Ciao, Amici, it's July!

Join the action as our executive producer Paul Lally gives you a behind-the-scenes video tour of our Ciao Italia kitchen at Rhode Island Public Television, where we just completed taping 19 of our 26 shows for our 20^th season. A fine mix of new and old recipes that I hope you will enjoy making.

July in Italy begins the slowdown season as hot weather arrives in small towns and villages. The mezzogiorno (middle of the day) finds people indoors, windows shuttered to keep out the heat of the sun. Shops are closed until 4 PM and the streets are absent of cars. Here and there a bar may be open and men will be seen sitting in the shade playing cards and having an espresso.

It often surprises Americans to learn that Italians do not drink ice cold drinks in hot weather, They believe that it's bad for you. Instead, they drink warm drinks. But the younger generation is moving towards the western approach of cold, sugary soft drinks and lemonade, a sign of the times that traditions change -- although not often for the better.

July sees many tourists as well, and sometimes it is easy to forget to respect the customs of a foreign country. Blending in is the best way to feel comfortable. Wear simple clothing, leave your gorgeous jewelry at home, be familiar with a few words in Italian like Grazie, (thank you) Mi chiamo (my name is) Dove la stazione? (where is the train station?) and Puo aiutarmi? (can you help me?), Above all, when in a restaurant, eat like an Italian and don't ask for foods from home. You'll have a much more enjoyable time.