs on for an “experiential tour” of beautiful Italy, the opportunity to be fully immersed in Italian culture for the duration of …