Italian Online community - Italian forum - Parliamone: General Discussions

Update to "Emilia-Romagna in September"

ursiglass — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:20:25 GMT

Yes, we did go to Italy.
Yes, we LOVED it!
No, the driving was NOT terrible!!!
I NEED to go back again. Like tomorrow�

Before I get started, I wish to thank all the wonderful Italians, who made such an effort to understand us, and to help us when we had questions. THANK YOU for speaking English and being SO VERY FRIENDLY.
We had the most wonderful time on our waaaay too short adventure to the Parma area. Thanks to many good suggestions from friends here at Life in Italy we traveled well prepared. Equipped with the Michelin Italy Tourist and Motoring Atlas, the Authentic Emilia-Romagna book from the Touring Club of Italy, and a brand new Garmin Nuvi 200 with European Maps, we flew from Frankfurt, Germany to Milan-Linate, picked up our rental car (Diesel - yeah!). We arrived in the evening so we were glad to have the Garmin. The traffic was light so we got to Parma quickly. The one and only mishap occurred at the tollbooth where I directed my husband (sweet thing drove the entire time we were in Europe) to the booth for credit cards only. Another vehicle had pulled up behind us but when he realized we had goofed, he graciously backed up and let us back out -- no honking, no words. (A big Thank You to the very considerate motorist). Our B&B (Il Conte Giacomo in Viarolo -- I will provide links below) was about 10 km outside of Parma. The Garmin directed us some VERY narrow one lane roads, but we got there close to midnight. Our host waited up for us and showed us to our comfortable room. In the morning we were spoiled with a wonderful breakfast, and we were delighted that the place was just as charming and pretty as on the website. We didn�t have much of a plan since we like to �wing it�. First on the list was Parma. What a city. I immediately fell in love. Old fashioned and very modern and elegant at the same time. We looked like real tourist: just gawking as we walked. We couldn�t see enough and walked and walked. I hugged my husband several times in the middle of the city because it was his idea to go here. -- The day was capped off by a wonderful Pizza at Euridice in Baganzola (actually Parma, in back of the Fiere de Parma). We had four more days, in which we traveled to Ozzano Taro, and visited Monte delle Vigne, a delightful very modern winery, and sampled their Lambrusco and Malvasia bottlings. Yum. Then just took a ride through the mountains to Berceto. - We went to Modena, which had an entirely different �feel� than Parma, but was equally lovely and interesting, then Ravenna. That was a �must see� for me because of the most wondrous mosaics. We would have loved to have a quick look at the Adriatic, but time ran out. For another day trip we chose Salsomaggiore. Again, lots to see but very relaxed. Every day we came back and spent the late afternoon in Parma. We had lovely food and I miss my daily portion of Prosciuto crudo. Within walking distance of our B&B was the most wonderful restaurant, Gelmino, run by a husband and wife team, who treated us like royalty. It has an excellent rating, and the food was superb. (Cucina tipica Parmigiana)-- We went back to my Mom�s in Germany with 1 kg of Parmegiano Reggiano, and 500g of excellent Salami, made right there in Viarolo.

We REALLY ENJOYED the driving: there was no dilly-dallying. The signage was excellent. We had no problem with gas/diesel prices, as we are familiar with the rates. We used parking garages, which were clean and easy, and - in my opinion - not expensive. Being from Germany, I am used to clean surroundings, but I think the Italians have the Germans beat! Everything was spotless. We perused some grocery stores, where I regretted not having a kitchen available. Especially with the wealth of wonderful LOCAL fruit and produce, but the good food at the various restaurants made up for it. - As you can gather, I�m totally smitten with Italy and just MUST go back. Soon. We are planning for 2010, and we hope our health (and money) holds up until then�

I just have one restaurant question: do you HAVE to keep the Coperto, which is served at every meal (and which we don�t care about), and which we were charged for (between �3 and �6 for 2). I saw them served to every diner, and nobody declined them.

We came home with many wonderful memories. If you want more info about the area, I'll try to supply it.

If you are interested you can look at some of my photos here: Picasa Web Albums - Ursel - An Italian Ad...

here are my favorite places:
B&B: Il Conte Giacomo, Via Matteo Maria Boiardo, Posta di Viarolo, Parma - IL CONTE GIACOMO - (very charming English-speaking owner Marco Cantelli)

Ristorante Gelmino, Cucina tipica Parmigiana, Via Provinciale 0521 605123
Ristoranti Parma - Ristorante Gelmino - Viarolo Fidenza **

Euridice , Strada Rota Ligneres, Baganzola (Parma), 0521 603014
Pizzeria Euridice Baganzola **

(**this is not their website, just info and a picture about the restaurant)

Monte Delle Vigne, Via Monticello 13, Ozzano Taro (Parma) 0521 309704
Azienda vinicola Monte delle Vigne Winery

Please Help Me Find This Couple

Fiat 125 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:59:02 GMT

Hello

The short story goes like this - On the 30th of Oct 2009 I was walking along 'Main Beach' on the Gold Coast in Australia when I noticed a digital camera that had washed up on the beach. I'm no marine biologist but by the amount of crap attached to the camera I guessed it had been there at least a month if not longer.

Because I love my planet etc etc, I decided to pick it up and put it in the nearest bin. Then my imagination got the better of me.

I wonder whats on the memory card?

Would it still be OK?

I decided then to keep the camera - smash it open and sus out the pixels.

I gotta be honest - I was kinda hoping to find some movie footage of a couple of tourists in snorkeling gear looking quite distressed and screaming 'HELP US - THEY LEFT US BEHIND' then handing the camera to a nearby dolphin who would send for help. Or pics of aliens someone took before they were beamed up and probed in ways that only sick people would pay for. Hell I would have been happy if it was just pictures of last years 'schoolies' shananigins.

Anyway it turned out the memory card was ok and contained 292 pictures of some couple and their travels.
From the pictures I'm guessing they are back packers. The only good clue is the tattoo on the guys back which contains an Italian flag. That's all I got to go off.

To me the pictures mean nothing but to them they probably mean alot and I'm making it my mission to return the memories back to the owners. There are some really dodgy shots in there, I mean if you take a picture of the floor or a picture is so out of focus it could be anything then seriously - delete it - that's the beauty of digital. Anyway I'm rambling and this was to be a short story.....

Ive have never personally lost my camera while traveling but I have had all my film destroyed at the photo lab apon returning. "oh your film destroyed, we have blackout, all gone, have free roll of film" ........ @#$% YOU !!! ....... It really sucks to lose those images that you traveled forever to capture.

So please help me find them. If you recognise this couple then please let me know. If you have any information at all about them please let me know. They could still be in Australia or back in Italy or they could be anywhere. I would appreciate it if you could forward this to your friends especially if you have any in Italy.

I have tried looking at contacting Italian newspapers like Tempo and Messagero in Italy but the websites are in Italian and my Italian is very rusty.

There are some more photos of them here too
Do you know this couple?? | Facebook

Also if you have any suggestions in how i could find them please let me know

If this message does find you - you crazy mystery couple - then please mail me back (ihaveyourpixels@gmail.com) and either send me a photo of yourself as proof of identity or give me a description of your camera and the photos on it.

Thanks
Dave

Attached Images

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Marrazzo scandal, what do you think about?

Enzoxxx24 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:34:26 GMT

The major Italian newspapers and television in recent days, focused on the scandal that has involved the former president of the Lazio region (following the resignation) Piero Marrazzo (here below with his wife).

Initially, the scandal was linked to the policemen who had blackmailed Mr. Marrazzo threatening to spread a compromising video that show him that he consume cocaine with transsexuals.

The papers speculate that the video did not exist and was a trick, but after the interrogation in which it was under Mr. Marrazzo, revealed the existence of the video.

The fact would be equally serious if mr. Marrazzo had been an ordinary person because he is married and has also made use of cocaine, but to aggravate the situation is his positions of president of Lazio region.

The first thought that arises spontaneously is: how can a person that have a role so important take cocain, risk of losing lucidity in any important decisions?

Thanks for your attention.

Bye ;)

Urgent Information Needed

ahmadtau — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:31:11 GMT

Hi! someone can please tell me that if Wind mobile italy deduct charges on Text Message Recieving. If yes, what are the charges if Message is from some other countries.
Thanx

My Poem about Italy

Aussie Phil — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:26:13 GMT

Cathedrals

Peering through the cracks of the fence
The ill favoured apprentice
Cranks his eye to see that which
Seperates him from the mysteries of the masons
That pass their secrets to their children
and their children's children
To found towns and cities

Dwarfed by the building, the servant of God
Edits his words with bent back.
With thin fingers and leather hard stomach
And empty scrotum resting on the hard bench
A stuttering candle pounces it's shadow
on the parchement
of pronouncements
to be justly considered by dextrous minds.

With a guide who speaks four languages
Endlish being thankufully one.
WE cross the floor And place our feet
upon the very spot where an emperor once stood

While our Guide drones on
WE dart to a bancarella to purchase
a souveneir bottle opener.

Marco Massini "L'Italia" lyrics in Eng. please.

Aussie Phil — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:30:57 GMT

I have caught bits and pieces of this song played over our one Italian radio station here in Oz. And every time I have heared it the hairs have stood up on the back of my head, and I have felt a quiver because something inside me knows instinctivly that this is a very important song. I don't understand much Italian, I'm working on it but it's slow progress.

Today, I finally discovered the name of the recording artist and the title of the song thanks to some very advanced technology. And I love the song even though I have only a vague idea on what it's about.

The best translation that I can obtain is this very unsatisfatory one......
Can you find a better translation??

And 'one country to Italy where everything goes wrong
said my grandfather, who was South
think of it in many suspected communists
and no ...

E 'one country Italy that govern their
he said my father c'aveva a job
and believed in priests who sought the votes
anche a Dio... also to God ..

And 'one country to Italy, where a wall bisecting
wealth more absurd by the usual shit
couples gay couples from normal
Italy is a country that remains between the posts
come Zoff... Zoff as ...

E 'a country's Italy girls raped
the caresses of a herd grew
dentro gabbie dorate golden cages
Italy is a country where everything ends up
in eterno tears we pay in installments for ever
pierced through the hands of the parties of the day

all'Italia have given Italy
to fly in the skies over Europe
miserable fucks.

And 'one country to Italy, where the soul dies ultra
n ecstasy, in the lives emptied
hunger of the new masters
taly is a country that c'ha broke my balls!

But Italy is a country that plunges into the sea
is an old song that we want to go sing
because if ignorance is the mother of nothing
and everything remains as
in your dreams there is still innocent smell
of an Italy that awaits her love story.

Classe di ferro

Minister — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:51:25 GMT

Good day, folks,
I'm realy not sure if this is the right place to post, but I'm looking for this incredibly funny military serial, shown in 1989. I've searched all the possible torrent/p2p networks, still no luck. Any advices? :)
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classe_di_ferro

Bond, Italy

Craig Starkey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:57:41 GMT

I am trying to find a city by the name of Bond. My friend that I work with is trying to find some information on his heritage and traces his Dad back to Bond, Italy. If anyone has any information. Let me know. Thanks.

Just curious

Giacomo — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:34:31 GMT

Does anybody know how many posts somebody must make in order to be considered a "Noted member"? Also, there used to be a section that listed the members who made the most posts for the week. I can't seem to find it. Does this still exist?

Italian men are ranked third best lovers in the world

The Russian — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:34:30 GMT

Dear Italian men,

My warmest congratulations to you all! Russian newspaper ranked you third best lovers in the world. Spanish and Brazilian men are ranked 1st and 2nd respectively.

Enclosed below is the link to the article. Unfortunately it is in Russian :-(
NR2.Ru: �� / 29.09.09 / �� – ��

I'm truly happy for you all! And I personally very much agree with the ranking (I would give Italian men first place if it would be up to me. The passion that you have is incredible!!!)

Your admirer, the Russian
PS just an FYI, I was engaged to an Italian man. Of course it is not possible to jugde about the whole nation from one GREAT (REALLY GREAT) experience :-)

Help 2 Italians who want to work in America

enzo86 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:04:08 GMT

Good evening,
We are two young Italian, Vincenzo De Raco and Mauro Rana, we live in Italy in a small village in the province of Bari (Puglia). Our dream would be to come to work and live in America. We are 23 years old, completely self-sufficient, both graduates with work experience in information technology and catering and with a good knowledge of English. By visiting the website of your community, we wondered whether any of the members may be interested in a job offer (Part-time or not) or perhaps to advise us where to find it. We would like to specify that we are serious and determined to work very hard.
We hope very much in your response or your advice.
Sincerely from
Vincenzo De Raco
Mauro Rana

(e-mail: drac05@libero.it)

P.S.: This is a translation of another post, i am sorry for the repetition, but may be not all of you understand the Italian message

Buying Cookware in Rome

jocund624 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:24:05 GMT

Hey, I am planning to buy some cookware in Rome,and noted that Lagostina is quite good, please let me know your opinion. And most important, do any one have a hints on the price of it, Thanks!

What's up with peace/victory hand sign?

Carlo in America — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:13:35 GMT

I am just curious what's up with young Italians displaying the peace/victory hand sign (index and middle finger in shape of a V)?

I have seen this quite a bit in photos of young people from Italy. I was just reminded of it on the main Life in Italy page that has an article featuring the new Miss Italia. In the photo she is displaying the sign.

Is there some special significance or is it just a current fad (like it was in the USA back in 1960/1970's)?

Grazie,
Carlo

Help with song lyrics

Tompie913 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:57:21 GMT

I was watching the intro to the video game Gran Turismo 4, its title of course Italian in itself, and I was wondering what the lyrics to the song at the beginning meant. I'm not even certain they're in Italian, though the only other thing I'd imagine is Latin. It can be heard at the beginning of

this Youtube video

.

Grazie in anticipo.

Things about Italy you never forget!

Calimero — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:36:03 GMT

I was prompted to start this thread by the specualtion about my name (Calimero) which was the name of a little 'misfit' chicken in Italian TV adverts of the 60's and 70's.
Several You Tube copies of old TV adverts have been posted on the "Welcome" thread including one about Calimero.

But this brought back memories of my favourite little guy who was the ad for L'Agostina saucepans and pressure cookers. If anyone could get in a mess - he could. Perhaps I should have used his name and not Calimero's...:rolleyes:

But here he is in one of the ads. The language is Italian - but it is NOT a barrier I assure you! Enjoy!

YouTube - Lagostina

What is your favourite TV ad?