Three Things, my post series, inspired by my love for bite-sized, tiny but mighty pieces of information.

One. This —

Franciacorta. I’ve heard it described as Italian Champagne. But to insert anything French into Italian nomenclature is nothing short of blasphemy. Here’s what it is — Italian bubbles in a bottle, let’s call it a drier and more complex cousin to Prosecco. The region is located outside of Milan and I can’t wait to chill out, walk along the lake, and think about…nothing. Here are some thoughts from Condé Nast Traveler on the whole thing.  I’ll be heading over there this week, right after I wrap up at the huge, marble, palatial shack in the picture above.

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Two. Italian Fun Fact —

Called a blow out in the US and a piega in Italy, the act of getting your hair washed and blown dry is absolutely a thing. In Italy it’s super affordable and many women I know have their hair washed for them each week, sometimes twice a week. Pure luxury if you ask me since I’m not exactly shy about telling you much I loathe washing my hair.

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Three. Question I got today: “How long did it take you to learn Italian?”

My answer: “Currently in the middle of said learning.”

Case in point — Two days ago, a taxi driver in Venice used the formal version of a verb I’m familiar with in an informal way. As he called to me I stood looking blankly at him for a moment, “Signora, venga, venga!” Gesturing to me with his hands I walked over to him, handed him my bag and asked “Questa parola è formale?” Is this word formal? Siiiii he responded. My experience with this verb to this point is Mimmo’s nephew, Luigi, who calls to me “Vieni qua! Vieni qua!” Come here! Come here! Mostly when he wants me to check out a toy in his bedroom.

As we snaked through town, Mario, Mr. Taxi, went through all the versions of the verb with me while I sat perched on the backseat. Him asking, me responding while the meter clicked away. With each correct answer my face would morph from a mask of concentration to joy while he would look up intermittently in the rearview window at me while also navigating to my destination.

Teachers, all around us. For most things. This one happened to be for language. But I’m always keeping my eyes peeled for others.