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All Italians are purists when it comes to coffee. Not for them the frivolously flavoured drinks at Starbucks – in fact, you will find that there are no Starbucks shops in Rome. Not a single one. Instead, the Italian coffee culture flourishes in snug, casual little bars found down cobblestone side streets. Here, regulars prop themselves up on the marble counter while the Gaggia coffee machine, a sleek, hissing silver behemoth, spits out the dark, aromatic brew.

( the sign on the left in proper Italian should read Cappuccino Espresso Latte Macchiato, te', cioccolato caldo )

Majestic towers, crenellated battlements, stone fortresses perched upon rocky crags, romantic ruins, sumptuous palazzos and much more. These are the images that come to mind when picturing the Castles of Italy.

The political instability of Italy during the middle ages has left its countryside and cities full of testaments to this turbulent time period. While the familiar castle formations are found throughout Italy, the range of castles, forts, towers and walls date from pre-Roman times all the way to the state-of-the-art “star” forts of the gunpowder era.

Italian Car Hire
Hiring a Car in Italy

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Tour Italy with a hired car ! Life in Italy has partnered with Auto Europe to offer car rentals in Italy. It's the only agency I rent from because of their low rates and level of service provided.

From South Africa to Europe

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as a guest, Philip de Bruin.
Philip is originally from South Africa and for many years had been involved in the Information Technology sector.
In 1998, Philip and his wife Catrien moved to Europe and have been doing a great deal of Traveling, particularly in Italy.

Romantic Getaways In Italy As Perceived. Part I

By Maria Liberati, Author Of The Basic Art Of Italian Cooking

A series of Italian Travel articles will be added here soon: This section will include articles about Italy in general.

More in a reading style than about a specific subject.

John's Observations on Italy

Romantic places in Italy by Maria Liberati...

From South Africa to Italy...

Siena, and walks in Britain...

Are you going to travel or stay in Italy? Common sense can take you far, but here is a list of useful things that only a native born and raised in Italy would know.

Eating in Italy - Where to Eat

A Gelateria Near Campo De Fiori - Rome

BAR: Not a U.S.-style bar. Those places that have U.S-style bars will advertise "American bar" - generally hotels. While you can buy beer, brandy, or other alcoholic beverages at Italian bars, the central feature is the espresso coffee machine. You can have a Caffe or Espresso (about Euro 70 ) or a Cappuccino for about Euro 80 cents to 1 Euro. Italians visit bars throughout the day, but especially in the morning when pastries are served with the coffee.

Will my phone work in Italy (and if so, how much is it)?

Most Italian cell phones carriers use the GSM platform for cellular service. Unlike in the US, where the two GSM carriers (T-Mobile and AT&T) use 850 and/or 1900 MHz frequencies, the three main Italian carriers, TIM, Vodaphone and WIND use 900 and/or 1800 MHz. Therefore, even if your US based cell phone operates on the GSM standard, unless it has the 900 and 1800 frequencies, it will not work. Check your phones information manual or call your provider to make sure that your phone does have the correct bands.