It's a custom in Italy to put something precious - perhaps a piece of jewelry - inside a chocolate egg to give to a loved one.  The chocolate shops in Italy will do that and then wrap the chocolate egg up beautifully.



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Another tradition is the making of "Easter Pie."  Although there are sweet versions, the meat pie is made using pie crusts and filling it will a mixture of eggs, chopped salami, ham, proscuitto, and cheese. 

In Palermo, Easter week features several reenactments of Christ arriving in Jerusalem. And, there are always religious parades to be found,  You'll typically find myrtle, bay leaves and oranges carried in these processions. 

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Antipasti - Many of you already know that, but it's the "appetizer" portion of your meal.  It might be simple or lavish, hot or cold, but always delicious!

Primi - this is your first course, usually pasta, risotto (rice), or soup.

Secondi - the entree or your main dish, usually meat or fish, but might be a vegetarian specialty instead. 

Contorni - these are your side dishes - vegetables, potatoes, and your salad. 

Dolci - the best for last as this is your "sweets" or dessert. 


Mangia!

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Naples, or course, claims to be the birthplace of pizza, but there is far more culinary dishes be enjoy beyond their delicious Neopolitan pie.

The city chefs create the freshest and lightest doughs to create the best pastas.  One of Naple's most popular specialties is frutta de mare - literally meaning fruits of the sea.  It's made from fresh caught fish and paired with tasty pasta sauces. 









Monkfish ravioli is a local favorite and you'll find an excellent variety of Neopolitan ragu among the city's eateries.  And, their pasta e fagioli can't be beat. 


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t’s the world’s smallest country, consisting of only 100 acres – that’s about 1/8 the size of  New York’s Central Park.
 
They issue passports, print their own Euros and have their own stamps and flag.
 
The Swiss Guards were originally a mercenary force.






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Benito Mussolini signed the decree creating the Vatican.  
 
At various times, popes escaped the Vatican via a secret passageway built in 1277. 


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