his Italian influence is hard to miss , even here in Bristol . A day spent wandering the city ’ s streets and sights reveals just how deeply Italian words are woven into our experiences . So , let ’ s take a “ giornata ” around Bristol , where Italy ’ s presence surfaces in surprising ways …

Italy ’ s influence on the English language dates back centuries , with Italian words enriching English in art , music , cuisine , and culture . From the Italian Renaissance , when English speakers borrowed terms like sonnet , to modern words like espresso , Italian has given English a touch of elegance . These loanwords often convey concepts or ideas without English equivalents , bringing Italian culture into everyday language .

We start our day in Cotham , one of Bristol ' s vibrant neighbourhoods , where locals and visitors flock for a weekend brunch . We find a cozy café and settle for an Italian-inspired meal , a panini filled with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella . We place an order with the friendly barista behind the counter — an Italian word we might take for granted but one rooted in the English " bar ," showing just how seamlessly language flows across borders .

As we stroll along , we notice Bristol ’ s famed hills can pose quite the challenge for those brave enough to tackle them in stilettos . While these Italian shoes are undeniably stylish , here they are best admired from afar ! Just as we start to feel the burn in our calves , we take a break and reminisce about recent years , when terms like quarantine dominated everyday conversation . Thankfully , those days are behind us now , and it is a relief to be out exploring the city freely , with nothing to think about but the next destination .

In Bristol , an umbrella is a must-have . But as luck would have it , the clouds have now cleared . The sun peeks out , and we decide to treat ourselves to some gelato as we walk along the harborside . A velvety scoop of pistachio brightens the day , offering a taste of the Mediterranean right here in southwest England .

Our stroll brings us to College Green , where we are met with a picturesque scene : a newly married couple emerges from the cathedral doors , stepping out under a shower of confetti . It is a delightful blend of Italian culture and English tradition .

We head toward the Hippodrome for the evening ’ s entertainment . We are tempted by the allure of an opera , with its dramatic aria and timeless beauty . It is a fitting end to immerse ourselves in the Italian influence .

Our day wraps up with a subtle reminder of Italy ' s lasting influence on English culture . From the panini we enjoyed in the morning to the final notes of the opera , Italy has seamlessly woven its words , flavours , and essence into the fabric of Bristol ' s lively scene .

By Emily Higginbottom ( She / Her ) // Final Year ; French , German and Italian

Now full of energy , we head off for a street art tour . Though paparazzi might be a bit too strong a term , there is a crowd of photographers , hoping to catch a glimpse of Banksy , the elusive graffiti artist who has made his mark on Bristol . On Park Street , we spot Banksy ' s iconic Well Hung Lover , featuring a man hanging from a windowsill while a suited figure looks out above . It is a perfect example of Banksy ' s blend of humour and social commentary .

As evening settles in , it is time to find something hearty for dinner . If we were at home , it would probably be a quick bowl of pesto pasta , a student staple . But with Bristol ’ s abundance of Italian-inspired spots , we are spoilt for choice . Should we go for comforting gnocchi , a rich slice of lasagna , or maybe a wood-fired pizza ? In the end , we settle on a classic : spaghetti and meatballs — al dente of course , just the way we like it .

Magari Bristol ’ s pasta , made fresh in-house every day . Source : @ magaribristol on Instagram

Homemade ( and handmade ) pasta . Source : Giulia Volpi

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