Burnt by the Tuscan Sun

• Mussolini comes to Washington 11 months ago Propaganda • Politics • Public Works • the Bully Pulpit Four Trump plays from the Mussolini handbook Not long ago, President Trump quipped that maybe President for Life is a pretty good deal. From where I sit in Rome, it’s hard to tell on some days, who said it better? Trump or Mussolini? ...
• Italian Espresso vs American Coffee...What not to order on your next trip to Italy 2 years ago I grew up watching those Hogan's Heroes episodes ... they'd stand around...wishing for something hot and then spit out whatever it was they'd be served, usually coffee. BC Comics called it swill. With all that bad press, it's a wonder how any of us grew up to be coffee drinkers. And while I'll take...
• Shopping in Italy...What are they thinking?! 2 years ago I've said it once. I'll say it again. The entire country is in dire need of Marketing 101. While Customer Service has greatly improved in this internet world (tho' you can still read replies to complaints if you want to get a big kick out of things in the world wide web), I still can't for the life...
• America Votes...and the World Trembles | #TheTrumpEffect on Italy 2 years ago I watched, stunned, from my balcony window as the streets started teeming with protesters, heading over to the American Consulate nearby. I was nervous my car - bearing  Michigan license plates - would be vandalized in a day that left “Fuck America” writ on the Consulate walls. In seemingly a...
• Italian Fashion: Dress for Success 2 years ago A woman recently posited over on Facebook:Why do I dress 'nicely' for a quick trip to the market just to go out for some bread? I mean, I love dressing up, but really? When you just need to step out for a second? Does anyone know what I'm talking about?Bella Figura. That's what she's talking...

Unfortunately, no-one has been kind enough to leave a quick positive comment on this expat blog. Be the first!