European Stereotypes

Ever wondered what the rest of Europe thinks of you? Well, today is your lucky day! You're about to find out

 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/26/italian-stereotypes-we-all-individuals

For a more general overview:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2012/jan/26/european-stereotypes-europa

Cabala Cafe

Cabala Café has become one of my favourite spots to enjoy an aperitivo after a long day. Conveniently located just a stone throw away from I Due Torri and housing a plush array of sofa seating indoors and a pretty exterior area too, Cabala Café is the place to be. The interior could easily be mistook for the set of an Ikea advertisement, with its vibrant red walls, wooden bookshelves sprawled with old type-writers, glossy magazines and stout houseplants, and modern artwork that graces every wall. But this modern décor shouts chic and retro, appealing to the cosmopolitan people of Bologna. You will find yourself sinking into a cosy armchair and preparing for an evening of mingling, eating and drinking.

Of course there is a reason why this bar has crafted an impressive reputation for itself amongst locals and visitors alike. Indeed, the aperitivo at Cabala Café is worth every centime. For just six euros you can enjoy a delightful cocktail and a good quality buffet; a buffet that ticks every box of traditional Italian light-dining. You will find everything from antipasti, ranging from a selection of olives to traditional Italian meats, to couscous, rice and pasta dishes freshly prepared that day. Friday and Saturday nights will see the bar bursting at the seams with people wanting to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or good quality vino and a superb choice of foods, and can you really blame them? Just one visit to Cabala Café and you’ll already be planning your next visit.

Cabala Café encapsulates Italian chicness and the modern outlook of one of Italy’s oldest medieval cities. Its central location, relaxing atmosphere and excellent food and drink makes it an all-round winner. 

Location: Strada Maggiore 10, Bologna

Opening Hours: 17:00 to 03:00. Closed on Mondays 

Tel: 0519913957 

CIAO! (I am your slave)

Ciao is one of the most borrowed words from the Italian language. Indeed, good old Wikipedia tells me that it has been adopted as a salutation in more that thirty different languages! It even serves a dual purpose, being the word for both 'hello' and 'goodbye'.

And yet, not many people know the etymology of this informal greeting. Thanks to the ingenius Mark Forsyth and his love of words (his blog is definitely worth a look http://blog.inkyfool.com/), I now know that every time I utter the word 'ciao' to another person, I am actually declaring myself their servant. The Italians really are there to help.

The word derives from the Venetian phrase sciào vostro (in Italian schiavo vostro) or s-ciào su literally meaning "I am your slave". It was then later shortened to 'ciao' (lazy slaves they are!). And so, if etymology is anything to go by, you are within your right to demand anything of a person that greets you with 'ciao'. That's handy.


Of course, for all you serious readers, 'Ciao' does not literally mean 'enslave me!', it just means that Italians are there for each other. We've got to think about Political Correctness, you know.

Italian Journalism's low point

Who would've thought that a government would invest €170million PER YEAR in newspapers. Well, that has been the case in Italia. Yes, it is true.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2012/jan/03/italy-newspapers