Italian show girl and ex-wife to Eros Ramazzotti, Michelle Hunziker is neither old nor unattractive, but since she’s been on Italian television since 1996 at the age of 21, we figure she deserves the title “veteran” for her long-term experience and enjoyed favourite status among Italians.

Michelle Hunziker is Swiss-born and had an ambition to be a television conductor herself, rather the silent, pretty side kick to the ageing man who got all the lines. And she has had a very successful career on Italian television, conducting some of the most popular programs from “Paperissima Sprint” to “Striscia la notizia“, “Festivalbar” and, of course, the Festival of San Remo. Check out in the photo shoot with Vanity Fair.

Michelle Hunziker Vanity Fair

Continue reading: Veteran Italian showgirl Michelle Hunziker for Vanity Fair

In Italy, the kiss, or bacio, is very important. One of Italy’s sayings talks about the kiss, meaning perfection.

When a recipe has been perfectly prepared, you can say it’s “al bacio”. You did some great spaghetti and knocked the socks off your guests? Well, the spaghetti was “al bacio” (and if you’re lucky and you’ve made the right choice in terms of dinner guest, you may even get the real deal in recognition of your efforts…).

In poetry when a rhyme follows in perfect sequence, then it’s a kissed rhyme, or “rima baciata”. Not to be forgotten are Baci Perugina, famous chocolate around the world which even comes with a little note of love sayings. The gelato flavour “bacio” was developed from its hazelnut and chocolate taste.

After the jump, you will find the video to Adriano Celentano’s song “24000 baci”, presented at the 1961 San Remo festival. I thought he had a strange tic, but given the applause he may have hit on a performance “al bacio”.

Continue reading: Italian sayings: being "al bacio" with Perugina and the San Remo festival