Francesco Cossiga Understood Italy

For those who did not know, Francesco Cossiga, who died yesterday, was an Italian politician and one time President of Italy.  Cossiga hailed from Sardinia, was a fan of John Le Carre, and had earned himself the nickname “the pickaxe”, owing to his outspoken criticism of other Italian politicians.

Cossiga was quite a controversial character, but despite this, seems to have been widely respected by both friend and his foe alike.  I was told by Ray Lamothe, an Italian of American origins who runs a few businesses in Tuscany, that Cossiga was a wily chap who never made it too clear on which side of the fence he stood. Cossiga was bright too, having completed his law degree by the age of 20, which in Italian terms is exceptionally young, seeing as the vast majority of Italian graduates don’t leave Italian universities until they are brushing 30.

This being Italy I suppose it is conceivable that Cossiga’s family paid for their son’s degree, but this seems unlikely in view of his work and powers of perception. Even old enemies the notorious Red Brigades which subjected Italy to a tidal wave of terrorism in the 1970s acknowledged that Cossiga was one of the few who tried to understand what motivated them.

Cossiga certainly did make some wild sounding claims later on in life as you will discover if you keep reading.  But he was someone who understood what makes Italy tick. … Continue Reading

First Steps with iPhone 4 in Italy

Having resisted the temptation to go for an iPhone 3, I capitulated and went for an iPhone 4, signing along the dotted line of a Vodafone contract last week.  What convinced me to go for the iPhone 4?

My other half has had an iPhone 3, provided her employer, for some time.  She works in the antiques trade in Italy and antiques dealers make extensive use of photographs.  The camera on the iPhone 3 takes pretty good quality photographs, so it makes the iPhone 3 a very useful tool for those working in the antiques dealing world.  Then there is the ease with which photos can be emailed or moved to a computer.  Actually, it’s the overall simplicity of the iPhone which is appealing.

Then, there are the fast becoming legendary iPhone applications, or ‘apps’ as they are known in Apple’s ‘i’ world.  The sheer number available is virtually overwhelming.  There is an app for just about everything you can think of, and there are many apps for many things you have never thought of.  I’ve merely skimmed the surface so far, but have already come across a few apps which are handy for both bloggers, like me, and for those visiting Italy for either business or pleasure.

To refer to the Apple iPhone as a ‘mobile phone’ just does not do this technological jewel full justice.  It’s really a small highly portable computer which can make phone calls too.

OK, on to a few comments on the iPhone 4 and to two handy iPhone 4 apps – one speaking phrase book and a, lets call it, ‘finder application’. … Continue Reading

Italian Design Icons Series – Michele De Lucchi

In this edition I would like to take a look at an icon of design, Michele De Lucchi, an architect, designer and all round design maestro.

Having experienced first hand the influence De Lucchi has across many design disciplines, it’s inspiring to observe just how many breathtaking projects his studio is involved with at a global scale.

I worked at the De Lucchi Milan studio during my placement year from university. … Continue Reading

Berlusconi v Fini – Slinging Old Mud

As you may be aware, the generally tumultuous world of Italian politics is in turmoil.  The Berlusconi government is teetering on the brink of collapse, but what is really surprising, is that this collapse was sparked from the inside.

Well, I’m on a short holiday, but cannot resist keeping a weather eye on the split in Italy’s government.  It’s fascinating to watch each attack and counter-attack being launched by what once were former allies, even if the attacks on Berlusconi are not revealing anything new.

It was former Berlusconi number two, Gianfranco Fini who broke away from his boss.  Fini even formed a new ‘party within a party’.  Silvio Berlusconi, who is not at all content with Fini’s betrayal, has ordered his hyenas to target rebel leader Fini.  Unsurprisingly, the Berlusconi family paper has launched an attack on Fini in an attempt to bring him down.

Fini and his band of merry men and women, to counter the attack on Fini, has started asking the kind of questions one would have expected Italy’s opposition parties to have asked whilst warming up for a general election. … Continue Reading

How Tech Types Can Work in Italy

I’ve had a few emails recently from people who want to move to and work in Italy.  Often, it seems, a pleasant holiday in Italy has provoked navel gazing, and lots of ‘life change’ thoughts.  Well, here’s something which might help a few people working in programming, web development or web design and other tech jobs turn Italy dreams into reality.

In this post, which I hope will be enhanced by the comments of others who have made the break, or are thinking about it, I’ll take a look at what you can do to help set yourself up in Italy, and, more importantly, work in Italy so you can get the most out of living here.  I think you’ll like living in Italy with its great food and wine, enchanting landscapes, and life-enhancing lifestyle!  Well, I certainly do.

The focus of this post is on work in a tech environment, but certain aspects of what you are about to read apply to anyone who would like to work in Italy.

Note, though, you may well end up working for yourself.  This can be tough and is not for everyone.  For those who think they are up to it, read on.  If you don’t fall into this category, think long and hard before quitting that job with its regular monthly bank account injections.  Still, jobs are no longer as permanent as they once were, and this too is something to keep in mind.

Right, first things first for those aspiring to do tech work in Italy.  Italian. … Continue Reading

The Seaside Pleasures of Nervi, Near Genoa, Italy

Not far from the northern Italian coastal city of Genoa lies the scenic seaside suburb of Nervi.  As Genoa lover Di Mackey, and a few others know, sleepy little Nervi has its attractions.  My other half is from Genoa, and first took me to Nervi long ago.  I liked it, and you might too.

The last time I was in Genoa, two weeks ago, we went to Nervi and I took a few photographs, which you can see below.

What’s at Nervi?  Quite a lot actually.  There is the scenic little fishing harbour, the seaside walk, and the peace and quiet of Nervi Park.   Along the seaside walk, which runs across the top of the rocky seashore, there are restaurants, and a rather well hidden foccacia bakery, which does very good focaccia bread, which is either plain, with onions on top, or with a cheese filling.  It’s rather tasty, and is eaten for breakfast in coffee bars by residents of Genoa, but can be eaten at any time!

Then there are the splendid views, especially in the direction of the gorgeous Cinque Terre, about which I have written before.  You can see some photographs of the Cinque Terre here in my obviously entitled Photographs of Monterosso, Le Cinque Terre, Italy post.

Here are a few snaps of Nervi, although I did not take any photos of the park which is inhabited by a grey squirrel population, so take nuts if you want some cute squirrel on your hand shots, or if you fancy squirrel stew!

… Continue Reading