The Girl
My name is Sarah Mastroianni, and Italy is a part of me. Anyone who knows me will tell you.
Ever since I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the Italian language and have felt strongly connected to my Italian roots. At 15 I had my first brush with Italy. At 24, with a Master of Arts in Italian Studies from the University of Toronto, and experience travelling, studying and working in The Boot, I can safely say that Italy, Italian culture and the Italian language have become some of my biggest passions. This blog has given me an outlet through which to express my passion for Italian language and culture, to write (another passion) and also to share my firsthand knowledge with other lovers of Italy.
Want to know more about me?
1. My favourite place in Italy is Siena. The city is enchanting, and it’s the place I’ve come to feel is my “Italian hometown”. I could sit in the Piazza del Campo and stare at the Palazzo Pubblico all day. I never tire of it.
2. My favourite gelato combination is mango & cioccolato fondente. (Mango and dark chocolate).
3. I didn’t like Italy the first time I went. A cute waiter and a red leather jacket helped to change that.
4. My Italian drink of choice is Prosecco. I detest the ever-popular Spritz.
5. I’m Canadian (from near Toronto), and proud to be one. Don’t think my love of Italy doesn’t leave room in my cuore for a love of my home country.
6. Writing and Italy are two of my passions. This blog is where I combine them.
Thanks for stopping by! Grazie di leggere!
Hello To Tall to Be Tuscan,
If you would like to guest post at my blog on a topic related to Italy, I would be honored. (www.universecityblog.wordpress.com). Especially being a Canadian abroad. Love that we have that in common.
Just drop me an email if you’re interested.
Hey! I recently discovered your blog and have really enjoyed reading (and I really love Italy). So I’m nominating you as a Versatile Blogger! Check out my post: http://arielkprice.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/im-a-versatile-blogger/
Have you been to Cinque Terra?
Ciao Andrew, thanks for reading and commenting! Yes, I’ve been to the Cinque Terre twice. It’s beautiful there! I’m guessing you’ve been?
Yes, and I love it! I’m surprised of how many people I talk to who have never heard of it. I guess that’s good for us though.
It is good for us! Unfortunately, the Cinque Terre was hit by some major flooding about a year ago and has to do some serious rebuilding. I’m sure it will be as beautiful as ever though! Have you been to many other places in Italy?
Hi Sarah, I have enjoyed reading through your blogs as it slows me and my blood pressure down! May I ask you a girl question? Not according to season but style do you dress differently in Italy then in Canada? Thank you for your time, I will look forward to your response
Connie
Hi Connie!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I hope Not Just Another “Dolce Vita” slows you and your blood pressure down in a good way! Questions are always welcome, and I do dress slightly differently when I’m in Italy than when I’m in Canada.
While on the weekends in Canada I’ll wear shorts, a tank top and flip flops, I wouldn’t dream of leaving the house like that in Italy. I’ve learned to suffer through the heat wearing pants or cropped pants, or at shortest, Bermuda shorts! However, in Italy I care less about things like my bra straps showing. In Canada I have no problem going out to do things with my hair still wet or damp from the shower, but when I did this in Italy I got some strange looks so I try to stay away from that!
(In the picture above, you can see I’m wearing a tank top and bermuda shorts. In this instance I was in a beach town, so it seemed fairly accceptable. I wouldn’t have walked around Siena, where I lived, looking like that.)
As far as bags and accessories go, I’ll never wear a backpack in Italy and I’ll only wear running shoes if I’m running. Italian women like to wear heels all the time (and Italian men like women who wear heels all the time), but since I’m already taller than most Italian men I tend to stay away from that. “Sandali” and “ballerine” for me!
Please feel free to send any more general questions or “girl” questions my way, and grazie again for reading and commenting!
Thank you for sharing your stylish opinion ! I’m sure to visit Italy someday because the desire has been in my heart for a long time. With your advice I might embarrass myself less often…My Italian daydream helps me to live more in the moment and simplify my life. To create beauty right where I’m standing with what I have. Thank you for sharing your experiences and enriching my own Italian daydream.
I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award! If you’re interesting in accepting, the details are here: http://moonstonemaiden.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/ive-been-smiling-nonstop-for-a-few-days-now/
Sarah,
Good day, from a Gambino to a Mastroianni. I was wondering if you accept guest posts, or have some guidelines for guest posts.
Thanks,
Austin Gambino
I like your blog! all the best xx
Lucrezia
Ciao Lucrezia! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I checked out your blog as well, and I love the idea of it! I’m all for Italian teaching and learning (obviously!) so I think what you’re doing is great!
Thank you so much! I’m really happy to hear that
Regards from Down Unde Australia…only had a short stay there on a cruise ship. A day is not long enough to get the real feel of this amazing country ..to embrace the food, scenery local people. I will return one day soon..Thinking of doing a solo trip but at 57 am unsure for safety reasons. Currently reading Amalfi Blue by Lisa Fantino and Memoirs of a SoloTraveller.. Love your blog…thanx for sharing Liz
Ciao Liz, thank you so much for reading and commenting! I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog – I enjoy writing it! I think that Italy is a relatively safe country. Obviously it has it’s sketchy pockets, but if you don’t walk around alone too late at night, you should be just find. Go for it! Forza!!!