Join Marika and Daniela in Rome. They're at the Forum talking of its fascinating history.

Marika and Daniela are chatting in Rome, with the Colosseum in the distance. The focus of their chat is the word chiedere (to ask) in its different conjugations.

Daniela and Marika take us to the Colosseum in Rome and tell us about when it was built, who had it built, how it got its name, what it was made of, etc. And, don't miss the next video where they go inside!

In Roman times, what exactly went on in the Colosseum? And why is the central part called "arena?" Marika and Daniela take you on a fascinating journey back to the times of the gladiators.

Marika and Daniela tell us about the horrors that went on inside the Colosseum in Roman times, but also about the special, more peace-loving role the Colosseum has today. Discover, among other things, where the the gesture of thumbs down comes from!

Marika teaches us some other Italian sayings, regarding time; working on one's own, instead of being assisted; and even about people who drink too much, who might let down their guard, saying things they wouldn't say while sober.

Marika takes a small poll of Italians to find out how they spend Christmas Eve, what they eat, and, above all, whether or not they follow particular traditions.

Are you curious to hear about Carnival celebrations in Italy? Marika describes for us some of the traditions and curiosities.

Are you familiar with any of the famous characters from the Commedia dell'Arte? And, what about "chats" that are a fantastic taste treat. Marika will tell you all about them.

Office gossip, the Italian way. Marika and Anna dish about the boss, the boss's nephew, the boss's nephew with the wife of the old boss, a temp--all while pretending to work.

2015 is an exciting year for Italy, because this year's Expo is in Milan. Marika was lucky enough to go, and she's eager to share her experience with you. But first she gives you a little background on how the Expo got started as a phenomenon.

Marika shares her impressions and her bubbling enthusiasm for the Expo 2015 held in Milan until the October thirty-first of this year. We hope you get the chance to go!

Melanzane alla Parmigiana, or La parmigiana di melanzane (Eggplant Parmesan) is a classic recipe from the Campania region. Marika shows us how to make it, one step at a time.

Marika prepares the eggplant slices by baking them in the oven—a much lighter way of preparing the eggplant layers than the traditional frying method.

It's time to check the eggplant in the oven. And what about the slices that were a bit too sottili (thin)? Will they have burned? Note that English mostly uses eggplant as a collective noun (in the singular) but Italian, unless referring specifically to a single eggplant, uses the plural le melanzane when referring to eggplant in general, and to the slices themselves.