Italian Traditions to Maximize Family Time

The Italian lifestyle is one of passion and flair for life. For this reason, people around the world have taken cues from Italian culture for centuries. Here are seven Italian traditions and how to bring a bit of Italy into everyday American life.

1. Enjoy the Italian tradition of ‘passeggiata’
Take part in your own “passeggiata” (evening stroll) with family and friends and use it as an opportunity to unwind from your day, engage in lively conversation and discover things you never knew about your area.

2. Cooking is an art – learn simple cooking techniques
Italian recipes feature poultry, meats and seafood prepared in a wide range of techniques from simply grilled, roasted or poached with extra virgin olive oil and garlic to more complicated sautéing, filleting and creation of elaborate sauces including tomatoes, cream and a variety of herbs and spices. It’s no wonder that more Americans (58%) would rather have a family member who makes great Italian meals rather than a family member who makes amazing desserts.

3. Enjoy a special meal with the family – and don’t rush
In Italy, dinner is a big event that is more about being with loved ones uniting in rich conversation than it is about eating.

4. Italian culture is steeped in tradition – embrace old traditions and start new ones with your family
Everyone has a history and traditions—88% of Americans have family recipes that have been handed down from one generation to the next and nearly half (45%) of families celebrate traditions that began three or more generations ago.

5. Italians culture is supported by “ars vivendi,” the art of living and enjoying life – live your life with passion
Italians are known for being passionate people who embrace the joys of life and aim to live it to the fullest. This passion is just what Americans are missing out on–3 in 10 are not living life to the fullest (29%). You can find passion and happiness all around you. Happiness can be as simple as an evening spent with family, adventures with friends, a beautiful day outside, or finding the perfect glass of wine or bowl of pasta.

6. Beauty is everywhere – show an appreciation for the arts and music
An appreciation for the world and all its wonders is an inherently Italian way of thinking. They notice the beauty that exists in people, places and things, in both manmade and natural occurrences and have their own style when embracing life. Take a look around your world; look at the people around you, the places you go and look for the beauty in them. Spice up your style by putting your own finesse on a new dish by adding fresh herbs or creating a memorable tablescape for a dinner party.

7. Simple is delicious – fresh ingredients prepared simply make the biggest impact
In Italy, most fish and meat are purchased the same day they will be cooked to ensure they are as fresh as possible. This is based upon the Italian belief that using the freshest ingredients can elevate any meal. Use the ingredients of the season and prepare them simply to let their true flavors shine. To be Italian is to take fresh, flavorsome food, prepare it with love and enjoy it with family and friends. No matter what, the basis for any great Italian meal is top quality, fresh ingredients.

Why not observe or partake in these wonderful traditions in Italy? If you’d like to book a trip, or discuss your travel options, please contact Caldwell Travel, your Indianapolis Travel Agency, today!

European River Cruise

Kim Hoffman recently had the opportunity to experience the Rhine and Mosel rivers on a seven-night cruise aboard the MS Switzerland. She wanted to share a bit of her experience.
After unpacking only once, we were on our way to cruising legendary rivers and retracing the routes of history as we passed by magnificent castles, quaint villages and sloping vineyards that I have only dreamed about seeing. The experience blended classic land touring with elegant river cruising – I have to say that it was one of the most relaxing ways to experience the heart of Europe.

Before boarding the MS Switzerland, we saw the quaint gabled roofed houses in Amsterdam, as well as the city’s picturesque canals on a panoramic city tour. In Amsterdam, The Netherlands, we said ‘Bon Voyage’ as we boarded the MS Switzerland to begin our memorable river cruise. We visited beautiful Keukenhof Gardens at the peak of the tulip season which was absolutely incredible. The beauty of the millions of blooming flowers was breathtaking – I couldn’t stop taking photos!

Ports of call in Germany included Cologne, Cochem, Boppard, Rudesheim, Mannheim, an optional excursion to the gateway university city of Heidelberg, and Speyer, gateway to Baden Baden. During the cruise, the majestic European cities of Strasbourg, France and Basel, Switzerland were also visited.

As the MS Switzerland meandered its course, we marveled at some of the world’s most dramatic river scenery and explored charming historic towns and villages and admired centuries-old architecture. We cruised the beautiful Mosel River with its steep valleys rich in vineyards producing some of the finest wines in the world.

When we weren’t exploring the ports of call, it was nice to sit back and relax on our ship. The MS Switzerland, our floating home for ten days, was a joy to behold. “From a single seating for meals, to everyone having an ‘outside’ cabin, our travelers luxuriated in the ease of getting around,” explains John. The staterooms on the ship are quiet and comfortable and everyone had an amazing view from their room.

I just can’t say enough about the lovely amenities of the ship – the main lounge, bar and the dining room and the food was outstanding. One of my favorite spots on the ship was the sundeck – I saw some of the best views from here.

All in all, the trip was an outstanding experience and I truly enjoyed every minute. Everyone that we traveled with was so fun and we all shared our love for this holiday. I can’t wait to go back someday soon!

Contact Caldwell Travel to book a wonderful European River Cruise!

Edinburgh Castle

There are many iconic sites in Edinburgh, Scotland; however, the Edinburgh Castle really stands out as a favorite for many visitors. Dominating the Edinburgh skyline, this massive castle has been home to settlements since the 9th century BC.

In addition to being a castle complete with high stone walls and lots of cannons, Edinburgh Castle is also the home to two very interesting sites. The first is the Scottish National War Museum which has weapons and kilts on display. If you’re lucky you might see a Scottish bag piper playing in the courtyard. The second site is the home to the Scottish Honours. The collection include the royal crown, sword and scepter from the 17th century.These attractions make a visit to Edinburgh Castle extra special.

Walk the grounds, learn about the history of Edinburgh Castle and the famous William Wallace, independently or on a guided tour. Step inside St Margaret’s Chapel, which is the oldest building in all of Edinburgh, dating back to the 12th century.

Flying from Indianapolis to Edinburgh for your Scottish vacation? Let Caldwell Travel take care of the details. We’ll arrange for a tour of Edinburgh Castle and other Scottish sites, including a trip to the Scottish Highlands where you can see Loch Ness. To book your trip today call (317) 885 – 9855 or fill out the form on the the contact us page.

A Bull Fight in Madrid

Mondays on the Move with Kate is a travel series following the adventures of Caldwell Travel’s Kate Godfrey as she explores the world and shares her experiences. She is currently on a 5 month European Adventure.

The Spanish style of bullfighting has evolved over the years to become a very stylized ritual. Supporters of bullfighting (and their numbers are dwindling) view bullfighting as an art form. Bullfighting can be traced back to the Roman Empire, and was introduced to Spain as one of the many forms of gladiatorial contests pitting humans against animals.

When you go to a bullfight in Spain you will see three matadors perform their ritual – each matador receiving two bulls. Originally fighters were on horseback. The use of the cape and fighting the bull on foot were introduced in the 18th century.

Each bull fight begins with the flagmen using their bright pink and yellow capes to entice the bull to charge, allowing the matador to view the bull in action. If the matador decides that this bull is good enough to fight he will make a signal to the official and the bull fight proceeds. If the bull is a dud – a new bull will be sent in.

Next up are the picadores. Picadores/Lancers are men who sit atop horses with long lances. Once the bull has been stabbed twice with the lance, this round is over. It sounds simple enough; however more often the not, the bull attempts to overthrow the horse. It takes quite a bit of convincing for the bull to let the horse go and the round to finish.

Banderilleros come out next The banderilleros/flagmen have the job of attempting to plant “banderillas”, little flags (sticks with barbed hooks decorated in bright colors), into the shoulders of the bull. Banderilleros will not stick the bull if it is not charging, sometimes it can take a while to get the bull engaged in the fight. Typically, this round goes pretty quickly.

The final phase of the bull fight is known as the “Tercio de Muerte” which means The Death Third. It is now time for the matador to take on the bull/toro. The matador is alone and carrying a small red cape and his sword. Using the sword to manipulate the cape he entices the bull into charging, passing within inches of his body. He does this for several minutes, which makes for the most intense part of the entire spectacle, as a 1,200 pound bull with large horns charging at a tiny matador is quite intense.

Finally the matador takes the sword and charges at the bull, attempting to stab it between the horns and kill it. This can come as a surprise for first-timers who are not aware that the bulls die in the end. This stage is very dangerous and requires a lot of skill. Once the bull has died the round is over. The bull is carted out of the bullring by a group of horses. If a matador has done a good job then the official will award him with a trophy: one ear, two ears, or if the performance is exceptional: two ears and the tail.

Watching a bull fight is not recommended for those who get queasy at the site of blood, animal lovers, or vegetarians. Six bulls meet their demise during the two hour bull fight. It is a unique experience and very rewarding in terms of observing cultural customs and societal differences – which can be a large part of travel – but disturbing at the same time.

The bull fight described and photographed was at the Las Ventas bull fight stadium in Madrid, one of the largest and most important bull fight rings in the world. Las Ventas seats 25,000 people on cement bleachers. Bullfights in Madrid happen every day during the month of May for the San Isidro festival, and generally every Sunday evening during the summer months.

Madrid has so much to offer – if you’d like to book a Spanish Vacation, contact Caldwell Travel today!

Visiting The David in Florence

The Accademia Gallery in Florence is really only well-known to tourists for one thing – the David. The rest of the Accademia’s art is glanced at or completely ignored by tourists whose sole mission is to stand in front of the David for a moment taking in the form, figure, and fine use of marble making up this larger-than life masterpiece.

You can’t fault them, though, the David is a worthwhile reason for venturing to this gallery of fine arts just beyond the city center heart of Florence. David was created by Michelangelo from 1501 to 1504. According to most, the statue represents David (from David & Goliath) at the moment before he defeats Goliath in battle. When revealed in 1504, the David was placed outside the seat of civic government in Florence, Palazzo della Signoria, and came to represent the defense of civil liberties for Florentines, David’s glare was aimed towards Rome.

Because Michelangelo adhered to the concepts of disegno, he worked under the premise that the image of David was already in the block of stone he was working on. David is one of the most recognized pieces of Renaissance sculpture, becoming a symbol of strength and beauty.

The David stands 17 feet tall. Although not all of his proportions are true to human form and his uncircumcised form would have been at odds with Judaic practice – the David is a masterpiece. Standing below the massive sculpture – made to feel even more massive as it is on a large pedestal – you stand in awe of the human form, in awe of art’s ability to capture human form and in awe of the artist whose ability was so great.

When Michelangelo finished creating the masterpiece, it took four days to move the massive statue from his workshop down the streets of Florence to the Piazza della Signoria. Amid growing concerns that he was losing his balance and leaning forward, the David was moved to the Accademia in 1873 for safekeeping and to protect it from the elements. The move was a massive undertaking with streets widened and arches demolished. The move took 40 men five days to accomplish. A replica (photographed above) was put in its place in front of the Palazzo della Signoria in 1910.

David leads a chequered past. In 1527 someone threw a bench out of the window of the Palazzo Vecchio breaking his left arm in three places. In 1544, his left shoulder fell off killing a poor peasant who had come to pay respects. During his move to the Accademia in 1873, he was kept wrapped up for nine years while his room in the building was completed. When he was eventually revealed, he was covered in mold. And in 1992, a madman smashed his left foot with a hammer injuring his toes. Now, David is protected. There is a four foot glass barrier that stands between you and David making sure that no one gets too close to him again.

No photos are allowed inside of the Academy of Fine Arts. Even though I saw some teenagers utilizing their camera phones to take inappropriate shots of the backside of the David, we refrained from snapping photos. If you just can’t get enough of the David during your visit – you can take him home with you. Souvenir stands throughout Italy (not just Florence) sell small replicas of the masterpiece.

Known for its long lines and need for advanced-sell tickets, I was not sure what to expect with the Accademia. I ventured over on a sunny day right at lunchtime. Even though there were twenty people (yes, only 20 people) in line in front of me, I waited a mere six minutes to be granted access (FREE access thanks to it being Culture Week throughout Italy) to the first school in Europe devoted to teaching the techniques of drawing, painting and sculpture. I enjoyed perusing its collection meant to provide students with inspirational models – and enjoyed their key piece, the David, as well as numerous others.

Florence, Italy

Mondays on the Move with Kate is a travel series following the adventures of Caldwell Travel’s Kate Godfrey as she explores the world and shares her experiences. She is currently on a 5 month European Adventure.

When you think of Florence, you may think of Renaissance art, the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David, the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio — but Florence is a city of so much more.

Did you know that the history of modern Italian language has roots in medieval Florence and came into common usage thanks to Dante’s Divine Comedy? Or that modern poetry and modern prose were born in Tuscany as well… Well, Florence was also the first city to mint its own gold coins (in 1252) and to pave its streets (1235). It was a Florentine that invented the eye glasses, Gucci handbags, and art history. A Florentine cartographer gave his name to a new world that was discovered in 1492; the public lottery, the opera, soccer and minestrone soup are also said to have originated in Florence.

Thanks to the rise of the Renaissance in the 15th century, Florence became the world’s leading center of mathematics and astronomy. Science was divided into separate disciplines (chemistry, physics, biology) in Florence. Galileo, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello and Machiavelli all called Florence home at some point. Art criticism was initiated in Florence. Modern Political Science traces its origins back to Florence and Machiavelli’s The Prince.

Florentines claim to have invented French cuisine thanks to the marriage of Catherine de’ Medici to Henri II of France in 1535. Catherine who was only 14, took a full complement of chefs and an encyclopedia of Tuscan recipes with her to France. She also apparently introduced the French to the wonders of eating with a fork.

Even with all of these amazing feats, Florence to me is an adorable compact Tuscan city with red-tile roofs, more than its fair share of leather goods and tons of Renaissance art. I will remember climbing a nearly never-ending staircase wedged between the lower dome and the upper dome of the Duomo. I will not forget the larger than life 7th level of Hell painted on the dome in Santa Maria dei Fiori. I will savor the bitter sweet hot chocolate with whipped cream soaking up the sun’s warm rays in the Piazza della Signoria after walking the long U-shaped corridors of the Uffizi Gallery. I will remember the irregularities in human form of both Venus in The Birth of Venus with her long forearms and nonexistent shoulders as well as David by Michelangelo with his large head and hands. I will treasure the view over Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo and the relaxing picnic afternoon spent there. It may have only been two weeks – but they were wonderful weeks. !Ciao Firenze!

Want to travel to Florence? Contact Caldwell Travel to book your Florence vacation today!

Venetian Charm

Mondays on the Move with Kate is a travel series following the adventures of Caldwell Travel’s Kate Godfrey as she explores the world and shares her experiences. She is currently on a 5 month European Adventure.

For years I have dreamed of visiting Venice and seeing the canals. My desire began by seeing images of the gondolas, canals, and bridges when I was younger. The concept of roads being waterways and transport being via boat were too foreign for me to understand; therefore, I simply had to see it myself. Venice is unlike anywhere I have ever been. The canals are picturesque, the gondoliers are plentiful and the city is in a romantic decay.

Venice can be a challenge. The roads are small and maze-like. At times, it can feel like you are a mouse in a labyrinth. Utilizing landmarks is difficult as you can’t see anything thanks to the five story buildings built only five feet apart from each other that run less than fifty feet before T-ing into another short and hopelessly narrow road. But what fun it is to get lost in the quaint Venetian neighborhoods! This island city makes it enjoyable to get lost, knowing that you can’t wander too far off, after all. Don’t feel bad getting turned around and ending up some where other than you intended – that’s part of the Venetian charm.

I love traveling to new places, exploring new cultures and getting a glimpse of life different than my own. Venice provided us with challenges in navigation but rewarded us with memorable views on nearly every bridge we crossed. The fact that Venice is comprised of 118 small islands all connected via small canals, raised bridges and larger waterways makes island life fascinating.

Venice may be a bit ‘overrun’ with tourists but there is still Venetian life in the calm and quiet neighborhoods to be enjoyed. We sat in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and watched as the kids got out of school and came in the square with their parents to play until dinner. We frequented (and by that I mean almost daily) the bakery down the street for genovese, tortini or ravioli fresca. We enjoyed Italian gelato and sampled over 30 different flavors – all very delicious. The Venice that we found was exceptional and we came to fall in love with it.
An evening spent walking St. Marks Square (Piazza San Marco) and listening to the dueling orchestras was a highlight of Venice for me.
The canals, gondolas, bridges, gelato and so much more will not be forgotten any time soon.
Our time in Venice was simply unforgettable.

Spanish Steps – Rome, Italy

The Scalinata Spagna (Spanish Steps) is the longest and widest staircase in Europe. The massive stairway is comprised of 138 steps fanned out in a symmetrical fashion as it climbs up the hillside. Sitting on the Spanish Steps is a top prime people-watching location as there is never a lack of people. With tons of tourists and used as a gathering place for locals as well – it can be a challenge to find space to sit on the enormous stairway. But don’t eat on the steps – law prohibits food on the steps and there are police ready and willing to dish out fines.

The Spanish Steps are not Spanish at all. They were funded by a French diplomat, designed by an Italian architect, lead up to a French church, were home to British poets (Keats, Byron, Shelley) and surrounded by international high-end shopping. The Spanish Embassy to the Holy See is located at the bottom of the steps, and in the 17th century the Piazza di Spagna was considered Spanish territory.

At the top overlooking the steps in front of the French church are portrait artists ready to make your likeness into a time-treasured piece of artwork. Down the steps are plenty of salesmen peddling their knock-off Louis Vitton and Prada handbags, designer knock-off sunglasses or flashy jewelery. At the bottom of the steps in the center of the triangle piazza is a fountain of a sinking ship thought to be designed by Pietro Bernini.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Every Day over 3,000 euro are tossed into the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that to ensure a return to Rome, one should throw a coin over his shoulder into la fontana di Trevi.

The Trevi Fountain is quite a site to behold. It is not located along a main street, but rather at the connecting point of several small streets and alleys. As you approach, you can hear the noise and excitement growing – and then, bam, you are there. From pictures, the fountain looks big. But it is a REALLY big fountain.

Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in all of Rome. It is 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. Its water used to flow from the great Roman aqueducts fed by Virginal waters 8 miles from Rome. The water from the fountain then continued along its course and rose up again at the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona.

The fountain is a tribute to water with Oceanus in the middle riding a sea chariot and Abundance & Salubrity on either side. It is a very gorgeous fountain, but also very crowded. Hoards of tourists flock to the site every day. All of those people in and out, smiling for photos and tossing coins into the fountain makes for some incredible people-watching opportunities. Grab and seat and enjoy the show.

There is a tiny fountain to the side of the enormous Trevi Fountain that is called “Fontanina degli innamorati” or the lovers fountain. Supposedly if two lovers drink together from this fountain, they will be faithful for life.

The Colosseum – Rome

The Colosseum is, well for lack of a better word, colossal. The Flavian Amphitheater is 615 feet long, 510 feet wide, and 157 feet tall. It was completed in 80 AD. The outside is made entirely of travertine stone (3.5 million cubic feet of it) and the blocks are held together by iron clamps. It took 200 ox-drawn wagons working every day for four years to cart in the stone from the quarry in Tivoli.

The inauguration ceremonies lasted 100 days and saw the slaughter of 2,000 men and 9,000 animals.

There was an old adage that said: “As long as the Colosseum stands, so too will the Roman Empire.” Nearly 2,000 years later its still standing.

The Colosseum was originally used for public spectacles including the famous gladiator battles. The Colosseum held approximately 50,000 spectators on stone benches. In the photo below you can see the hypogeum, which is the area below the floor of the stadium where the animals and gladiators would have been prepped before coming out onto the arena floor.

Located beside the Roman Forum, the Colosseum is open daily from 8:30am until one hour before sunset. Tickets cost 12€ per person. To avoid the long line it is best to buy entrance tickets at the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill (all three attractions share the same ticket). For easy access you can take the 81 bus or get off at the Colosseo (line B) metro stop.

To book a Roman holiday, Italian adventure or European vacation, contact Caldwell Travel!