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NEWSLETTER MARCH 2005
 

Il Bollettino di Gina’s Italy
Marzo 2005
 
Let’s celebrate!  Carnevale is a big celebration throughout Italy. Carnevale is commonly known as Mardi Gras or Martedi’ Grasso.  One easily conjures the scene of the famous carnevale of Venice when many citizens and tourists parade the tiny calli with elaborate masks and period costumes.  The days preceding Ash Wednesday are celebrated as a throw back to the days people gave up all parties with friends and fasted until Easter.  While I was in Umbria in February, just before Ash Wednesday, I saw many children dressed up as young damsels or handsome princes walking through the piazzas with their parents. How they celebrated!  The bigger celebration, though, comes at Easter.  Festivals of various types will take place in every little town.  The most famous is the “Scoppio del Carro” in Florence. The first record of this event is before 1000AD.  At a particular part of the Easter Mass, a dove is lit. It travels from the main altar to a cart outside in the square. When the dove makes contact with the cart a series of fireworks are set off.

In Bormio, Lombardia, an Easter parade with allegorical carts representing the districts of the town walk throughout the street for hours. In Sulmona, Abruzzo, a series of doves are released, the church bells sound while citizens take part in a folklore festival through the streets.

Just before Easter, pastry shops everywhere prepare the famous Colomba (dove) bread/cake.  Its form and dusting of powdered sugar evidences the dove-like shape.

The Colomba is as traditional as our hot cross buns. What would Easter morning be without them? Dull?

During this period before the celebration, I hope you prepare for a great festival.

I send my wishes for an early Easter and Buona Pasqua greeting.

Gina

 

2005 Trips

 

This year’s line up is quickly filling. The immersion class is complete and ready for the April start date. The travelers of Heart of Italy are making last minute requests to finish the roster of events. A Grand Tour includes the MUST SEE stops of Rome and Florence. In between we are visiting off-the-beaten track sites in Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. WHAT FUN! By the way, two more spaces are available for this exciting tour.  Walk, Wine & Dine says it all. We will enjoy the culture of Italy in grand style with walks to famous locations, architecture, great cuisine, fine wines and a private wine tasting. Here too, we are seeking two more travelers to explore and delight in Italy with a twist.   

A Grand Tour and Walk, Wine and Dine include a visit of a famous Renaissance country villa and gardens.  The travelers of Meet Italy are ready to begin their visit of Venice, the Veneto, Florence, a day in the country and Rome. These 8 friends are pacing their excitement because they want to leave yesterday. Meet Italy has been a 2-year dream work in progress of its organizer. You too, can dream Italy and gather your friends for a customized adventure!!! Write me for details at: Dream Italy

 

Casanuova

Di

Ama

Olive Oil

 

This year’s product is exceptional!  Many of you have told me how elated you are at the flavor and quality of this year’s press.  How could it be better than before when before it was already outstanding?  It is with great pleasure that I alert you that more of this precious product is on its way to my doorstep. Olive oil makes a lasting gift for anyone who prepares the simplest caprese salad or steamed vegetables.  If you are looking for a nice hostess gift, birthday gift, a ‘just because’ gift you will find a good supply of gift bottles at Pomegranate. It is slightly off the beaten path at 20410 River Mall Avenue. 541-383-3713. While you are there you can peak at the new pieces from La Mastro Giorgio ceramics of Gubbio, Italy.To order directly, contact me immediately at: Casanuova di Ama
 

 2006

Offerings

 

 

Yes it is time to look ahead to 2006!  Gina’s Italy has already inserted a Walk, Wine & Dine in May, an Immersion Class in September and another Walk, Wine and Dine in October.  Now is the time to contact Gina’s Italy for that particular request or custom group of friends who want to travel in a most personal and unique way.  Time slots for tours are few.  Write me soon to make your travel dream come true. 
Intro to Italy is an impressive tour for anytime of year. If you are an intrepid traveler looking for a good deal, think of off times like November, February and March.
The new tours in 2005; A Grand Tour and Heart of Italy will definitely find their way back on the calendar.
A Slice of Italy fits the person with a tight schedule. For more information, I invite you to my website: www.ginasitaly.com


Travelpro

Luggage


Travelpro was designed and perfected by an airline pilot. The original Rollaboard is known as a sturdy, well built, and superior piece of luggage. Everything else is just a copy.  Special discount pricing is available from now until Easter. You will see discounts from 40% to 60% off of MSRP.
Is there a graduate, a wedding or an anniversary in your future?  Reliable luggage that can take the abuse of today’s travel world is a superb gift. Contact me for styles and pricing. info@ginasitaly.com
 

New York New York

To all my newsletter friends in the New York City region, I will be in the area just before Easter. If you would like to talk to me or meet me to discuss future travel plans please contact me. It would be nice to put a face to a name.  I hope to hear from you.


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If you are planning travels to Italy and need some advice, hotel reservations, train information or private guides, remember Gina’s Italy is your key for travel to& within Italy.
 

Thank you for your time and attention to this issue of Il Bollettino di Gina’s Italy.
I hope to hear from you regarding one of the inserts.
Come join Gina’s Italy and really discover Italy!

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  Revised:08.24.2007