Sundays with Schoolhouse Moms: Interview 7 with Letizia

Name: Letizia

Occupation: HR Manager at a Translation Company

Affiliated website/business: www.omnia-group.com

How long have you been in Rome and what brought you here? 

I've been in Rome for the past 9 years, after moving from Modena where I lived for 5 years. Prior to that, I lived in the US for almost 10 years.

Where are you from and how many languages do you speak? 

I was born and raised in Florence. I studied English and German at School for Interpreters and Translators of Florence. 

You've lived in the states before, but now your family is here--which place to you prefer for raising children: Italy or America? 

I prefer Italy simply because I was born and raised here.

Would you ever move back to the states? 

Not permanently. But I would not mind my daughter to make an experience overseas. Maybe in a few years from now.

Tell me about your family background and structure:

Born and raised in the Chianti area, Florence. Youngest of 3 sisters. 

How do you all approach language in your home? 

I am the only one speaking English to my daughter at home. My husband and I are both Italian, so this is the language he and I use to communicate. 

Which language is your child more dominant in and why? 

Definitely Italian, for the reason explained above.

How do you think languages are best learned?  How did you learn the languages you speak? 

I think children should be exposed to languages as early as possible in life; the earlier they can learn a language, the easier it is for them. I learned English in Junior High first, then High School and eventually college. I turned it into my main career.

Which English Schoolhouse course option are you choosing for the fall and why? 

Haven't decided yet.

Well, you've got two options...English To-Go or afternoon playgroups.  I think either one would suit your kid well.

Now the fun stuff...

What website do you waste the most time on? 

Facebook, Italian and English daily newspapers.

What's your favorite magazine? 

Don't have a favorite magazine.

What are your top 3 favorite restaurants in the city? 

Daruma Sushi, Ba Ghetto, Il Toscano

What's your favorite place to take your kid? 

Villa Pamphili

What's her favorite place to go? 

Villa Borghese

Any good recommendations for a date night out? 

Cannot remember the last time we had one :)

In your opinion, what's Rome's best kept secret? 

The weather.

If you have a little bit of time to yourself, how do you normally spend it? 

Decorating cakes with fondant

What's your favorite app? 

Ruzzle, but I just started and I am not that good.

Favorite children's book? 

The Cat in the Hat

What was the last book you read and how would you rate it? 

Il nuovo venuto. Mediocre.

You're a great cook, obviously--do you have a quick recipe you can share? 

Panzanella is a Tuscan first course or appetizer, excellent for summer. You just have to soak in cold water some hardened, unsalted Tuscan bread until the crumbs become soft, then squeeze the water out of it, put it in a bowl with small chopped tomatoes, chopped celery, chopped onions and (if you like) some anchovies. Add sald, vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Put it in the fridge for an hour and serve cool. 

Anything else you want to add?  Shameless plug? 

As a hobby, I am a cake designer, I bake and decorate cakes and butter cookies for all kinds of special occasions including weddings, children and adults birthdays, graduations, First Communion, Bachelor's parties and so on. 

These are some of Letizia's fantastic creations:

How can people contact you if they're interested in the gorgeous goodies you make? You can either call me on my cell phone at 3474450670 or contact me via Facebook at Il Dolce Far Niente, but that could be tricky because there are several other cake designers by that name, in Rome, too!

Thank you!
Letizia