LIFE & PEOPLE

The sun dips below the horizon, and a shroud of darkness blankets the Earth. This transition brings a dazzling burst of light that overwhelms the horizon, forcing onlookers to avert their eyes. Above the clouds, storms rage differently, with lightning …

When you contemplate a fly on the wall, I doubt that you ever imagine that fly reporting back what it has seen and heard. You know, chin-wagging about the goings-on of a body politic, dishing on gossip, scandalmongering. I doubt, …

For those yet unaware, Palermo, not only cherished by its locals but admired far and wide, harbors some unique and exclusive features that distinguish it as the capital of Sicily. It boasts the largest historical center in Europe, a title recognized …

The rituals of Holy Week, marked on the calendar this year from March 24th to March 31st, commence with Palm Sunday and feature special celebrations each day. This year, 83 Sicilian cities will honor these traditions, with many of the …

Numerous pages have been written about the migrations of Sicilians to other countries in search of a better future, among which we remember Heart in the Abyss (published by Gastaldi in 1949) by Nino Di Maria, a native of Sommatino …

John Steinbeck once observed, “People do not take journeys; it’s the journeys that take people.”  Marco Polo embodies “The Journey”—a life-altering path with an unknown destination, personifying initiative, courage, and encounter. In the year 1271, a young Marco Polo embarked on what …

 Tourism flows to Italy have returned to pre-pandemic levels, making genuine experiences elusive. But a professor’s simple tips can add meaning to your trip.  Along with spring comes wanderlust and vivid dreams of carefree summer escapes. For millions, Italy will be a …

I recently read an article by Georgia Konidari on the blog World Wide Schooling about the biggest culture shocks Americans face in Europe, and it got me thinking about how these cultural differences play out in Italy. Needless to say, …

Leonardo da Vinci’s map of Imola is a remarkable historical artifact as well as a symbol of the innovative developments in cartography during the Renaissance. Created for Cesare Borgia, this map represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of mapping …

You’re taking a leisurely stroll in the city center of Milan, Italy’s capital of elegance and fashion, when you notice people spinning on a mosaic: what on earth is going on, you wonder.  The answer is simple: you’re seeing people …