Sicily is Mafia

Italy-image-1

Actually, it isn't, but that is the stereotype which affects Italy's southern island.  Some would blame the Godfather movies for engraving this image on Sicily.It is true that organized crime is a problem in Sicily, but that does not make all Sicilians criminals.  The problem for Sicilians is … [Read more...]

England is Sixty Years Behind Italy, and Suppresses Underwear!

Perusing Italy's press as I often do, I came across a letter on the website of the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero which caught my eye because the title was "Osservazioni dall'Inghilterra" - in English: "Observations from England".Ah, I thought, this will be interesting - the opinion of an … [Read more...]

CapoSud Magazine – Raising Cultural Awareness in Italy

CapoSud's April/May Edition Cover

In that land of contrasts which is Italy, at one end of the spectrum, we have the Lega Nord which has been labelled as being xenophobic, right wing, and racist, and despite attempts to water down this impression, most probably is alas, and then we have socially aware politicians, such as Nichi … [Read more...]

Mike Bongiorno – the Quiz Show Host who United Italy

Mike Buongiorno 1924-2009

I've no idea how many people outside of Italy have heard the name Mike Bongiorno, or may even know that he recently passed away.  I would not imagine either that many would believe a television personality is credited with uniting Italy.For the uninitiated, Mike Bongiorno was basically a … [Read more...]

Is Life in Italy So bad?

At the end of the day, despite bickering politicians and dodgy organisation, life in Italy is not that bad.Certainly up here in Milan things work.  The ride is a bit bumpy at times and things could be better organised, but if you get ill, you get treated - for free.  Children do get an … [Read more...]