Serena and Martina take you to a shop that sells both home health care products and beauty aids. This kind of shop is called a sanitaria, coming from the word, sanità (health). If you ever (heaven forbid!) need a wheelchair, ace bandage, neck brace, or even orthopedic shoes, this is the place to go. Today, Serena and Martina are shopping for more glamorous items.

Serena goes in to a shop with a friend to buy some beauty cream. She pays by carta di credito, and makes sure she walks out of the store with lo scontrino (the receipt), which is obligatory in Italy! As an afterthought, she would like Gerarda, the proprietor, to gift-wrap the beauty cream for her, so she asks for un pacchetto regalo.

Serena and Elena talk about the school system in Italy, which is quite different from that of other countries. Terminology is different and can be deceptive, so be prepared for some false cognates. Where Americans talk about going away to school (college, university), Italians talk about the university. Find out what "scuola" means to these two young Italian women.

Get the inside story on going to university in Italy! Serena and Elena talk about how the school year is broken up, where you register, taking exams and how the grading works, what grade point average you need to pass, and much more.

Studying is not the only thing students do at the university. They like to have fun, too. Being from out of town, but too far away for a commute, Serena and Elena rent an apartment with other students. Find out what they like to do in the evenings!

Serena takes us to visit her house, where besides all the things her mother collects, there's a fireplace, and a view of the sea.

The traditional Anglo-Saxon holiday, Halloween, has gradually taken hold in Italy and is now an occasion for partying, wearing costumes, and having fun. Serena opens up the door to her apartment and...

Serena takes you to a music store in Rome. The first instrument she shows us is the piano.

Serena takes us to another part of the music store. This time she shows us the percussion instruments.

Serena finishes showing us the music store by guiding us through the guitar section, as well as the section dedicated to the instruments of the orchestra. She closes by a quick visit to the sheet music department.

Serena Scafarto sings “Se è vero” (If It’s True), a song about a girl who is ready to take her life into her own hands and is not afraid to walk alone. Video provided by PA 74 Music.

The people who run a seaside restaurant in the province of Marsala describe the place as a little corner of paradise with its pure, curative water and sand, and meals served directly in the water. They are used to speaking Sicilian most of the time, so speaking correct Italian is a challenge. But their love for the place, and their typically Sicilian warmth towards visitors come through.

Benedetto shows us his beautifully landscaped vacation rental property in the Province of Marsala.

Falling in love doesn't follow scientific rules. Silvana and Luciano tell us about how they met and their plans, now that they are of a certain age.

Silvia Swing is Silvia De Santis's stage name. She sings “Noi” (Us), a love song dedicated not only to her beloved, but also to her friends. They're always there to provide support, understanding, and comfort. Video provided by PA 74 Music.