Here is a summary of the most recent information and travel news from Italy for February 20 to March 11.
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Get ready for the euro-dollar parity and fast!
The EUR1 value was just above $1.05 as of March 11. Analysts expect parity with US dollars very soon.
If you are not a US traveler and haven’t yet planned a trip to Italy or any other part of Europe, the key question is WHY?
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The Islamic State threatens Rome with its threat; the Italians respond by offering travel advice
It’s clear that ISIL is a serious threat… Yet, the hilariously absurd responses of Italy to ISIL’s announcement that it was “coming to Rome” on social media are charming. -
Tourists from the USA were able to carve names into Rome’s Colosseum
This is absolutely unacceptable. It is absurd to believe that anyone would consider such acts of vandalism acceptable, or that someone would deliberately damage an old building just for vanity.
It’s amazing how easily many of Italy’s historic monuments can be reached – we can even walk up to them and pick up stones that were laid thousands of years ago. But, these episodes make me wonder if it would have been better for us all if they were hidden behind velvet ropes.
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Video: The Sikhs behind the famous Grana Padano Italian cheese
This is truly amazing. It is amazing to see an immigrant community recognized by Italians for having saved the local economy in a country with such a negative reputation. Enjoy a cup of coffee and settle in for this 20 minute video. It is well worth your time. -
Dutch company offers to restore Rome following riot
A Dutch restoration company has offered to assist with the damage done by Feyenoord fans during their February visit to Rome. According to the firm, they were embarrassed and will do everything in their power to rectify the situation. -
A monster catfish that is large enough to swallow a man caught in Italy
After a 40-minute struggle, this monstrous fish weighed in at nearly 280lbs. It was finally pulled from the Po River. You have to read this article and see the image. It is unbelievable. -
Sinkhole in Naples Street causes 380 people to be evacuated
It’s terrible, but I’m thankful the sinkhole did not open beneath a building that could have been swallowed. -
Italian fury at English-language slogans used for promotion of Rome and the country’s navy
Some Italians are unhappy with the new advertisements for Rome and the Marina Militare, Italy’s Navy. Both of these are in English. -
Italy claims to have invented fish and chips, and brought it to the UK
Italy is right to claim that it invented many of our favorite foods. But fish and chips? This might seem a bit extreme, but Rome isn’t stopping it from telling its students that the UK’s most famous dish is actually the result of Venetian immigrants. -
Narni challenges Rieti to be centre Italy
Two towns located just 31 miles apart are now fighting for the title of center of Italy. The one is known as “Italy’s belly button” from ancient times. But the other claims it has modern geography.
