Episodio 1/30

@ Cooknook
Mimi begins her tour of "Southern Italy" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Italy - South
In this part of the trip, the pets will explore sights ranging from narrow village backstreets to the famous Arco san Felice in Puglia and the Isle of Capri. They will see iconic Italian vehicles such as the tiny Fiat 500 and the Vespa scooter. Along the way they come across Italian flora and fauna, and have ample opportunity to sample the best of Italian cuisine, not only pizza, pasta and delicious gelati but dishes made with freshly picked lemons and grapes! But let's hope they're not kept awake by too much espresso!
Cooknook
Exploring the winding, narrow streets in this Italian town you come across a charming little eatery tucked away in its own niche. Can you resist sitting down at one of the invitingly set tables to relax over pasta and Chianti?

Episodio 2/30

@ Pizza de resistance
Mimi was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Ailfric!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Pizza de resistance
Who wouldn't want to have some of this delicious looking cheesy pizza? Throughout Italy, there are traditional regional variations in pizza recipes and production, from the classic pizza Napoletana to the Pizza al Padellino and Pizza Siciliana. The one pictured here is Pizza Tonda Romana, with a very thin, crispy crust. If you fancy a tasty snack on the street, then street sellers provide Pizza al Taglio—served by the slice! In Naples you can buy Pizza Fritta fried pizza in circle or half-moon shapes.

Episodio 3/30

@ Roof Invasion
"Dear one," gulped Mimi apprehensively, "Have you seen this item on the itinerary? We'll be going to see an active volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the Naples leg!"
"Don't worry, Mimi!" said Dear one reassuringly. "It's not erupted since 79 CE. Admittedly, on that occasion, it did wipe out the Roman city of Pompeii and an estimated three million inhabitants, but today Mount Vesuvius is a large national park that attracts tourists wanting to hike up to the top and take a look inside. The brochure says the trail to the top is beginner-friendly and about a 2½ mile (4km) round trip."
Roof Invasion
These sun-baked roof tiles in shades of terracotta, apricot and pink have been complemented by wild flower seeds taking root and flowering in the cracks.

Episodio 4/30

@ Draped Grapes
“If there's time at the end when we get back to the hotel, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Inga said, offering Mimi a chestnut biscotto from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Inga!" said Mimi.
Draped Grapes
Italy is the world's largest wine producer. The most famous Italian wines are probably the Tuscan Chianti and the Piedmontese Barolo.

Episodio 5/30

@ Camogli, Genoa
"... the texture of fairy floss, the scent of fresh grapes and orange blossom and the mouthwatering flavour of lemon sherbet, green apples and juicy peaches. Sounds lovely, doesn't it, Guaca?" remarked Mimi.
"I'm sorry, I missed the first part of what you were saying. Is it a gelato flavour?" asked Guaca.
Mimi chuckled. "No, not gelato. That was a description of Asti Spumante, a delicious sparkling wine from Piedmont. Along with Lambrusco and Prosecco, it's a popular budget alternative to champagne."
Camogli, Genoa
Camogli is a fishing village and tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino, on the Golfo Paradiso in the Riviera di Levante, in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria, northern Italy. The prestigious naval college "Cristoforo Colombo" was founded in Camogli in 1874, named after the Genoese navigator Christopher Columbus.
In 1880, the former fishing village had, in a population of 12,000, 500 registered as ship captains. Camogli now relies mainly on tourism and is known for its colorful houses that line the beach. The house colors once helped the fishermen of Camogli find the way back to their port.

Episodio 6/30

@ Little Egret
“Let's practise saying 'hello' in Italian," said Riley.
"That's an easy one—Ciao!” said Mimi, beaming happily.
"Mm—yes, and mmm—no," replied Riley. "You should only say Ciao to pets you know very well. You mustn't say it to somepet's grandmother who you haven't met before, and you shouldn't walk into a shop and say it. It's far too informal."
“So what do you say then?" queried Mimi, somewhat grumpily.
"The simplest thing to say to friends or strangers to greet them is Salve!" replied Riley.
Little Egret
The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Episodio 7/30

@ Cygnet Rings
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Mimi!" remarked Hyacinthie. "It says in our brochure it's one of the most recognisable destinations in the world thanks to its unique construction of canals and bridges. It says the main city of Venice is made up of 118 islands connected only by 400 bridges and 170 canals. It’s renowned for its gondolas, flat bottomed Venetian rowing boats that are the equivalent to taxis. Becoming a gondolier is no easy feat as you need a professional licence that’s only granted after 400 hours of training."
"It doesn't sound as bad as London black cab drivers having to take The Knowledge before being granted a licence. That can take three or four years!" remarked Mimi.
Cygnet Rings
Are these fluffy cuties watching the ripples spread outwards in circles as they try out their swimming skills for the first time? At least mother's there keeping a watchful eye on them!

Episodio 8/30

@ Black-Winged Stilt
"'Bella Italia!'" read out Népomucène Bibliophilus from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by quaint seaside villages, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Bella Italia is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.'"
Mimi settled back in her tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Népomucène Bibliophilus!"
Black-Winged Stilt
Striking and unmistakable, with its elegant shape, boldly pied plumage, long pink legs, and its long, very fine bill. The black-winged stilt feeds by wading in water, picking with its bill from the water surface. In flight, its long pink legs stick out far beyond its tail!

Episodio 9/30

@ Scooter Italiana
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Mimi!” said Donna ruefully.
"Never mind," said Mimi. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
Scooter Italiana
Vespa is an Italian brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. The name means 'wasp' in Italian. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co.

Episodio 10/30

@ River Rapids
“Oh wow, Mimi, there's a butterfly!” moo moo cried out.
“It looks like a Mazarine Blue," replied Mimi knowledgeably.
River Rapids
This river provides the ideal opportunity to relax on its banks as the sun sinks below the horizon!

Episodio 11/30

@ Frutta e Vino
Mimi was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Eddy Spaghetti!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
Frutta e Vino
This little shop will provide you with fresh local delicacies such as home grown lemons, regional olive oil and wine, and a range of other fruit and vegetables!

Episodio 12/30

@ Tree in Mist
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Mimi," said Juno, "for this experience alone?"
Mimi, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Tree in Mist
This fine, tall tree looms up out of the misty dawn at the start of another beautiful day!

Episodio 13/30

@ In Vino Veritas
Mimi was listening enraptured to strains of music reaching them from a street violin player. “My mum used to sing this, Fino!” he exclaimed happily. "O Sole Mio or My Own Sun. This takes me back!"
In Vino Veritas
Italy is divided into 20 administrative regions (see left), all of which produce wine to some extent, and all of which contain various wine regions. The most significant, when both quality and quantity are taken into consideration, are Tuscany, Piedmont and Veneto. Each region has its flagship wine styles.

Episodio 14/30

@ Buon Appetito!
“What have you got in your rucksack, Likey?” asked Mimi. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Mimi,” responded Likey. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Buon Appetito!
Enjoy your meal! The Mediterranean diet is reputed to be very healthy, although possibly the high incidence of sunshine in these lands plays its role in the health of their inhabitants!

Episodio 15/30

@ Watery Perch
Half way through Mimi's tour of "Southern Italy", she finds a special prize!
Blossoms Array (Royal Velvet)
Whimsically understated, the soft velvety petals of this arrangement are alluring to pets far and wide.
Watery Perch
He's very well disguised! A bare rock in the sea to him is a good resting place as he is waterproofed with his feathers, however uncomfortable it may look to us!

Episodio 16/30

@ Yellow Corn Marigold
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Mimi!” said Josie, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Mimi.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Josie.
Yellow Corn Marigold
This cheerful flower, coleostephus myconis, more commonly known as the corn marigold, occurs in the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. It usually grows in grassy fields.

Episodio 17/30

@ Confection Selection
Millicent was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Mimi unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking Millicent’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Millicent, irritated. “We’re about to pose on either side of this amazing scene—the picture will all be of your map if you don’t fold it up pronto!”
Confection Selection
Get your choice of snack here, from an ice cold drink on a hot summer's day, or a delicious and unique Italian gelato—just the thing to cool you down!

Episodio 18/30

@ Breathe In!
“Wouldn't it be lovely to live in a lighthouse like this one pictured in our itinerary in Genoa? So romantic!" mused Mimi, sipping a leisurely espresso.
"Well, I don't know," said Buster. "It's not all about drinking coffee and gazing at the sea. You have run up and down stairs to operate the light and the foghorn, and there may be no running water or electricity apart from a generator."
Mimi considered this. "Mine would be a luxurious, converted, non-operational lighthouse, then."
Breathe In!
The Fiat 500 is ideally suited to the narrow winding streets. It is very economical to drive and holds four occupants. This is an early model, air-cooled with a rear engine. The Fiat 500 is a very popular vehicle not only in Italy but in the rest of Europe and the UK.

Episodio 19/30

@ Italian Tricolour
“I don't know how to pronounce half of these place names, Mimi!” said Tommen ruefully.
"Never mind," said Mimi. "We'll look them up when we get back to the hotel tonight!"
Italian Tricolour
The Italian flag is popularly known in Italy as Il Tricolore. The first use of a green/white/red tricolour design for a flag in what is now Italy was in 1796 when it represented a republic in the north. The red and white came from the flag of Milan, and the green from the colour of the region’s military uniform. Within a year, that republic had merged with another—and the tricolor design would be abandoned and re-adopted over the years—but the three colours of green, white and red would remain.

Episodio 20/30

@ Rose Dawn
“Let's hope Foxy doesn't get as seasick as he did on the Irish Sea, Mimi!” said Mocha, studying the future itinerary.
"Can you get seasick on a lake?" asked Mimi.
"Oh yes, indeedy," said Mocha.
Rose Dawn
There's some magic minutes just before dawn when birds stir in their nests and start tentatively chirping their own unique call. Other feathered songsters gradually join in until it becomes a veritable chorus. Imagine being on this stretch of Italian coastline while the sky slowly turns from grey to pinky purple, heralding the new day!

Episodio 21/30

@ Mine's an espresso
"Max," gulped Mimi apprehensively, "Have you seen this item on the itinerary? We'll be going to see an active volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the Naples leg!"
"Don't worry, Mimi!" said Max reassuringly. "It's not erupted since 79 CE. Admittedly, on that occasion, it did wipe out the Roman city of Pompeii and an estimated three million inhabitants, but today Mount Vesuvius is a large national park that attracts tourists wanting to hike up to the top and take a look inside. The brochure says the trail to the top is beginner-friendly and about a 2½ mile (4km) round trip."
Mine's an espresso
Each of Italy’s 20 regions boasts its own unique coffee culture. Espresso may be ubiquitous, but there are many regional twists to the caffè. In the northern Le Marche, enjoy a caffè anisette for an anise-flavored espresso; in southern Sicily, try caffè d’un parrinu, an Arabic-inspired coffee flavored with cloves, cinnamon, and cocoa.

Episodio 22/30

@ Arco san Felice, Puglia
"It's turned a bit hot, Mimi. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Firefly.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Mimi.
Arco san Felice, Puglia
A naturally formed limestone arch, this is equally impressive from the sea, where you can sometimes get through, and from the coast road by one of the watchtowers.

Episodio 23/30

@ Bella Italia
"We'll be spending at least three days in Venice, as there's so much to see, Mimi!" remarked Serena. "It says in our brochure it's one of the most recognisable destinations in the world thanks to its unique construction of canals and bridges. It says the main city of Venice is made up of 118 islands connected only by 400 bridges and 170 canals. It’s renowned for its gondolas, flat bottomed Venetian rowing boats that are the equivalent to taxis. Becoming a gondolier is no easy feat as you need a professional licence that’s only granted after 400 hours of training."
"It doesn't sound as bad as London black cab drivers having to take The Knowledge before being granted a licence. That can take three or four years!" remarked Mimi.
Bella Italia
Italy has been the source of many inventions and discoveries and has long been a global centre of art, music, literature, philosophy, science and technology--also fashion (including Gucci, Armani, Prada, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana). It has a large automotive industry, e.g. Maserati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Italy is the world's largest wine producer. It is a leading producer of olive oil and exports large amounts of fruit and vegetables. It is known for its quality regional cheeses.
The country extends over 300,000 km2 (116,350 sq miles). The official language is Italian but there are several other official co-languages in various regions, e.g. German in the South Tyrol.

Episodio 24/30

@ Italian Quintet
Mimi flicked through the phrasebook. “The tour guide at the door of the museum this morning said Prego! as she ushered us all in. She said it meant ‛After you'. I asked her especially.”
“It's one of those terms that mean a number of things: ‛you're welcome', ‛don't mention it', ‛not at all', ‛after you!'. For example, if I reached for your bottle of orange juice you'd say, “Prego!—meaning ‛Please! Help yourself!”
“No, I wouldn't. I'd jolly well tell you to get your paws off it,” grumbled Mimi. “It's very confusing, having just one word covering half a dozen situations.”
“Would you rather have to learn half a dozen different phrases, like you'd have in English, to cover each one?”
Mimi thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, bielzibub!” she said.
Italian Quintet
Guitars, drums and romantic Italian vocals against the colourful backdrop of Il Tricolore—what better and more colourful night out could you want?

Episodio 25/30

@ Is it Italian?
Mimi flicked through the phrasebook. “The tour guide at the door of the museum this morning said Prego! as she ushered us all in. She said it meant ‛After you'. I asked her especially.”
“It's one of those terms that mean a number of things: ‛you're welcome', ‛don't mention it', ‛not at all', ‛after you!'. For example, if I reached for your bottle of orange juice you'd say, “Prego!—meaning ‛Please! Help yourself!”
“No, I wouldn't. I'd jolly well tell you to get your paws off it,” grumbled Mimi. “It's very confusing, having just one word covering half a dozen situations.”
“Would you rather have to learn half a dozen different phrases, like you'd have in English, to cover each one?”
Mimi thought about it for a while. “You may have a point there, Clarice!” she said.
Is it Italian?
Spaghetti bolognese (sometimes called spaghetti alla bolognese, or colloquially 'spag bol', spaghetti with meat sauce, or just spaghetti) is a pasta dish that is popular outside Italy, but not part of traditional Bolognese or even Italian cuisine in general. The dish is generally perceived as inauthentic when encountered by Italians abroad.
It consists of spaghetti served with a sauce made from tomatoes, minced beef, garlic, wine and herbs. In this sense the sauce is actually more similar to Neapolitan ragù from the south of Italy than the northern Bolognese version of ragù. It is often served with grated Parmesan on top, but local cheeses, such as grated Cheddar are also often used. It may be served with a larger proportion of sauce to pasta than is common in genuine Italian spaghetti dishes.

Episodio 26/30

@ Amalfi Sunset
"Hey, it says in our tour guide that construction of the 8-storey Leaning Tower of Pisa started in 1173 and took 200 years to complete! It quite puts that two-week delay on your bathroom tiling project into perspective, doesn't it, Balthazar?" remarked Mimi. "Also, the name of the architect has been lost in the sands of time. You sort of wonder whether he'd have wanted his name to be linked to a tower that leans so noticeably to one side!"
Balthazar leaned across to read the description of the famous Leaning Tower. "It's good in a way that we can celebrate such an apparent disaster," he said. "It says here that it's a very popular design for wedding cakes!"
Amalfi Sunset
The spectacular sunsets along the exquisite coastline are known and adored worldwide, and you simply cannot go home without experiencing one.

Episodio 27/30

@ Mediterranean Splendour
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Mimi," said Splat, "for this experience alone?"
Mimi, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Mediterranean Splendour
What more beautiful sight can be imagined than the Amalfi coast on a hot summer's day, with the deep blue sea stretching forever and the crystal clear waters of the coastline to explore?

Episodio 28/30

@ Capri Sun
"It's turned a bit hot, Mimi. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Lilly.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Mimi.
Capri Sun
Capri—an island lin the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrento Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, Italy. It has been a resort since Roman times and was named by those people as "Goat Island".
Some of the main features of the island include the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara (a high panoramic promenade lined with villas), the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea (the faraglioni), the town of Anacapri, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas, and the vistas of various towns surrounding the Island of Capri including Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, Nerano, and Naples.

Episodio 29/30

@ Bar Ridente, Sant'Angelo
On disembarking from the tour bus, Choose a name surveyed the current stopping place. “Would you fancy living here, Mimi?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Mimi. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Bar Ridente, Sant'Angelo
Bar Ridente is a large snack-bar/café located in the village of Sant'Angelo's main square. It has an indoor bar area where you can have a quick drink, or alternatively, a large outdoor seated area where you can sit down to have a snack, light meal or just a drink. There's also a kiosk where you can buy cold drinks and ice creams . Just look at those locally grown lemons!

Episodio 30/30

@ Pizza Oven
As Mimi's tour of "Southern Italy" comes to an end, she rests under a shady tree and looks back on a perfect day.
Purple Clouds
Have you ever seen a purple cloud? No? Well now you've not seen just one, but a whole bunch.
Pizza Oven
It's not only pizza that tastes fantastic when cooked in a wood fired oven! But to sample the genuine flavour of Italian pizza, the authentic oven is a must!
Mimi has completed their tour of "Southern Italy"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Italy!