Many of us are of Italian heritage (I am!) and many of us just love Italy. No matter in which category you fall, I bet it’s safe to say, Il Volo has awakened an interest in all things Italian in you.
When I returned from my first trip to Italy, I could not get enough Italian. I watched every Italian movie and any movie that had anything Italian in it. I took Italian language lessons, Italian cooking classes, went to more Italian restaurants (if that was possible), ate more pasta, cannoli and gelato. I attempted to get my aunts to teach me to cook some of their favorite Italian recipes. Johns Hopkins University offered a special course, “Crossing Over; The Italian-American Experience,” I took it!
I taught English lessons to a little boy who had just moved from the Sorrento area, his mother helped me with Italian after his lessons. I went to the Italian Embassy and the Italian Catholic Church in Washington, DC. I sang Italian songs (pre Il Volo) that I brought back from Italy, with my baby nieces, their favorite was Funiculi Funicula. My little nephew watched subtitled Italian movies with me but his favorite “Italians” were the lovable Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael!
After these frantic efforts to find the Italian in me, my enthusiasm waned ever so slightly – and then along came IL VOLO! There is no doubt about it; Il Volo kicked my enthusiasm level back into high gear!
Since most of you have “Italianitis” just like I do, Il Volo Flight Crew ~ Share the Love will soon launch “Italia” a new post which we will feature regularly. Our first three Italia posts will be presented by one of our very own Il Volo Flight Crew friends, mn. mn is from “north west Italy” but “has roots also spread around central Italy.” In our first ever “Italia” we are delighted to present “Bits and Pieces on Christmas Traditions in Italy” by mn. Stay tuned, it’s coming soon!
* All photos by MFA
OMG! I can’t wait for Italia! My ancestors were from Sicily – Casteltermini and Palermo. Haven’t spoken Italian in over 50 yrs but Il Volo possessed me when I first saw/heard them and now I too am taking Italian lessons. I would hope to get to Sicily/Italy before I die!
I love everywhere I have been in Italia! I really love Sicilia! Can’t wait to go back! I can’t believe I am not going to Assisi for Il Volo’s concert! I love Assisi, just love it!
I have to go back about 15 generations or so before I find any Italians in my heritage. But if that’s what I have to do, That’s What I Have To Do! I’m really looking forward to your posts! Thank you.
My wish would include a tour of Tuscany with the Il Volo Flight Crew – A wonderful group of like-minded fans of Il Volo. Diane Lane in the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” – I have read the paperback many times and watch the movie for a glimpse of Bramasole, Positano and the Amalfi Coast. The DVD “Visions of Italy” is another of my guilty pleasures.
I don’t think I have a drop of Italian blood, but that doesn’t keep me from loving All Things Italian!!! As I have written before, I envy the large, loving Italian families, the physically beautiful people, and the gorgeous country itself. Have only been once, but adored every minute that I was there!
Thank you so much, Michele, for the beautiful pictures and the background story of your love affair with Italy! I can’t wait for Italia and its Christmas Traditions. Please make it soon so that we can incorporate some of the customs into our own Christmas celebrations this year!
Helen B.
Thank you Helen! It will be very soon! Perhaps tonight!
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Outstanding! Is “Lupo” from Palermo Italian enough? My parents were from Sicily. They sang all the time, as though they were on stage. Have you ever heard of a shy Italian?
Never!
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My daughter and I saw them in Chicago this year. She told me last night that she has had two dreams that I had emailed her from Italy with pictures with Gianluca and his family. And she said, “how did she get over there and I know I didn’t pay for the trip.” She feels like someday I will visit Italy–I hope so–my dream!
This is going to be a popular and favorite feature, Michele! Who among us wouldn’t love to see Italia, the birth place of our “Guys”?
I’ve never been there, but my sister went years ago, she still talks about it. Going to enjoy this!!
I would love to see the churches of Italy some day. Thank you Michele for creating this new exciting page for us. I am learning so much with the Flight Crew, its like taking a history/ geography course. Can we get credits? Can’t wait for lesson #1! 💞💜💞
Thanks Michele for the great pictures above. I am looking forward to lessons of Italy. Hope these lessons can extend beyond Christmas. Italy sounds facenating beyond Christmas.
I love Italy too. Been there a few times, said I want to go back at least one more time before I die. My maternal grandparents were from Abruzzi, now known as Abruzzo. That means Gianluca could be a distant relative. Ha!
Spent 2 weeks in Sicily, but didn’t know about Piero then. Now I think I’d make a mad dash for Naro.
Sweet to hear of your experiences and see your lovely photos, Michele! Your sharing would make anyone want to explore Italy and even plan a trip there!
What a great idea for a feature.
Grazie molte (I hope bing did well by me! : )
~ Jeanine DuBois, Compassion’s Doorway
This feature is a wonderful idea. I have a little request – could you please label the photos so we know where they were taken? It would add so much to know just what we are looking at! And thank you so much for sharing all these lovely pictures. It makes Italia so much more real than just a word on a page.
Will definitely label them in the future. This was just a little taste of Italy to get you interested!
Oh fun! Apparently I haven’t a drop of Italian in me but I am certain one of my ancestors traveled from Italy as far as Sweden. Certain of it! Since I am currently taking Italian lessons I want to learn even more. I suppose I should be finding some Italian language movies next. Suggestions?
I just read about the new feature “Italia” that the Flight Crew will be doing. I am not Italian,but spent time with a large Italian family when I was a little girl. Three of my grandchildren are half Italian and I was just in Italy this past May. So I can’t wait for this new feature!
My 89th Birthday (that’s one year from the BIG 90) was celebrated at La Carrabba’s Italian restaurant in Athens, Ga. The manager, Tim Taylor, pulled up a chair and joined the conversation as we sipped our Bloody Mary(with the garden) celery, olives, etc. Pollo Sorrento – wood-grilled and topped with sauteed eggplant, prosciutto, fontina cheese and port wine fig sauce. Arancini – a rustic Italian fav – crispy bites of risotto, fennel sausage, red bell peppers and romano cheese, hand-breaded and served with marinara sauce for dipping. Custard with fresh raspberries for dessert. Thoughts of Il Volo Flight Crew as we enjoyed the food, fellowship and rustic atmosphere at Carrabba.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It sounds like you had a wonderful celebration! Your dinner sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing with us and being part of Il Volo Flight Crew!
Ignacio’s mom had a platter of Arancini on the table during an interview at their home a few months ago. Carrabba’s served the mini arancini – Mrs B had the large ones which reminded me of my Mom.
I think I remember the interview! Arancini – you have made me hungry!