Wednesday, October 29, 2025

BRUSSELS: The Riebe Debie Book of Excursions

Looking for ideas of places to visit in Brussels or Flanders? Then look no further than this little gem…..


From Amusement Parks to Monuments and Animal Parks to Historical Attractions and more, you will find it all in this handy book/Website.

Get searching and start planning your Autumn Winter fun at https://www.riebedebie.be/en


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES : Did you know the amount of activities available at Support Site for Teens?

 


YOUTH SPORTS AND FITNESS

Offers a variety of organised sporting activities that promote the psychological, social and physical well being of youth. Recreational activities that enhance physical fitness, self esteem, teamwork and leadership skills. CYP provides the staff, equipment and playing area necessary to facilitate the athletic and recreational development of children.

Sports include:

Basketball
Baseball
Cheerleading
Dodgeball
Flag Football
Fun Runs
Soccer
Softball
Volleyball

* Start Smart soccer and baseball development programs are available for 3-4 year olds (Parent participation is required)

Most sports available for children aged 5-18.

For details on how to register and pay please download the app
Support Site App Select Child and Youth programs and Select Youth Sport

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE


NAPLES : Top Tips for Toddlers Teeth



Good oral health is very important for a child's growth and can affect their health. Starting good tooth brushing habits early can help prevent tooth decay and other problems later on. The Top Tips for Teeth resource encourage parents to start taking care of their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth comes in, which usually happens around six months old.
 

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

NAPLES: Shopping - Useful Tips

 


Useful Tips


Bring a Euro coin to use a shopping cart.

ALWAYS use a glove when touching grocery products.

Weigh and tag your produce before checking out.

Bring your own bag or expect to pay for one at the register.

Many shops close for "riposo" (extended lunch) between 12.30 - 3.30pm

Places to GO :

* Home Improvement : Leroy Merlin, Bricoware
* Department Superstores: Ipercoop, Carrefour, Iperfamilia
* Furniture : IKEA, Mondo Convenienza
* Food Shopping : Aldi, Lidl, MD, Eurospin, Conad
* Malls : Parco Commerciale Grande Sud, Centro Commerciale Campania

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Tips on Dining in Italy

 


In Italy, the dining culture is unique.

Here are some key tips to note.

Wait staff will generally need to be waived over if you would like service, need refills or want to order more food. They respect the socialising of their clients and don't intrude.

* You will need to ask for the bill when you are ready to go (Il Conto per favore)
* Not every restaurant accepts credit cards, always carry some euros with you.

COFFEE BARS
Open all day and are most popular at breakfast times, afternoons and evenings. If you are just getting a coffee and snack, order at the bar and stand there to drink and eat. If you are ordering food, you can also choose to sit down for waiter service and expect an additional up charge plus tip.

LUNCH
Times are around 1 to 3pm. Restaurants will often close between lunch and dinner.
- "Rosticceria", "Girarrosto" and "Polleria" Shops that primarily sell rotisserie chickens which make for quick meals.
- "Pasticceria" Pastry shops that are often connected to a bar (Coffee shop) Many serve sandwiches or "pannini"
- "Tavola Calda" Counter service shops with hot food that you choose from a display case.

DINNER / RESTORANTE
Some open as early as 7pm but many Italians don't begin dinner until 9.30pm. The restaurant will typically stay open until midnight. Expect evening meals to last two hours or more. You should order each course that you are interested in receiving, they will come in this order:

- Antipasto: Appetizer or starter
- Pasta
- Secondo : Main dish of just meat or fish not side dishes
- Contorni : Side dishes like vegetables, fruit, cheese or salads
- Coffee or liqueur
* Wine, water and bread are available throughout a meal, but you must ask for them.

The bill will sometimes include an additional "co-perto" or cover charge and a "servicio" or service charge of about 10-15%

Information brought by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Wine tasting at Cantina del Vesuvio

 


Wine and Olive Oil Tasting.


Visit the Cantina del Vesuvio and discover the volcano's wine.

Since 1930 the Russo family have committed their lives to creating a place where organic wine production combines with hospitality. A small selection of quality bottles is sold directly from the cellar.

A fabulous experience tasting the most delicious food with incredible wine.
Cantina del Vesuvio

Tours and Lunches everyday between 9am - 6pm

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Driving in Italy

 


Driving in Italy is totally different to driving in other countries, to help you acclimatise, here are some key tips:-


* Italians do not consider it rude to tailgate.
* Horns are used excessively so it is difficult to determine who they are intended for.  Try to notice what is happening and ignore the extra beeping.
* Hazard lights are used to indicate that traffic is slow and attention is needed.
* Flashing lights does not give you right of way, it is to inform you that they are coming.
* Right on Red is illegal unless marked.
* Italian law allows you to overtake traffic to pass on the left only.
* Some junctions have no stop lights or traffic control.  The vehicle on the right has the right of way unless there is a stop sign.
* Traffic circles or roundabouts are common. When entering a circle, yield to traffic in the circle.
* Drunk driving is an extremely serious offense in Italy. In Italy, a blood alcohol level is 0.05 is positive of proof of drunk driving. If you are under 21 or have been a licensed driver for less than 3 years , the legal limit for alcohol in your system while driving in Italy is 0.00

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE 


NAPLES : Top 10 Parks and Gardens in Rome

 

Top 10 Parks and Gardens in Rome

Looking for a peaceful escape or a place to enjoy nature in the Vatican City?

Here are Rome's top parks and gardens:

1. Villa Borghese: The central park with museums and a serene lake.
2. Villa Doria Pamphili: Romes largest park perfect for long walks and relaxation.
3. Janiculum Hill (GIanicolo): Famous for its panaramic views of teh city.
4. Appian Way Regional Park: Explore the ancient road surrounded by countryside and history.
5. Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci): A top spot for sunset views over Rome.
6. Villa Ada: A vast park with wooded areas and peaceful lakes.
7. Botanical Gardens: Discover a wide variety of plants and trees from all over the world.
8. Parco Savello (Giardino degli Aranci): Known for its fragrant orange trees and stunning views.
9. Parco della Caffarella: Part of the Appian Way park system, offering countryside vibes within the city.
10. Villa Torlonia: A historic villa with beautiful gardens and museums to explore.

For more information type in Top 10 parks in Get Your Guide

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES : Italian Wine and Pizza Pairing at the Winery

 



You are Invited!


Join the ultimate flavour experience!

Join in for a special Pizza and Wine Pairing class where you will explore how to match the perfect wine with every slice.

During the class you will :

Learn the secrets of pairing different wines with various pizza toppings.

Taste a selection of delicious, handcrafted pizzas.

Sip and savour a variety of wines expertly chosen to complement each bite.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Monday, October 27, 2025

NAPLES : Sojourners Permit - Why is it important?



 A Sojourners permit or Permesso di Soggiorno is an Italian government document that certifies that a NATO force military dependent or member of the US civilian component or contractor is a temporary legal resident of Italy. The permit allows the holder to legally stay in Italy longer than the 90 days (which is the maximum amount of time a foreigner can stay in Italy as a tourist)

The Sojourners permit is typically valid for the duration of your assignment BUT particularly as the new entry/ exit system has just been launched, it is very IMPORTANT to check the expiration date and keep it valid, especially if you have a change to your orders or contract, or if you are planning a trip.

Sojourners Permits are not required for active duty military members.

Within eight days of arrival into Italy, all military dependents, DoD civilian employees, contractors and their family members must submit an application for a Sojourners Permit.

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE