Ethnic dinner The other evening I went to an ethnic dinner. There were different people: three Italians, an Australian, a Colombian, an English. Every person cooked different food: cus cus, lasagne grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, turkey with bilberries, sausages, and other types of meat with apple sauce. These people are temporary in Italy for a collaboration to a scientific project. It was a very amusing evening and I like to stay with foreign people.

National Day for end of male violence against women Today it is celebrated the national day for end of male violence against the women. Already this year, 105 women in Italy have been killed by husbands or boyfriends. It is incredible that this type of crime happens within the family. I think that this phenomenon should not be fought only by punishments such as life imprisonment but especially trough prevention and education of our society. I hope that in the future there will be less crime and that women can be more protected and respected throughout the world. Two Italians writers wrote about the women (I don't translate it, this is a homework for my friend who wants to learn Italian): -"Dell'amore e del dolore delle donne" di Umberto Veronesi "[...]Sono riuscito a capire che amare una donna non vuol dire possederla, ma apprezzare quelle differenze profonde che sono l'essenza della sua femminilità, entrare in sintonia con la sua mente fino a <pensare da donna>". -"Il peso della farfalla" di Erri De Luca "[...]Un uomo che non frequenta donne dimentica che hanno di superiore la volontà. Un uomo non arriva a volere quanto una donna, si distrae, s'interrompe, una donna no. Un uomo che non frequenta le donne è un uomo senza. Non è un uomo, nient'altro da aggiungere. E' un uomo senza."

Gay marriage and adoption Today in France there was a demonstration against the proposal of extending the rights of adoption for homosexual couples. This event impressed me and provoked a reflection. It's not natural that two men or women can grow a child, but it's more sad to think to children can grow alone in a orphanage without love and warmth of a family. In Italy there is not the possibility of adoption for homosexuals (and the marriage) but this already exists in other European countries. Another thing is that many heterosexual families created problems to their children even if there is a father and a mother. So it's a problem of our society to accept this new type of family and I think that we should to break some prejudices. The most important thing is to keep an open mind and to choose the better thing for the children.

Cohabitation or marriage?

Is it accepted to go to live with your boyfriend or girlfriend before marriage? What do you think about it?

My presentation Hallo, I'm Giovanna, I live in Italy, I'm a biology and I work in a pharmaceutical company. I studied English at school and now I'd like to practise it with you. English is important for my work, but it's more interesting to learn this language to know new people and their culture. I hope I'll be useful for you to learn Italian, I'll tell you about my country, my ideas, my toughts etc... Bye

First notebook entry: Introducing myself I want to improve my English. My native language is Italian, I grew up in Italy. I 'm interested in knowing different cultures.