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Art of Loving Italy

Art & Beauty are all around us.

Invisible Women

In search of forgotten female Florentine artists —Indiana Jane leads the quest

Subscribe to the Art of Loving Italy Blog

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Don’t you just LOVE Lucca! That’s where you wi

Don’t you just LOVE Lucca! That’s where you will find la Studentessa Matta at the end of the summer — August 24 - September 2.

Learn with me in Lucca this August with my partner school Lucca Italian School! Study at the school in the morning and in the afternoons go on excursions and adventures with me and the teachers from the school. Take you Italian skills further by immersing in language and culture for 10 days and 9 nights!

Lucca, the fortified city whose walls surround it as a protective embrace, is an enchanting place to learn Italian. In Lucca, bikes and ice cream go hand in hand. You can walk along the top of the walls of Lucca or rent a rickshaw or a bicycle while enjoying the panoramic view over the city’s red-tiled roofs and picturesque streets. What isn’t there to LOVE about Lucca? It is a city of music, the home of Puccini, and where Andrea Bocelli studied.

The town, located due west of Florence, is more tranquil and less touristy. You will feel at home in the piazzas and churches, each more beautiful than the last. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a circular plaza built on an ancient Roman amphitheater site, is a must-see. And also not to be missed is a visit to the stunning San Martino Cathedral, with its soaring bell tower and intricate marble façade, or a climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower, with its iconic tree growing on the top.

Always a foodie’s paradise, Lucca has a rich culinary tradition that includes hearty farro soups, handmade pasta, and delicious sweets. Don’t miss the chance to try the local specialty, Buccellato, a sweet bread made with anise and raisins. And, of course, Lucca is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, so you can enjoy some of Italy’s best wines while taking in stunning views.

Let’s meet up in Lucca at the end of the summer! It is a charming and vibrant town, and the people are friendly, affable, and always ready to give you a hand. This fall, why not come and experience the charms of Lucca with me and get to know the teachers at Lucca Italian School. 
#LearnItalianLucca #LuccaCulture #LuccaExperience #StudentessaMatta #LuccaItalianSchool #LuccaTuscany #LearnItalianSmallGroup #ImmerseItalianCulture

Ho una confessione – ho presa una cotta per Dant

Ho una confessione – ho presa una cotta per Dante!

I have a confession - I have a big crush on Dante!

Just imagine that learning Italian and exploring Italian culture is like meeting the great Dante for the first time, and feeling those butterflies in your stomach as you get to know him better.

At first, you might feel a bit intimidated by the complexity and beauty of the language and culture, just like you would if you were on a first date with Dante. But as you start to learn more, you become more comfortable and confident, just like you would if you were going on more dates with Dante.

And just like how Dante's poetry is full of passion and emotion, Italian language and culture are full of life and vibrancy. It's like falling head over heels for someone who is always full of energy and enthusiasm!

As you delve deeper into the language and culture, you start to uncover the nuances and subtleties that make it so unique and captivating. It's like discovering new things about your crush that you never knew before, and falling for them even more.

So, if you're ready for a love affair like no other, then start learning Italian and exploring Italian culture! Who knows, maybe you'll even feel like writing your own Divine Comedy about your love for Dante, err, Italian.

Fall in Love with Dante! Fall in love with Italy, its culture and its language! Join Melissa, la Studentessa Matta in Italy to learn Italian and dive deeper into Italian culture.

The dates for 2023 Matta Italian Language Programs are:

2023 Matta and Arezzo Italian Language Program: June 11 - 23, 2023

2023 Matta and Lucca Italian Language Program: Aug 24 - Sept 2, 2023

2023 Matta September Arezzo Joust Weekend: September 2 - 4, 2023

2023 Matta and Il Sasso Montepulciano Language Program: Sept 10 - 22, 2023

For more info & signup, visit StudentessaMatta.com Links in Bio.

#ARezzo #StudentessaMatta #ItalianImmersionProgram #LearnItalianItaly #CulturaItalianaArezzo #IlSassoMontepulciano #LuccaItalianSchool #MelissaMuldoon #GiostraSaracino #ItalianConversation #Tuscany #LearnItalianSmallGroup

Ciao! Sono Melissa! Are you learning Italian? Do y

Ciao! Sono Melissa! Are you learning Italian? Do you often come across things in the Italian grammatically that confuse you?

For instance, the other day a student of mine was a bit perplexed and wanted to know what the phrase “Oggi in Italia si festeggia San Giuseppe.”

Today in Italy we celebrate San Giuseppe — or father’s day. She was confused by the use of “Si” in this phrase.

This is the Italian impersonal construction. As in English you use the impersonal construction to speak in generalities. For instance to render the generic English expressions “one thinks,” or “one does” or “people say” Italian uses the pronoun “si” plus the third person singular of the verb.

This use of “si” here is not be confused with the third person reflexive pronoun “si”.

I bet, even if you are a new student, you’ve used the impersonal construction before to ask how is something said in Italian: “come si dice in Italiano?”

Other examples:

A che ora si mangia in quel ristorante? = What times does one eat on that restaurant.

Si compra pane qui. = One buys bread here.

In Italia si parla Italiano. = In Italy one speaks Italian.

In Italia si beve molto caffè. = In Italy people drink lots of coffee.

Non si è mai troppo vecchio per imparare l’italiano. = You are never too old to learn Italian.

Non avere paura di fare errori quando stai imparando l’italiano! Ricordate, sbagliando, si impara!

#StudentessaMatta #italian #ItalianGrammar #ItalianImpersonalSi #ParlaItaliano #ParliamoItaliano #ImpariamoItaliano #italianidioms

Studentessa Matta small group Italian Language pro

Studentessa Matta small group Italian Language program in Arezzo this June 2023!

Want to learn Italian in Italy? Want to learn more about the medieval jousting festival in Arezzo?!

Fantastico! Unirsi con me a giugno per un’esperienza indimenticabile.

Join my small group Italian Language Immersion program in Arezzo this join this June 11 - 23, 2023

Learning Italian, in Arezzo during the Giostra del Sarcino, with la Studentessa Matta and her partner Paola Testi, the director of the Italian School Cultura Italiana is an unforgettable experience!

First, imagine being in one of the most charming cities in Tuscany, surrounded by stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals. Now add to that the excitement of a medieval festival where the town’s four neighborhoods compete in a jousting tournament!

As you immerse yourself in the Italian language with the Studentessa Matta, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of the Giostra del Sarcino firsthand. You can cheer on your favorite team, sample traditional food and drink, and even dress up in medieval attire!

And let’s not forget about the Studentessa Matta herself! She’s not only a skilled language instructor but also a passionate ambassador of Italian culture. You’ll learn not just the language but also about the local history, traditions, and customs.

So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience where you can learn Italian, immerse yourself in local culture, and have a blast at the same time, come to Arezzo during the Giostra del Sarcino with the Studentessa Matta! It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

For more information and to reserve your spot now, find link in bio.

#LearnItalianinArezzo #StudentessaMatta #ItalianLanguageProgram #StudyAbroadItaly #ImmerseInItalian #GiostradelSarcino #ItalianCultureExperience #TraveltoTuscany #LanguageLearningFun #SpeakItalian #ArezzoStudyProgram #ItalianClasses #LanguageLearningAbroad #ItalianTraditions #CulturalExchange #LiveLikeALocal #ItalyExperience #ItalianLessons #LanguageImmersion #ItalianLanguageSchool

Mia suocera è un mostro! di Valentina Vanzini / M

Mia suocera è un mostro! di Valentina Vanzini / My mother-in-law is a monster! @valentinavanz Valentinaavanz

Read my review on the StudentessaMatta.com website in Italian and English.

È una storia incantevole che ti porterà direttamente da New York alla Sicilia! Preparati a ridere, piangere, arrabbiarti e innamorarti... e scappare in Italia!

It is a delightful story that will take you directly from New York to Sicilia! Get ready to laugh, cry, get angry and fall in love… and escape to Italy!

It is easy to put yourself in the protagonist's shoes as she searches for love and prince charming. In this case, Prince Charming, who the protagonist Lexi Wood dubs “Mr. Perfect” (an Italian from Sicilia), seems to be the perfect candidate for her.

When he informs her that he must return to Sicily because of her mom, Lexi accompanies him, hoping to meet her tender future mother-in-law to get to know her well. But right from the beginning, after the two meet and exchange looks, a great hatred arises between them that Lexi didn’t expect, the cause of which mystifies her.

Instead of a kind mother-in-law, welcoming and ready to hug her, she discovers a monster that, if a viper bit her, it would die of poison!

Al posto di una gentile suocera, disponibile e pronta ad abbracciarla, scopre un mostro, che se una vipera la mordesse, morirebbe di veleno!

Discover more about this entertaining novel and listen to an interview with the author.

#MiaSuoceraUnMostro #ValentinaVanzini #ItalianNovel #italian #ItalianCulture #Sicilia #PachinoSicilia #AudioLibro #AudibileItalian #ValeraPerdonòNarrator #Marzamemi #suoceranuora #IntervistaValentinaVanziniYoutube #Italianbookclub

Matta per l’Italia! That’s me! La Studentessa

Matta per l’Italia! That’s me! La Studentessa Matta! I’m Crazy for Italy!

Are you crazy in love with Italy and the language too? Are you learning Italian but have no one to practice with? Do you need a language coach or want to practice Italian conversation skills? Want to join an Italian Book club and read a novel in Italian?

Or perhaps you want to learn Italian in Italy and immerse in the language and culture?

Join me on my website for lots of Italian language learning fun! I’ve got lots of ways for you to practice and improve.

Many times, I’ve heard, “I can read and understand Italian, but when I speak, I get tongue-tied!” Sound familiar? Now you can practice Italian Conversation with me, loosen your tongue, and polish your language skills regularly. Do you need help with Italian grammar? Now you can schedule Italian Lessons to improve your language abilities. We will kick the tires and check the gearbox to get your “Italian Language Vespa’s” motor running smoothly and efficiently.

Or join me in Italy to learn the language on one of my specially designed programs with one of my partner schools. Learn in the classroom in the morning, and join me on excursions and adventures in the afternoon to keep practicing and learning more Italian!

In 2023 I have three small group programs planned with my partner schools in Arezzo in June, Lucca at the end of August, and Montepulciano in September!

Join me, and let’s love Italy and Italian together! Improve your fluency and understanding of this beautiful language with me — la Matta!

For information about online language lessons with Melissa, the Studentessa Matta or to learn more and to sign up for one of the Matta 2023 Italian Language Immersion programs visit the www.StudentessaMatta.com website. Links in bio.

#ItalianLanguageProgram #ItalyStudyAbroad #SpeakItalian #StudentessaMatta #italianLanguage #TravelItaly #ItalianCulture #italian #ItalianVerbs #ItalianLessons #ARezzo #Montepulciano #LuccaItalianSchool #GiostraSaracino #LuccaWall #MontepulcianoWine #studyitalian

Love Italy!?!? Love the language? Do I have an ide

Love Italy!?!? Love the language? Do I have an idea for you!

How about packing your bags and heading to Montepulciano, Italy to learn Italian with Melissa the Studentessa Matta? Che bello!

2023 Matta and Il Sasso Montepulciano Language Program: September, 10 - 22

Not only will you improve your language skills, but you’ll also get to indulge in the scrumptious Italian cuisine and wine, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Tuscany.

It’s the perfect blend of learning and adventure, and who knows, you might even make some new Italian friends along the way.

Montepulciano is a beautiful town located in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and delicious food and wine. The town has a rich cultural heritage and is home to numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Melissa the Studentessa Matta is an experienced Italian language teacher who has a passion for teaching the language and sharing her knowledge and love of Italy with others. Her language courses are designed to be immersive and engaging, and she uses a variety of teaching methods to help her students learn and practice Italian in a fun and effective way.

Learning Italian with Melissa in Montepulciano would allow you to not only improve your language skills but also experience Italian culture firsthand. You would have the opportunity to interact with locals, try authentic Italian cuisine, and visit historic landmarks and museums. By learning Italian in Montepulciano with Melissa, you would be able to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and cultural events to enhance your learning experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go Italiano! Andiamo!

For more information and to sign up for the September Matta Montepulciano program find links in bio.

#LearnItalian #ItalianLanguage #ItalianCulture #ItalianExperience #StudentessaMatta #Montepulciano #Tuscany #ItalyTravel #TravelToItaly #LanguageLearning #CulturalImmersion #LaDolceVita #LanguageTravel #ExploreItaly #ItalianAdventure #LanguageClasses #SpeakItalian #ItalyStudyAbroad

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