Back in 1983, Toto Cutugno recorded what was to become an incredibly popular, realistic view of L'Italiano. This is a somber, raw pronouncement of what a "real" Italian is.

The song speaks of the vices, virtues and stereotypes of la Bel Paese, which, for example, is accused of excessive Americanism, a crisis of religion, a sexual casualness ( i.e., the line, "more and more women who are less nuns"), but still a country worthy of being proud of. The lyrics lace together religion, football, al dente pasta, espresso, socks, Italian artists, partisans as presidents and God.

It's worthy to be thought of as a National Anthem for modern Italians.

Click the video above to see an inspiring visual tour of what the Italian spirit is made of, or the Gypsy Queens video below for a very sexy rendition...

--Jerry Finzi

The oculus of the Pantheon is 24 feet in diameter and surprisingly is the only source of light (it is fairly bright under the dome). It represents the link between the temple and the gods above. The oculus is open to the rain, but the floor is slanted toward central drains cut into the marble floor.

Here's another article that might be of interest:
The Pantheon And Campo Di Fiori
Live Cams in Italy: Seeing is Believing

I found this beautiful video profiling the Solimene Ceramics Factory on the Amalfi Coast in the seaside town of Vietri sul Mare. Aside from Solimene producing some of the most beautiful ceramics from Vietri, the building--although tired--is a Mid-Century Modern architectural gem. Read about our visit to this unique ceramics factor, the other nearby ceramics shops and our drive on the Amalfi Coast here.

If you enjoyed this video... send us some nice Italian cheese! Perhaps a 5 pound piece of aged sheep's milk caciocavallo.

Ok, then just LIKE and SHARE with your friends. Ciao!

--Jerry Finzi