There are also two aquariums in the Naples area. First is the Acquario which is the oldest aquarium of its kind in Europe. It was founded by a German naturalist late in the 19th century. The aquarium is nestled in the public garden of Via Caracciolo. It is a popular attraction for both young and old alike and features over 200 different species of fish and marine plants; all of which are well displayed and thrive in large professionally maintained tanks. Among the marine life on display are large Sea turtles, hermit crabs, crawfish, and other species.

In downtown Naples there is another aquarium housing many other species that are naturally found in the Bay of Naples. This is the Stazione Aquario and is sited in the large community park along the waterfront

The Italian educational system also has two pre-school functions. First is for children under three years old called “Day nursery” (Nidi d’infanzia) and another for children aged three to six years called “Nursery scholl” (Scuola maternal). These institutions do a very respectable job of preparing young Italian children for the educational challenges they will face in the future.

Both the compulsory and higher education Italian system are currently undergoing a period of transition. The entire basic structure of the state system, as a whole, is being changed. These changes are designed to bring the Italian educational system more into line with the rest of the European Union and to create a more flexible system.

In Naples itself there are more than 13 different preschools to choose from. From the Scuola dell’Infamzia partaria Les Petits garcons on San Vitaliano to the Children’s Garden of Learning on Parco Mazzola, there is a choice for everyone.

One of these areas is Navigili which was once an important network of canals that lead from Milan to the coast and was instrumental in helping Milan’s development as a center of commerce. Although several canals remain in the Porta Ticinese district, the area is now home to many lively nightclubs and bars. Among them is “Le Scimmie” (or “monkey bar”) which known for its live jazz.

While there are nightclubs named “Monkey Bars” all around the world, the one in Milan has an air of elegant sophistication in keeping with its nightly offering of world class jazz. If some on this side of the Atlantic consider jazz a dying form of music, overtaken by rock, rap, and revival, jazz in Europe is alive and well and can be found in every city on the continent.

The next time your travels take you to Milan, stop by the Monkey bar (Le Scimmie) and see for yourself.

Some of the schools have classes from kindergarten to high school, while others offer a curriculum at the elementary or high school levels. Classes are taught in the English language, but emphasis is on multiculturalism and courses in Italian and other languages are offered at many of the schools.
Several schools do accept boarders. The school year often begins in September and ends in June, actual opening and closing dates vary from one school to the next.

One of the schools deserving of attention is the Naples Elementary school which is located just 20 minute north of downtown Naples. The school has a staff of 59 American teachers, 2 Host Nation teachers, and 9 Educational Aides and offers various programs to the students: English as Second Language, Talented and Gifted program, Host Nation (Italian Language and Culture which includes a number of study trips), Reading Improvement, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Italian Partial Language Immersion. The school also houses a state-of-the-art Computer Lab with 60 computers, scanners, digital cameras, and Internet access. Also available is the Media Information Center, containing more than 12,000 books and nonprint items, with an additional complement of technology equipment for research and instruction. Students in kindergarten through sixth grade use technology in all aspects of our program. Each classroom is designed for Intranet and Internet usage. Computer literacy goals are part of the curriculum at all grade levels.

While things have certainly changed in the last decade or two but for the greatest part of the last century, a bicycle was traditionally the first large purchase for a child. The child’s father probably made the decision which was most ofen base on his own childhood experiences.

In Milan, the chances are that Dad bought that bike in the Rossignoli bike shop because his father, his father’s father, and even fathers further back down the line bought their kids’ bikes there. That’s because Rossignoli was established in 1900 and the shop has been in the same location, on Corso Garibaldi, since 1926.

While they cannot approach the longevity of Rossignoli, there are other fine bicycle shops in and around Milan. Among these are:

• La stazione delle biciclette
• Mantovani manolo bikeshop
• Laterna pietro bikes
• Guerciotti bike shop
• Bicicletteria 1, 2, 3

A quick search on Google maps or Yahoo! will give you directions to any of these shops. Happy cycling!

Milan is often referred to as Europe’s creative capital. Milano could almost be Italian for shopping as in the city it is almost a religious experience with Via Montenapoleone, with its’ Italian and international designer shops, being at its’ heart. Theatre, cinema, clubbing and eating out also contribute to the tempting list of activities on offer to the visitor. There are very many impressive modern and historic buildings in Milan.

To purchase Italian real estate you will need a passport and, for married women, copies of birth/wedding certificate with your maiden name. (Under Italian law purchases such as cars and houses are always in a woman’s maiden name.) These documents let you apply to your ‘Codice Fiscale’ — your Italian tax number. Think of this as your US SS number.

Once you have you new Italian home you will find some other differences. For example water is usually billed just twice a year while electricity and telephone are billed every other month. Utilities can be paid at the post office, or by a standing order at your bank.

Challenge (via dell’Annunciata 21 20121) Branded high quality luxury handbags made from the finest leather or exotic skins such as crocodile, ostrich and python. All bags are entirely manufactured in Italy.

Studio Franca Leonardi (viale Papiniano 36 20123) has been supplying the largest multinational companies for many years with promotional leather articles. Now the company is expanding its sales to department stores and wholesalers, as a consequence of a success due to high product quality (all items made in full grain genuine leather processed by vegetable tanning), reliability, and timely deliveries.

Evatini (Viale Lombardia 64 20131) Quality brand of luxury trendy handbags mostly made from fabrics and resin, enriched by hard stones, fantastic Swarovski crystals and other precious accessories. Best jewel bags entirely made in Italy

Maxima (via dell’acqua 63/65 20023 - Cerro Maggiore) Luxury alligator handbags and accessories, such as wallets and belts, coordinated with matching shoes. Best fashion women’s bags made from the most precious skins.

Additionally, Brunello Cucinelli and IMC Group are proud supporters of the Ale Foundation and its goal of improving the lives of children in need. Proceeds from our various events and activities throughout the year will go toward funding this foundation and the organizations it partners with. The Ale Foundation was established with the intent of enriching the lives of children.

Among the fine stores selected to carry his new collections is the new Florentine Breil Milano store that was inaugurated in May 2008 in via Calzaiuoli, a short walk from Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo. Marking the first of a new series of brand boutiques to be opened in Italy after the recent Berlin opening, it provides the perfect setting for showcasing the Breil Milano world as well as the unique world of Brunello Cucinelli.

The vacation rentals are located all over the city and come in a variety of sizes from ones that sleep 2 with one bedroom to multiple room villas that have multiple bedrooms and can sleep up to two complete families with pools and all sorts of other amenities. Don’t think though that you need to make your reservations from months in advance. To get the best pick you should but no worries if you’re planning a last minute vacation. With the abundance of vacation rentals available you can find last minute deals out there.

Many of these vacation rentals are also monitored by individuals that look over multiple properties. You can find these people online or once you are in town to find the best place for you.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of this excursion. On the first day in Rome you will get blown away by the sites. You are whisked to The Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica, The Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain. And of course before you leave Rome you are taken to the Vatican to make sure your breath is taken away. After leaving Rome you are taken to Naples and Capri. You will get to take a tour around the island of Capri by boat and to Capri’s Blue Grotto. After this you are taken to Florence where you realize your only half way through your trip.

After Florence and the Piazzle Michelangelo you are taken over to Siena where the wine somehow takes even another step up. After this you are taken off to Pisa to get and see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. At the end of the whirlwind you are taken to Venice for the last 3 days to enjoy the city and unwind before off to reality.