Italy is where anyone can find excitement and culture, all in one place. Italy is the travel hot spot of any time of year, and Italy is also a great destination for those romantic newlyweds or vacationing families that just want to get away from it all. Italy has many great attractions to offer any tourist or enthusiastic traveler.

The art, the food, the life of the country runs richer than a perfectly aged wine. Who doesn’t love a good plate of spaghetti right outside an olive vineyard? Not many people could pass up the opportunity. The Country is so full of life that any traveler would be lucky to enjoy a weekend or even a week long trip to this wonder nation of excitement, culture and the ultimate learning experience.

What kind of attractions does Italy offer?

The tourism industry of Italy offers attractions such as Pompeii, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and Ravenna. Ravenna offers an unmatched bounty of Byzantine culture and artifacts, so if you like art you must visit this beautifully historic city.

What would a visit to Italy be without seeing the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa? In 1173 construction began on this modern gravitational marvel. The construction was halted do to the fact that the ground was giving way, thus the obvious and infamous tilt.

Pompeii is the infamous city of ash that has been a historic marvel for years. It was the home to many wealthy Romans until it was buried in a layer of ash during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The city is a very popular attraction and can be easily accessed from the city of Naples.

By: Federico Messina

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Over the last ten years the travel industry has had to tackle terrorism, SARS, tsunamis, bird flu, swine flu, and the first ever true global recession. Through it all the industry has proven to be robust, resilient and dynamic, finding new ways to deal with adversity. 2010 brings with it fresh challenges and opportunities to which the industry must again adapt and react. The cyclical nature of the industry stems from the fact that it is inextricably linked to the health of the global economy. As you would imagine therefore, the next twelve months promise significant change in the travel industry. This article will focus on emerging trends and hotspots for 2010 and give an insight into what can be expected by consumer and operator alike.

“If our hotel bookings are anything to go by, people are still determined to travel but are choosing how and where they spend their money much more carefully,” commented Juliet Kinsman, Editor-in-Chief of Mr and Mrs Smith. “Value will continue to be important, whether that means creative online searching for great deals, exploring new destinations that offer currency advantages, or joining travel clubs for exclusive discounts.” Indeed, reflecting on the current economic setting, many travel professionals have commented on new bargains, noting that it’s expected that value for money will be the top priority, with concept and branding taking a backseat in the coming years. Travellers are looking for an optimal price/quality balance when selecting their luxury vacation.

Furthermore, travellers are demanding far more from their holidays – gone are the days of a the simple sun/sand combo – nowadays the demand is for exotic travel combined with customized, ultimate experiences. Travellers are seeking above-and-beyond adventures in exciting new destinations. Luxury adventure travel is on the rise and consumers can enjoy a growing selection of luxury safaris, heli-ski trips, niche boat cruises, personalized art tours, tailor-made culinary courses, and high-speed car tours in top vacation destinations like Cape Town, Provence, Tuscany and New York. Moreover, adventure travellers are seeking more than just adrenaline thrills but wholesome cultural quests in which they learn about their destination and environment. Indeed, as claimed by the Vacation Travel Chanel ‘… the more enriching experiences are preferred over a luxurious lifestyle.’

Additionally, although neither a newcomer nor a veteran, eco travel is definitely carving its place into the travel market. Hotels are becoming increasingly self-sufficient and travellers are considering a hotel’s environmental credentials a lot more. 2010 will therefore see a continued rise of intimate, sustainable villa resorts developing in eco-friendly destinations. Two such examples are Fregate, a private island in the Seychelles, which is saving sea birds and makes its own spa products, and Vigilius Mountain resort South Tyrol, Italy, which harnesses its own natural energy. Green travel promises exciting adventures and conscientious travel experiences.

Not technically a trend but it’s worth noting that 2010 will be a sport-fuelled year and that this will have a huge impact on where people choose to travel. First and foremost, the Vancouver Olympics in February is an event that will significantly affect the travel industry. The 17 days of Olympics are expected to attract a global television audience of 3 billion people; more than 80 countries and 6,850 athletes and officials are expected to participate according to the ‘PRCo Travel Industry Trends and Highlights for 2010′ report. The opening ceremonies will be held on February 12, and as a result Vancouver is the city to visit in the Western hemisphere in 2010. South Africa is also going to be a travel hotspot with the 2010 FIFA World Cup kicking off there in June. The event is expected to lure half a million fans to the country. Tourism in India will also enjoy the benefits of sporting events with the Commonwealth Games taking place in October.

Other destinations to keep your eye on this year are China, India and the Gulf States, where industry insiders are expecting travel to skyrocket over the next twelve months. Travellers are becoming more courageous with their travels and expanding their horizons. While the global economy is in the toilet, China and India continue to show signs of growth, offer favourable exchange rates and low travel expenses and therefore increasingly warrant visiting. As their respective tourism industries start to expand these countries are going to become top destinations for 2010 and beyond. According to sceneadvisor.com, between China and India alone it is expected that over 35,000 hotel rooms will have to be added to meet the impending demands.

On the other side of the planet, Latin America is set to see important growth as a luxury travel destination this year. Hotels such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize, the Haciendas luxury hotel in the Yucatan, and other outposts in San Jose, Uayamon, Santa Rosa and Temozon (Mexico) are but a few examples of the growth of luxury hotels in the region. In the spotlight especially are Panama, Peru and Ecuador, which are focusing massively on promoting their respective exotic and exclusive services. In addition, Mexico is spending $3.6 million on improving its luxury infrastructure and Argentina is to see five new 5-star hotels open in the next two years (PRCo report).

Whilst Europe is by all means still a hub, especially with the new high-speed rail links into Spain and Italy, the focus for 2010 is definitely further afield where exchange rates are better and currency is cheaper, therefore offering the consumer much more for their money.

By: Sholto Thompson

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If you have spent years dreaming of the perfect fashion school, Italy just may be the type of thing that you have to set in your sights. Not everybody has what it takes to make it in the fashion industry, but those who are successful have found ways of setting themselves apart from the rest by doing things that are extra and setting themselves apart from the rest as extraordinary. With studying fashion abroad at such a fashion school, Italy could really help a person set themselves apart from the rest of the fashion students who did not have the resources or ability to travel abroad.

Fashion School? Italy Might Work For You

If you want to go to fashion school, Italy is only one of many European countries that have an edge in the fashion industry that American students could stand to gain. The thing about American fashion students is to become a dime a dozen, and when it comes to the best of what it has to offer, Paris and Milan and other European countries and cities really have what it takes. Fashion in America takes after the many different ideas and designs that are put out by Italian fashion designers and Parisian designers. If you have to go to one, Italy is a great place to start because it puts you right in the middle of the action.

Choosing a Fashion School: Italy Isn’t Your Only Option

When it comes to choosing a fashion design school, fashion industry is one of the most fun jobs a person could have, but not if you get the short end of the stick.

Selling fashion in mall stores is not the type of thing that people see as the proper type of fashion school; Italy and other foreign schools are more what people are looking for.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of the ever growing fashion industry, you have to look into some of the fashion school. Italy is not the only place where you can study, but if you wanted to know the ins and outs of fashion from all over the world Italy is a great place to start.

For those who aren’t comfortable with the Italian thing, there are many places to go about getting your fashion degree. What is important is that you leave home, and explore the many things that the world has to offer to your budding career.

By: Jessica Bradbury

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A high level “Economic Intelligence Unit” will soon be operational within the Ministry of Tourism. This was announced at the 37th Annual General Meeting of the “Association of Hotels and Restaurants In Mauritius” (AHRIM) on the evening of 24th June 24, 2010.

The Tourism Minister has described that the new economic unit will work in his department as “the econometric of tourism”. The high level “Economic Intelligence Unit will be operated by a staff of world-class professional and experienced in economic and tourism.

The Economic Intelligence Unit, of his department will play an important role in achieving the aim of the government. Their tactic is to identify measures that could make the tourism industry and recreation become a wider segment of the population in the medium and long term. This unit will connect between the tourist operators, the Bank of Mauritius and the Ministry of Finance.

It is required to search right to the least details at the rankings and indices in terms of tourist arrivals and competitiveness, to see if Maurice has a capacity to improve its rankings. The Tourism Minister has also said that the aim of his ministry is to boost the reputation of the country internationally. The Economic Intelligence Unit is working closely with industry to see how the process is going on.

According to the Minister, Europe remains the main market of Mauritius. He reminds us that the European customer represents approximately 70% of the tourist market of the island. Instead of resorting to emergency measures such as depreciation or devaluation of the rupee to cope with the crisis of the euro, they must find solutions to long-term growth and secure the sustainability of the tourism sector.

Apart from the creation of the Economic Intelligence Unit, ministry of tourism launches an intensive campaign in September 2010 on European markets, particularly the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, and the peripheral markets in Europe. Mauritius will partner with marked events such as the Festival de Cannes, the Cartier Polo International and Royal Ascot. Moreover, tourism potentials of the Middle East, India and China are also exploited.

But also there is a potential strategy of considering the islands of the Indian Ocean through the combined stay in Mauritius which now is looked upon as the hub. The cost of airline tickets with Air Mauritius will be more attractive and partnerships with other airlines will be negotiated. The Ministry of Tourism will also engage in the popular project entitled “Maurice Ile Durable”.

The minister of tourism has boldly declared that the government of Mauritius is using economic crisis as an opportunity to bounce. The government dares to approach every situation with a bold attitude, innovative and resilient. It also expected that the new Board of Directors of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) will be appointed on 1 July 2010, and that the stimulus package as setup by the Ministry of finance will be reviewed.

In the evening of that day, AHRIM introduced the members of their new board for 2010-2011. Tommy Wong gave way to Jean-Jacques Vallet to the presidency of the association. Eynaud Francis will assume the position of Vice President and Patrice Hardy, the treasurer of AHRIM. Jean-Jacques Vallet told that during his reign as president, he wanted to focus on two points. First, the image of the destination which, has been tarnished by drastic reductions of tariffs in general due to the crisis and in response to requirements of tour operators and the market. Secondly, the tourism development which is the backbone of Mauritian economy and which supports thousands of jobs direct and indirect.

By: Valirie Senek

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Contrary to what the name may imply, the famous Spanish Steps were actually built by the French. Regardless, visitors to Rome have been delighted by them for many year. Some feel they are “just stairs” from the Piazza di Spagna to the Villa Medici, but as any experienced traveller knows, often-times it’s not so much about the destination but about how you actually get there that truly matters.

The 137 steps that make up the Scalinata di Spagna or the “Spanish Steps” were constructed between 1723 and 1725. They can be found not far from the Piazza di Spagna which is a plaza that is triangular in shape. The Piazza di Spagna is also one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.

The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit in Rome. But it’s good to glance down at these amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in their own right. They look delightful in any season but when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses along the walk.

When the Piazza di Spagna bursts with the colors and aromas of spring flowers, Romans know that summer is at hand. The weather in Rome can get quite hot, even in the autumn. So the many cafes, shops and restaurants near the Spanish Steps are always popular in warm weather. In fact, many people enjoy taking a snack or light lunch and just resting on the steps themselves and enjoying the sights as they dine. Sadly, that practice has been restricted of late. Of course, this is Rome, and that means the citizens tend to ignore the law, so it’s likely you’ll still see people indulging in this practice.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs you will find another of the many great outdoor art pieces by Bernini called the La Barcaccia Fountain or the Fountain of the Old Boat. The ship that is the centerpiece of this stunning fountain might have been designed by Bernini’s own son whose name was Gian Lorenzo. This wonderful fountain was built in 1627 under the commission of Pope Urbano VIII Barberini. The water from this fanciful fountain literally pours from the artistic “leaks” in the hull of the ship.

In addition to admiring the steps themselves and this delightful fountain, you can also take in the Memorial House to Keats and Shelly. After that fascinating stop, you can relax with a nice cool drink from the many bars that dot the city in that area and then climb the steps again on your return.

The steps are not designed to be an athletic challenge so there are three big flattened parts of the steps where you can take a breather to catch your breath and maybe have a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping or just enjoy being among the Italian locals as a wonderful moment in your day. But when you do finish your climb of the Spanish Steps, make sure you turn and gaze back at where you have been. The view is breath taking and it will inspire you as you move on to reverently admire the Church of Trinta dei Monti

The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.

Just a short walk way is a well known spot known as the Via Veneto. This location became known in the 1950s as a place where a young girl could get pinched by a flirtatious Italian boy. While that kind of forward behaviour has calmed down in modern times, it is still a great area of Rome to shop, dine and enjoy the marvellous architecture all around you.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even though these Italian steps were created by the French, the name dates back to the 18th century when the Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish Steps continues on to this day.

By: Jill Kammer

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Often described as the best kept Medieval city in Italy, a visit to Siena is like going back in time. It’s an easy day-trip from Florence, since it’s only 43 miles south. A Bus ride to Siena is the most popular mode of transportation. You can ride the SITA Bus Line from Florence, which takes about 1? hours and will stop at Via Tozzi, which is within walking distance of Piazza Del Campo. SITA has an express Bus line to Siena and a local Bus line. The express will arrive 20 minutes faster than the local bus line. You can also take the train into Siena from Florence. TrenItalia offers service from Santa Maria Novella Statzione to Siena Statzione, which is a 1? hour ride. There are two trains – a direct train and one that requires you change trains in Empoli. The direct train usually arrives 20 minutes earlier. One thing to remember, the Siena train station is not within walking distance to Piazza Del Campo, so you may have to take a bus or taxi to get into town. The Bus will drop you in town and requires a much short walk to Piazza Del Campo.

Once you get to Siena, there are several sites to visit. A good place to start exploring is from Piazza Del Campo. It is a shell-shaped field that was created in the 12th century and is considered to be the heart of Siena. Within the Piazza, you’ll find a rectangular shaped fountain, Fonte Gaia, built in the 15th century. The Fonte Gaia water supply come from a 14th century aqueduct that is 25 km long. Also in the Piazza is Palazzo Pubblico, which has served as Siena’s town hall for 700 years. To the left of Palazzo Pubblico is the Bell Tower named Torre del Mangia. It is said to be the 2nd highest tower in Italy, 102 meters tall (330 feet). A short 505 step climb will get you to the top of the Tower where you will have spectacular views of Tuscany.

Another “must see” in Siena is the Duomo. It is one of the finest Gothic Cathedrals in Italy and is well known for its inlaid marble floors, which took almost 200 years to complete. The very detailed fa?ade is very similar to the Duomo in Orvieto. Under the floor of the Duomo is a crypt that is believed to be 700 years old. It was opened to the public in 2003 and will give you the opportunity to see the spectacular frescoes from the 13th century. Another place to visit is the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana. This museum is attached to the Duomo and is a section that was never completed. It contains original parts/items from the facade and interior that were removed for preservation.

There are many more places to visit in Siena, such as the Spedale di Santa Maria della Scala, San Domenico, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Palazzo Picolomini, Sanuraio e Casa di Santa Caterina, etc. If you need more information on Florence or need a Florence Italy Vacation Rental, come visit us at www.FlorenceItalyVacationRental.com.

Ciao,

Joe

By: Joe Napoli

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The Italians count on the gastronomic and business tourism. In 2007 Italy once again demonstrated the highest level of its own tourist industry that made it possible not only to hold, but also to improve its positions on the travel market.

From January till September the tourists spent in Italy 25 billion 264 millions of Euros that is by 1,7% bigger than that of analogous period of 2006. The amount of foreign visitors who arrived in the country increased too and reached a record figure of 20 million 558 thousands of people (+4,7%).

The national tourist agency of Italy (ENIT) considers these figures as encouraging ones in the respect of the perspectives for 2008 as well. According to the agency’s projections, the number of Frenchmen, Germans and Spaniards, who will come to Italy, will increase by 5-8% on the average.

In some sectors, for example, in the gastronomical and business tourisms, an increase even by 25% is expected.

The tourist flow from Hungary and Czech Republic will grow too – approximately by 15%.

The Americans also tend to Italy – the amount of the visitors from USA is expected to be approximately by 8-10% bigger than in the current year.

But the most optimistic Italian projections are connected with the guests from Russia. As the agency considers, in 2008 in Italy will arrive by 20-25% more Russians than in 2007.

Italy is not the first country that pays in the last time more and more attention to the touristic sphere of business. Many countries of the world are trying right now to beat the tops of the rating in various nominations like number of hotel rooms booked in the past year or the number of the flights arrived, because tourism – seems to be a very important part of life of the inhabitants of this planet. And quite an expensive one with huge turnovers…

By: Iuri Tarabanov

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Did you know…

Fencer Giuseppe Delfino won the gold medal in the individual ?p?e at the 1960 Summer Olympic Games. He was the 6th Italian ?p?e fencer in a row to win the Olympic title.

In the 20th century, three Italians won the Alpine World Cup. They were Gustavo Thoeni (1971, 1972, 1973, 1975), Piero Gros (1974) and Alberto Tomba (1995). Thoeni became the first skier to win four world titles.

Italy -the winner of the 2006 World Cup- has qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Italian men’s soccer team will be the second European team to participate in nine consecutive World Cups.

In 1925, Ottavio Bottecchia (cyclist ) won the Tour de France for the second consecutive year. Ottavio became the first Italian to win the French tournament.

Italy will send 80 (or 100) athletes to the Youth Olympic Games in 2010. The national team will probably compete in athletics, basketball, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, judo, sailing, shooting, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling.

Federica Pellegrini (swimming /200m freestyle & 400m freestyle ) has amassed several international trophies. At the 2008 Olympic Games in China, Federica -country’s most famous sportswoman- helped Italy to its first women’s swimming gold. She could win a second gold medal in London 2012.

Diver Klaus Dibiasi -1st in the World Championships, 1975- is the only diver to win 3 consecutive Olympic diving gold medals (Mexico’68, West Germany ’72, Canada ’76).

From 1924 to 2006, Italy has won 101 winter Olympic medals, including 36 gold. Italy has more winter Olympic medals than Japan, China, Hungary, Russia, France…

Rome will host the FINA World Championships in 2009. About 2,200 swimmers from over 180 countries and territories are expected to compete in 66 events.

Many American athletes have Italian origin: Joe DiMaggio (baseball), David Scalabrine (basketball), Anthony Fasano (American football), Chris DiMarco (golf ), Tony Granato (ice hockey), Mario Andretti (auto racing), Charlie Colombo (soccer), Matt Biondi (swimming), Jennifer Capriati (tennis), Young Corbett III (boxing), Mary Lou Retton (gymnastics), Mike Gallo (baseball), Thomas James Gugliotta (basketball), Julia Mancuso (skiing), Rocky Marciano (boxing).

Domenico Fioravanti (2000 Olympic 100 & 200-meter breaststroke gold medalist ) and Federica Pellegrini (Olympic 100m freestyle gold medalist in 2008) were trained by Alberto Castagnetti. Alberto is one of the best swimming coaches in the world.

The first Olympic gold medal for an Italian female athlete was won at the 1936 Olympics. During these Games, Trebisonda Valla, or simply known as Ondina Valla, won the gold medal in the 80m hurdles.

Italian athlete Andrew Howe won the silver medal in the long jump at the IAAF World Championships in 2007. He was born in Los Angeles, California (USA).

Turin -It is one of the oldest cities in the world- hosted the 80th edition of the World Fencing Championships. The World Championships were one of the best tournaments in 2006. “Turin fencers had been entertaining the thought of having the elite of world fencing back in our city for some time”, Cesare Salvatore (president of the organizing committee) told one interviewer. “They asked me if I would be the president of the organizing committee, because I had won the team competition in the 1972 Olympic Games with Italy after winning the silver medal in 1964 and 1968, and I agreed…”

Primo Nebiolo was one of the best Olympic leaders in the 20th century. From 1981 to 1999, Nebiolo was the head of the International Athletic Federation (IAAF). He is also considered the father of the World University Games-the second largest multi-sport event in the world. Nebiolo was born on July 14, 1923, in Turin, Italy.

In 1952, Nino Farini became the first European to win the Formula 1 world title.

Giovanni Benvenuti -who is known as Nino Benvenuti to his fans- became the gold medalist in the welterweight (67kg / 147 lbs) division at the Summer Olympic Games in 1960. Seven years later, he won the world championship.

Three Italians have won the New York City Marathon: Orlando Pizzolato (1984 & 1985), Giacomo Leone (1996), and Franca Fiacconi (1998).

Italian Bruna Mautino Vargas -the daughter of two Peruvian athletes- is one of Europe’s best young volleyball players. Under her leadership, Italy -European champion- qualified for the semi-finals at the FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship in 2007. She -captain of the youth team- hopes to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in the United Kingdom. Bruna -1.80m tall- was born on November 30, 1990, in Lima (Peru), the daughter of Giuliana Vargas -who won a bronze medal at the 1983 Pan American Games- and Marco Mautino-who was a sprinter in the 1980s. When she is not playing, she enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family. Bruna also likes Peruvian food. This sportswoman speaks four foreign languages (Italian, Spanish, English, French). Her idol is Mauro Camoranesi (Italian football player).

The 1920 Olympic Fencing Tournament was dominated by Italy. This European country won five Olympic fencing golds -individual foil, team ?p?e, team foil, individual saber, team saber- at the Olympiad in Antwerp (Belgium). Italy’s Nedo Nadi was elected the best fencer.

The Italian team won 10 medals -2 golds, 6 silvers, 2 bronzes- at the Winter Olympic Games in 1998. Italy ranked 11th among 72 nations and territories.

Stefano Baldini became the second Italian to win the Olympic marathon gold medal. He won the marathon at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens (Greece). Results:

1.Baldini, Stefano ( Italy ) 2:10.55

2.Keflezighi, Meb ( United States) 2:11.29

3.Lima, Vanderlei ( Brazil ) 2:12.11

4.Brown, Jon ( United Kingdom ) 2:12.26

5.Aburaya, Shigeru ( Japan ) 2:13.11

6.Wainaina, Erick (Kenya ) 2:13.30

7.Chaica, Alberto ( Portugal )

The Italian men’s waterpolo team -European champion, 1947- won the Olympic title in 1948. Italy won the Olympic tournament again in 1960.

Italy has hosted several sports events:

1898: Shooting World Championships

1902: Cycling World Cup

1902: Shooting World Championships

1911: Cycling World Championships

1911: Shooting World Championships

1930: Shooting World Championships

1932: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

1934: FIFA World Cup

1939: Cycling World Cup

1941:FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

1951: Cycling World Championships

1953: FILA Wrestling World Championships

1954: Gymnastics World Championships

1955: Fencing World Cup

1956: Winter Olympic Games

1956:FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

1959: Summer Universiade

1960: Summer Olympics

1961: Fencing World Cup

1962: Cycling World Championships

1963: Mediterranean Games

1966: Winter Universiade

1970: World University Games

1970: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

1973: Baseball Intercontinental Cup

1975: World University Games

1975: Winter Universiade

1976: Cycling World Championships

1978: FIVB World Championships

1978: Baseball World Cup

1981: IAAF World Cup

1982: Fencing World Cup

1985: Winter Universiade

1985: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

1985: FiVB Under-21 World Championship

1987: IAAF World Championships

1987: FIBA Under-21 World Championship

1988: Baseball World Cup 1990: FIFA World Cup

1990: FILA Wrestling World Championships

1991: FIFA Under-17 World Cup

1993: Baseball Intercontinental Cup

1993: FINA Women’s Water Polo World Cup

1994: FINA World Championships

1997: Mediterranean Games

1997: World University Games

1997: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

1998: Baseball World Cup

1999: ICF Flatwater Racing World Championships

2001: IHF Women’s Handball World Cup

2003: Winter Universiade

2004: IAAF World Junior Championships

2005: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

2006: Winter Universiade

Pietro Mennea won the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter at the 1980 Games in Russia. He was the third European to win the 200m. The gold medal by Italy’s Pietro was not a surprise to the journalists, sports fans and sportswriters. Why? Pietro Mennea set a new world mark on September 12, 1979 at the World University Games in Mexico City, when he ran the 200-meters in 19,72 seconds.

Italy -It is about the size of the state of Arizona- has played an active role in the Modern Olympic Movement.This European nation has participated in 25 Summer Olympics:

Olympiad……………Gold………..Silver……..Bronze………..Total…….Ranking

Athens 1896…………..0…………..0……………0…………………….0……………….

Paris 1900…………….2…………..2……………0…………………….4……………8

St.Louis 1904……..Did not compete……………………………………………….

London 1908………….2…………..2……………0…………………..4……………9

Stockholm 1912………3…………..1…………..2………………….6………….11

Antwerp 1920………..13……………9…………..9………………..31……………7

Paris 1924……………..8…………..3…………..5………………….16…………….5

Amsterdam 1928…….7…………..5…………..7………………..19…………….5

Los Angeles 1932…..12…………12…………12……………..36…………….2

Berlin 1936…………….8………….9……………5…………………22……………4

London 1948…………..8…………11………….8………………..27……………5

Helsinki 1952………….8………….9…………..4………………..21……………5

Melbourne 1956……….8………….8………….9………………..25…………….5

Rome 1960………….13…………10…………13………………..36…………….3

Tokyo 1964…………..10…………10………….7………………..27…………….5

Mexico 1968…………..3…………..4…………9………………….16………….13

Munich 1972………….5…………..3……….10………………….18………….10

Montreal 1976………..2……………7…………4…………………13…………..14

Moscow 1980…………8…………..3………….4…………………15……………5

Los Angeles 1984…..14………….6………..12………………32…………..5

Seoul 1988……………6…………..4…………4………………….14………….10

Barcelona 1992………6…………..5…………8………………..19………….12

Atlanta 1996………….13…………10…………12……………..35……………6

Sydney 2000…………13…………..8…………13……………..34……………7

Athens 2004………….10…………11………..11……………..32…………..8

Beijing 2008…………..8………….10………..10……………..28…………..9

By: Alejandro Guevara Onofre

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Everybody in the world has heard of the wonders of Florence in Italy. Many of us have seen images of the picturesque city on the television and in movies. We all know that Florence is very rich in culture, boasting of several Gothic and

Renaissance structures, art galleries that display classic works of art, and fine restaurants that offer exquisite and incomparable cuisine. However, only a select few have had the opportunity to experience the city’s grandeur first hand.

While it is true that a trip to Italy may be somewhat more expensive, an Italian vacation will be more within your reach if you are able to use discount airfare to Florence. Getting discount airfare to Florence is not that hard, especially in these times when many countries are looking to enhance their tourism industries.

Many websites these days are offering discount airfare to Florence as well as other cities in Italy. Because of the fierce competition among these discount websites, the prices of discount airfare to Florence are kept at a low level, which is a very good thing for travelers such as yourself.

Although there is no shortage of discount airfare to Florence on the Internet, you have to know certain things to make sure that you get the best possible deal. First of all, try to book your flight several months ahead in order to have more chances of securing great discount airfare to Florence.

You will have more choices of flights and dates rather than if you wait until the last minute when there will be limited tickets with discount airfare to Florence.

You may also get better discount airfare to Florence if you choose special bundles where plane tickets, hotel accommodations and car rentals are priced together. These packages are more viable in terms of savings. Usually, companies also over lower-cost discount airfare for people who are traveling in pairs or in larger groups.

Searching for great discount airfare to Florence may take some time, and if you are a very busy person, you should consider hiring a travel agent to do the hunting for you. Travel agents are very good in finding good deals for customers.

They can even recommend places for you to visit and give you inside information that you would not find on the airline websites. You will have to shell out extra cash for the agent’s commission, but many people are actually fine with it as it eliminates a lot of stress from their vacation planning.

Whether you get your discount airfare to Florence from a travel agency or through your own efforts, you can rest assured that you will enjoy your trip to Italy even more because of the reduced expenses. With the amount of money you can save, it is even possible to take the whole family for a Florence vacation that you will never forget.

By: David Faulkner

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Approximately 18 months ago my girlfriend and I decided we’d had enough of the UK and couldn’t face growing old in a country over-run by unruly teenagers that terrorised the country; the police show no signs of sorting out the nuisance teenagers so we made the decision to build a home for ourselves and our children in Sardinia.

My girlfriend’s family originate from Alghero in Sardinia and we spend most of our holidays on the beaches in and around Alghero.

Sardinia is a beautiful country, rugged and wild in places, inhabited by hospitable people, a great education system, touched by tourism but not over run but mainly it’s a friendly place to be, where you all seem to be greeted with a warm smile and a friendly Ciao.
The first decision we had to make was where to buy our land and build our dream home, in Alghero or further a field.

This proved to be easier said than done.

By chance we stumbled over an English gentleman who had lived in Alghero, Sardinia for the past 3 years and he was willing to help us get the ball rolling.

The Sardinians are wonderful people but there idea of where to live is completely opposite to that of the English, we want to live in the countryside with wide open fields and a wonderful view, the Sardinians cannot understand why anyone would want to live away from the hustle and bustle of the big city!

The building laws had recently changed in Sardinia, for the better some would say. To ensure that the building boom that is engulfing much of Europe didn’t eat in Sardinia’s beautiful countryside a law was passed that meant you could only build on land of one hectare or over, and this land had to approved to build on by May 2006. Following this, any building work had to be at least started by May 2007 or the application was null and void.

We started looking for land in August 2006 and despite many false dawns it took us until April 2006 to find the ideal plot, near a the small village of Olmedo approximately 12km from Alghero and 15km from our favourite beach.

The price was agreed and the legal paperwork was signed just in time to meet the government deadline.
We were on our way.

We gathered together as many quotes for the build as we possibly could and in the end we chose a builder who wasn’t the cheapest nor most expensive but he came highly recommended.

A huge hole was dug for the foundations and the first floor. In Sardinia and Italy it’s usual to have the bedrooms in the basement as it’s the coolest part of the house.

The next thing we had to arrange was the supply of water to the house. For this we had to take a trek to the local water authority and fill in a ream of paper-work explaining exactly what we would be using the water for. Every-thing you’ve ever heard about Italian bureaucracy being a long winded nightmare is also true about Sardinia.

After 35 minutes of speaking to the Sardinian water man he said he’d think about our application but that they’d already given too much water away that year and so it would probably be next year, we’re still waiting to hear!
And so to building work started without a water supply, luckily the builder had a couple more jobs to finish so the water issue wasn’t critical.

So far we’ve had an access road built and the foundations dug, not bad for 18 months work!
We’re not bothered that the process is slow going; it gives us time to plan out our future properly.
Don’t for one minute think this is a negative piece; on the contrary it couldn’t be more positive. It’s more about the way the Italians do things, at their pace, which is what we want to buy into.
It would be totally hypocritical of us to say we want to move to Sardinia for the slower pace of life only to expect our builder to complete our house in record time.

As I write the builder is just about to start work in earnest, watch this space for more developments.

By: Harwood E Woodpecker

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