Silvio Berlusconi, a 75-year-old billionaire media baron and Italy's longest-serving post-war prime minister, finally left office as the country struggled to stave off going through economic meltdown by voting in a package of urgently-needed economic reforms. The colourful and controversial politician, who was a member of the conservative PDL party, enjoyed entertaining and his tumultuous 17-year term in office was marred by throwing a few parties of his own. Prior to his resignation, he became infamous for his "Bunga Bunga" parties, during which he was accused of paying for sex with underage prostitutes.Reuters
Silvio Berlusconi, a 75-year-old billionaire media baron and Italy's longest-serving post-war prime minister, finally left office as the country struggled to stave off going through economic meltdown by voting in a package of urgently-needed economic reforms. The colourful and controversial politician, who was a member of the conservative PDL party, enjoyed entertaining and his tumultuous 17-year term in office was marred by throwing a few parties of his own. Prior to his resignation, he became infamous for his "Bunga Bunga" parties, during which he was accused of paying for sex with underage prostitutes.ReutersWhile the Italian fashion brand Benetton was forced to withdraw its controversial ad campaign, which featured Pope Benedict XVI kissing the Egyptian imam Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb after the Vatican denounced it as an unacceptable provocation, its cable knit jackets and stylish silver headphones are still available.Benettonif you are unable to afford a real Ferrari, a fridge magnet of one makes a nice novelty gift.Ferrari 458 ItaliaThose of a religious persuasion might appreciate receiving a model reproduction of the Popemobile from Spark. The original model, a modified Mercedez-Benz M-Class sports utility vehicle, was originally used by Pope John Paul II following an assasination attempt in 1981.SparkWithout wishing to resort to national stereotypes, an Italian pasta machine is bound to make that special someone salivate with delight.WikipediaFor those of you who are philanthropically inclined, a 10-year Italian government bond will help keep the country afloat and, possibly, enable German Chancellor Angela Merkel to sleep better at night./Inspired by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's wild sex parties, Italian businessman Carlo Pagni has launched a range of Bunga Bunga products, from bracelets and key rings to perfume, lingerie and body oil, which are supposed to have aphrodisiac qualities.naharnet.comA country with such a great artistic and cultural heritage also has its share of writers and Umberto Eco's latest thriller, The Prague Cemetery, is bound to keep readers riveted to their seats throughout the holiday season.Harvill SackerThose who like the look and feel of leather would undoubtedly appreciate a Gucci handbag.ReutersThe celebrated Italian tenor Andrea Bocellii's latest release, Notte Illuminata, is a collection of German, English, French and Italian songs, which are only available in a digital format.Shannon Stapleton / Reuters
Mamma mia, Christmas is approaching! Our guide gives you 10 of the best Italian gift ideas for your friends and family.
In a predominantly Catholic country like Italy, Christmas has always been celebrated with Italian nativity scenes - called Presepi - shimmering Christmas trees, colourful decorations and opulent dinners.
Italians also have a quirky side, however, as our guide attempts to demonstrate, from former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's latest musical offering, a CD of True Love songs, to Bunga Bunga bracelets.
Perhaps the relaxing, moving atmosphere created by tenor Andrea Bocelli's voice may be more appropriate. His latest release, Notte Illuminata, is a collection of German, English, French and Italian songs, which are only available in a digital format.
A country with such a great artistic and cultural heritage also has its share of writers and Umberto Eco's latest thriller, The Prague Cemetery, is bound to keep readers riveted to their seats throughout the holiday season.
For those of you who are philanthropically inclined, a 10-year Italian government bond will help keep the country afloat and, possibly, enable German Chancellor Angela Merkel to sleep better at night.
In contrast, those of a religious persuasion might appreciate receiving a model reproduction of the Popemobile, while those who like the look and feel of leather would undoubtedly appreciate a Gucci handbag.
