So earlier in the year I published my book called 37 Ways to Learn the Italian Language. I thought of as many ways to learn Italian as I could at the time and published the book which is available on Amazon as a kindle book and a hard-copy.

I know there are probably over 100 ways to effectively learn a language but I came up with the best ones that I thought would give a future language learner the best bang for the buck.

So now I have a dilemma because FIAT motor company, with their clever marketing campaign, just made me realize there is another way to learn the Italian language: Purchase a FIAT!

That means I probably have to revise my book and change the title ;-)

Check out the funny video. When you purchase a FIAT it will not only come equipped with steering wheel, brakes, gas pedal, etc. but also included are some backseat Italians dispensing gossip and advice. Che bello! The video implies you will become Italianized just by purchasing the Italian automobile. You have to give FIAT some credit they are trying to re-establish themselves as a credible brand using celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and creative and funny advertising like this video below. At the end of the video the couple is even speaking in Italian! This is hysterical - in Italian the words used to describe when something is super funny or hysterical would be che risate!

Related Link: FIAT is a little furbo in their marketing

Tourist Information for Mt. Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius, located near the Naples, Italy is probably a magnificent sight in Italy that many have people do not know the complete fascinating history to this frightening and scary volcano. If you are among those, who don't know that much about it and have no clue, why it is a place worth seeing and visiting, here is a brief explanation.

A little less than 2000 years ago (more precisely - on August 24 79 A.D) Vesuvius erupted. But it was not a regular eruption - it was a happening that changed the history as it was known to man until that point. Two rather large and lively cities - Pompeii and Herculaneum - were completely destroyed.  The citizens were taken unaware while only very few of them managed to escape with a majority dying under the cover of ashes and lava. Today, Pompeii has been re-discovered and its amazing values are open to the public. And today Mount Vesuvius as a tourism site that attracts many visitors every year.

You'll be able to see what life was like during the Roman Empire because much of the town was preserved by the volcanic ash that ensued during that fateful day.

If you are a passionate hiker, who doesn't mind walking a bit to reach some truly impressive views, you will certainly like it in Mount Vesuvius. So, what you will see there, once reaching the summit? The main sightseeing highlight of the volcano is its crater with some fumes can that can still be seen smoking. ‘Isn't going to erupt?' you probably wonder. Well, there is no point in lying. It was not so long time ago since the last eruption occurred in 1944 and lasted for two weeks and the volcano is still active, so it is very possible that one day an eruption will happen again.

So, prior going there, be sure that there are no warnings from the local authorities. If you hear some, of course - forget about the visitation! However, if there are no signs of threat do not hesitate and pay the spot a visit.

Besides the famous crater the resplendent scenery that will appear from the top, will surely impress you as well; as the majority of the visitors claim - the view of Pompeii and Bay of Naples is truly something worth experiencing! In 1870 there was also a funicular railway which was functioning until the last eruption and the remains of this railway are also opened for the visitors to see.

The only starting point for the tourists is the parking site where you have to purchase a ticket and from where about 800 meters long walk to the top follows. There are several ways to reach the site depending on from where you departure.

Mount Vesuvius from Naples

If you happen to be in Naples, there buses going from the Naples Central Train Station twice a day (at 9:20 and 13:35). Another choice is taking a taxi. Of course, it will be a little bit more expensive, but at least your arrival time will not be that limited. The taxis can be found on a square near Ercolano Central Train Station. Drivers of the taxis are able to get you a cheaper entrance ticket to the mountain, but it is not more advantageous deal since then they take a little bit more money for the ride. But if you want to save the money plus enjoy a bit more from the local nature, you can definitely walk those 6 kilometers up on your own, just remember to be dressed appropriately - at least have a pair of good hiking shoes!

The entrance fee is €6.50.

Related links: Hotels in Naples, Italy | Get Around Naples by Boat | Naples Underground

Photo Attribution: By Morn the Gorn (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

A historically rich and unusual city located on a series of islands, Venice has always drawn a huge interest by tourists. Instead of streets crowded with cars you will find countless canals and fine bridges. And of course, Renaissance legacy is the main value of Venice. Every building has been made into and exudes a sophisticated style. However, this blog post will focus only on one yet truly amazing site to visit - Doge's Palace - a remarkable, historic residence in Saint Mark's Square and a true gem for travelers who are particularly interested in history and the arts.

For those, who do not know the meaning of "doge", it is worth explaining that the doges were Venetian rulers and the palace functioned as their official residence. Originally, the palace was built in the 9th century but the current appearance was created in the 14th and 15th century. At the beginning of the 20th century (1923) the palace was turned into a museum and was opened for regular visitors and the general public.

While exploring Doge's Palace, be ready for a rather time-consuming visitation since the palace consists of three floors each of which offers plenty of decorated rooms and apartments.  Some examples include the Scarlet Chamber, the Erizzo Room, the Shield Hall with the Philosopher's Room, the Equerries Room, the "Scudo" Room and many others. In several rooms you will be able to see the artwork of some of the best Renaissance painters e.g. Tintoretto and Titian. You should also visit the Old Prisons.

From these cells the famous Giacomo Casanova once escaped. The Bridge of Sighs links the palace with the New Prison. Why such a name for the bridge? The story here is rather sad yet interesting since the bridge gained its name because it was known as the last place from where the convicts were able to see freedom for the last time prior to their execution.

Several remarkable sightseeing highlights will await you outside as well: Foscari Arch with its amazing sculptures and spires made by Antonio Rizzo, Porta della Carta (decorated gothic style gate) and Fillipo Calendario's arcade statues.

Getting to Doge's Palace: Speaking of practical information, you should know that this museum and pretty much all the Venice is not too well suited to get around by car. However, if that's your plan - better leave the vehicle in one of the car parks that are available in Piazzale Roma. There is another car park before this square called Tronchetto Car Park. Your best bet would be to arrive by train. From other cities of Italy the Santa Lucia Railway Station is easily reached and since it is centrally located you can just take one of the water taxis (more known as vaporettos) which function as public transport.  Line 1, Line 2, Line 5.1 or Line 4.1 will get you to Doge's Palace.

Doge's Palace Hours of Operation

During the period from April to October the opening hours are from 8:30 am to 7 pm, but in the off season from November to March the opening hours are a bit shorter - from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Ticket Prices

The full ticket price is 16 euro and with it you can access not only Doge's Palace but also Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Reduced ticket (for children, students and retirees) costs 8 euro. For more unusual experience it is also possible to book a secret itinerary, which will cost you 20 euro (reduced price - 14 euro).

Photo Attribution - Author: Andrew Balet  / Source: Wikipedia Commons

Planning your first trip to Rome? You are probably feeling overwhelmed in your planning as the city has thousands of works of art interspersed with close to three million inhabitants. There is so much to do and see in Rome, it would help if you have a book to guide you through it. The city took over two thousand years to get to the point where it is today so you shouldn't just show up to the Eternal City and try to "wing it"!

I just published my third book called "First Time to Rome Vacation Planner" and will give you all you need to know to make your vacation to Rome an exciting one! My book will give you insider insights and tips for places considered:

* The best places to eat Roman cuisine
* Rome's best pizza
* The best ice cream (gelato) in Rome
* The best spots for a Roman espresso
* Rome's best shopping
* And more!

My book covers all the major attractions in Rome including hours of operation, ticket prices, if there are any discount cards available, how to get there via public transport, etc. You'll get information regarding:

* Castel Sant' Angelo and the bridge
* Colosseum
* Foro Romano (Roman Forum)
* Piazza Navona
* Sistine Chapel
* Spanish Steps
* St. Peter's Basilica
* The Pantheon
* Trastevere
* Trevi Fountain
* Vatican Museums
* Villa Borghese

To ease all your worries about your visit to Rome - and get all the info you need to plan your vacation - you can purchase my book on Amazon for only $2.99!

Even if you don't have a kindle device, there are other ways to view the book including a desktop browser by Amazon. There will also be a hard-copy shortly forthcoming. All you have to do is join my mailing list to find out when that will be.

** If you enjoy the book, I would very much appreciate an honest review since that will help others in their purchase decision. And if you could share it on Facebook or Twitter, it would be greatly appreciated as well since I rely on word-of-mouse as my primary advertising method. Or you can even leave a comment in the comment field below.

View all my books on Amazon.