Tourists often perceive Italy as consistently charming. Expats, however, can face a darker side.

No, eating a pork chop doesn't give you swine flu. Ask any 16-year-old.

Wi-Fi comes to Umbria, but the charm is in looking back to the once-upon-a-time.

Italians are a good-looking race. But how do they wash their faces?

What you say you make and what you actually earn are separate languages.

Cultures have dramatically different ways of preparing for exams.

Break yourself badly enough and you're barred from housework.

Hospital stays mean learning the meaning of the word "assistenza."

Please listen carefully: I said "home," not "husband."

A ghost renter can take you from holiday to hoodwinked.

Life is worth living even if you didn't book ahead (and you're late).

Whatever you do, ensure your kids stay away from the "chorn gon."