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The Discovery Compass
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Michael Kovnick
Author @TravelCDV

Michael Kovnick


Co-Founder of Culture Discovery Vacations. I am a native American from Los Angeles that has been living with one foot in Italy and the other in the US for more than 30 years. I usually write about oddities I see in Italian culture from an American perspective, and the humor I find in it. However, after decades of living in both countries, I often see the reverse as well. That is, where the Italians got it right, and we can certainy learn from them!

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Culture
Culture

Anglitaliano: English Words in Everyday Italian


We use a ton of Italian words in English.  More than many might think.  Just walk into a Starbucks, and you will probably walk out with something called a ‘LATTE‘ (Be careful asking for it in Italy, since...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 5, 2010
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Culture
Culture

Man Dies: Caught Cold in Stomach


Traveling to Italy, some visitors notice various oddities about Italian culture that seem to defy explanation.  Some are rooted in the socio-political history of the country, some are rooted in religious tradition, and...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • March 30, 2010
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Culture
Culture

Who is Alfredo Sauce, and why do Americans keep asking about him?


If you go to Italy looking for Alredo Sauce, you will find yourself quite frustrated. Read on to learn why.

  • Michael Kovnick
  • March 24, 2010
  • 42
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Culture
Culture

The Wine Is Always Finer On The Other Side of the Fence


I’ve been wanting to write about this for ages.  Not about wine actually being better on the other side of the fence, but the impression that it is. We take groups to wineries in Tuscany and the surrounding regions...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • March 7, 2010
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Culture
Culture

In Search of the Perfect Espresso


Like a fine wine or a great cigar, those who know their coffee are extremely discriminating.  I count myself among them.  Coffee is something I take very seriously.Technorati: VA2TJVJYZX67 Depending on the style of coffee,...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • February 28, 2010
  • 8
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Culture
Culture

Bruschetta – The Truth and a Unique Recipe


It’s not really what you think it is… In the states, when you hear the word ‘Bruschetta’, you think about toasted Italian bread with a tomato spread. But to think that way would be like thinking the word...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • May 11, 2009
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Culture
Culture

Rotolo Rose Recipe


An amazing rolled pasta with cheese, Besciamelle and prosciutto dish my mother-in-law in Italy used to make on Sundays every once in a while. When we knew Rotolo Rose was for lunch, nobody was ever late… period!...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 27, 2009
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Culture
Culture

Tuscan Roasted Chicken & Potatoes Recipe


    Pollo Arrosto con Patate Easily one of the most popular recipes we do in our cooking classes, I thought this would be a great recipe to share on the blog. Don’t think this is like any roasted chicken you have...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • April 26, 2009
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Culture
Culture

The FAMILY feeling of our vacations explained


Our future guests often ask me what our tours are going to be like, and I try to explain the feeling of ‘family’, and how it is so different than anything else out there. Oddly, it is a difficult thing to explain, especially...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • March 13, 2009
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Culture
Culture

Recession-proof your vacation with Culture Discovery Vacations


With so much uncertainty ahead with the economy, skyrocketing fuel prices, and the drastic drop of the Dollar against the Euro over the past couple years; many people have been concerned about planning travel.  In fact,...

  • Michael Kovnick
  • October 7, 2008
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Culture Discovery Vacations
Leading Luxury Food & Wine Tour Operator
Authentic culinary experiences with Culture Discovery Vacations

Experience the true meaning of luxury travel with Culture Discovery Vacations - the leading small-group culinary tour operator, offering immersive experiences that go beyond traditional opulence.

  • Hands-on cooking classes with local families
  • Authentic all-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs
  • Boutique accommodations with character
  • Exclusive access to family vineyards
★★★★★
5.0/5 from 384+ reviews on TripAdvisor
"We didn't feel like tourists—we felt like family. The cooking classes changed how I think about food."
— Mark S., Tuscany Tour
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