Welcome to the first edition of "La Civetta" for the year 2021/22! After a period of hardship and constant change, it is important to remind ourselves why we love Italy so much. Even though it seems like we are returning to some kind of normality, this year has still been strange. I was very lucky to return to Bristol this year after a year abroad in Italy, but not all of my fellow third years were so lucky.
Luckily by the start of TB1, we were able to return to seminars and lectures in person, as well as the first face to face La Civetta meeting in a long time! Our team of writers, designers, and contributors span all 4 years of students here at Bristol, in particular some fourth-year students who have each returned to Bristol with a different story to tell. In addition, the contribution of some first-year students has offered a fresh perspective on all things Italian. So, whatever your situation, I hope that this issue of La Civetta will allow us to bond over a shared love of Italy and the Italian language.
The theme of this issue is celebrating Italian culture past and present, and we have done just that. We have articles commemorating both the great Dante Alighieri, 700 years after his death, and the modern goddess of Italian showbiz Raffaella Carrà. In addition, we have articles on Italy's national sport of football after a successful European year, and our travel section features stories and advice from students returning from abroad. All this in addition to articles on street art, sustainable fashion, and political issues! We couldn't celebrate Italian culture without also talking about food, in our food section you can find articles about one of the most popular street foods in Italy - and where to find it in Bristol! Not to mention the star of the show: pasta - with a recipe from one of our writers!
Special thanks to Dr Tristan Kay for the interview he gave on his area of expertise: Dante Alighieri. I also want to thank Pierpaolo Preziuzoso and Myriam Saputo, our Erasmus students, who helped with the production of this edition - Grazie ragazzi, il vostro aiuto è stato prezioso.
Finally, I want to thank the team of writers and designers who, with a lot of hard work and commitment, made this edition of La Civetta possible. Your work is much appreciated!
I now urge you to keep reading and enjoy celebrating Italy and its incredible culture!
Tom Smith - Editor
Letter from the editor
Photo by Tom Smith