The island of Sicily is Italy’s largest region and is also it’s most varied. In terms of geography, there are offshore islands, endless coastline, rugged mountains, rolling Wheatfield’s and volcano’s, but its history and architecture are also of note. Sicily formed a significant part of the Greek empire, was strategically vital to Rome, and was invaded by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and Bourbons, before unifying with Italy. Each conquest left its mark, to create a palimpsest of cultures on the island. - Reprinted from the Eyewitness Top 10 Guide to Sicily

Pages: 160 pages

Dimensions: 7.5 x 4 x 0.5 inches

Weight: 6.4 ounces

Maps: There is a map of Sicily and a street map of central Palermo and a very small almost unreadable map of Siracusa

Pictures: These books have pictures though because the books are small, most of the pictures are small

Italian judges have forbidden a couple from naming their son Friday, saying it would bring the child shame and ridicule to be named after the character in “Robinson Crusoe”.

“They thought that it recalled the figure of a savage, thus creating a sense of inferiority and failing to guarantee the boy the necessary decorum,” the couple’s lawyer, Paola Rossi said Wednesday.

The boy was baptized “Venerdì,” Italian for Friday even though the boy was born on a Sunday. The couple has said they wanted an unusual name and liked the name Friday. One can only assume it is their favorite day of the week.

The Rough Guide to Italy is your ultimate handbook to one of Europe''s most beautiful countries. From the capitoline museums in Rome and the stylish shops of Milan to eating Pizza in Naples and watching the spectacular Palio race in Siena, this guide captures all of Italy’s highlights in a full colour introduction. The top hotels, bars and restaurants are all uncovered in the detailed listings section with the new ‘Author’s Pick’ feature highlighting the very best options. The guide also takes a detailed look at Italy’s history, art and groundbreaking film industry and comes complete with maps and plans for every area. The Rough Guide to Italy is like having a local friend plan your trip! – Reprinted from Amazon.com

Pages: 1224 pages

Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches

Weight: 1.5 pounds

Maps: Excellent maps by city and region

Pictures: Very few pictures

The first hymns in honor of Christmas and the nativity are believed to have been written in the fifth century. These Latin hymns were solemn, and dealt only with the religious aspects of Christmas.

In the 13th century, Saint Francis of Assisi introduced the idea of joyous and spirited Christmas carols similar to what we know today. St. Francis wrote the Christmas hymn “Psalmus in Nativitate” in Latin. From Italy, Christmas carols spread all over Europe including Germany where many hyms were written.

Rome, Italy is over 3,000 years old: that’s a lot of history. Ruins from ancient Rome are everywhere. You will be walking down a street and see an ancient column roped off right next to a very modern parking meter. Churches, ruins, fountains, piazze are all popular places for visitors, both local and foreign.

Pages: 216

Dimensions: 8 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches

Weight: 10.4 ounces

Maps: Detailed street maps of Rome, including Vatican City. A metro/subway map is located on the inside of the back cover

Pictures: Good pictures of most of the major sites

What makes this little book (32 pages) so great is that it is in both English and Italian. Though it is basically a children’s book it is also fun for adults. I enjoyed it immensely.

Buon Natale has Christmas songs in both Italian and English. The narration is also in Italian and English making it a great way to study the language. Granted we don’t say jingle bells very often on our travels, but it does make studying fun.