The Italian bubbly

Prosecco and its rivals. Read about what you will probably sip over the next 3 days.

Tutti santi

Today is Halloween mostly celebrated in the USA and Canada. Despite its spooky and scary get up, it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day"which is now also known as All Saints' Day that falls on November 1. In Italy, it is a day for remembering those in the family who have pased away. Flowers and prayers are offered at their graves. A solemn and honourable custom.

Vegetarian in Italy?

Among other things, Italian cuisine is lipsmacking and healthy. The abundant use of vegetables especially tomato and olive oil goes a long way in keeping away heart disease. No wonder, life expectancy is in the 80s. It is very easy to live a vegetarian life in Italy. There are numerous dishes suitable for vegetarians. Check this list out and especially, the long list of pastas. Happy eating!

Two contrasting timelines

On one hand, the credit crisis built up into a tsunami and swamped the big names in banking and investment. Billions of dollars have been lost, moved or injected as a result (all the figures here). Moves are afoot by the hour across the globe, to prop up the financial system.
In contrast, the saga of Alitalia continues as the latest buy out offer is withdrawn. The timeline started nearly two years ago and as yet there is no firm conclusion in sight. Evidence enough that even in a globalized integrated economy, similar events can still run at a different pace.