Italian House Numbers

House numbers in Milan and many other cities are usually standard and boring, like this: . But sometimes you find interesting and unusual ones, so I’ve decided to collect them. You might also like: Watching Cricket in Sydney

Italian Seasons

January 1 – New Year’s Day6 – Epiphany Smog Days February 14 – San Valentino March 8 – Festa della Donna(Women’s Day)Carnevale Italian Winter Weather April Pasqua (Easter) Holiday Treats May 1 – Labor Day Cambio di Stagione June 2 – Republic Day July Air-ConditionedCommuting with NatureSummer Fun August 15 – FerragostoSummer Holidays Feeling the… Continue reading Italian Seasons

Keeping Cool, Italian Style: Energy Efficiency and Home Safety, All in One

Although it’s hot here in the summer, Italy’s not big on air conditioning, preferring to rely on older methods for keeping cool. Most Italian buildings are naturally insulated, being made of concrete, brick, or stone. The older they are, the thicker the walls, which of course adds to the insulation. Windows are protected by shutters,… Continue reading Keeping Cool, Italian Style: Energy Efficiency and Home Safety, All in One

Leaving Italy: The Practicalities

On March 31st, 2008, my residence in Italy was officially revoked. This was easy to accomplish. A few days before, Enrico and I had gone together to Lecco’s Ufficio dell’Anagrafe (I guess a reasonable translation would be “Population Records Office”). This is where you go to record transfers of residence (within Italy), births, deaths, and… Continue reading Leaving Italy: The Practicalities