Giovanni talks about life on Alicudi Island.
 

Vocabulary

Video

Transcript

 
My name is Giovanni Blanchietti Lorenzo. I live on the island of Alicudi, in the province of Messina. Alicudi is part of the Iolian Archipelago. I’m 60 years old.

Alicudi is different from the other islands. There are no cars on it. So to transport goods, you have to use donkeys, or your own muscles.
 
 
What do you do for a living?

I’m here on Alicudi. I can’t do just nothing. I own a large house. And I rent out part of it to tourists.
 
 
What does “globalization” mean to you?

To me, globalization means the internet, knowledge and speed. A lot of speed.
 
 
What makes you happy?

Do you want to know the secret of life?

The secret of happiness is to do everything you do with commitment; to do it as well as you can — with all you have to give.
 
 
What’s your favorite food?

My favorite food is squid, finely chopped and marinated in lemon juice, oil and chilies — a truly great dish.
 
 
What do you expect for your future?

To live 200 years.
 
 
How do you spend your leisure time?

I don’t find the soul of Alicudi where the tourists go swimming. I find it in the northern part of the island. That’s where you can climb the cliffs, and there’s nothing but the animals that live there.

That’s where I find the soul of Alicudi.
 

Questions

Alicudi. Who is this person? Does he live in Rome? Where does he live? How old is he?

Sicily. Is Alicudi the same or different from Sicily and Sardinia? How is Alicudi different?

Sardinia. Giovanni is a shepherd; he looks after sheep. Is this right or wrong? How does he earn a living? What’s his occupation?

Cyprus. His secret of happiness is winning the lottery. Is this true or false?

Ibiza, Majorca. His favorite food is pizza and spaghetti. Is this correct or incorrect? What’s his favorite food? His favorite food is . . . . . . . . . .

Crete. Does Giovanni want to become very prosperous and successful? What is his goal? What does Giovanni expect for the future?

Corsica. The spirit of Alicudi is the beach with celebrity vacationers. Yes or no?

 
 
Ikaria. Do you live on or have you ever been on a small island?

Rhodes. Our country has islands. Is this correct or wrong?

Malta. Are you from Italy? Do you live in Italy? Have you ever been to Italy?

Canary Islands. Have you met anyone from Italy? Who were they? What were they doing?

Azores. What is the climate and geography of Italy like?

Madeira Islands. Describe the economy of Italy. What does it import and export?

Iceland. Does Italy have any problems or challenges?

Orkney. What is Italian cuisine like? Describe Italian food.

Hebrides. What are some tourist attractions (cultural, historical, natural)?

Faeroe Islands. What comes to mind when you think of Italy? What do you associate with Italy?