The ITALY Email (Tuesday Oct. 7, 2025)

Ciao Beautiful People! Here are my favorite 5 Italian discoveries this week:

I – INSPIRE 🌟

In 1896, Maria Montessori became one of Italy’s first female doctors despite fierce opposition. Working with disadvantaged children in Rome, she revolutionized education by following the child’s curiosity, not forcing memorization.

Maria Montessori portrait on Italian 1000 Lire banknote with colorful geometric pattern background. — Maria Montessori on Italy’s former 1,000 Lire banknote – honoring the woman who revolutionized education worldwide.

Her impact? Over 15,000 Montessori schools worldwide use her methods today. Italy loved her so much they put her face on the 1,000 Lire banknote (before the Euro came along).

👉 Learn more about Maria Montessori
👉 Italian for Money: What is Italy’s Currency? (with examples and audio)

T – TIPS 📚

Want to sound instantly Italian? Learn to complain with style:

“Che casino!” – What a mess
“Madonna mia!” – My goodness!
“Basta così!” – Enough of this!

But here’s where it gets fun.

I collected 35 funny Italian words and phrases – each with audio so you can nail the pronunciation.

Things like “pelandrone” (lazybones, for that friend who won’t leave the couch) and “mannaggia” (darn it – the polite version when you’re frustrated).

👉 Check out the full list with audio here

Want more Italian? ItalianChat offers engaging lessons for confident, real-world Italian conversations. Join thousands learning Italian (psst… special 30-day pricing inside).

A – ADVENTURE 🗺️

While Portofino is magnificent, add Camogli to your Ligurian coast trip. This fishing village has the same jewel-toned cliff houses, but locals still pull boats onto the beach daily.

Visit during May’s Sagra del Pesce when they cook fresh fish in a giant pan on the beach.

Aerial view of Camogli Italy with colorful buildings along the Mediterranean coast and small beach. — Camogli, Liguria – authentic coastal charm without the Cinque Terre crowds.

Want both Portofino and Camogli in one day? Grab an e-bike tour. Coastal views, minimal sweat, pure magic.

L – LEARN 🎓

Why do Italian mothers say “copriti la pancia” (cover your belly)?

It’s rooted in “un colpo d’aria” (literally “a hit of air”), the folk belief that drafts can make you sick. Not medically proven, but try telling that to an Italian nonna!