I often think to myself that this must be the golden age of language learning. The existence of the internet, social media, and portable technology makes learning and practicing a new language easier and more accessible than ever. …

Picture it…. Picture it: A sweltering July in northwest Italy. Turin, famous for being too hot (and humid) in the summer and too cold in the winter. A beautiful apartment (with no air-conditioning) in the center of town. …

I first came across the Pasta Grannies YouTube account while living in Turin back in 2018. Pasta Grannies posts short episodes (roughly 10 minutes or less) featuring one nonna (grandma) — 65 and older — making a pasta dish from scratch in her home kitchen. With a small crew as…

(Note: A version of this story can be read on www.jessicaalampay.com, which includes embedded Instagram posts for each store.) One of my favorite things about living in Turin’s Centro (downtown), was living amidst so many bookstores. Walking in virtually any direction I would pass beautifully-styled window displays beckoning readers in. …

It is nothing new to say that learning the local language is one of the most important aspects of moving to a new country. Language is the key to accessing so many areas of society; and becomes invaluable when children are involved. …

As we entered our second year in Turin, I found myself offering advice to fellow international mothers, based on my own experiences. Some newer arrivals had children who were younger than mine and were just beginning to learn Italian. …

Why “Writing in Turin”? “If they asked me, I could write a book…” The opening line of a Frank Sinatra song plays in my head whenever people ask me about moving to Italy with my husband, 11 year-old son, and 7 year-old daughter. …

It is impossible to live in Turin and not start a love affair with gelato. It is a city that takes this heavenly creation very seriously. Unlike more well-known Italian cities that draw far more tourists, Turin boasts a lower profile. I have a theory that this reality has actually…

Dear Eight-year-old Jessica, I’m writing to you from 30 years in the future. Almost 40! I know. Crazy! Believe it or not, 40 doesn’t feel as old as I thought it would, when I was your age. I’m not sure what I want to tell you. …