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Michael Kovnick
Author @TravelCDV

Michael Kovnick


Co-Founder of Culture Discovery Vacations. I am a native American from Los Angeles that has been living with one foot in Italy and the other in the US for more than 30 years. I usually write about oddities I see in Italian culture from an American perspective, and the humor I find in it. However, after decades of living in both countries, I often see the reverse as well. That is, where the Italians got it right, and we can certainy learn from them!

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Culture
Culture

The Mummies of Ferentillo


24 years ago on the Monday that followed Easter, we were boating on a beautiful lake in southern Umbria with a friend.  He asked us if we had ever heard of “The Mummies”.  Mummies?  Naturally Egypt and...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • July 6, 2010
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Culture
Culture

The Battle with Jet Lag – How to Fight and Win (sort of)


It has always amazed me that some people suffer jet lag horribly, while others barely feel the effects at all.  Me?  I fall into the first group:  I used to dread every trip because I fall squarely on the top of...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • May 10, 2010
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Culture
Culture

My 5 Favorite Words in Italian


Today I received a tweet from Melanie (Twitter: @italofileblog) at Italofile Blog asking me if I would be part of a mass-effort of Italy-focused bloggers to each provide a list of their five favorite Italian words, along with a...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • May 3, 2010
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Culture
Culture

How (NOT) To Implement a Recycling Policy in Your Town


I’m a big fan of recycling, and I was really happy to hear that our town, Soriano nel Cimino, was planning on implementing a recycling program.  Better yet, it would include garbage pick-up. Cool!  The fact is,...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 30, 2010
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Culture
Culture

You Want to Feed the Meal I Prepared… TO YOUR DOG?


On day one of every cooking vacation we offer, there is a little talk with all of the newly arriving guests.  We go over the things that they can expect, and should not expect.  We discus the plans for the days ahead,...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 29, 2010
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Culture
Culture

“Boh!?”… And Other Perfect Italian Words & Phrases That Don’t Translate Well


When you split your life between two cultures with two languages, it is quite easy to get trapped in the wrong language from time to time.  I sometimes find myself speaking one language, then suddenly a word or phrase pops out...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 25, 2010
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Culture
Culture

Welcome To Italy… There’s a Tax For That


I haven’t gone on an Italy rant for a while, but with healthcare and taxes filling the US airwaves, it has really made me think about taxes in Italy. I’ll not get into my opinion of these subjects in the US, since...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 23, 2010
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Culture
Culture

Anglitaliano: English Words in Everyday Italian


We use a ton of Italian words in English.  More than many might think.  Just walk into a Starbucks, and you will probably walk out with something called a ‘LATTE‘ (Be careful asking for it in Italy, since...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 5, 2010
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Culture
Culture

Man Dies: Caught Cold in Stomach


Traveling to Italy, some visitors notice various oddities about Italian culture that seem to defy explanation.  Some are rooted in the socio-political history of the country, some are rooted in religious tradition, and...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • March 30, 2010
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Culture
Culture

Who is Alfredo Sauce, and why do Americans keep asking about him?


If you go to Italy looking for Alredo Sauce, you will find yourself quite frustrated. Read on to learn why.

  • Michael Kovnick
  • March 24, 2010
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Culture Discovery Vacations
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