Fast Fun Facts
We know you have busy weeks, so here are just a few fun facts on Italian and Italian American culture and history to keep your day moving!
By Rosario Mariani, http://www.europebychoice.com
- During the Renaissance blonde hair became so much de
rigueur in Venice that brunettes were not to be seen except among the working class
people. Women spent hours dyeing and brushing their hair until they achieved the harsh metallic glitter that was considered a necessity.
- Did you ever wonder why there are no baby pigeons in all the Italian piazzas? The answer is that pigeons do not leave their nests until they reach maturity and are almost adult size.
- There are over 350,000 Italians living in Toronto, Canada a population larger than the city of Bologna.
Saffron, made from the dried stamens of cultivated crocus flower, is the most expensive cooking spice. The finest saffron (Zafferano) comes from the fields of the Navelli high plain in Abruzzi near Aquila. How yellow is your Risotto alla Milanese?
- Julius Caesar was the first to encode communications, using what has become known as the “Caesar Cipher”.
- The first macaroni factory in the United States was established in 1848 and was started by Antoine Zegera in Brooklyn, New York.
- About 3,000 euros in coins are thrown in the Trevi Fountain everyday.
Rosario Mariani is the owner/CEO of Europe By Choice, which promotes travel to Italy and other select European countries. He has more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry, previously serving as Director of Italy Product for Italiatour and Club ABC Tours, and also in other positions with EuroFly, Alitalia and Air France.
Benvenuti to the NIAF Pensieri Blog 
Rosario, Thanks for your posts. Appreciate getting interesting information about our rich Italian heritage. I am a first generation Italian/American. My late father was born in Caltavuturo, Palermo, Sicily 1908 and came to America at age 2yrs. My Mother’s side is from Caltanisetta. My wife and I returned yesterday from a 16 day trip to Italy. We visited, Milan, Como, Bellagio, Verona, Venice, Murano, Luca, Montecatini, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Capri and ended in Rome. The beauty of the country is indescribable. Had fun with my poor Italian language skills and shared many laughs with the locals. Took many photos on this memorable trip. Thanks again for your interesting posts. Anthony J. DiLaura
From an iPad 2
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