ROME

Italy

ROME - ITALY

Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with a population of 3.7 million in 2006.

Rome is located in the central-western portion of Italy on the Tiber river within the Lazio region of Italy. Rome's history spans over 2500 years. It was the capital city of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, which was the dominant Power in Western Europe and the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea for over 700 years from the 1st Century BC until the 7th Century AD. Since the 2nd Century AD Rome has been the seat of the Papacy and, after the end of Byzantine domination, in the 8th century it became the capital of the Papal States, which lasted until 1870. In 1871 Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, and in 1946 that of the Italian Republic. Since 1929 it is also the site of the Vatican City, an independent city-state presided over by the Pope.

Rome and the Number " 7 " (seven)

The number 7 has a significant meaning for Rome. After Romulus founded Rome on the 21st of April 753 BC, he said that he have been succeeded by another six rulers. The last one of these which was Tarquin the Proud (Tarquinius Superbus) who was overthrown in 509 BC. After the overthrown in 509 BC the Roman Republic was formed.

Alba White Truffle Festival - Alba / Italy

White Truffle

White Truffle Festival - Alba / Italy

09 October - 14 November

It's a treasure for the Italian Cuisine which is hunted in northern Italy for one of the most sought after fruiting fungus, the white truffle (Tuber Magnatum Pico).

Ancient peoples believed that the white truffle was the Daughter of "Lightning". The Greeks and Romans were very fond of them and praised their aphrodisiac qualities. The composer and gourmand Rossini called them "the Mozart of the mushroom world." They grow in Piedmont, near the Langhe and Roero hills which also produce Italy's great Wines: Dolcetto, Barbera, Barbaresco, Barolo, Nebbiolo. Like these wines, white truffles are found in five varieties, determined by the trees around whose roots they grow. Thus, depending on whether they are found near weeping willow, oak, poplar, lime trees or vines, their color varies from a sometimes veined white to pink and dark gray.

This Italian truffle has a scent of wild garlic with mineraly overtones; it's essential not to cook it, but only to use it raw, grated onto crusty bread or a hot dish. Its flavor is fleeting.

While its black cousin pairs naturally with the great wines of Pomerol, the white truffle is suited to a good aged Riesling.

Italians like to eat white truffles plain, sliced paper thin on pasta with butter and cheese, or on eggs.

In northern Italy, white truffles are traditional at weddings. Since Italian weddings are a big affair, they need a lot of truffles. So the more weddings there are in the fall, the fewer white truffles are found on the market!

iShare Cup 2010 - Almeira / Spain

iShare Cup 2010

The iShare Cup 2010

Almeira / Spain

09 - 12 October

City Almería which is a located in the Andalusia Region, hosts the 6th and final round of the international series of regattas for Extreme 40 catamarans. Waters off the Almería Coast will host the regattas at this event, which is to feature more than 20 teams. Various world and Olympic champions will be among the participants. This event puts Almería up with the sailing elite, and is a wonderful opportunity for fans, who will be able to watch the races from the shore, as the course will be very close to the coast.