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NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2004
 
Il Bollettino di Gina
Febbraio 2004
Celebrating Ten Years of Italian Adventures!

 Valentine’s Day

 Welcome to this month’s edition of Il Bollettino di Gina.  Last month I shared my experience with the Italian tradition of La Befana. This month, I think it natural to share the tradition of San Valentino or Saint Valentine.  Did you know that Valentine’s Day is an outgrowth of the Roman Empire?  Back under the rule of Claudius, young couples were prohibited from marrying. Claudius set forth this rule because he wanted to maintain a big army. A young Roman priest was not fond of Claudius or his rules.  He secretly married young couples until one evening when he was caught.  He was thrown in jail and was sentenced to death. During his time in jail, he befriended the daughter of the prison guard. On the day he was to die, he left his little friend a note thanking her for her kindness and friendship. He signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”  This note started the custom of exchanging love messages on the day people remembered the holy priest, Valentine.  In the USA, Miss Ester Howland is given the credit for sending the first valentine cards.  Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800’s.  This spirit of good continues with sentimental verses exchanged even by our children at school. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 2004/ 2005

Line-up

Offers more options

 In January, I offered you a 2004 schedule including, Walk, Wine & Dine, Intro to Italy, A Slice of Italy, Gourmet Opera and an Immersion Italian Language Class.

With the introduction of two more tour itineraries, the options are greater than ever.  A Portrait of Italy, offers 9, 12 and 15-day opportunities to visit off the tourist track sites, enjoy the company of private local guides, fine food and memories ad infinitum. These drafts can be customized for four, six and eight participants.

Food, Friends and Fun is an attractive package of 8 days for all those who like to mix food, wine, culture and sites with an additional twist.

Whether you like to cook or just enjoy the end results this trip is for you. Learn secrets from four well-known chefs who will teach recipes that have made them famous.  Visit with a sommelier at dinner and discover how he combines foods with appropriate wines. This tasty experience is limited to four people.

For more information, please write me at: A Portrait/ FFF

Read on for the flexibility of schedules. The earlier you sign up for a tour the more likely you will have your choice and opportunity for better airfares. This is the YEAR to travel.
 
 May Options In May any of the 8-9 day tours are available, namely, A Slice of Italy, A Portrait of Italy or Food, Friends and Fun.
 

June/July Fun

 In June and July in an effort the stay cooler and away from the throngs of people, enjoy Walk, Wine & Dine, A Portrait of Italy, Food, Friends and Fun and Gourmet Opera (think Carmen, Madame Butteryfly, Il Corsaro and  Il Nabucco) . For those restricted by work schedules, Intro to Italy is still available.

 
August Getaway For three idyllic weeks, students will study with a private tutor in a small Umbrian town nestled high in the Apennines. On off days, they will use their new knowledge during field trips and day trips to lovely towns in the area. An easy jaunt to Rome is on the agenda.

 
September Experience Walk, Wine & Dine is showcased in September. This is a lovely month to visit the historical sites, eat the fabulous fresh food and drink the excellent wines of the districts. I will be making a special presentation on this tour the first week of March. Should you like to be included please contact me at: Walk, Wine & Dine Promo

 
October Colors October is a perfect month to offer any of the itineraries presented thus far.  The choice is yours. Walk, Wine & Dine, Food, Friends and Fun,

A Portrait of Italy, Intro to Italy, Slice of Italy are excellent choices during the fall colors and harvests.

 
November Jaunt The cooler air is lovely for Slice of Italy. Anyone on a tight time frame will be drawn to this itinerary.
 

Note: Gather your own group of travelers and select your timing and tour. For customized tours write me at: Cutomized tours
Don’t be left behind. If you have ideas of travel in 2005, contact me. I will block out times that are of interest to you.
 
Thank you for your attention to this month’s news. Feel free to share any or all information contained in this newsletter with your family and friends. You can add your name by emailing me at: info@ginasitaly.com. Should you wish to be removed from my mailing list please contact me at: Remove

Until our next issue..
CIAO,  
Gina

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  Revised:08.24.2007