【推荐2】When you’re on holiday, it’s so natural to enjoy the perfect gin moment. You’re sitting on a sunny balcony, enjoying the view and watching the locals. You realize you’ve done it; you’re living la dolce vita — the sweet life.

That’s what the aperitivo hour is all about. This slow and stylish start to the evening begins just before sunset, when Italians of all ages gather for drinks, snacks and friendship. It’s life-affirming. It can become the bridge between the responsibilities of people’s working day and the delights of their dinner. Much magic lies on that bridge.

It’s still a nationwide event in Italy, observed across the generations in humble inns, charming restaurants and trendy rooftop bars. Connoisseurs (鉴赏家) of the aperitivo hour say Florence, Turin and Venice are standard bearers for the tradition, but many agree that Milan is where its heart lies. In truth, aperitivo takes place all across Italy from the northern regions mentioned right through to the impressive Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. Therefore, wherever visitors wander, they will be able to enjoy this elegant tradition. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy it. The conversations and bonding of the aperitivo hour bring new ideas about life.

Many of us have been amazed by an easier-going routine during a fortnight abroad in the summer. As the taxi takes us back to the airport to fly home, we promise ourselves that we will continue to live that way at home, but that ambitious promise seems to get lost somewhere around the luggage carousel (传送带) back in Blighty.

Well, it’s never too late to start. With some travel restrictions still in place, now is the perfect moment to bring the Italian experience to your home. In a way, the events of the past few months have been training us for it. Many of us have been forced to take our foot off the pedal and ease into the slow lane, so there is no simpler time to bring the aperitivo hour into your home.

【推荐1】The World’s Best Eco-friendly Restaurants

The trend for today is sustainability (可持续性). It’s something chefs are now very interested in. Here are some of the best sustainable restaurants.

L’Arpege, France

Alain Passard opened this restaurant in 1986. In 2001, he decided to devote himself to cooking with vegetables. Three local vegetable gardens now supply the restaurant with hand-harvested produce. While some dishes on the menu now feature meat, he mostly creates vegetarian (素食的) dishes.

Tel: +331-4705-0906

The Test Kitchen, South Africa

Luke Dale-Roberts is known for focusing on sustainability. In 2018, the chef created a Drought Kitchen menu and changed his kitchen operations to save water. Earlier this summer, he visited Lake Victoria to help combat the decline in fish population. These projects show the chef’s commitment to sustainability, which is translated through his restaurant’s menus.

Tel: +272-1447-2337

Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland

Andreas Caminada has proven his devotion to protecting the environment surrounding his restaurant. Produce for the restaurant is sourced from the grounds of the castle this restaurant sits within, and relationships have been formed with local organic farmers. On top of this, the restaurant uses renewable energy.

Tel: +418-1632-1080

Mirazur, France

Mauro Colagreco, the owner and the chef of Mirazur, takes all ingredients from the restaurant’s gardens and surrounding land, as well as local fishermen and farmers. His recently released book tells the story of these ingredients and the local producers he works with.

Tel: +334-9241-8686

【推荐3】5 of the Most Interesting Customs in the World

Switzerland—Honesty shopping

There are little shops in the middle of the Swiss Alps that allow you to buy your fresh cheese, milk, bread, honey, and butter without anyone to watch you. In fact, no one watches these shops because they are owned by farmers who are out taking care of the animals.

South Korea—NOT tipping

Tipping is in the blood for someone who is raised in the United States along with many other European countries. But in South Korea, employees in the food service industry are given fair wages and take pride in their work, and it is insulting to attempt to tip them.

Iceland—Christmas Eve books giving

People puzzle over the eternal question of Christmas gifts. Iceland has solved this problem with the Christmas Eve tradition of giving a book. After everyone unwraps the books, they spend the evening reading together.

Japan—Pushers on the subway

Japan's subway is crowded during rush hours. But instead of settling for the inefficiency that personal space demands, Japan has "pushers". They are exactly what they sound like-employees whose only job during rush hour is to push more people onto the train.

Russia—Offering vodka

It is the custom to welcome new friends with shots of vodka. What better way to break the ice than with some stomach- warming shots of this Russian tradition? That's something we can all toast to, or, as they say in Russia, "Na zdorovye!".