Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Reach for the Glue
Can't wait to live the life of your dreams in Italy? But not quite sure how to go about it?
Have you tried reaching for the glue and creating a collage?
It may sound strange but it really does work
By cutting pictures of the Tuscan hills out of glossy magazines, selecting your favourite photo of your unforgettable holiday in Como and drawing a picture of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence helps you visualise your new life in Italy.
And when you've done that, the next thing to do is write down how you visualise your life in Italy five years from now. But make sure you write in the present tense and not the future - that way you'll trick your brain into believing your dream is already reality.
Don't worry about whether or not your move-to-Italy goal seems achievable. Be optimistic and true to what you want and you'll soon find things falling into place.
After all, if you don't know what you want how can you even begin looking for your ideal job or property in Italy?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Have you tried reaching for the glue and creating a collage?
It may sound strange but it really does work
By cutting pictures of the Tuscan hills out of glossy magazines, selecting your favourite photo of your unforgettable holiday in Como and drawing a picture of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence helps you visualise your new life in Italy.
And when you've done that, the next thing to do is write down how you visualise your life in Italy five years from now. But make sure you write in the present tense and not the future - that way you'll trick your brain into believing your dream is already reality.
Don't worry about whether or not your move-to-Italy goal seems achievable. Be optimistic and true to what you want and you'll soon find things falling into place.
After all, if you don't know what you want how can you even begin looking for your ideal job or property in Italy?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Living in Sardinia
There was another piece on the Italian telegiornale tonight about the country's ageing population.
One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the falling birthrate. The second reason is because Italians are living longer.
It doesn't surprise me one bit. Since moving to Sardinia three years ago, my health has improved dramatically. I used to be known as the Girl with the Cough and even got kicked out of my shorthand lessons for disturbing other students with my sniffles.
But these days, I don't even get as much as a runny nose in winter. My spots have cleared up and my skin glows from being toxin-free.
And I put it all down to eating a preservative-free diet and fresh fruit and vegetables which have been grown nearby. My olive oil is pressed by a friend and the wine I drink with my meals comes from vinyard down the road.
I used to be a self-confessed urbanite but now I'm a beach junkie.
Why would I want to live anywhere else?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the falling birthrate. The second reason is because Italians are living longer.
It doesn't surprise me one bit. Since moving to Sardinia three years ago, my health has improved dramatically. I used to be known as the Girl with the Cough and even got kicked out of my shorthand lessons for disturbing other students with my sniffles.
But these days, I don't even get as much as a runny nose in winter. My spots have cleared up and my skin glows from being toxin-free.
And I put it all down to eating a preservative-free diet and fresh fruit and vegetables which have been grown nearby. My olive oil is pressed by a friend and the wine I drink with my meals comes from vinyard down the road.
I used to be a self-confessed urbanite but now I'm a beach junkie.
Why would I want to live anywhere else?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Monday, May 29, 2006
The most famous waiter in Cagliari
I'll be adding my own posting later, but first it's time for Gabry, Enrico and Marta to tell you about Cagliari.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Cagliari is the most important city in Sardinia, an island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. Cagliari is situated on the south coast on a beautiful gulf, called “Golfo degli Angeli” which means gulf of the angels.
THE HISTORY
Cagliari was dominated by the Phoenecians. During this domination ,commercial activities started. After the first war between the Romans and the Phoenecians, Cagliari became a Roman province. In this period, the famous “ Villa di Tigellio” and the Roman amphitheatre were built. After the Christian religion was introduced with the help of important monks like S.Agostino, the Pisan colonization started and “Castello”, with its walls, was built.
CASTELLO
Castello is in the highest zone of the city according to medieval tradition. Castello was the defensive structure of the city of Cagliari. Now Castello is the most attractive zone of the historic center because of its history and its traditions. Actually this area is populated by the inhabitants and there is also the bishop’s residence. The cathedral is located in the heart of Castello. In the lowest part of the zone, there is the most panoramic corner of the city: Bastione. From this place, at night, you can see the city with its fantastic, incredible, fascinating lights.
CASTELLO BY NIGHT
Castello is not only famous for its history and architecture but also for the wide variety of entertainment, such as bars, pubs, restaurants and others. The best ones are located right in Castello. Because of this, young people usually spend free-time in this “Rione”. In Castello every single bar, every single restaurant, every little corner is known by everybody in Cagliari. The most popular bar is called “Caffè degli Spiriti, wine and bar” with its wonderful view. Nearby, there is another famous bar called “de Candia”. The waiter of “de Candia” is very well known in Castello and also for that this bar is very popular. Between the ancient ghetto of the Jews and “Santa Croce's" door that closed the ghetto’s area, there is another important meeting place called “Libarium” located in a Roman cave. After a tour in Castello during the evening, you can taste an incredible ice cream in piazza Yenne,right under the elevator that takes people to “Bastione”. If you aren’t satisfied, and you would like to pass a hot night in a disco, the “Planet disco club” in Trieste boulevard is what you really need!!!!
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Cagliari is the most important city in Sardinia, an island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. Cagliari is situated on the south coast on a beautiful gulf, called “Golfo degli Angeli” which means gulf of the angels.
THE HISTORY
Cagliari was dominated by the Phoenecians. During this domination ,commercial activities started. After the first war between the Romans and the Phoenecians, Cagliari became a Roman province. In this period, the famous “ Villa di Tigellio” and the Roman amphitheatre were built. After the Christian religion was introduced with the help of important monks like S.Agostino, the Pisan colonization started and “Castello”, with its walls, was built.
CASTELLO
Castello is in the highest zone of the city according to medieval tradition. Castello was the defensive structure of the city of Cagliari. Now Castello is the most attractive zone of the historic center because of its history and its traditions. Actually this area is populated by the inhabitants and there is also the bishop’s residence. The cathedral is located in the heart of Castello. In the lowest part of the zone, there is the most panoramic corner of the city: Bastione. From this place, at night, you can see the city with its fantastic, incredible, fascinating lights.
CASTELLO BY NIGHT
Castello is not only famous for its history and architecture but also for the wide variety of entertainment, such as bars, pubs, restaurants and others. The best ones are located right in Castello. Because of this, young people usually spend free-time in this “Rione”. In Castello every single bar, every single restaurant, every little corner is known by everybody in Cagliari. The most popular bar is called “Caffè degli Spiriti, wine and bar” with its wonderful view. Nearby, there is another famous bar called “de Candia”. The waiter of “de Candia” is very well known in Castello and also for that this bar is very popular. Between the ancient ghetto of the Jews and “Santa Croce's" door that closed the ghetto’s area, there is another important meeting place called “Libarium” located in a Roman cave. After a tour in Castello during the evening, you can taste an incredible ice cream in piazza Yenne,right under the elevator that takes people to “Bastione”. If you aren’t satisfied, and you would like to pass a hot night in a disco, the “Planet disco club” in Trieste boulevard is what you really need!!!!
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Ecademy Sardinia Networking
It was a perfect way to spend a summer's afternoon.
We ate, drank and networked under a canopy of trees, which protected us from the fierce heat of the midday sun, high up in the sette fratelli mountains near Cagliari.
We were a mixed bunch, Italians and native English speakers and coming from all walks of life. Phone numbers were swapped and email addresses exchanged so who knows what business deals will be done down the line?
Our next Ecademy Sardegna networking picnic is going to go ahead on Sat June 24.
So why don't you join Ecademy and join us?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
We ate, drank and networked under a canopy of trees, which protected us from the fierce heat of the midday sun, high up in the sette fratelli mountains near Cagliari.
We were a mixed bunch, Italians and native English speakers and coming from all walks of life. Phone numbers were swapped and email addresses exchanged so who knows what business deals will be done down the line?
Our next Ecademy Sardegna networking picnic is going to go ahead on Sat June 24.
So why don't you join Ecademy and join us?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Friday, May 26, 2006
Leisure Networking in Cagliari
It's another hot, sunny day here in Sardinia.
And just perfect for the Ecademy networking picnic I've organised for tomorrow.
A couple of How to Italy clients made the move to Cagliari this week so I thought it would be nice to welcome them in style and introduce them to other expats and English-speakers in the city.
Forget speednetworking this is leisure networking. Lingering over prosciutto, salami, bread, olives, cheese, and freshly-plucked cherries and washing it down with a glass of chilled vino rosso in the hills of the Sette Fratelli just outside Cagliari while making social and business contacts.
What could be more idyllic?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
And just perfect for the Ecademy networking picnic I've organised for tomorrow.
A couple of How to Italy clients made the move to Cagliari this week so I thought it would be nice to welcome them in style and introduce them to other expats and English-speakers in the city.
Forget speednetworking this is leisure networking. Lingering over prosciutto, salami, bread, olives, cheese, and freshly-plucked cherries and washing it down with a glass of chilled vino rosso in the hills of the Sette Fratelli just outside Cagliari while making social and business contacts.
What could be more idyllic?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Come to Cagliari in the summertime
This time it's over to Silvia, Francesca and Francesco to bring you their take on what young people can get up to in Cagliari.
In Cagliari, young people have many things to do, above all in the summertime when Poetto’ s beach is full of tourists. A meeting point for them are certainly the bars along the beach where you can drink a good beer or eat a refreshing ice-cream during the hot days of August. During the day, the most amazing attraction in Cagliari is the sea, but at night people love to visit the many pubs in the centre of the city. We can find a lot all along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
The Corso
The Corso is the main street of Cagliari where there are the most crowded pubs and restaurants, so this street is always crowded. It is near other important streets where you can find many shops which sell either designer clothes or others which are cheaper.
At night you can do the most beautiful things because Cagliari offers lots of opportunities for young people like nightclubs or you can go for a walk around Poetto.
In May there is a important event, a trade fare in which all people of Sardinia meet each other to find out the latest news about technology; There also many fairground rides where you can have fun.
In summer you can go to many concerts outside in the Roman Amphitheatre of the most popular singers.
The stadium
On Sunday you can go to the stadium to see the city’s football team playing against the most important teams of the premier league of Italy such as Juve or Milan.
The stadium is called Saint Elias because of the area that is close to it.
The cinemas
In Cagliari there are several cinemas like the Warner Village or Cineworld or other smaller cinemas where the tickets cost less. Warner Village is the most important of those because around it there is a huge shopping centre full of shops which sell clothes and electronic tools and with a supermarket where you can find everything even without spending very much.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
In Cagliari, young people have many things to do, above all in the summertime when Poetto’ s beach is full of tourists. A meeting point for them are certainly the bars along the beach where you can drink a good beer or eat a refreshing ice-cream during the hot days of August. During the day, the most amazing attraction in Cagliari is the sea, but at night people love to visit the many pubs in the centre of the city. We can find a lot all along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
The Corso
The Corso is the main street of Cagliari where there are the most crowded pubs and restaurants, so this street is always crowded. It is near other important streets where you can find many shops which sell either designer clothes or others which are cheaper.
At night you can do the most beautiful things because Cagliari offers lots of opportunities for young people like nightclubs or you can go for a walk around Poetto.
In May there is a important event, a trade fare in which all people of Sardinia meet each other to find out the latest news about technology; There also many fairground rides where you can have fun.
In summer you can go to many concerts outside in the Roman Amphitheatre of the most popular singers.
The stadium
On Sunday you can go to the stadium to see the city’s football team playing against the most important teams of the premier league of Italy such as Juve or Milan.
The stadium is called Saint Elias because of the area that is close to it.
The cinemas
In Cagliari there are several cinemas like the Warner Village or Cineworld or other smaller cinemas where the tickets cost less. Warner Village is the most important of those because around it there is a huge shopping centre full of shops which sell clothes and electronic tools and with a supermarket where you can find everything even without spending very much.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
How to Have Fun in Cagliari
Life isn't all about work, work, work.
There has to be some play, too.
So today I'm handing back over to the class 2B of the liceo 'Siotto' who can tell you what there really is for you to do in Cagliari.
HOW TO HAVE FUN IN CAGLIARI
Cagliari isn’t a very big city but it is a good place for young people. First of all because there are a lot of young people: when you walk in its streets they are very crowded with all types of young people.
Cagliari can satisfy every sort of need: from the basic pub such as “Merlo” or “Foghorn’s” to the coolest bar such as “Exma” or “Caffè degli Spiriti” in the Bastione.
In the centre of the city you can find many pubs and bars according to the amount of cash you want to splash.
Since we have a wonderful sea (envied by all the world) you can eat very fresh fish in different restaurants close to the Poetto (our most famous beach), from the zone of Marina Piccola to Margine Rosso.
We also have many delicious artigianal ice cream parlours such as “L’isola del gelato” (P.zza Yenne), “La Carapigna” (V.le Diaz) and “Tuttogelato” (V.le Poetto).
Via Manno and Via Garibaldi, the historical streets of Cagliari, are perfect to satisfy your crazy shopping: the latest fashions and the most famous designer names, but also bookshops and nice little interior design shops.
If you want to go wild in the night, there are different nightclubs or music bars perfect for you: “Charlie”, “The Cube” and “Spazio Newton” in winter and autumn; “Lido” and “Rotondina” in summer.
You won't truly know Cagliari till you visit it. We are waiting for you!!!
Veronica, Carla, Nao
There has to be some play, too.
So today I'm handing back over to the class 2B of the liceo 'Siotto' who can tell you what there really is for you to do in Cagliari.
HOW TO HAVE FUN IN CAGLIARI
Cagliari isn’t a very big city but it is a good place for young people. First of all because there are a lot of young people: when you walk in its streets they are very crowded with all types of young people.
Cagliari can satisfy every sort of need: from the basic pub such as “Merlo” or “Foghorn’s” to the coolest bar such as “Exma” or “Caffè degli Spiriti” in the Bastione.
In the centre of the city you can find many pubs and bars according to the amount of cash you want to splash.
Since we have a wonderful sea (envied by all the world) you can eat very fresh fish in different restaurants close to the Poetto (our most famous beach), from the zone of Marina Piccola to Margine Rosso.
We also have many delicious artigianal ice cream parlours such as “L’isola del gelato” (P.zza Yenne), “La Carapigna” (V.le Diaz) and “Tuttogelato” (V.le Poetto).
Via Manno and Via Garibaldi, the historical streets of Cagliari, are perfect to satisfy your crazy shopping: the latest fashions and the most famous designer names, but also bookshops and nice little interior design shops.
If you want to go wild in the night, there are different nightclubs or music bars perfect for you: “Charlie”, “The Cube” and “Spazio Newton” in winter and autumn; “Lido” and “Rotondina” in summer.
You won't truly know Cagliari till you visit it. We are waiting for you!!!
Veronica, Carla, Nao
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Finding Work in Italy
I came across an interesting article in Italian Glamour today about job tactics for the 21st century and thought I'd share a digested version with you.
E-recruiting is on the up in Italy and more than 3.7 million Italians now use online searches to find a new job.
English-language skills are highly regarded and essential for most of the advertised jobs. But the sites are in Italian so make sure your language skills are up to scratch before applying as otherwise you may find your application being chucked into the virtual dustbin.
www.monster.it and www.infojobs.it get the most hits, while another useful site, provided by the Italian Ministry of Employment and Unioncamere, is www.jobtel.it.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
E-recruiting is on the up in Italy and more than 3.7 million Italians now use online searches to find a new job.
English-language skills are highly regarded and essential for most of the advertised jobs. But the sites are in Italian so make sure your language skills are up to scratch before applying as otherwise you may find your application being chucked into the virtual dustbin.
www.monster.it and www.infojobs.it get the most hits, while another useful site, provided by the Italian Ministry of Employment and Unioncamere, is www.jobtel.it.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Want to work with us in Sardinia?
After less than five months in business, we’re looking for an office and marketing assistant to join the How to Italy team in Cagliari, Sardinia from September.
We are looking for that special someone that personifies the How to Italy brand and can convey our personality, humour, customer care and smile down the phone or via email to our clients throughout the world.
You’ll be a people person, friendly, confident and passionate and love communicating with others and inspiring them, whether that’s a longstanding client, a new client or those lovely people who write us friendly emails about their experiences in Italy.
Because our clients are so important to us, and we like to keep on pleasing them, we’ll want you to help us with the marketing and the promotion of our products – namely our book on starting a business that is being published in September. We'll also need you to organise trips and workshops in different countries around the world.
As well as being a lovely person, you'll be a great networker, organised, creative and imaginative and willing to think on your own two feet to come up with ideas and solutions.
To apply for this role you’ll ideally have a degree and be someone that everyone wants to have in their network. We’re looking for someone who has that special touch, who makes people feel special and who can develop our brand. Experience of living and/or working in Italy is essential as is fluency in English and Italian. This role will initially be offered as a six month internship.
Send us an email with the header 'I want to work with How to Italy' stating your reasons for wanting to work with us as our office and marketing assistant and why you think we should hire you rather than anyone else. Please include in your email why you love Italy, where you see yourself in five years time, a tricky situation you’ve found yourself in and how you solved it, and what you are passionate about.
We can’t accept CVs as attachments and we won’t open any we do get, so please cut and paste into the email at the bottom of your signature.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
We are looking for that special someone that personifies the How to Italy brand and can convey our personality, humour, customer care and smile down the phone or via email to our clients throughout the world.
You’ll be a people person, friendly, confident and passionate and love communicating with others and inspiring them, whether that’s a longstanding client, a new client or those lovely people who write us friendly emails about their experiences in Italy.
Because our clients are so important to us, and we like to keep on pleasing them, we’ll want you to help us with the marketing and the promotion of our products – namely our book on starting a business that is being published in September. We'll also need you to organise trips and workshops in different countries around the world.
As well as being a lovely person, you'll be a great networker, organised, creative and imaginative and willing to think on your own two feet to come up with ideas and solutions.
To apply for this role you’ll ideally have a degree and be someone that everyone wants to have in their network. We’re looking for someone who has that special touch, who makes people feel special and who can develop our brand. Experience of living and/or working in Italy is essential as is fluency in English and Italian. This role will initially be offered as a six month internship.
Send us an email with the header 'I want to work with How to Italy' stating your reasons for wanting to work with us as our office and marketing assistant and why you think we should hire you rather than anyone else. Please include in your email why you love Italy, where you see yourself in five years time, a tricky situation you’ve found yourself in and how you solved it, and what you are passionate about.
We can’t accept CVs as attachments and we won’t open any we do get, so please cut and paste into the email at the bottom of your signature.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Bed and Breakfast in Italy
Looking for an unusual place to stay in Italy?
I've just had some great news and couldn't wait to share it with you.
A friend of mine, Elisabetta Missoni Foffani, has just opened Casa Antica Mosaici, a B&B located in the grounds of the award-winning wine estate which she owns together with her husband Giovanni.
To find out more about the azienda agricola, click on www.foffani.it.
Casa Antica Mosaici is a short hop from the charming seaside town of Grado, the main cities of Udine, Trieste and Venice and the cultural centres of Aquileia e Cividale.
Prices include breakfast and are as follows: double room Eur60, double room single occupancy, Eur45, triple room Eur80. Prices are negotiable for stays of one week or more.
For more details contact Elisabetta on elisabetta@foffani.it
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
I've just had some great news and couldn't wait to share it with you.
A friend of mine, Elisabetta Missoni Foffani, has just opened Casa Antica Mosaici, a B&B located in the grounds of the award-winning wine estate which she owns together with her husband Giovanni.
To find out more about the azienda agricola, click on www.foffani.it.
Casa Antica Mosaici is a short hop from the charming seaside town of Grado, the main cities of Udine, Trieste and Venice and the cultural centres of Aquileia e Cividale.
Prices include breakfast and are as follows: double room Eur60, double room single occupancy, Eur45, triple room Eur80. Prices are negotiable for stays of one week or more.
For more details contact Elisabetta on elisabetta@foffani.it
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Saturday, May 13, 2006
The Poetto has something for everyone
Poetto is the closest and most popular beach in Cagliari. The name of this long sandy shore, from “Sella del diavolo” (“The saddle of the devil”) to “Margine rosso” probably derives from the tower called “Del poeta” (“Of the poet”) which stands on the eastern side of S.Elia promontory.
When the mistral wind blows, it is possible to understand the origin of the fable which gave “Golfo degli angeli” (Gulf of the angels”) and “Sella del diavolo” their names: devils took control of the gulf. They were defeated by the archangel Michael after a long hard battle. During the devils’ retreat, their leader Lucifer lost his saddle - which fell into the sea - and became petrified. Since then the angels have taken care of the gulf and have promised ever-lasting peace.
From the “Sella del diavolo”, you can go along the coast road to Quartu, either by car or by bus. People in Cagliari usually use the bus stops to indicate the different parts of Poetto beach. The first stop is an area where people who like sports congregate. In the nearby port of “Marina piccola” there are yachts, sailboards and frequent regattas. It is very popular in summertime and you can go there to eat an ice-cream or to go for a walk. The fourth bus stop is the favourite haunt for very young people so it is very noisy, while the next stop is more quiet.
There are two Spanish towers and their aim was to defend and control the whole beach. At every bus stop you can find some bars and little restaurants where you can rest and have a good time while seeing a beautiful landscape.
Written by Francesco, Francesca, Silvia and Nao of the Siotto high school, Cagliari.
When the mistral wind blows, it is possible to understand the origin of the fable which gave “Golfo degli angeli” (Gulf of the angels”) and “Sella del diavolo” their names: devils took control of the gulf. They were defeated by the archangel Michael after a long hard battle. During the devils’ retreat, their leader Lucifer lost his saddle - which fell into the sea - and became petrified. Since then the angels have taken care of the gulf and have promised ever-lasting peace.
From the “Sella del diavolo”, you can go along the coast road to Quartu, either by car or by bus. People in Cagliari usually use the bus stops to indicate the different parts of Poetto beach. The first stop is an area where people who like sports congregate. In the nearby port of “Marina piccola” there are yachts, sailboards and frequent regattas. It is very popular in summertime and you can go there to eat an ice-cream or to go for a walk. The fourth bus stop is the favourite haunt for very young people so it is very noisy, while the next stop is more quiet.
There are two Spanish towers and their aim was to defend and control the whole beach. At every bus stop you can find some bars and little restaurants where you can rest and have a good time while seeing a beautiful landscape.
Written by Francesco, Francesca, Silvia and Nao of the Siotto high school, Cagliari.
Friday, May 12, 2006
One day in Kalaris - the capital of the world
If you want to visit Cagliari, this is the right guide for you!!!
We put our unlimited experience of Cagliari’s D.O.C. citizens in your hands .
Cagliari, an ancient Phoenician city, is full of history, folk traditions and typical products.
Now we will tell you how to enjoy your time in Cagliari.
In the morning you can start with a tour in the historical centre of Castello. This is a district built by the Pisans at the beginning of the 11th century with characteristic streets and walls. There are also four towers, and the most important of these is the “Elephant tower”. In Castello you can also find the cathedral of Santa Anna, one of the most important Cagliari’s churches. Near the cathedral there is an archaeological museum where there are many important historical finds.
After this long tour, you can relax in one of the typical restaurants of “ La Marina”, a district near the port. In this way you have the possibility to taste the delicious Sardinian food . Besides this kind of restaurant is not very expensive. You spend usually about 15 Euros.
Roberto, Corrado and Alessandro, of the Siotto school, Cagliari.
We put our unlimited experience of Cagliari’s D.O.C. citizens in your hands .
Cagliari, an ancient Phoenician city, is full of history, folk traditions and typical products.
Now we will tell you how to enjoy your time in Cagliari.
In the morning you can start with a tour in the historical centre of Castello. This is a district built by the Pisans at the beginning of the 11th century with characteristic streets and walls. There are also four towers, and the most important of these is the “Elephant tower”. In Castello you can also find the cathedral of Santa Anna, one of the most important Cagliari’s churches. Near the cathedral there is an archaeological museum where there are many important historical finds.
After this long tour, you can relax in one of the typical restaurants of “ La Marina”, a district near the port. In this way you have the possibility to taste the delicious Sardinian food . Besides this kind of restaurant is not very expensive. You spend usually about 15 Euros.
Roberto, Corrado and Alessandro, of the Siotto school, Cagliari.
What living in Italy is really like: the insiders' view
For the next few days, I'm relinquishing control of this blog and handing it over to the real experts: the students I do conversation classes with at school.
After all, they have the insiders' view. They've lived in Italy all their lives.
So for the alternative view of what life is really like in Italy, watch this space. The first posting will be coming later today.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
After all, they have the insiders' view. They've lived in Italy all their lives.
So for the alternative view of what life is really like in Italy, watch this space. The first posting will be coming later today.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Thursday, May 11, 2006
The next Business Building Workshop
We knew the Business Building workshop had been a success.
And now we have proof. This is what Lesley Dever, one of the participants, had to say about it:
“I've arrived home safely feeling very satisfied with the course and the connections I have made with you both.
“There was something about coming to Sardinia to do the course that enhanced the whole experience. It seems to make sense to be in the environment and immersed in the culture in which you are trying to create your business. Apart from the myriad of useful information and discussion, I felt very heard and understood by both of you and, indeed, throughout the trip felt very well cared for and respected for the ideas and experience that I brought to the course.
I feel very excited and energised by it all. I also made a business connection on the flight on the way home to Glasgow.”
That testimonial means a lot to us because we prefer to build up a rapport with each person on the workshop rather than trying to cram as many people into the seminar room as possible.
That's why we're limiting our next Business Building workshop to just six people.
If you think you have an idea for a business in Italy, why not book a place?
Running from Friday, September 29 2006 until Sunday, October 1 2006, Mario and I will share our experiences of starting businesses in Italy and work with you to make your expat entrepreneur dreams also come true.
We guarantee that by the end of the workshop, you'll have started to transform your vague business idea into reality by breaking it down into a series of goals.
What's more, we will become as passionate about your idea as you and give you all the encouragement and support you need to take the plunge and start a business in Italy.
During the weekend, you will also:
Explore your business idea in detail
Have a one-to-one chat with Emma and Mario to discuss what you need to do to take your concept forward
Kickstarted your network in Italy
Learnt about business etiquette and culture clash
Found out tips and tricks for marketing your business without splashing the cash
Have an introductory session to Italian taxes
But just as important, you will stay in a lovely B&B where the Sardinian owners go to great lengths to make you feel welcome and you'll get the chance to dine out in different restaurants each evening to experience the cuisine of the island's Gallura region.
Plus, over breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll get the chance to grill Emma and Mario on what living in Italy really means.
The workshop costs just Eur490. That includes the price of the two-day workshop, two-nights' accommodation, meals, refreshments, a welcome aperitivo and transfer to and from Olbia airport.
To book your place on the Doing Business in Italy workshop, send an email to info@howtoitaly.com, stating your name, email address, telephone number and where you live (city and country).
If you want to move to Italy and tap into your true potential as an expat, then contact me for more details.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
And now we have proof. This is what Lesley Dever, one of the participants, had to say about it:
“I've arrived home safely feeling very satisfied with the course and the connections I have made with you both.
“There was something about coming to Sardinia to do the course that enhanced the whole experience. It seems to make sense to be in the environment and immersed in the culture in which you are trying to create your business. Apart from the myriad of useful information and discussion, I felt very heard and understood by both of you and, indeed, throughout the trip felt very well cared for and respected for the ideas and experience that I brought to the course.
I feel very excited and energised by it all. I also made a business connection on the flight on the way home to Glasgow.”
That testimonial means a lot to us because we prefer to build up a rapport with each person on the workshop rather than trying to cram as many people into the seminar room as possible.
That's why we're limiting our next Business Building workshop to just six people.
If you think you have an idea for a business in Italy, why not book a place?
Running from Friday, September 29 2006 until Sunday, October 1 2006, Mario and I will share our experiences of starting businesses in Italy and work with you to make your expat entrepreneur dreams also come true.
We guarantee that by the end of the workshop, you'll have started to transform your vague business idea into reality by breaking it down into a series of goals.
What's more, we will become as passionate about your idea as you and give you all the encouragement and support you need to take the plunge and start a business in Italy.
During the weekend, you will also:
Explore your business idea in detail
Have a one-to-one chat with Emma and Mario to discuss what you need to do to take your concept forward
Kickstarted your network in Italy
Learnt about business etiquette and culture clash
Found out tips and tricks for marketing your business without splashing the cash
Have an introductory session to Italian taxes
But just as important, you will stay in a lovely B&B where the Sardinian owners go to great lengths to make you feel welcome and you'll get the chance to dine out in different restaurants each evening to experience the cuisine of the island's Gallura region.
Plus, over breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll get the chance to grill Emma and Mario on what living in Italy really means.
The workshop costs just Eur490. That includes the price of the two-day workshop, two-nights' accommodation, meals, refreshments, a welcome aperitivo and transfer to and from Olbia airport.
To book your place on the Doing Business in Italy workshop, send an email to info@howtoitaly.com, stating your name, email address, telephone number and where you live (city and country).
If you want to move to Italy and tap into your true potential as an expat, then contact me for more details.
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Being an Expat Entrepreneur
Sardinia is postcard perfect today.
The sky is a brilliant forget-me-not blue, the wind has dropped and it's warm enough to finally to cast off the jumpers and jackets that should have long been consigned to the back of the wardrobe.
I love days like this because they make me feel that anything and everything is possible and that there are endless opportunities are out there just waiting to be grabbed.
After popping into the local bar for a cappuccino and croissant oozing warm gooey chocolate, I decided it was too nice a day to work inside.
So I've taken myself off to the local park and am sat under a shady palm tree as I write this on my laptop.
It's made me realise just how portable my career and my office are - the battery on my laptop lasts for four hours without needing to be recharged so I don't have to worry about losing any data as the power suddenly cuts off.
Cagliari doesn't have good wifi coverage but that doesn't matter. Thanks to a mobile connect card (www.tim.it and www.vodafone.it both offer them) I can connect to the internet as much as I could if I were back in the office.
When I can be an expat entrepreneur and work anywhere I want in Italy - or, indeed, the world - why would I want to work for anyone else?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
The sky is a brilliant forget-me-not blue, the wind has dropped and it's warm enough to finally to cast off the jumpers and jackets that should have long been consigned to the back of the wardrobe.
I love days like this because they make me feel that anything and everything is possible and that there are endless opportunities are out there just waiting to be grabbed.
After popping into the local bar for a cappuccino and croissant oozing warm gooey chocolate, I decided it was too nice a day to work inside.
So I've taken myself off to the local park and am sat under a shady palm tree as I write this on my laptop.
It's made me realise just how portable my career and my office are - the battery on my laptop lasts for four hours without needing to be recharged so I don't have to worry about losing any data as the power suddenly cuts off.
Cagliari doesn't have good wifi coverage but that doesn't matter. Thanks to a mobile connect card (www.tim.it and www.vodafone.it both offer them) I can connect to the internet as much as I could if I were back in the office.
When I can be an expat entrepreneur and work anywhere I want in Italy - or, indeed, the world - why would I want to work for anyone else?
Emma Bird is the co-director of www.howtoitaly.com
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Networking Your Way to Success
On the whole, Italy is a very mistrustful society and, as any expat or Italian will tell you, networking is crucial when it comes to finding work or leads for potential work.
Of course, some people are more successful than others - it's all down to the approach they take to developing and nurturing their network.
What networking isn't about is writing to someone you don't know and expecting them to give you the contact details of third parties.
After all, put your self into their shoes. They don't know anything about you and how reliable you are as a person and if you aren't reliable, that will reflect badly on the person making the referral.
I'm generous with my contacts and I love connecting as many people as possible, but I can only do that once I have established a rapport with someone, have discovered common interests and know that we will be sharing resources, whether now or in the future.
So when it comes to finding out information about Italy, don't expect strangers to give you referrals. That will probably only happen once you have become acquaintances and then friends.
You may be anxious to get your Move-to-Italy project underway but by taking time to develop contacts initially, you're more likely to move further ahead in the long-run.
Emma Bird is the co-founder of www.howtoitaly.com
Of course, some people are more successful than others - it's all down to the approach they take to developing and nurturing their network.
What networking isn't about is writing to someone you don't know and expecting them to give you the contact details of third parties.
After all, put your self into their shoes. They don't know anything about you and how reliable you are as a person and if you aren't reliable, that will reflect badly on the person making the referral.
I'm generous with my contacts and I love connecting as many people as possible, but I can only do that once I have established a rapport with someone, have discovered common interests and know that we will be sharing resources, whether now or in the future.
So when it comes to finding out information about Italy, don't expect strangers to give you referrals. That will probably only happen once you have become acquaintances and then friends.
You may be anxious to get your Move-to-Italy project underway but by taking time to develop contacts initially, you're more likely to move further ahead in the long-run.
Emma Bird is the co-founder of www.howtoitaly.com
Monday, May 08, 2006
Business Building in Italy
It wasn't a relaxing weekend but it was fun.
We were running the Business Building workshop on the Costa Smeralda. When we weren't in the boardroom discussing the ins and outs of starting a business in Italy, we were eating freshly-baked cakes for breakfast and enjoying laidback meals in off-the-tourist-track restaurants for dinner.
Some participants even found time for a spot of well-earned sunbathing as they recovered from all the information they'd ingested.
The next Business Building workshop takes place in September. Course details will be announced next week so look out for the updated pages on www.howtoitaly.com
Emma Bird is the co-founder of www.howtoitaly.com
We were running the Business Building workshop on the Costa Smeralda. When we weren't in the boardroom discussing the ins and outs of starting a business in Italy, we were eating freshly-baked cakes for breakfast and enjoying laidback meals in off-the-tourist-track restaurants for dinner.
Some participants even found time for a spot of well-earned sunbathing as they recovered from all the information they'd ingested.
The next Business Building workshop takes place in September. Course details will be announced next week so look out for the updated pages on www.howtoitaly.com
Emma Bird is the co-founder of www.howtoitaly.com
