FlorenceForFun Blog

March 8th marks International Women’s Day (IWD). Although labeled an international celebration, it is neither celebrated nor widely recognized internationally. It is nevertheless an important day (especially here in Italy) for women’s rights. In Italian, it is translated as “Festa della Donna” – literally the Party of the Woman. There are a few theories that speculate its starting point.

One theory suggests that the IWD is a commemoration of an industrial fire disaster that happened in 1911 in a New York City factory (the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory). The incident took the lives of nearly 150 people—approximately 30% of the company’s employees that where for the most part women. However, on taking a closer look, the fire actually happened on March 25th, not the 8th—and therefore, skeptics argue its verity.

Another theory suggests that the holiday began after a march for women’s suffrage was held on March 8th in 1908. More than 15,000 women gathered together and marched through New York City demanding improved social, political, and economic rights. Again this theory cannot be corroborated.

As it turns out, Festa della Donna or IWD was officially started not in 1908 but rather 2 years later, in 1910, by a German socialist, Clara Zetkin and in fact was celebrated on the 23rd of February. It wasn’t until some years later that the date of the celebration was changed to March 8th.

Zetkin proposed the idea for an international celebration dedicated to women during a Socialist International meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. Similarly there were already ideas for a Women’s Day celebration being explored in America by The Socialist Party of America.

During World War I, International Women’s Day was used to protest against the war and for peace. By then International Women’s Day was already wide-spread, evidenced by the thousands of Russian women that flooded the towns and streets of Petrograd demonstrating their sentiments. It was only after the second world war that the Italian Women’s Union—Unione Donne Italiane—recognized March 8th as La Festa della Donna, hence adapting it as an Italian national celebration.

Today in Italy, La Festa della Donna is a widely celebrated with the traditional giving of the mimosa flower. This brightly colored yellow flower is given as an expression of appreciation and respect. Here in Florence, don’t be surprised to see women walking around town with mimosa flowers in hand, pinned to their clothes, or even in their hair. While it is customary for family and friends to give the flowers to the women in their lives, many businesses and restaurants also take part in the celebration and gracefully give a branch of mimosa to the women they encounter throughout the day. It is a nice token of appreciation, and a kind reminder of the true power of all females—mother, daughter, sister, friend.

The real party begins in the evening when groups of girls go out for dinner and drinks with their female friends. It is a night when men can only be spectators!!! Aside from the cheesy nightclubs and bars that organize male strippers and other such shows, there will be special offers everywhere for girls. Free entry, free champagne, free mimosa flowers…. Take advantage ladies because Florence is not normally so female friendly!!!

We will be celebrating our femaleness at Twenty-One DiscoBar (Via Cimatori 13R near Piazza della Signoria). Saturday the 8th of March from 10pm onwards it will be all about the woman. See you there.
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Huge, colorful floats drive past large, cheering crowds as parades fill the streets and the sound of laughter and music fill the air. Bursts of confetti seem to rain from the sky. People in masks and costumes pour out of parties and masquerade balls throughout the city, spreading the celebration wherever they go.

During Carnival, the party is everywhere and anywhere. Although celebrated throughout the world in cities such as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, two of the most popular Carnival festivals are actually hosted here in Italy. Carnevale, as it is known in Italian, has found a home in the cities of Venice and Viareggio, both of which have reputations for their large, all-out festivities.

But what’s all the celebrating for anyway? Well, while many partiers don’t realize it, Carnival actually stems from religious traditions. Although starting dates vary around the world, Carnival is the season leading immediately up to Lent. In Christianity, Lent is the period of 40 days used to observe the Passion of Christ. According to tradition, parties may not be held during this time and many foods, including meat, are forbidden. There are different theories as to the origin of the name “carnival” but several of them have to do with the absence of meat during Lent fasting. One theory explains the name as coming from the Italian carne levare literally meaning to “remove meat.” Another suggests it is derived from the Latin term carne vale meaning farewell to meat, as in the last days that people could eat it before Lent.

Many people also choose to give up a vice or habit during this period of religious commemoration. Carnival then is basically a season of celebration for people to get all their feasting and partying done before the more somber time of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. This is also why traditionally, the biggest night of the season is the last one, Fat Tuesday also known as Shrove Tuesday, directly before the starting Wednesday of Lent.

Some of the most well-known traditions of Italian Carnival, however, date from as far back as the medieval age. Famous traditions like the elaborate parades and mask wearing spread from Italy to other countries like Spain, France and Portugal where they then spread farther to New Orleans and South America.

The famous Carnival of Venice, first recorded in 1268, is one of the oldest and biggest celebrations held in the world. Masks have always been a staple of the festivities, and even today they continue to be a main feature of not just the season but of Venice itself. The tradition has evolved to include in addition to the masks, full costumes for many of the people parading through the crowded Venetian streets during the season. Partiers can be seen in everything from masks and elegant traditional ball gowns to modern day comic book characters. The theme of this year’s Carnival, happening from January 25 to February 5, is “Sensation: 6 senses for 6 quarters.” Each of Venice’s six quarters will involve one of the senses such as sight, sound or touch.

Though not as old as the Venetian Carnival, another popular celebration is that of Viareggio’s in Tuscany. Starting in 1873, Viareggio’s Carnival began as a folk event and has grown into a huge celebration that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Italy and the world. It is most famous for its large paper mache floats and puppets, which usually satirize political figures or current social issues. This year’s Carnival will be a “celebration in the name of peace, love and solidarity” and is expected to draw at least 800,000 guests. The massive floats will parade down Viareggio’s viali a mare, or sea promenades, on January 20 and 27 and February 3, 5 and 10.

FlorenceForFun will offer trips to both Carnival celebrations:
The trip to Venice costs 65€ and includes private coach transportation to and from Venice, boat ride down the Grand Canal, Venice Map and culture/history information sheet and tour leader.

The trip to Viareggio costs 45€ and includes transportation, tour leader and entrance to the Mascherata, or Carnival parade.

Both trips leave from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station.

More infomation and reservations http://www.florenceforfun.org/carnival

Studying abroad in Florence has been a life changing experience. Since June, I have managed to learn some Italain, visit the surrounding cities, and for once take life easy. To take my time here one step further, I decided to take an authentic cooking class of Italian Cuisine. A lifelong fan of pasta, pizza, and any food typically Italian, the classes at InTavola seemed the logical thing to do. Plus upon returning home, I could impress my family and friends with my new cooking ?skills?. Around six thirty last Thursday, I arrived at the school located on the other side of the Arno. Fabrizio and Dominico, our chef instructors for the night, greeted me with kisses and a, ?ciao!?.

Immediately, I felt at ease and ready to get my hands dirty. The menu for the night? Gnocchi al Pesto, Lasagne Vegetariana, and Salame Dolce. Once our hands were washed and aprons on, we began. There were many other students there from all over the world (Japan, England, France, Ireland, the U.S.), some here studying Italian, others longtime lovers of Florence.
We split into four groups, two learning the recipes in Italian, and the rest in English. The atmosphere was lively, and before long we were all working as one big group, switching tables, laughing, and taking turns cooking. Fabrizio and Dominico guided us through, and came to the rescue when need be. I ,for one, definitely needed help making the gnocchi!

A few hours later, quite hungry in anticipation of our feast, we sat at the long wooden table, mouths drooling. Finally, the best part had arrived - eating our creation! It was delicious! So good, in fact, I took home some leftover desert. Yum! Once we all had our fair share, and it was time to go, Fabrizio and Dominico gave us a warm goodbye and our packet of our recipes. Now it was our turn to try it on our own.

That night was very special, it gave me the oppurtunity to learn something new, and meet some really great people. Melissa, a student at L Universita Degli Studenti said, ?…meeting people from all over the world made the lesson unique and unforgettable!?. For a small fee of 30 euro, the class is well worth it. If you have an adventurous soul, enjoy meeting new people, or just love Italian food, the classes at InTavola are for you!

For more information, contact FlorenceForFun at www.florenceforfun.org.
Or call Anna on 328 729 0848

If you�re looking to getaway and seek out more of what Italy has to offer, check out the Cinque Terre! Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore are all of the five lands you visit on this breathtaking, one day excursion! Starting from Riomaggiore, you hike through each land, ranging in distance and difficulty levels. Each of the five lands are surrounded by clear blue waters and changes of scenery which keeps the whole experience refreshing.

Jessica Hudson, a study abroad student at Lorenzo de�Medici stated, �each land has its own uniqueness that you want to explore!�

Now is the time to visit Cinque Terre, because the weather is still warm enough to swim in, and swimming in the Mediterranean water is only one of the many added benefits this excursion has to offer!

Make sure to bring a camera because the scenery is unbelievable. Oh, and be sure to wear safe footing–trust me, you�ll be glad that you did! In the end, after all the sweating, and �Did we get to the next land yet?,� the adventure is worth it and you wish you could bring back more than just the pictures! Kylee Jensen, another student at Lorenzo de�Medici couldn�t have said it any better, �I�m going back next weekend!�

No one really knows why, but Italians just have a knack for fashion, as most of the more widely known high fashion designers started in and are still based out of Italy.  Luckily for the rest of the world, they’ve got stores all over the globe to satisfy everyone’s fashion cravings.  Here’s a review of some of the European favourites. 
 

Latest high fashion trends:
Oversized handbags
Tapered pants and trousers cut at the ankle
Flats or extra high heels
Stockings
High waisted pants and trousers for women
Similar men’s and women’s lines: scarves, cropped pants, ruffled shirts, vests, short shorts
Thick belts
Gold accessories 

Vocabulary:
House: Formal name used when referring to the collections of a designer.  Ex: House of Dior

Haute Couture: The most expensive and unique high fashion line by a house.  Usually worn only on the runway or by celebrities.  Generally impractical for everyday wear.   

Pret-a-porter:  The less expensive, mass produced line by a house.  Resembles the haute couture line, but much more practical for wear.  Carried in their stores and outlets around the world. 

Sources: wikipedia.org, style.com

Has the Eurail Pass become obselete? How cheap is cheap when it comes to buying a plane ticket inside Europe?

Low-cost airlines have revolutionised the way we travel around Europe. If at all possible we will take a flight rather than catch a train or a bus and in many cases the choice is made based on the fact that now a plane ticket can cost much less.

However, do we end up travelling just as long to save as few dollars? How convenient are these airlines? Are we missing out on part of the adventure by changing the journey? Would Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have met in the Stansted Starbucks over a Frappuccino and decided to go to London during their 8 hour low-cost layover?

Starting from Florence let’s travel outwards, exploring our destination and mode of transport options whilst demystifying these low-cost airlines with their gamut of terms and conditions.

Are there low-cost flights from Florence Airport?No, the two easiest and closest airports for low-cost flights are Pisa and Bologna. However, if you are willing to catch the train to Rome or Milan your low-cost destinations broaden enormously.

How cheap is cheap?Starting from �0.01 � pretty cheap! To get the best prices from Ryanair or other low-cost airlines you need to book in advance and be flexible about your departure days and times. When you search you should always check the day before and after your ideal departure date and also if possible the following week.

From the airport to your destination?The way cheap airlines work is to use lesser frequented airports that have lower grounding costs. The travel time from your destination is usually about one hour give or take a little. For example from Florence to Pisa.

A lot of these airports have set up very good transfer services that run according to the low-cost flight schedule. You can now check their schedules and buy tickets online in advance through www.florenceforfun.org - Airport Transfers (http://www.florenceforfun.org/index.php?lng=1&id=167). In Italy, there are regular transfers to Rome airports, Milan (Bergamo), and between Pisa and Florence. For other destinations check the arrivals information on the airport website, Ryanair destinations section or google it.

This is important information to ‘Know Before You Go’ specially if you have a late night arrival or an early morning departure because the cost of a taxi is guaranteed to be more than your flight.

When is it more convenient to look at a normal airline?
When time is more important than money. www.Meridiana.it is a half way solution. It flies directly from the airport in Florence and a ticket to fly outside of Italy starts from 60 euro before tax. The airports, are in general closer to your destination city and there is food service included.

When is it more convenient to go by train?
For the countries bordering Italy it is still faster and cheaper to take another form of transport. Trenitalia have launched a SMART PRICE ticket to many of these destinations with an average cost of 29 euro one way. Ask for it at the ticket office. Book in advance. Sometimes if you have missed out on the Smart Price Ticket one way you can still get it for your return. Remember also that travellers under 26 years of age get a discount. www.trenitalia.com

Five things you need to know about Ryanair Flights (and a good indication of what to expect from other low-cost airlines)
� There is no seat allocation. First on, best dressed.
� Check-in closes 40 minutes before the flight takes off, after which time you will be denied boarding.
� The Luggage Allowance is 15kg after which you pay 4.50 pounds sterling (approx. 6.50 euro) per kilo plus you are entitled to one hand luggage weighing no more than 10kg.
� No food included with the cost of the ticket � eat before, take a packed lunch or pay the in-flight service prices (not pretty)
� All Ryanair tickets are non-refundable - except in the case of a flight cancellation or a significant flight time change.

Top Student Destinations by low-cost airlines:
Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Prague

Low-cost airline websites:
www.whichbudget.com
www.ryanair.com
www.easyjet.com
www.basiqair.com
www.myair.com
www.vueling.com

Exactly two and a half months ago I embarked on a journey I never even imagined possible. A journey that has been a remedy better than the counselling and medication my often neurotic mother suggest I take.

Exactly two and a half months ago I was stressed, depressed, over-worked and tired of taking classes that filled in my notebooks but not my brain. I was heartbroken and 10 pounds too skinny. My father, unlike my mother is a little too relaxed and hip for his age, but this time he was right, he suggested a �little time off, a little bit of fresh air� and so I left for Italy.

As soon as I got here, from day one, my load felt lighter. I was excited to be in Europe for the first time and my face just started smiling without me even trying�.it was great�but not in a million years did I expect what I got.

It’s been like I said, exactly two and half months and I�ve done what in my normal life I don�t get to do in a year. I�ve met people from all around the world and I�ve made friends that are not only characters I never knew existed, but are also my new best friends, the type that you keep forever.

I�ve had time to share my story and gotten incredible words of wisdom. I�ve had time to miss and remember whilst in Venice, time to forgive and forget within myself in Lake Como, and time for solitude and peace in Elba, where I figured many things out, alone on a beach, with just me, my thoughts and the songs that the Mediterranean sang to me.

In Florence I�ve explored pleasure, I�ve eaten massive amounts of pasta, and as a result I have gained 10 pounds -which has not effected my exploration of dating Florentine men!!! To arrive at the definite decision that I have to marry a Luca, a Mario, a Fabio or a Giacomo.

I�ve been learning the language with barely any study. I drink coffee all day because it’s an excuse to socialize. I walk around admiring again and again the beauty of this city.

Here I can do anything I want, I come and go as I PLEASE, and have learned from the Italian culture that there is nothing wrong with that.

Party??? Lets just say that I thought I had graduated with a Masters in that subject. I am a Latina that lives in Miami, clubs and bars were my playground, salsa dancing and raves at that point just routine. But in Italy, Italians do it differently and I have to admit they do it better. I have been their apprentice for this couple of months. The whole thing just has a relaxed air about it and no pressure on having fun, cause you just do.

I only have 3 weeks left until I go, that is way too little time. I hope to start a new chapter of life. Honestly I wish I could just move here. But those 3 little weeks I am certain will fit many more big experiences. I also decided to cut back a little on the �do only as I please� thing I adopted and I am now doing an internship not just to learn more about my field and make my resume stand out but also to learn from the way things get done in Italy, and to make even more new friends and to fill my brain instead of my notebooks.

Florenceforfun.org in collaboration with In Tavola cooking institute has created the perfect program for those wanting to brush up on their cooking skills �Italian style!

With chefs Fabrizio and Domenico of In Tavola, students and tourists are able to prepare and learn the techniques of a traditional Italian pasta dish.� Of course I had to take a stab at it and on the menu was Tortelli Di Patate, Raviolo Di Ricotta e Spinaci, and Tiramisu.

Equipped with aprons and the necessary ingredients before us, we divided into four smaller groups and began to prepare a feast.

I got to meet a lot of new travelers to the Florence area, including two ladies from Ireland, here to learn about the Italian culture and language.� They agreed that making the pasta from scratch was very special and something they are definitely going to try when returning home.�

Students from Washington University were able to take a refreshing break from their week and try something new. They added, �The whole environment was perfect, it�s just a great opportunity to learn Italian cooking, sure you can do it at home but it feels more personal when taught by excellent Italian chefs.��Once we were finished mixing up the sauces, rolling out the pasta dough, the air was filling up with the sweet smell of Italian�goodness. The best part of course is eating your creation!� It was just so good!

Later in the night, I got to speak with chefs� Fabrizio and Domenico and both believe that Italian cooking should be fun. They explained, �We just hope everyone can learn a little from the lessons too, you can always do something different with each dish!�

During each class you will prepare 2 first course meals and a dolce for the price of 25 euros per class.� Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 and booking is necessary before hand.� No experience is required: bring friends, bring family or make new friends while your there� Just don�t forget to bring an appetite!�

I came. I saw. I conquered Cinque Terre.� I had no idea what I was in for when deciding to hike through the five towns.

The experience: Amazing

The view: Breath-taking

A day at the beach: Of course!!

All you need is just your sneakers, bathing suit, and lots of water and you are set to go. �(Oh and your camera, do not forget that!)

We started our hike at Riomaggiore which I highly recommend.� We dropped our things off at our hotel and set off on our little adventure around 11:00.�

It was nothing but cake in the beginning but it quickly turned into my cardio workout for the entire week!� Remember to bring good quality shoes; my feet were seriously disagreeing with me half way through. We stopped at every town along the way, each so cute and different in its own way.� We went on such a gorgeous day, I couldn�t have asked for anything better.

6 hours later including a lunch stop at Vernanzza and a slight detour (we went the wrong way) we arrived at Monterosso and we�re rewarded by the beach!� We took a quick dip and decided to take the train back to Riomaggiore.� There was no way we hiking back after that trip! (molto stanca!)

After a night in Riomaggiore, we woke up to another sunny day at the beach. Perfecto! Go to Cinque Terre!

Famed for its beautiful countryside and quintessential medieval towns, it comes as no surprise that Tuscany has been used as the backdrop for many movies, both Italian and international. The appeal is understandable; thousands of tourists come to Tuscan every year to witness the scenes so often captured in the movies for themselves. It is the fusion of nature combined with slight touches of man made structures perfectly mixed that continues to make the Tuscan countryside a top tourist destination year after year. It is this same appeal that continues to draw directors to shoot their movies here. Hundreds, if not thousands of movies have been shot in Tuscany, from the Technicolor movies of the fifties to the more recent films such as The Gladiator and Life is Beautiful that have received international acclaim. The following list of movies is just a small representation of what is out there, but they capture the essence of Tuscany and certainly celebrate the beauty found around every corner in this unique and exquisite area:

1. Under the Tuscan Sun: One of the more recent and notable movies shot in Tuscany, the film takes the viewer on a journey of self-discovery through the protagonist Frances Mayes (played by Diane Lane). After going through a painful divorce, Frances, at the urging of her friend Patti (Sandra Oh) takes a trip through Tuscany and ends up making a permanent move. Through the restoration of her villa, Frances discovers new friends, Tuscany and herself.

2. The Gladiator: The famed director Ridley Scott knew he could only find the right light to portray paradise in Tuscany, specifically in the Val d�Orcia. Those who have seen the blockbuster movie will be familiar with the scene where Maximus rides back home from the war along a cypress lined path to arrive only too late to save his family. This scene is shot in the Sienise countryside. The scenes where Maximus dreams of paradise are shot instead in the Val d�Orcia, the valley most often captured in Tuscan postcards.

3. Hannibal: Another film by Ridley Scott, displays Florence in its gothic glory. Hannibal, appearing to be an expert on Dante gives lectures in Palazzo Vecchio�s Sala dei Cinquecento as well as commits his most gruesome crimes in Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Reppublica.

4. Tea with Mussolini: Presents Florence in a most tourist light. It includes all the greatest monuments in Florence such as Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the English Cemetery, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and of includes the Florentine sunsets and sunrises.

5. A Room with a View: The 1985 movie based on the E.M. Forster novel follows the artistic education of Lucy, who happens to have the perfect panorama of Florence from her room in the Bertolini pension. It is also includes the picturesque countryside accompanied by the melody of mandolins.

6. Life is Beautiful: Roberto Benigni�s masterpiece, which was awarded three Oscars (best actor, best foreign movie and best soundtrack), was set in Arezzo. The city is the ideal backdrop for the comical conquest of the beautiful schoolteacher by Benigni�s character. The city also reveals the inevitable that happens later on in the movie, with the signs prohibiting Jews and the conceit of the fascists.

7. Midsummer�s Night Dream: The Shakespearean classic is set in the town of Montepulciano, world famous for its Brunello. It includes a stellar cast of stars: Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rupert Everett, and Sophie Marceau. They all bring the text to life, although without the dark undertones found in Shakespeare�s original. The Tuscan countryside�s role is used for its folkloristic charm.

8. The English Patient: The director, Anthony Minghella, chose to film the majority of this critically acclaimed film in the monastery of Sant�Anna in Camprena, a setting most appropriate for recounting this story of burning passion. The film is also features locations such as Pienza, Montepulciano, and Versilia. Here, Tuscany was the perfect setting to accompany the tragic film.

9. The Portrait of a Lady: This period piece, starring Nicole Kidman, is set in a Luccan villa with typical Baroque gardens, a perfect setting for the story of a woman playing the part of a perfect wife to an upper class man, meanwhile inside she is a tortured woman desperate to break free. The villa mirrors this character, with its perfectly geometric fa�ade but has a dark and mysterious interior.

10. Stealing Beauty: A film by the great director Bernardo Bertolucci, a young 19 year old girl, played by Liv Tyler travels to the Tuscan countryside to find her true father, and along the way also discovers herself. The film is full of beautiful cinematography, and the colors found in the film are often compared to those used by the French Fauvists. Bertolucci combines love, drama, and art to produce an unforgettable movie.