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Sia gets married in intimate Italian wedding

Australian superstar Sia has tied the knot with Dan Bernard in an intimate ceremony in Portofino, Italy on Monday. The ceremony was held at Villa Olivetta, the home of designers Stefano Dolce and Domenico Gabbana, and the same location where Kourtney Kardashian wed Travis Baker in April. The Chandelier singer donned a light pink, lace embroidered fishtail gown, with long sleeves and a matching veil. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo in true Sia style. The singer’s new husband matched the wedding’s pastel colour palette in a light blue suit with a bow tie and black dress shoes. In one photo, staff were seen helping the singer climb up a set of stairs as she headed to the cliffside ceremony. The newlyweds sealed their marriage with a kiss under an archway of pastel flowers and were smiling from ear to ear as they exchanged their rings. Sia has kept the romance with Bernard low-key, so it is unknown when the pair first started dating, but has <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj-p6FXLyBK/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared a snap </a>with him back in October 2022. Images: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsCTdW-Pkf3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>

Relationships

Italian historian makes major Mona Lisa breakthrough

A small town in Tuscany is revelling in excitement after it was claimed that a bridge in the backdrop of the Mona Lisa belongs to the town. Italian historian Silvano Vinceti determined that the bridge in the background of the most famous portrait in the world is in fact the Romito di Laterina bridge in the province of Arezzo: about 80km southeast of Florence. Leonardo da Vinci painted the masterpiece in Florence in the early 16th century, and ever since, it has been subject to disputes over the inspiration for the portrait. The identity of the woman in the painting - who is widely believed to be Lisa del Giocondo – has triggered as much speculation as the distant backdrop. Past theories have identified the bridge as Ponte Buriano, close to Laterina, as well as Ponte Bobbio in the northern Italian city of Piacenza. Using historical documents and drone images, and by making comparisons between the painting and photographs of the area, Vinceti said he is confident it was “the Etruscan-Roman bridge, Romito”. Vinceti told reporters in Rome that the most telling detail of the bridge’s identity is the number of arches. The bridge in Leonardo’s painting had four arches, as did the Romito. Ponte Buriano, on the other hand, has six arches, while Ponte Bobbio has more than six. Another telltale sign, according to Vinceti, is the fact that the bridge was once a “very busy, functioning bridge”, that provided a shortcut between Florence and Arezzo. Simona Neri, the mayor of Laterina, said Vinceti’s theory had caused a lot of excitement in the town of just over 3,500 people. She said, “We need to try to protect what’s left of the bridge.” Image credits: Getty Images

Art

An Italian lodge jumps the Swiss border

The borders in the European Alps have been the source of some strange happenings recently, including a border-jumping ski lodge. Refugio Cervino, a two-storey lodge built on the Italian side of Theodul Glacier, has been slowly moving towards Switzerland - and its international movement has called its ownership and national boundaries into dispute. The border between Italy and Switzerland has previously been defined at the boundary of the Theodul drainage divide, the point where melted water either flows south to Italy or north towards Switzerland. However, rising temperatures have changed the flow of water. As a result, two-thirds of the Refugio sits in Switzerland while the remaining third is in Italy, and has become a subject of diplomatic negotiations. According to Agence France Presse, a compromise to redraw the boundaries was reached last year - but that doesn’t stop the ever-increasing glacier melt. Swisstopo, which stays on top of the official boundaries of the Confédération Helvétique, will be changing the boundaries in 2023. "We agreed to split the difference," chief border official Alain Wicht told AFP. Though international surveyors have previously been brought in to determine where the boundary should sit previously, Mr Wicht says the Refugio is a sensitive issue as the Theodul Glacier is “the only place where we suddenly had a building involved”. The Swiss have taken a more neutral stance in the debate, but the Italians are unwilling to part with the building without compensation, "The refuge remains Italian because we have always been Italian," Refugio’s caretaker, 51-year-old Lucio Trucco, says. For now, the refuge will be an enclave of Italy within Switzerland until the borders are changed. Image: Getty Images

International Travel

Why Richard Gere is set to testify in Italian kidnapping trial

Actor Richard Gere has been named as a witness in a high-profile Italian kidnapping trial involving former government minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini, the populist leader of the right-wing League Party, is facing kidnapping charges for refusing to let a migrant ship dock in the country. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in jail and being barred from running for office. Gere was in Italy in August 2019, when Salvini refused for days to let a boat carrying about 150 migrants rescued at sea to dock in Italy. The vessel was operated by the NGO Proactiva Open Arms, and Gere visited the boat in an effort to draw international attention to the situation. Activists described the conditions on board and the Italian government’s failure to act as a humanitarian crisis at the time. Salvini has said that the inclusion of Gere in the list of witnesses proves the case against him should not be taken seriously. "Now you tell me how serious is a trial where Richard Gere comes from Hollywood to testify on how bad I am," Mr Salvini said. Other witnesses include former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, as well as other senior Italian political figures. Proactiva Open Arms told the court that Gere could give a direct account of the conditions on board the vessel, which was stranded off the Italian island of Lampedusa for 19 days before prosecutors ordered its evacuation. At present, it is not clear whether Gere will appear in person or via video. Salvini, a populist known for his anti-immigrant campaigns, argues that he was simply doing his duty as minister by refusing to allow the migrants to disembark. He said, "Defending a country's borders, security, honour and dignity is not just a minister's duty but everyone's duty. "Being put on trial for just doing my duty is surreal. A Spanish boat refusing to go to Spain commits an abuse. If Spain gives its flag to boats it does not manage to control, then there is a problem". The next hearing is scheduled for December 17. Image: Michael Loccisano/WireImage/Getty Images

Legal

Have a peek inside George Clooney’s dreamy Italian mansion

George Clooney is easily one of the most recognisable faces in the western world. He is also renowned for his international property portfolio. One of his favourite places is surely one of yours as well – his idyllic mansion in Lake Como, Italy. The star bought the Italian villa in 2002 and paid an eye-watering €11.7 million (NZD $19.7 million) for the property. The 18th century estate features several extraordinary features including 25 rooms, an outdoor theatre, a swimming pool, and a garage big enough to house his number of vehicles and motorcycles. This luxurious home has a tennis court as well, along with a full gym, landscaped gardens, incredibly ornate ceilings, a separate “pizza room”, and a meticulously constructed wall to keep water from pouring directly into the house. Lake Como is home to many international celebs, including Donatella Versace who is reportedly within walking distance from Clooney. George Clooney is reported to have said that his villa is one of his best purchases. “[It] changed my life in a very pleasant and unexpected way… “I realized how beautiful life was in Italy and how it really helped calm me and not feel so pressured.”

Real Estate

An Italian museum’s innovative way of tracking viewer interactions

Art researchers in Italy have discovered a new way to help more accurately curate popular museum exhibitions. Working with the Italian national agency for new technologies, the Istituzione Bologna Musei in Bologna has installed 14 small cameras that use artificial intelligence (AI) to study the reactions of viewers. The cameras pick up facial expressions, posture and positioning of those who pass through the gallery on a daily basis. The data collected by these cameras is then used to draw broader conclusions about future exhibits and specific artworks. Researcher Riccardo Scipinotti came up with the initiative, referred to as ShareArt, to record how long visitors look at art, the paths they take through galleries, where their eyes are drawn to on particular canvases. All of these factors make up each piece of art’s “attraction value”, as well as analysing which exhibits are the most popular. The ShareArt technology has the potential to revolutionise the museum and art world, as the data shared from the AI could determine placement of certain works in a gallery, how works are lit or hung, or how works are displayed in relation to one another. The team of researchers began to roll out ShareArt in early July as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Italy, and has already started to yield interesting results. The technology is also fitted to detect if museum-goers are flouting making-wearing rules. The AI device is programmed to flash red if a visitor is wearing their mask incorrectly, or not wearing one at all. Image credit: Shutterstock

Art

Bargain Italian homes sell for under $2

Houses in Italy are selling for as little as one euro, thanks to a new initiative started by several Italian municipalities. The 1 Euro House Project hopes to revitalise particular areas of the country and stem the rate of residents moving away. Sambuca di Sicilia, a municipality in the region of Sicily, has seen incredible success from the initiative, with approximately 16 dwellings being purchased since the scheme was announced in 2019. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CODg8wLNIqu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bell’Italia (@bellitalia_magazine)</a> </div> </blockquote> Since then, Sambuca has attracted reporters and foreign buyers looking for a bargain home. Though the reasons behind Sambuca’s huge popularity in comparison to other unpopulated towns involved in the scheme are unknown, the area has hopes to replicate its initial success. A second batch of abandoned homes have been put on the market for a symbolic two euros (NZD $3.38). <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKG2wZbslyR/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a> </div> </blockquote> Since the 2019 scheme, local authorities have continued to receive requests from foreigners interested in buying a bargain property. In response to the continued interest, they have decided to sell about 20 abandoned buildings, many of which are adjacent houses, giving buyers an opportunity to buy more than one and knock them through. The chosen properties are all within the old “Saracen” neighbourhood, which were abandoned after a catastrophic earthquake devastated the area in 1968. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQbEoqpsUP8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sambuca di Sicilia (@sambucadisicilia)</a> </div> </blockquote> The homes will be going to auction at a starting price of two euros and will be sold to the highest bidder. Most of the homes are in need of repairs, while others are still filled with forgotten items and broken furniture. Any who are interested in partaking can complete and submit an application - available from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.comune.sambucadisicilia.ag.it/Case%20a%202%20Euro/Index.htm" target="_blank">town’s website</a> - until November 5, with the public auction likely to take place several weeks later. In 2019, the homes sold for prices ranging from one euro to €25,000 (approximately $40,000 NZD). However, most went for somewhere between €5000 and €10,000 (NZD $8000 to $16,000). Image: irusya_busya / Instagram

International Travel

Lost Italian village emerges after decades under water

A "lost" village has emerged from an Italian lake after 71 years under water. Curon is a village in north Italy that was purposefully drowned in 1950 to become a reservoir for a hydro-electric plant. The reservoir is known as Lake Resia and usually the only sign of the 163 lost homes beneath it is a 14th-Century church tower that protrudes above the surface. Temporary draining at the lake has revealed the former alpine village, which was flooded despite protests from residents. It was flooded when a dam was built to merge two natural lakes and create the local hydro-electric plant. Lake Resia quickly became a tourist attraction due to the scary abandoned church tower sticking up in the middle. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9-7DYpRYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CO9-7DYpRYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luisa A. 🇮🇹 (@luisa2506)</a> </div> </blockquote> Around 1000 people were displaced when the village was purposefully flooded in 1950. Around 400 of those created a new village close by while the rest are said to have moved away. The past has been brought to life once again as repairs at the site have revealed quite eerie remains. Tourists and locals have been able to walk over the site and that’s resulted in some cool photography. Some great examples can be seen on Instagram account luisa2506 which shows some spooky buildings and rubble. The Instagram belongs to a local called Luisa Azzolini who has also been tweeting the amazing images.

International Travel

Find your Italian dream home for just $1.50

If you’ve ever dreamt of living in Italy, this special option might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The depopulated town of Laurenzana, located in Southern Italy's Basilicata region, has set itself apart from the number of home schemes up for grabs in the country. Last month, potential buyers were given the option to buy a dilapidated home without having to put down a deposit guarantee that would ensure they finished renovations on their property. The mayor of the town Michele Ungaro, said they were making the process a heck of a lot easier. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840249/italian-home-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/19a75d6fe76047c492624c11d812f2c0" /> "We want to help newcomers purchase the house of their dreams without making it hard for them to follow tedious procedures and tight requirements," Ungaro explained. "At times it can be difficult to navigate through regulation, particularly if you're a foreigner. We want this adventure to be a pleasure, not a burden.” She continued: "That's why we are not asking for any deposit guarantee to ensure the works are speedily carried out. It sounds as a sort of threat. "We rely on the good faith and commitment of buyers, but we will be constantly monitoring the work-in-progress and status of the renovation." To entice buyers, authorities have also kept paperwork costs to a minimum, and has assured them that they will benefit from southern Italy's relatively low local taxes. However, as with most one euro ($1.50) home schemes, buyers must agree to complete the renovations on their property within a certain time frame. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840248/italian-home-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/72764117d3f04324bb734455c3434ca6" /> In Laurenzana, work needs to start no longer than three months after purchase and has to be completed within three years. Buyers are also required to give in a detailed restyle plan before their offer is considered. "If we are flooded with emails of people just saying 'I want to buy a house for one euro' without any further details, we'll get nowhere," Ungaro said. "Targets are paramount. It would be of great help in speeding up the process if interested buyers get in touch straight away with a draft plan of what they intend to do with their new property and how much money they plan to invest in the restyle." The abandoned houses for sale in Laurenzana come in different shapes and sizes, so Ungaro has encouraged those interested in buying to make clear what size home they are interested in, or what purpose they will use their property for – whether that be a private summer home, B&B or shop. The homes available range from 40 to 150 square metres.

Real Estate

Free impromptu concerts break out from Italian rooftops and balconies

From Australia to Europe, the deadly coronavirus outbreak is forcing a number of people around the world to go into self-isolation, leading to not only widespread anxiety, but a little bit of positivity too. In Italy, opera singer Maurizio Marchini took to his balcony to serenade the town with his soulful voice, filling Florence’s empty streets with life once again after he gave a beautiful rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s famous aria “Nessun Dorma”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> During Italy's quarantine, Italian tenor Maurizio Marchini wanted to do something to spread joy amid all the sadness in Florence. So climbed on to his balcony and serenaded the entire town. Wow.<a href="https://t.co/yVgADAU9bt">pic.twitter.com/yVgADAU9bt</a> — Muhammad Lila (@MuhammadLila) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadLila/status/1238671011698151427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> Footage of the heartwarming act has been viewed over four million times since it was shared on Twitter on Facebook. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> From my balcony in Turin, Italy. Free concert performed by fellow balcony dwellers. Watch with the sound on to also hear the thunderous applause from all the neighbors. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid_19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid_19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lockdown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lockdown</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fc2mCCVuRH">pic.twitter.com/Fc2mCCVuRH</a> — D. Schmudde (@dschmudde) <a href="https://twitter.com/dschmudde/status/1238598881719582720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote> And he wasn’t the only one filling the streets with cheer, as residents in Turin took to their balconies to play instruments and sing. With one resident describing the moment as a “free concert” and shared a video of it on Twitter. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Scenes like this from Italy fill me with so much joy and hopefulness. Here is a DJ in Palermo playing a set for the whole neighborhood...music does unite! 🎶 Remember to spread love❤️ during these trying times. Stay safe, and very importantly, positive everyone! <a href="https://t.co/Nz5PCLPBPt">pic.twitter.com/Nz5PCLPBPt</a> — Andrew Arruda (@AndrewArruda) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewArruda/status/1238869074173505539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote> There was also an upbeat performance by a DJ from the city of Palermo, who set up his equipment in his balcony to keep the positive energy flowing. Cheers and whistles could be heard as the unidentified man bellowed into a microphone and waved his hands in the air. On Monday, multiple Italians came together to form a flash mob, as they shined lights out of their windows and balconies while other residents cheered around them.

International Travel

“You have no idea what’s coming”: Italian warns of six ‘stages’ of a global pandemic

An Italian social media user has warned citizens of other countries about the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic as the country remains under lockdown. The user took to Reddit to share <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz/status/1238977743653687296" target="_blank">what it’s like living in the country</a>, where the COVID-19 pandemic has killed more than 1,800 people. “To the rest of the world, you have no idea what’s coming,” the person wrote. “This situation is bad, but what’s worse is seeing the rest of the world behaving as if it isn’t going to happen to them. We know what you’re thinking because we were in your place too.” The person went on to outline the six stages they experienced, which are different from the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.who.int/influenza/resources/documents/pandemic_phase_descriptions_and_actions.pdf" target="_blank">pandemic influenza phases as defined by the World Health Organisation</a>. The user said ‘Stage 1’ began when the first cases were reported in the country. “I’m not 75+yo so what could possibly happen to me?” the Italian wrote. “I’m going to live my life as usual, there’s no need to freak out.” The number of cases started increasing in ‘Stage 2’, when the government would declare “red zone” and quarantine small cities. “Well that’s sad and somewhat worrisome but they’re taking care of it so nothing to panic about.” ‘Stage 3’ would see the number of reported cases doubling up in a day, along with rising death toll. In Italy’s case, a quarter of the country was under quarantine while the rest carried on as usual. National health emergency could be observed in ‘Stage 4’, with the health system struggling to keep up with the increasing cases. “Hospitals are at capacity, entire units are cleared to make space for coronavirus patients,” the post read. “There aren’t enough doctors and nurses … There’s no shifts any more, just work as much as you can. “Of course doctors and nurses are getting infected, spreading it to their families.” Because there were not enough places for every patient in health facilities, medical professionals would have to distribute resources as best as they could. “At this point is like being at war: doctors have to choose who to treat based on their survival chance,” the person wrote. “That means that the elderly and trauma/stroke patients can’t get treated because corona cases have priority.” In ‘Stage 5’, the entire country would be declared under quarantine. People could go to work and shop, but would not be allowed to move from their commune except for special reasons. “Now there’s fear, you see a lot of people with masks and gloves around but there are still are people who think that they’re invincible, who go to restaurants in large groups, hang out with friends to drink and so on.” The person said in Italy’s ‘Stage 6’, most businesses except supermarkets and pharmacies are closed. People were only allowed to move around if they had certification, and those found outside with no valid reason could risk fines. “That’s what the situation is like now today as of the March 12th. Keep in mind that it all happened in around 2 weeks... 5 DAYS FROM STAGE 3 TO TODAY.” The person warned that countries outside of Italy, China and Korea should be wary of the “consequences” that the virus brings. “You have no idea what’s coming to get you. I know because 2 weeks ago I was the one who had no idea and though it wasn’t bad,” the user wrote. “It’s hard to see all these countries act like it’s not coming and not taking the precautions that are necessary for the well-being of its citizens while they still can.” As of Sunday, there were 153,517 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, with 249 being in Australia and 6 in New Zealand.

News

Italian town hopes to attract new residents by offering free rent

A town in southern Italy has joined the ranks of communities attempting to boost their dwindling populations with novel approaches. After <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/the-charming-italian-town-that-offers-free-houses">Cammarata</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/2-towns-in-italy-are-selling-homes-for-just-1-2019-4">Zungoli and Mussomeli</a> gave away homes for one euro or less, the small town of Teora in the Campania region is aiming to lure families to move in by offering to pay their rent. The town said it will pay newcomers €150 per month towards the cost of renting a house for two years, or a €5,000 lump sum to buy one. It is also offering to waive local taxes and school meal fees. However, buyers have to commit to live in the town for at least three years. They also need to have at least one child during the time of application. “I don’t believe in selling empty houses for €1, that doesn’t incentivise people to stay in town,” Teora’s mayor Stefano Farina told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-teora-rent/index.html">CNN</a>. “They just come a few months a year as holidaymakers. That’s not the solution. But taking up residency and enrolling kids at the local school, that does breathe new life.” Farina said Teora’s population declined significantly after an earthquake in 1980 led many young people to flee the commune. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake destroyed Teora along with other towns, including Lioni and Conza di Campania. “Two babies are born [in Teora] each year versus 20 elders who die,” he said. “We’re down to barely 1,500 residents. “I want to invert this negative trend … New families will be the building blocks of our shrinking community, so we encourage those with more kids to apply.” According to CNN, there are nearly 100 empty buildings available. Those interested in the offer can visit the town’s <a href="http://www.comune.teora.av.it/hh/index.php">website</a> and <a href="mailto:staff@comune.teora.av.it">email the local government</a> for more information.

International Travel

The charming Italian town that offers free houses

A town in the Italian island of Sicily is giving away free homes in a bid to attract new residents. The town of Cammarata – located about 60km southeast of Palermo – is offering homes around the town for naught in a new scheme to fight depopulation and urban decay. “I can’t stand to see this gorgeous, old historical center empty and turn into a ruin. It hurts me,” mayor Vincenzo Giambrone told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-cammarata-free-houses/index.html">CNN Travel</a>. According to Giambrone, twelve stone buildings are available now, with “more to come shortly”. The scheme comes with a few conditions – interested parties must commit to renovating their new house within three years and pay the town a deposit of €5,000 (about NZ$8,648), which will be returned once the building works are done. They will also be required to present a refurbishment proposal for the property. While all foreigners and Italians will be considered, the town will prioritise young couples with children as buyers and grant a €1,000 bonus for couples who settle and go on to have a baby there. New owners are allowed to transform the multi-story buildings into a private house, hotel, guest accommodation, shop or restaurant. Town councillors said the locals were “deterred” from living in Cammarata due to the town’s mountainous location and “tiny, winding roads, which were nigh on impossible to get a car around”, <a href="https://www.insider.com/italy-cheap-homes-sicilian-town-of-cammarata-offers-free-houses-2019-11">Insider</a> reported. Giambrone said he hoped the move will help the town go back to “being a lively, vibrant place”.

International Travel

Local authorities beg tourists not to use Google Maps to find “hidden beaches”

A spike in lost visitors has prompted the local authorities in Sardinia, Italy to warn tourists about using Google Maps to find hidden beaches. The island is famed for its white sand coves and stretches of sand. Local authorities have recently reported a spike in lost tourists who have tried to find the island’s “hidden beaches” but ended up on dangerous cliff edges instead. Emergency services and the fire brigade are regularly called out to rescue tourists who find themselves stuck on dirt tracks. A family who were travelling in a Porsche were forced to abandon the vehicle after nearly falling off a cliff. 144 vehicles have been rescued in two year and authorities are now putting up signs that advise visitors not to use Google Maps on the island. Baunei Mayor Salvatore Corrias told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sardinia-google-maps-tourists-lost-baunei/index.html">CNN</a> that the signs are in both English and Italian, warning of the road tracks. He said Google Maps were "misleading" drivers and often took cars on "unpassable tracks". A Google Maps spokesperson told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/10147431/tourists-google-maps-sardinia-beaches/">Sun Online Travel</a>: "We're aware of an issue in Sardinia where Google Maps is routing some drivers down roads that can be difficult to navigate due to their terrain. "We're currently working with the local government to resolve the issue and are investigating ways we can better alert drivers about these types of roads."

Travel Trouble

5 mistakes home cooks make whilst cooking traditional Italian dishes

Cooking pasta sounds like a task that should be easy, but creating an authentic Italian pasta dish is trickier than you think. From the exact formula that makes up Bolognese sauce to how the pasta should be cooked is up for debate by many home chefs. However, Giovanni Rana, who has been making pasta since the 1960s in Italy, has revealed the secrets to capturing the authentic taste of Italian cooking in your home. He’s shared a few tips to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6872245/How-cook-traditional-Italian-dishes-home.html">Daily Mail:</a> 1. Follow the instructions on the pasta packaging “There are a lot of urban legends about al dente pasta but in Italy not everybody loves al dente pasta,” revealed Giovanni’s daughter-in-law Antonella. “In the North they love it a little softer, into the South they love their pasta almost raw. “I’d suggest always following the time printed on the packet. Fresh pasta is the quickest. We’re talking about just two minutes.” Antonella revealed her personal way to cook pasta. “I personally love to drain the pasta 15 seconds before the full cooking time. If it’s written two minutes, I drain at 1:50 and in the very last 10 seconds I use a mixing bowl to mix the sauce in. This way you don’t overcook your pasta.” 2. Don’t add too much sauce Although it might seem like a good idea to cover your pasta in sauce, too much sauce could be a bad thing. Using the wrong proportion of sauce to pasta can be a dead giveaway to an inexperienced chef preparing Italian food. “When you're speaking about fresh pasta tortellini, the filling has its own taste and power, as Italians we try not to cover it too much with the sauce. “Especially ricotta and spinach which is so delicate and so pure, that if you add a lot of sauce, you will see the pasta swimming in the sauce. It’s not a good sign,” Antonella explained. “In general, the most traditional way to eat fresh filled pasta is to be very respectful of the proportions. The queen is the pasta and the sauce is the tool.” 3. Never add ketchup! Using tomato ketchup instead of fresh tomatoes in sauce is another common mistake that is made by home chefs. According to Antonella, it’s just not the same. “Tomato ketchup for me, means burgers and casual food. “In the tomato sauce you can really play with more veggies, for example garlic, onion, carrot, celery or you can play with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.” There is a way to make contemporary Italian sauce. “If you want to do something more, try to work on doing tomato sauce in the Italian way. Roughly chop onion, garlic, fresh ripe tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. “Then add fresh basil, this is the most contemporary Italian sauce.” 4. Loss of flavour by adding already grated cheese Although it might be easier to use already grated cheese, you’ve already lost half the flavour in parmigiana. “Always buy parmigiana reggiano in a whole piece where you can see the crust and the stamp. Never buy it already grated, as you’ve already lost half the flavour,” Antonella said. 5. Not using extra virgin olive oil According to Antonella, extra virgin olive oil is a must-have in authentic Italian dishes. “Extra virgin oil, it's a facilitator and platform that you can’t miss, never buy just olive oil as this means the olive fruits have been pressed two, three times and also their bones,' said Antonella. “When you buy extra virgin it means they’ve pressed the olives just once and they press the pulp – the colour, flavour, nutrients and everything is better. “If you like light flavour buy from the North of Italy, if you like medium body then you go for the centre such as Tuscany. If you like bold, spicy flavour, you buy from Sicily.”

Food & Wine

Italian Chocolate Torta

This rich, moist Italian-style chocolate cake will satisfy even the most avid chocolate lover. It keeps remarkably well for several days and features a delicious fudge-like interior. Time to prepare: 30 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Serves: 12 Ingredients 120g butter 350g good-quality dark chocolate 5 large eggs 250g caster sugar 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules 3 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder 5 heaped tablespoons ground walnuts (walnut meal) 90g walnut pieces 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa 1 tablespoon icing sugar Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 20cm non-stick springform tin or bar (loaf) tin. 2. Place the butter and chocolate, broken into pieces, into a heatproof bowl and set over a saucepan of simmering water (or melt in a microwave). Stir gently until the chocolate is thoroughly melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside. 3. In a separate bowl, using electric beaters, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. Fold in the coffee granules, cocoa, walnut meal and walnut pieces. 4. Gently fold together the chocolate mixture and the egg mixture until thoroughly combined, then pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. 5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top of the cake is dry. Turn off the oven and leave the cake undisturbed to cool in the oven. 6. When the cake is cool, remove from the cold oven and gently remove from the tin. 7. Dust with a combination of the cocoa and icing sugar and serve in thin slices with fresh cream. Recipe and image from Bake Your Cake & Eat it Too (New Holland Publishers), RRP $29.99, <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.newhollandpublishers.com/" target="_blank">newhollandpublishers.com</a>. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/italian-chocolate-torta.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

This Italian village of centenarians holds the secret to a long life

The secret to a long life may just lie in a small Italian village known for its fishing, olive groves and rolling hills. Scientist have spent the last six months researching why this one Italian village on the banks of the Mediterranean boast so many centenarians. In fact, in the village of Acciaroli celebrating a milestone 100th birthday is commonplace with one in 10 of the 700 residents expected to live to reach 100 years of age. So what did the team from Rome’s Sapienza University and the San Diego School of Medicine discover? The key to longevity is simple – a healthy Mediterranean diet with plenty of rosemary for good measure. The study found that elderly people in the village have unusually good blood circulation, which helps to feed nutrients to the body and efficiently take away waste products through the capillaries. Analysing the blood samples from more than 80 elderly people, the scientist also discovered that villagers had remarkably low levels of a hormone called adrenomedullin, more commonly seen in people aged in their 20s or 30s. Although scientists have pinpointed the exact reasons, they believe a combination of a healthy diet based on vegetables, herbs and fish, combined with lots of exercise and genetic factors has developed over centuries. <img width="481" height="353" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/09/04/12/00684A5F00000258-3773109-image-a-1_1472989200818.jpg" alt="Locals typically eat a Mediterranean diet based on olive oil, vegetables, fish and a fresh fruit" class="blkBorder img-share" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-db52072c31518918"/> The elderly people in the region exercise on a regular basis, and eat plenty of olive oil, locally-caught fish and home-reared rabbits and chickens. They also add lots of local herbs to meals, particularly rosemary, which is believed to help keep the brain functioning. Quite amazingly, the residents of Acciaroli not only live long lifes, but they seem immune from age-related diseases such as dementia, heart disease and other chronic conditions. It was in the Cilento peninsula that the American scientist Ancel Keys first identified the health benefits of what came to be known as the Mediterranean Diet, based on a diet of olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables and fish. Related links: <a href="/entertainment/music/2016/08/can-music-help-us-fall-asleep/">Can music help us fall asleep?</a> <a href="/health/mind/2016/08/stop-your-mind-racing-at-night/">How to stop your mind from racing in the middle of the night</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/shocking-effect-of-a-bad-nights-sleep/">The shocking effect a bad night’s sleep can have</a>

Caring

Nigella Lawson angers Italians with her controversial recipe

Beloved British chef Nigella Lawson has come under fire for her new recipe for carbonara. After she shared her carbonara recipe on her Facebook page, Italians flocked to her page to express their disgust at the recipe. She’s been told that her cookery is a "disgrace" and she may as well "make it with turkey twizzlers" after posting the “controversial” recipe which contains nutmeg, wine and cream. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNigellaLawson%2Fposts%2F10155401156762480%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="696" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> Ms Lawson wrote: "I think spaghetti carbonara is what Meryl Streep cooks for Jack Nicholson in the film version of one of my favourite books, ‘Heartburn’, and it is so right, for that chin-dripping, love-soaked primal feast, the first time someone actually stays through the night." But people were not impressed with one Italian fuming: “Nigella you are a wonderful woman but your recipes are the DEATH of Italian recipes, literally! NO CREAM IN CARBONARA NEVER, only eggs.” Another Italian commented: "This is a recipe of yours, it's not Carbonara. No wine, no cream and egg yolks only in Italian real Carbonara.” Someone else said while the recipe was delicious, it was not carbonara: "It is dee-licious, really. Heavy but heavenly tasting. But it is not Carbonara. Using a name of a well-known recipe, adjusting the original ingredients to one's own taste and even adding others just creates confusion and wrong taste expectations. Yes, we take food very seriously." <a href="https://www.nigella.com/recipes/spaghetti-alla-carbonara" target="_blank">Nigella's Carbonara recipe</a> Ingredients: <ul> <li class="listBackground">500 grams spaghetti</li> <li class="listBackground">275 grams cubed pancetta (or lardons)</li> <li class="listBackground">2 teaspoons olive oil</li> <li class="listBackground">60 millilitres dry white wine (or vermouth)</li> <li class="listBackground">4 large eggs</li> <li class="listBackground">50 grams parmesan cheese (freshly grated)</li> <li class="listBackground">black pepper</li> <li class="listBackground">60 millilitres double cream</li> <li class="listBackground">freshly grated nutmeg</li> </ul> Method: 1. Put a large pan of salted water on to boil for the pasta. Cut the pancetta into 1 x 1.5cm / ½ x ¼ inch cubes. If the pancetta has its rind on, cut it off - and use a bigger piece of pancetta, as the amount I've specified is for the prepared cubes - and put the rind in a pan with a film of oil and cook it gently to render down. 2. Then in a large pan that will fit the pasta later, cook the pancetta cubes in the oil until crispy but not crunchy. Chuck over them the white wine or vermouth and let it bubble away so that, after a few minutes, you have a small amount of salty winey syrup left. Take the pan off the heat. 3. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan, cream and some pepper. Cook the pasta more or less according to the packet instructions, but since you want it kept al dente start checking it 2 minutes before the wrapper says it's done. Lower in a cup and remove approximately 125ml / ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Put the other pan, the one with the bacon cubes, on the heat and add the drained pasta, tossing well to coat with the syrupy pancetta. Add a little of the reserved pasta water to lubricate if necessary. 4. Take the pan off the heat again and add the eggs and cheese mixture, swiftly tossing everything to mix. Grind over some more pepper and grate over the nutmeg, carry proudly aloft, and dive in. What do you think of the controversy? Share your opinion with us in the comments below.

Food & Wine

Italian cherry tomato and roasted capsicum salad

This simple salad uses a classic combination of Italian ingredients. Serves: Six to eight Ingredients: <ul> <li>Three red and three yellow capsicums, cored, quartered</li> <li>Three tablespoons plus 75ml extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>500g cherry tomatoes, halved</li> <li>handful rocket leaves</li> <li>Two tablespoons capers</li> <li>Eight anchovy fillets, halved (optional)</li> <li>Three tablespoons balsamic vinegar</li> <li>Handful basil leaves</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>To begin, preheat the oven to 200°C.</li> <li>Toss the capsicum quarters in the three tablespoons oil and place side by side on oven trays. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.</li> <li>Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until tender, slightly shrivelled and browned.</li> <li>Remove from the oven and cool.</li> <li>Put capsicums, tomatoes, rocket, capers and anchovies in a wide salad bowl or platter.</li> <li>Whisk 75ml oil with the balsamic vinegar, taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add this dressing to the salad and toss.</li> <li>Sprinkle the basil leaves on top and serve.</li> </ol> How tasty! Have you tried anything like this? Written by Ray McVinnie and Dixie Elliot. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Image credit: Stuff.co.nz / Keirin Scott. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/12/chicken-mango-coriander-cabbage-lime-chilli-salad/">Chicken mango coriander cabbage lime chilli salad</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/12/carrot-quinoa-and-haloumi-salad/">Carrot, quinoa and haloumi salad</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/12/salmon-and-beetroot-salad/">Salmon and beetroot salad</a>

Food & Wine

Families with polite kids get discount at Italian restaurant

Tired of children misbehaving and interrupting other diners, an Italian wine bar has introduced a five per cent discount to reward patrons with polite children. Antonio Ferrari owns the restaurant, located in Padua, northern Italy, which caters to families on Sundays. He came up with the idea when he was pleasantly surprised to see a family of 11, including five children, sitting quietly and composed. Ferrari told <a href="http://www.thelocal.it/20170214/italian-restaurant-gives-discount-to-family-with-polite-children" target="_blank">The Local</a> the discount was a way of showing his customers "we like having children here - as long as they behave". Having managed the eatery for 12 years, Ferrari said he has seen his fair share of rude children, from those who climb on the tables with their shoes on, play in the bathroom and make a mess, run around tables and annoy the other customers. "We don't often get well-behaved children." He explained the children, around four to six years old, were a "delight" to serve. He was particularly impressed when, after finishing their meals, the children worked on their times tables and colouring books as the parents drank their wine. "The restaurant is essentially an enoteca (winery). We don't have a children's menu or any other special provisions, but on Sundays, parents often come and bring their children," he said to The Local. The restaurant will continue to bestow the discount on dining parties with well-mannered children and hopes the novel solution will encourage patrons with disruptive children to rein them in. The family who received the discount were delighted by the news and left a €30 ($44) tip, Ferrari said. Italian Sunday lunches are often a long drawn-out affair, lasting more than three hours. They typically consist of five courses, starting with an antipasto platter, then fresh pasta, a main of meat or seafood, followed by vegetables and finally dessert. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2017/02/why-an-older-brother-is-named-best-dad-at-a-father-daughter-dance/">Why an older brother is named best dad at a father-daughter dance</a> <a href="/news/news/2017/02/boy-writes-the-sweetest-valentines-day-card/">Boy writes the sweetest Valentine’s Day card</a> <a href="/news/news/2017/02/students-raise-600-dollars-in-single-night-for-dogs-surgery/">Students raise $600 in a single night for dog’s surgery</a>

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