Show Notes
What exactly is merletto al tombolo? Well, it is a very old art form that harks back to the age of Caterina de' Medici. It is an antique way of making lace by hand. Anna Maria Gherardi, who lives in Arezzo, has done this type of work since she was a girl and during her childhood, Debora remembers hearing the noise the spools of the threads made always in the background as her mom worked on her roundtable creating pieces of lace that she put together later to make things like napkins and tablecloths.
More from Tutti Matti per l'Italiano!
Get ready! Hold on to your horses (or should I say your lance?) because I'm going to tell you about the Giostra del Saracino. This most thrilling and exciting event occurs in Arezzo every June and September! What is the Giostra del Saracino? It's a medieval jousting tournament that dates back to the 13th century, and it's held in the beautiful Piazza Grande, the heart of Arezzo's historic center. You can experience the Giostra del Saracino with me this year. Listen on! Ascolta bene!
In a new podcast, I take to Ascoli Piceno, where I'm planning a new Italian Language Program this September. Here is a chance to meet some of the teachers and the school director with whom I am partnering this September to organize a small group Italian language program in le March in the town of Ascoli Piceno from September 11 - 23, 2022. We also go on a short walking tour with Antonella the director of the school. There are still openings available for the 2022 Ascoli Piceno Italian Language Program! Join us this September 2022!
The Studentessa Matta discusses 5 learning difficulties that many language students encounter and the things they can do to keep their "language learning" boats from faltering and sinking but instead keep their boats afloat, getting them back on track so they can continue full steam ahead!! Follow along with the Youtube Video with transcripts in both Italian and English on the www.StudentessaMatta.com website
This was an incredibly delightful day! The Studentessa Matta Bookclub met Silvia Zucca the author of "Guida Astrologica per cuori infranti" to discuss her book that inspired the hit Netflix series of the same name! In the beginning, when I had this idea to start an Italian book club and I chose Silvia's book, to begin with, I joked "who knew… at the end perhaps we could even meet the author!" Magical things happen when you speak Italian! Big thanks to the women who participated in the Matta Italian Book club and to Silvia Zucca for a wonderful chat and the opportunity to get to know you and talk with you about your work.
Learn more about Ascoli Piceno, the town in le Marche, where I plan the next "Matta" Italian Language Immersion Program with the Accademia Linguistica Scuola directed by Antonella Valentini and her staff of dedicated teachers. Join me in this charming town, immerse in language and culture, and take your Italian skills further.