Speaking
We’re delighted to talk about our love of Italy and to meet folks of like mind.
We are occasionally asked to speak at Italian Cultural Organizations, Book Fairs, Conferences and Private Events. And we’d be pleased to speak at yours.
Previous engagements include: The Garibaldi-Muecci Museum, The Knights of Columbus of Staten Island, The Italian Cultural Society of Long Beach Island, NJ, The Italian Cultural Society of Naples, FL, wine tastings, libraries and numerous Book Clubs.
Our Programs
The Story of Not in a Tuscan Villa
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Italy? Authors John and Nancy Petralia had that dream, and lived it. Newly retired and looking for more than a vacation, the couple packed a few suitcases and headed to the “perfect” Italian city. Within days their dream became a nightmare. After residing in two Italian cities, negotiating the roads and healthcare, discovering art, friends, food, and customs, the Petralias learned more than they anticipated–about Italy, themselves, what it means to be American, and what’s important in life. Not in a Tuscan Villa is about having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and do something challenging in later life. The adventure recaptured the Petralia’s youth, rekindled their romance–and changed their lives forever.
The bestselling authors will share the story of what led them to Italy, their triumphs and disasters, and some of the things they learned. Boun Viaggio!
‘Makes me want to move to Italy!”
“Their stories made the problems humorous.”
“A sense of the REAL Italy.”
“Fun watching their back and forth. Just like the book.”
Giuseppe Garibaldi: Hero of Two Worlds
Before leading the troops to the unification of Italy in 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi was already famous for his deeds as a guerrilla leader and freedom fighter in Uruguay and Brazil. A messianic figure, he had the unique ability to inspire and transform students, workers and farmers into skilled, dedicated soldiers. With more lives than a cat, his exploits read like an Indiana Jones adventure. Lesser known is the role he and his “red shirts” played in our own Civil War. This talk explores the life of this fascinating international hero.
“Liked the story, maps, slides, & delivery”
“I learned a lot. A history lesson.”
“Good portrait in such short presentation-informative.”
Humor & knowledge”
“Liked connection to historical events.”
Off the Beaten Track in Italy
There’s much more to Italy than Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Tuscan countryside. Come along on an Italian adventure beyond the tourist stops. Nancy Petralia spent a year exploring Italy and shares some of her favorite places. Dozza, the tiny frescoed village. The temples of Agrigento. Assisi, home of St. Francis. The Baroque city of Noto. The waterfront towns of Lake Garda. And Cesenatico’s unusual Christmas display. Through photos and stories, Ms. Petralia will lead you through the heart of this oft-visited country. Discover an Italy you’ve never seen before.
“Photos & descriptions of various cities—lovely”
“I liked sense of intimacy, lovely photos, delightful presentation.”
The presenter’s enthusiasm & uniqueness of her presentation made it great.”
