Madeline in Rome: The Perfect Children's Christmas Gift

If some little girl you know is a fan of the Madeline series (or you are!), the newest edition in the series is about Rome. Madeline and the Cats of Rome is the first new Madeline book in 50 years and was written by John Bemelmans Marciano, the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans, the author of the original series. Madeline and her classmates head to Rome for a spring vacation and find all sorts of trouble-including thieves and many cats!

Quantum of Solace Premiers in Rome

The new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, premiered in Rome at the Warner Theater in Piazza dell Repubblica on Wednesday. In an interview there, Daniel Craig, inspired by the American election, said that the world is ready for a black 007. This latest Bond movie has several scenes that take place in Siena and picks up just 20 minutes after Casino Royale ends. Reviews of Quantum of Solace claim that while Casino Royale was a hard act to follow, the new Bond flick delivers and is definitely worth seeing.

Italy Blushes about Berlusconi's "Suntan" Remark

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi put his foot in his mouth on Thursday when he commented to Russia's President Medvedev that Barack Obama was "young, handsome, and suntanned." Italian newspapers and liberals are in an uproar, but Berlusconi says they lack a sense of humor. Berlusconi is not exactly known for his tact. Among many social and political gaffes, in the past he has compared a German European Parliament member to a Nazi concentration camp guard. Some say that this latest comment is just one manifestation of the underlying racism in modern-day Italy. Let's hope that the recent Catholic-Muslim summit at the Vatican and the election of Obama in the U.S. will help to eliminate that prejudice.

Vatican Catholic-Muslim Talks End On Promising Note

A three day summit at the Vatican between Christian and Muslim leaders ended last night with a joint declaration of cooperation and intention between the two religions. After the Pope's comments in 2006 about Muslims and the violent protests over Danish cartoons depicting Muhammad, this summit was long overdue and much welcomed. There was even discussion of forming a Muslim-Catholic crisis management committee for conflict resolution. Perhaps the recent outcome of the U.S. election has inspired a few world leaders?

Eat Like a Roman with Gourmet Magazine

Major foodie Robert Sietsema's series Eat Like A Roman on Gourmet.com is all about the unusual cooking methods of the Ancient Romans and how to bring them into the modern world. Recent articles include an attempt at Roman placenta (which is not that kind of placenta-it's actually a cross between lasagna and cheesecake!), garum (a fish sauce which the Italians still use today and call colatura), and a simple cilantro, mint and feta salad that you'll want to make for your friends. If you want to attempt some Roman recipes yourself, try Mark Grant's cookbook, Roman Cookery: Ancient Recipes for Modern Kitchens.

Calling All Archaeologists: Excavate in Italy Summer 2009

If you have some experience in archaeological fieldwork, the University of Michigan may be looking for you. In June of 2009, UM will launch a six-week excavation at the urban site of Gabii, an ancient settlement of Rome's Italian allies. Gabii is located just east of Rome and excavators will be housed in nearby Frascati at the Hotel Villa Mercede. Read more about the excavation in UM's Literature, Science and Arts magazine. The Modern Traveler can't think of a better way to spend the summer-living and breathing Roman history!

Gustiamo.com For All Your Italian Cravings

Dying for a real cup of coffee? Just can't seem to get the sauce for pasta con le sarde right? Looking for that perfect holiday gift for your favorite Italophile? Check out gustiamo.com, a website devoted to bringing the absolute best products from small Italian producers to the world at large. Be sure to order coffee from Caffe Sant' Eustachio in Rome-which is actually worth flying to Italy for!

Vote Rome for the Most Romantic Place in the World at Budget Travel

In this election season, it's important that you make your choices clear! Vote for Rome as the world's most romantic foreign city. Clearly Venice and Paris have nothing on the Eternal City!

New York Times Reviews the Rome Cavalieri

Recently redone and reopened as part of Hilton's Waldorf-Astoria collection, the Rome Cavalieri Hotel certainly delivers luxury. However, the New York Times reviews it this weekend-and is less than pleased with the experience. While the hotel is beautiful, filled with works of art, and has exceptional service, every amenity comes with a price. The gym costs 20 Euros a day, poolside chairs and towels cost 16 Euros, and room service is exorbitant. The bottom line? Nice views but not worth it.

Apollo of Mantua at Capitoline Museum

On loan to the Capitoline Museum from the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua is the famous marble sculpture of Apollo. This work of art, probably dating back to the time of Hadrian, will be exhibited in Rome until January 6th of 2009. Don't miss the opportunity to see this intriguing antiquity!

Colline Emiliane-Perfect Pasta near the Trevi Fountain

Locals and tourists love this family-run pasta spot just off the Trevi Fountain. The house specialty at Colline Emiliane is a truffle pasta made by the owner's wife and the menu, inspired by the proprietors' home region of Emilia-Romagna, will have you back again and again. The prices are a bargain (for Rome anyway!) with main courses running from 14 Euros to 18 Euros. Reservations are recommended and BE ON TIME!

Ludovico Einaudi Comes to San Francisco November 20th

Sponsored by KDFC, the Bay Area's classical music radio station, composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi will perform at Bimbo's in San Francisco on November 20. Einaudi is famous for his "minimalist" piano compositions which are haunting and evocative (in KDFC's words). Don't miss the chance to see this world-famous Italian musician in a very intimate setting.

National Geographic Traveler's Italy Soundtrack

Every issue of National Geographic Traveler includes an iTunes playlist compiled by the writers of the magazine to accompany you and your iPod on your next trip. Their Italy playlist includes Andrea Bocelli's Con te partiro and Dean Martin's That's Amore. Download it on iTunes before you head off to Rome or when you are in the mood for a little Italian music.

Students Protest Education Reform in Piazza Navona

Education reforms passed by the right-wing parliament had students protesting and clashing all over Italy today. A conflict erupted in Piazza Navona as right-wing and liberal groups picked up cafe chairs and threw them at opponents. Four people were treated for injuries. The education reforms may include budget cuts for university programs as well as instituting codes of conduct in elementary schools.

Jessica Biel Promotes "Easy Virtue" at the Rome Film Festival

Jessica Biel was stunning in Yves Saint Laurent in Rome Monday screening her new film, Easy Virtue. The film is a remake of a 1928 Alfred Hitchcock movie based on a Noel Coward play of the same name. The movie is sure to be a hit with an excellent cast including Kristin Scott Thomas and Colin Firth.

Rene Caovilla on Sale at Gilt Groupe

Rene Caovilla, the quintessential Italian shoe designer, is on sale at Gilt Groupe, an invitation-only designer shopping website. Rene Caovilla shoes tend to run at prices over $800 (eek!) and in this economy, that's just not practical. Gilt Groupe has dozens of styles on sale for 50% off-so hurry and find yourself an invitation to join this preferred shopping site!

Festival Internazionale del Film di Roma

Rome's International Film Festival is happening right now. Stars from all over the world, like Al Pacino (who received the Marc'Aurelio Acting Award) and Willem Defoe have descended upon Rome to premier new films and participate in what has been a major cinematic event in the past. This year's festivities are a little subdued, as Rome's mayor tried to withdraw funding (La Notte Bianca suffered a similar fate this year). You can attend the films as well-in fact, the festival offers a great deal-three movies for 12 Euros. The celebration continues through October 31st.

Low Airfare to Rome from New York in November

Delta Airlines is offering a non-stop flight to Rome from JFK for $647.00 November 19-26. Just in time for your Thanksgiving vacation. Maybe instead of turkey at your in-laws this year you should enjoy a nice saltimbocca alla Romana in the Piazza Navona!

Giada de Laurentiis Comes to San Francisco

San Francisco got a taste of Italy today when Giada came to Williams-Sonoma in Union Square. The Modern Traveler braved the two hour line to meet Giada and get her newest cookbook, Giada's Kitchen, signed. Giada is just as fabulous in person as she is on television-and even more personable. Find out when Giada is coming to your town!

Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples

Opening today at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. is an extraordinary exhibit of artifacts from the excavations of Pompeii and its neighboring towns. Luxurious furniture, personal effects, and exquisite works of art were all buried in the eruption of August 23rd, 79 C.E. Among these artifacts are sculptures from the Villa of the Papyri which inspired the Getty Villa in Malibu. These objects are now on display (many for the first time ever in the U.S.) at the National Gallery until March 22nd when the exhibit will travel to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Today's Washington Post has a detailed article on the history of Pompeii and its excavations and an excellent slide show of some of the major works.