VIP Member Sara, who is studying in Siena, Italy, wrote us of a great field trip she went on to the "Parco di Pinocchio." - She tells us, "Wow! Pinocchio is truly loved and famous in Italy, and now I know why little figures are being sold on every street corner and store throughout the country." So, let's find out just how famous and loved Pinocchio is in Italy and how Italians embrace the story, the author, and little Pinocchio. At the same time, we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level. 

VIP Member Gianna just returned from Italy to visit family for the first time and asks, "Why are Italians so serious when playing cards? Every night, after dinner, we played a card game called "Scopa." It was very exciting and competitive." - This time, let's learn about Gianna and her family's card game. At the same time, we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level. 

Becoming fit and strong has long been important to the general public. This time, let's discover how one famous Italian muscleman helped evolve the golden age of fitness and physical culture. At the same time, we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level. 

Italy is famous for so many delicious wines. And who knew that choosing the correct glass for your wine was important in relishing the flavor and enjoying that moment you take that first sip. So, relax and pour yourself a glass while we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level. 

The air is filled with World Cup Fever, so let's talk about a legendary Italian World Cup hero who, at the peak of his career, was said to be "more popular than spaghetti." We'll learn his ups and downs during his soccer career while practicing many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level.

The word volcano originally comes from the name of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. It is said that Vulcan built a blacksmith workshop under Mount Etna, and whenever Venus is unfaithful, Vulcan grows angry and beats the red-hot metal with such a force that sparks and smoke rise from the top of the mountain to create a volcanic eruption. So, let's learn more about the all-Italian Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. At the same time, we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level.

One of the most magnetic and charismatic stars of the silent era, Rudolph Valentino, once said, "People are not in love with me, but with the picture of me on the screen. I am merely the canvas on which they paint their dreams."

This time, let's learn more about the first "Latin Lover" while we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level. 

Have you ever wanted to play a musical instrument? A tradition now for hundreds of years, the piano has heavily influenced every major style of music since its first appearance, thanks to a great Italian inventor from Padua.

Let's learn more about the history of the piano and why everyone should learn to bang out a tune or two. At the same time, we practice many useful Italian words and expressions that will take your Italian to the next level.

One of the things that caught our attention while reviewing a long list of Italian sayings is how many of them, and surely some of the most famous ones, are made up using animal names. "Pulce" (flea), "mosca" (fly), "cane" (dog), "gatto" (cat), "elefante" (elephant), and "lupo" (wolf) are only a few examples of animals that are used in popular Italian expressions.

So, let's get ready to learn some great, "real-life" Italian sayings you won't find in books: these are idiomatic expressions that Italians use all the time in their everyday lives. The 12 Italian sayings you're about to hear will greatly improve your vocabulary and understanding of Italian culture. Welcome to the (Italian) animal kingdom, everyone!

Learn Italian with www.LearnItalianPod.com - Episode #13 of the fun-to-practice and exciting "Listen Up & Learn" lesson series is entitled "Let's Watch A Movie!" - Spending an evening at home watching a movie and enjoying snacks and popcorn can be a great way to unwind and recharge. The only challenge... choosing a movie that [...]