I am an Italian American who is very proud of his background. My great grandparents were born in Caserta and came here when they were very young. Being Italian is just so great! I love the food, the culture, and my family. I am here to learn more about the true Italian way of life. In my family we have kept up with many of the traditions passed down to us from Italy. You know, the pastiera at easter time, the seven fishes (la vigilia) sunday dinner with the family, and of course some of the Italian dialect that my family brought over to America.

However, I know that the Italian-American way of life is so different from the true Italian way of life. I am here to learn more about what everyday life is like in Italy. I only wish that I had taken more of an interest in my culture when I was a child!

I hope to hear from many of you so we can discuss some of these things!

Ciao!

Giacomo

Benvenuto Giacomo.
Your name reminds me of the 3 comedians Aldo Giovanni e Giacomo.
You want to know something more about modern Italy: Try to get one of their comedies with English Subtitles : Cosi' e' la Vita - La Leggenda di Al John e Jack are available with Subtitles.

Life in Italy is struggling to represent Italian Life in year 2000 - not 1900 so I think you are at the right place.
Ciao

Can you visit Italy? I am taking my wife to Bolsena (pop. about 4000) this fall so she can see what it's like. No fancy "touristy" things involved.

Rent an apartment for a month or so some place in Italy. Attend
a school and learn Italian. Immersion is the best way to learn
the Italian language and culture. This is what I did last summer
in Perugia. Spoke only Italian for over a month. $450 for a month's rent.(euros that is)
Plan on doing this again next summer.

Hi!!!
I'm an Italian college student. I live in Milano. I was just surfing on the internet and I came to this website.
Why am I replying to u?
4 years ago I went on an exchange program in AZ, in Phoenix. I spent 11 months there with an italian/american family. I went to high school, I graduated and I had the chance to travel a lot: I basicly visited all the biggest cities in the US. When I first got there I was really surprised about the curiosity and enthusiasm people had about Italy, food and culture but I soon realized that they had kinda wrong ideas (in particular about italian dishes). So I became almost a cook for my family and friends so that they could discover real italian food ( I made pizzas and tiramisù)
My experience there was awesome. I would like to do it again. I swear I'll go back there sooner or later!!!
I'm glad that u are interested in Italy (the true life in Italy) so I'll answer every question u want to ask me.
ciao
Giulia