Other Italy

“Ladies and gentlemen! Our plane landed at the airport of Trieste. We are glad to welcome you in Italy,” a pleasant male baritone informs. Out of Moscow habit, we frantically grab onto mobile phones – and here is your first surprise! My mobile operator greeted me in the territory of … Slovenia, and a neighbor received an SMS with roaming tariffs for the territory of Croatia. “And it turns out I am in Austria!” – admired the girl on the left. Perhaps nothing better than this episode will describe Friuli-Venezia Giulia, perhaps the most unique Italian region with Roman roots, a Venetian past, an Austrian accent and Slovenian hospitality.

Lignano – Little Florida
“Ciao! Bianvenutti and Italy!” – the guide welcomes us, a pretty girl with a strange name for the Italian Linda. Continue reading →