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Venice tourists may have to scrap their plans for romantic gondola rides — as the famed City of Water is in for a dry spell. The iconic rowing boats have been left stranded after a winter of little rain and snow resulted in unusually low water levels in the canal-filled northeastern city. Concerns also have mounted that Italy could be in for anothe...

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In Italy, Carnevale runs until February 23 this year while the entire month is dedicated to Heart Health in the US. I’m celebrating with a dish that will transport your taste buds to the sparkling Adriatic Sea while promoting a heart-healthy Italian diet, so I’m sharing my favorite Insalata di Mare recipe from Italian Recipes for Dummies. Seafood...

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The hum of the Piazza Delle Erbe market fading behind me, I walk down Verona’s Via Cappello to a weathered stone arch graffitied with love hearts. Through the gate, above a small courtyard, is the balcony where Juliet supposedly was serenaded by Romeo. Dozens of tourists have lined up for their “wherefore art thou Romeo” moment beneath the balcony,...

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Fora Febraro che marso xé qua, people from Veneto say: “Let’s get rid of February, March is here!” The funny expression is also synonymous with a popular tradition in the region, called the Fora Febraro, rooted in the very history of Veneto and, more specifically, in that of the Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia. In the glorious Republic of Venice,...

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On most mornings, Mylène Ebrard hops on a waterbus from her home in Giudecca, a neighbourhood of Venice with a village-like feel, and across the canal to her favourite bar, where over a hot chocolate she works from her mobile phone. The ritual has become sacred to the rhythm of her day in Venice, where the French communications specialist has live...

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Visit Venice and you’ll be hard pushed not to notice the multitude of crafts the city has to offer, not to mention the attractive architecture and fine paintings and churches (and gold!). There are the graceful gondolas, traditionally built and repaired in Zattere. There are gilded masks, marbled paper, leather goods and rainbow-coloured blown glas...

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Never mind the season, it’s always a good time to have aperitivo with friends. A great way to end the day or the working week in good company, this quintessentially Italian habit has become pretty popular around the world, where it’s also known as “happy hour.” We Italians tend to enjoy our end-of-the-day drinks with finger food of all kinds, which...

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Italy is peppered with villages – some with populations numbering less than 100 – that never cease to surprise with artistic masterpieces hidden in churches, unique local dishes, and sublime landscapes. The crème de la crème of the hamlets is recognized by the association ‘I borghi più belli d’Italia’ – the most beautiful villages in Italy. New ent...

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Filled with color, grandeur and a playful sense of derision toward class divisions, Italian carnivals are uniquely celebratory. Most regions have more than a few to choose from, so this list isn't comprehensive, but here’s what to expect at some of this year’s showstoppers: Venice, Acireale, Viareggio, Cento, Fano and Crema. One of the oldest among...

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The Veneto is primarily the land area just opposite Venice, but it includes Venice and the other islands. It is an area that has known great wealth and power in past times and today includes some excellent wine producing areas. Let’s first talk about the grapes in the Veneto. The white grapes found here are the well known Prosecco and Pinot Grigio...

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