I have flown many times in my life way too many to count! But I wanted to share my thoughts of my flight I just got off of. I flew from Naples to Munich. As we went up into the sky I took a glance at my new reference point of my new home, Mt Vesuvius. It had a little snow on the top but otherwise it was as grand as always. We turned and headed North. We flew over the mountains. Then I thought maybe we would fly over the mountains the entire way and sure enough we did. Dawn was approaching and we were flying over snow capped mountains for the entire flight. I could see all the small little mountain towns with their lights on. I was thinking about Christmas and how the towns were probably preparing for Christmas. I also thought that the towns looked like the background of a nativity scene.
We also passed Lake Garda ( I think that is the name) and it is quite large. I knew Switzerland would be soon after and sure enough I saw more mountains. We had flown over the Alps. I felt like I was back in Switzerland! Afterwards it got very cloudy below us and I knew I was in Germany. Last time I was in Germany I experienced the same weather, cloudy and rainy. As we descended, the sun was shining bright but quickly disappeared as we went into the clouds. When we started going down it was like we were going underwater. The sun was getting blurred then finally disappeared.
Now I am waiting for my next flight. In Munich they have complimentary beverages. So I made myself some herbal tea to drink while relaxing on a nice reclining chair.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Some random discussions from class...
A week or so ago, I remember discussing a topic from the book with a student. It was about a couple who were originally from Spanish speaking countries that lived in the UK. They had two children who were born and raised in the UK. The question given to the mother was if her children truly identified as being 100% British since neither one of their parents were British. The mother said no and that it could be a problem because they don't really identify themselves as being 100% of one thing.
I thought about the question in regards to my life and my situation now. It made sense. When I was growing up I always identified myself as being American because I was in America, my family was there, and I spoke English. But as I grew up I also felt like there was something else to my identity. My father's family has been in America since the 1700 and 1800s. Whereas, my mother's family has only been in America since around the 1920s. As I grew up, my mother shared with me and let me experience traditions that her mother and grandmother shared with her. She shared stories, recipes, and cultural traditions of the Italian/Sicilian way of life. I loved learning the traditions. I wanted to learn the language and visit the place where our family came from.
My mother brought me to Italy for the first time in 2000, I was 13 years old. As soon as I arrived, I felt a connection with the land, people, and food. Ever since then I have returned to Italy 8 times. I love it! A year and a half ago when I received my Italian passport I felt like I was given part of my identity. And now, being in Italy and living the dream, I feel as if I now know what I was missing when I was growing up. My identity is complete. I knew I wasn't 100% American. And now I have finally found the missing piece of the puzzle. I feel like I can understand the situation the family in the book is going through. Those children will never feel 100% British because their parents are not British. They will have to learn and visit where their parents are from to fully be able to identify themselves. I have done this and feel no longer as just an American but an Italian American.
Another discussion we had in class the other day was regarding the sound of language. My students asked me if I like the sound of Italian. They said that since they speak it they can't fully appreciate the sound and rhythm of their language. I told them that I love Italian. I told them that it is a romantic language and flows beautifully (most of the time)! I asked them about English. Does it sound pretty? I never thought about my native tongue. They said that they enjoy it and like speaking it but I never got a straight answer if it is pretty or beautiful. I'm still thinking about it. I don't know what it sounds like. It sounds like English to me :) Does anyone have any thoughts?
I start a new week and my last week tomorrow before the Christmas holidays. I should have fun! There are lots of parties planned and I love seeing children's faces (and adults!) when they talk about Christmas!
I thought about the question in regards to my life and my situation now. It made sense. When I was growing up I always identified myself as being American because I was in America, my family was there, and I spoke English. But as I grew up I also felt like there was something else to my identity. My father's family has been in America since the 1700 and 1800s. Whereas, my mother's family has only been in America since around the 1920s. As I grew up, my mother shared with me and let me experience traditions that her mother and grandmother shared with her. She shared stories, recipes, and cultural traditions of the Italian/Sicilian way of life. I loved learning the traditions. I wanted to learn the language and visit the place where our family came from.
My mother brought me to Italy for the first time in 2000, I was 13 years old. As soon as I arrived, I felt a connection with the land, people, and food. Ever since then I have returned to Italy 8 times. I love it! A year and a half ago when I received my Italian passport I felt like I was given part of my identity. And now, being in Italy and living the dream, I feel as if I now know what I was missing when I was growing up. My identity is complete. I knew I wasn't 100% American. And now I have finally found the missing piece of the puzzle. I feel like I can understand the situation the family in the book is going through. Those children will never feel 100% British because their parents are not British. They will have to learn and visit where their parents are from to fully be able to identify themselves. I have done this and feel no longer as just an American but an Italian American.
Another discussion we had in class the other day was regarding the sound of language. My students asked me if I like the sound of Italian. They said that since they speak it they can't fully appreciate the sound and rhythm of their language. I told them that I love Italian. I told them that it is a romantic language and flows beautifully (most of the time)! I asked them about English. Does it sound pretty? I never thought about my native tongue. They said that they enjoy it and like speaking it but I never got a straight answer if it is pretty or beautiful. I'm still thinking about it. I don't know what it sounds like. It sounds like English to me :) Does anyone have any thoughts?
I start a new week and my last week tomorrow before the Christmas holidays. I should have fun! There are lots of parties planned and I love seeing children's faces (and adults!) when they talk about Christmas!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Things that come with being a resident....
Exactly one day after I received my first Christmas gift in the mail, I received another letter from the city of Acerra. I opened the envelope and looked at the piece of paper. I had to fill out and complete the piece of paper. But, since my Italian isn't good in terms of official government purposes, I had no idea what it was about. I took it to school and had Ipolita and her husband look at it. Sure enough, the form was for me to start paying garbage tax.
I find it funny because the government no matter where you are usually takes a long time to get things done. But when it comes to money, they are always right there ready to collect. I figure big deal if I have to pay a garbage tax. 1. It is an issue in the Naples area and I would like to help stop it and 2. I get free health care. If I had to pay health care in America it would cost much more. I can handle a garbage tax. :)
There is joke now because I used to throw my garbage in a bin out on the street. But, the city got rid of the bin and instead gave homeowners bins to throw their garbage and recyclable in. So it has been a question for the past few weeks of where do I throw my garbage. Now, that I have to pay a garbage tax, I said that I better get garbage and recyclable bins for myself!
Never a dull moment! :) But you must remember "ogni giorno è una festa" Every day is a party!
I find it funny because the government no matter where you are usually takes a long time to get things done. But when it comes to money, they are always right there ready to collect. I figure big deal if I have to pay a garbage tax. 1. It is an issue in the Naples area and I would like to help stop it and 2. I get free health care. If I had to pay health care in America it would cost much more. I can handle a garbage tax. :)
There is joke now because I used to throw my garbage in a bin out on the street. But, the city got rid of the bin and instead gave homeowners bins to throw their garbage and recyclable in. So it has been a question for the past few weeks of where do I throw my garbage. Now, that I have to pay a garbage tax, I said that I better get garbage and recyclable bins for myself!
Never a dull moment! :) But you must remember "ogni giorno è una festa" Every day is a party!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
My first Christmas present
This morning I had a lesson at school. I came home afterwards because I was still very sleepy. As I walked home, I listened to my iPod. When I walk I usually like to listen to upbeat songs so then I walk faster and get a little workout in :) Well I was opening the door to my building when Michael Buble's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas started playing. I saw I had mail. I thought it was a letter from the post office telling me that I have to go and pick up the envelope my mom sent me. I saw Posteitaliane written on it but then I saw that it was addressed to my full name. I knew my mom wouldn't have written my full name on the package so I thought again. Then I felt the envelope. Yay! My social security/health card arrived! The Italian government was so kind to be the first one to give me a Christmas present. It is a big deal because I was told that I would have to wait months and maybe even a year or two before I would receive it.
Just had to share. I was very happy :)
Just had to share. I was very happy :)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
It's official. :)
It's official. I have participated in my first "ogni giorno è una festa" in Italy.
Tonight, I attended a birthday party for a 4 year old. The birthday girl is the daughter of Ipolita's cousin. Apparently her cousin insisted that I attend the party making me part of the family! :) There were a good number of people at the party. There were mostly adults and five girls who seemed to get along quite fine. When it came time for the cake, Ipolita's cousin came to me and spoke to me in Italian. She told me I was in charge of taking pictures. I don't know how or why but somehow I always end up taking pictures or video. If any of you are in my immediate family you know this is true. So here we have the American who only speaks English, who is of no relation technically standing front and center with the best view in the house taking all the pictures. And of course, being the photographer that I am, I count 1, 2, 3, then SMILE, and CHEESE (all in English at an Italian Birthday Party!).
After blowing out the candles, pouring the champagne and cutting the cake, everyone went outside. We didn't know why. Then I understood. I ran up those steps like I was the birthday girl! I wanted to see and take pictures of course! Sure enough, there it was. THE FIREWORKS! (And, I am not talking about Michigan fireworks, I am talking about Indiana fireworks, the works!) I hear them every night from my apartment and now I have officially witnessed and took part in the festivities. Definitely a historical moment. :) As we were standing there watching the fireworks, Ipolita's other cousin said to me "Ogni giorno è una festa!" I said, SI SI SI!!!! :)
After the fireworks, I came back inside and finished my cake and drank my bubbly. :) I put the camera away and enjoyed being "the American." One of the little girls kept looking at me all night. I could tell she wanted to speak to me because I spoke English but was too shy to speak. She finally got the courage and said, "How old are you?" I replied, "You do speak English!" "I am 24 years old." She tried conversing a little more. Then her neighbor who was the aunt of the birthday girl was trying to ask me questions in Italian. I understood for the most part and was able to converse with her. The little girl was still wanting to know more about "the American." She asked me to say a phrase in English....I totally understand and feel sympathetic to foreigners in America. In America, we constantly ask people to speak their native tongue just to hear the melody and rhythm of a different language. And now, she is asking me to do the same thing. No problem. I tell her more about myself. Then she asks me how to say something in English. She wanted the translation to "your hair is pretty." For anyone who knows me, you know that being beautiful and fashion conscious is definitely not first on my priority list when I walk out the door in the morning. All I do is blow dry my hair, brush it and walk out the door. But it looks pretty to a 9 year old and I guess that is all that matters :)
Whew! What a night! I mean between the fireworks, photography, and having pretty hair, I definitely had a taste of being a true Italian! If any of you read my post a few days ago, you can remember how I defined "ogni giorno è una festa." 1. Fireworks 2. Being dressed for a party (or having pretty hair) 3. Eating a lot of food 4. Everyone is family (I just added this one in honor of tonight) and 5. Everyone is happy and celebrating something!
Here's to OGNI GIORNO è UNA FESTA! :)
Tonight, I attended a birthday party for a 4 year old. The birthday girl is the daughter of Ipolita's cousin. Apparently her cousin insisted that I attend the party making me part of the family! :) There were a good number of people at the party. There were mostly adults and five girls who seemed to get along quite fine. When it came time for the cake, Ipolita's cousin came to me and spoke to me in Italian. She told me I was in charge of taking pictures. I don't know how or why but somehow I always end up taking pictures or video. If any of you are in my immediate family you know this is true. So here we have the American who only speaks English, who is of no relation technically standing front and center with the best view in the house taking all the pictures. And of course, being the photographer that I am, I count 1, 2, 3, then SMILE, and CHEESE (all in English at an Italian Birthday Party!).
After blowing out the candles, pouring the champagne and cutting the cake, everyone went outside. We didn't know why. Then I understood. I ran up those steps like I was the birthday girl! I wanted to see and take pictures of course! Sure enough, there it was. THE FIREWORKS! (And, I am not talking about Michigan fireworks, I am talking about Indiana fireworks, the works!) I hear them every night from my apartment and now I have officially witnessed and took part in the festivities. Definitely a historical moment. :) As we were standing there watching the fireworks, Ipolita's other cousin said to me "Ogni giorno è una festa!" I said, SI SI SI!!!! :)
After the fireworks, I came back inside and finished my cake and drank my bubbly. :) I put the camera away and enjoyed being "the American." One of the little girls kept looking at me all night. I could tell she wanted to speak to me because I spoke English but was too shy to speak. She finally got the courage and said, "How old are you?" I replied, "You do speak English!" "I am 24 years old." She tried conversing a little more. Then her neighbor who was the aunt of the birthday girl was trying to ask me questions in Italian. I understood for the most part and was able to converse with her. The little girl was still wanting to know more about "the American." She asked me to say a phrase in English....I totally understand and feel sympathetic to foreigners in America. In America, we constantly ask people to speak their native tongue just to hear the melody and rhythm of a different language. And now, she is asking me to do the same thing. No problem. I tell her more about myself. Then she asks me how to say something in English. She wanted the translation to "your hair is pretty." For anyone who knows me, you know that being beautiful and fashion conscious is definitely not first on my priority list when I walk out the door in the morning. All I do is blow dry my hair, brush it and walk out the door. But it looks pretty to a 9 year old and I guess that is all that matters :)
Whew! What a night! I mean between the fireworks, photography, and having pretty hair, I definitely had a taste of being a true Italian! If any of you read my post a few days ago, you can remember how I defined "ogni giorno è una festa." 1. Fireworks 2. Being dressed for a party (or having pretty hair) 3. Eating a lot of food 4. Everyone is family (I just added this one in honor of tonight) and 5. Everyone is happy and celebrating something!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Christmas Shopping and a visit from SANTA!
Yesterday afternoon, I went with Ipolita and her family to a mall. This was my first time to this particular mall. It was much larger than the other malls I had been to in the area. I felt like I was in a real American mall! As soon as we walked into the mall, we arrived at the food court, but in the center there was something familiar. A huge platform decorated like Christmas and an "elf" with a camera. Sure enough, Santa was there! Or as they say in Italy, Babbo Natale. This Santa Claus was probably more Babbo Natale than Santa Claus since he was definitely Italian :) The girls wanted a picture with Santa so we waited until their turn. As I sat next to the "elf" taking the pictures, I watched as each child took their turn to see Santa Claus. There were the very young children who were afraid of Santa, the older kids who jumped into Santa's sleigh to sit next to him, the babies who screamed and cried because they didn't know this man with a long white beard, and finally, the kids who jumped in the sleigh with Santa and immediately started having a conversation with him. I am sure they were telling him what they wanted for Christmas. They were conversing so long that the photographer kept trying to tell them to turn and smile but Santa and the boy just kept talking. It made me smile :) The beauty of children at Christmas time.
Afterwards, we continued to make our way through the store. Our first stop, The Disney Store. :) Disney is definitely everywhere. I was tempted to buy something but thought that in a few days I will be at Disney World so what is the point. I enjoyed watching the children's faces at all the Disney products though. I love Disney and am glad to see others do too! :)
We went into some other stores looking for presents for Ipolita's family. Then we came to H&M. I wasn't going to buy anything for myself....who are we kidding here, I always buy myself Christmas presents :) I needed a black winter coat and I looked at H&M a few weeks ago at another mall and none of the coats fit me right. So I just thought I would try one on and see how if it would fit and what it looked like. I put it on and looked in the mirror and loved it. So I bought it :) It was the first one I saw and the first one I tried on. I love when shopping is that easy! I feel much more fulfilled in life after shopping :)
After we went into a bookstore. I wanted to try to find some children's books to bring to America for my cousins. It took a long time. I felt like we were in that store forever! But that is what happens when I am in a bookstore. I have to look at everything. I love books! I wanted to get many things but books are always so expensive! Anyways, we made our purchases and headed for the next store.
BUT, on the way to the next store we passed THE APPLE STORE! You don't know how excited I got. I definitely felt like I was back in America when I saw it. For those of you who know me, I love Apple. I remember asking the store back home before I left if they knew of any Apple Stores in Italy and they told me that there would be a store for repairs and things but only one and in Rome. And, here it was! Not in Rome but only 15 minutes from where I live! I told Ipolita I was happy because now I have Apple 15 minutes away and Ikea 15 minutes away but in another direction! I am so close to civilization! ;) More so than even in America. I lived 3 hours from Ikea and 1 hour from Apple back home. After I controlled my excitement we continued to the next store.
We looked in an few shops for things. Ipolita got a few more gifts. We were in one store and Ipolita was paying. The guy starts speaking to her in English. I was impressed because also when we were at H&M the cashier spoke English to us. They apparently heard us speaking and therefore spoke English back to us.
We went into the big shopping center last (like our Meijer, super Walmart, etc). It was a French chain but had the same things as every other store. I got a few more presents and food items for myself and then we headed home.
Earlier, and on our way out we saw the Christmas tree and a sand sculpture in progress. Ipolita thought it was interesting they were using sand and not ice. But I assume they probably feel Southern Italy is in the Tropics compared to the North. They were sculpting what looked like the Nativity. It was very nice!
On our way home, we passed many homes with lights on their balconies. They don't have space like in America so people decorate the balconies. It is still pretty and fun to see how people decorate their homes.
Overall, it was a successful day of shopping :) We saw the Italian Santa Claus, many stores, a sand Nativity, and many people shopping! And, I came home with presents!
Afterwards, we continued to make our way through the store. Our first stop, The Disney Store. :) Disney is definitely everywhere. I was tempted to buy something but thought that in a few days I will be at Disney World so what is the point. I enjoyed watching the children's faces at all the Disney products though. I love Disney and am glad to see others do too! :)
We went into some other stores looking for presents for Ipolita's family. Then we came to H&M. I wasn't going to buy anything for myself....who are we kidding here, I always buy myself Christmas presents :) I needed a black winter coat and I looked at H&M a few weeks ago at another mall and none of the coats fit me right. So I just thought I would try one on and see how if it would fit and what it looked like. I put it on and looked in the mirror and loved it. So I bought it :) It was the first one I saw and the first one I tried on. I love when shopping is that easy! I feel much more fulfilled in life after shopping :)
After we went into a bookstore. I wanted to try to find some children's books to bring to America for my cousins. It took a long time. I felt like we were in that store forever! But that is what happens when I am in a bookstore. I have to look at everything. I love books! I wanted to get many things but books are always so expensive! Anyways, we made our purchases and headed for the next store.
BUT, on the way to the next store we passed THE APPLE STORE! You don't know how excited I got. I definitely felt like I was back in America when I saw it. For those of you who know me, I love Apple. I remember asking the store back home before I left if they knew of any Apple Stores in Italy and they told me that there would be a store for repairs and things but only one and in Rome. And, here it was! Not in Rome but only 15 minutes from where I live! I told Ipolita I was happy because now I have Apple 15 minutes away and Ikea 15 minutes away but in another direction! I am so close to civilization! ;) More so than even in America. I lived 3 hours from Ikea and 1 hour from Apple back home. After I controlled my excitement we continued to the next store.
We looked in an few shops for things. Ipolita got a few more gifts. We were in one store and Ipolita was paying. The guy starts speaking to her in English. I was impressed because also when we were at H&M the cashier spoke English to us. They apparently heard us speaking and therefore spoke English back to us.
We went into the big shopping center last (like our Meijer, super Walmart, etc). It was a French chain but had the same things as every other store. I got a few more presents and food items for myself and then we headed home.
Earlier, and on our way out we saw the Christmas tree and a sand sculpture in progress. Ipolita thought it was interesting they were using sand and not ice. But I assume they probably feel Southern Italy is in the Tropics compared to the North. They were sculpting what looked like the Nativity. It was very nice!
On our way home, we passed many homes with lights on their balconies. They don't have space like in America so people decorate the balconies. It is still pretty and fun to see how people decorate their homes.
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| The sand Nativity. You can see the animals, three wise men and the angel. I think inside the angel they will have the holy family. |
Sunday, December 11, 2011
ShowChocolate!
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| SanPaolo- Naples Soccer Team Stadium (it was near the expo) |
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| Baci wrapper dress :) |
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| Dress made out of Italian playing cards and chocolate wrappers |
Saturday, I went to Naples with Simona to attend ShowChocolate- A chocolate expo. There were many stands filled with chocolate. We saw a demonstration of chocolate, an exhibit of Italy entirely built with chocolate, dresses made from chocolate wrappers, and stands selling lots of chocolate. I also saw stands of people selling arts and crafts, other gift like items, and even meat! I told Simona, it isn't chocolate, so we walked past the meat very quickly. As we started going through the stands I told Simona I needed chocolate. So I saw some people buying hot chocolate. But, you must know it isn't American hot chocolate. This is pure chocolate just melted. They don't give you an entire cup full only about 1/3 filled with liquid chocolate. I got my souvenir mug with my "hot chocolate" and I was in heaven. I was content that now I had my chocolate. Simona was talking to someone about joining a memorization course. They were talking for awhile. She felt bad because she was talking but I told her not to worry since I was content with my chocolate. After I finished my "hot chocolate" and she finished talking we continued on our way. We passed by a stand called I <3 Vino. I was happy. Then right after that was the Illyliqueur. Illy is a popular brand of coffee in Italy. They also had free samples of their coffee liqueur. Of course, I had to try it. :) It was very good though! Before I got my "hot chocolate" we passed a stand selling chocolate liqueur and of course I had to try that too! :) I was feeling great by this point! We continued along. After going in and out of the rows of chocolate and making a few purchases we decided to leave. |
| Italy completely covered in chocolate! |
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| A chocolate lamp- not made from real chocolate though :) |
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| Dog Chocolate |
We returned to her home and I got to visit with her grandmother and parents for a little bit. Afterwards, we went to a nearby town for pizza. On the way for pizza, we saw a processional blocking the streets. They were carrying a statue of Mary and many followers were carrying candles. I tried taking a picture but the picture didn't come out. We continued on our way. We arrived at the pizza place. The pizza was great. I had the traditional style pizza with sausage and a neapolitan broccoli. Afterwards, I returned home with my bags of presents!
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| The processional |
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| Bread wreaths on the Christmas tree at the pizza place |
Thank you again Simona and Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Ogni giorno è una festa
Every day is a party in Italy. I don't know how many times I have stated this but I must continue to share my thoughts on this subject. I will give my reasons below:
1. Every day there are fireworks. Somewhere, someone is celebrating something, whether it is a birthday, a name day, a graduation, a national holiday, a win for the football (soccer) team, a good grade, a new job, a birth, or maybe even a funeral (I don't know if this is true but I think fireworks could also be used since a funeral is a celebration of life).
2. Everything you buy is gift wrapped. Yes, everything. No matter what it is (cookies, crepes, pastries, plates, decorations, other food items, etc), they will hand it to you gift wrapped. Even if it is for yourself. It doesn't matter. The concept that what you buy is important and has value is intriguing. I also like the idea that whenever you buy something you can take it home and unwrap it signifying that again every day is a party, a celebration, because you are opening a gift of some sort.
3. Every day everybody dresses nice like they are going to a party. They are always nicely dressed, clean shaven and ready for a party at any moment. Another indicator that every day is a celebration.
4. Every day there is a feast. Lunch time, pranzo, is considered the largest meal. It makes sense to have the big meal during the day so you can work it off throughout the day. There is almost always two courses at least during lunch. This to me is another sign that everyday is considered a party/celebration in Italy!
5. Every day everyone says Buon Giorno, which means Good Day. They greet everyone with this greeting, although it does change with the different times of day. You walk into any store or building and you say good day. Everyone is pleasant and always acknowledging the people they see. If you see someone you know then you even give hugs and two kisses, one on each cheek. All of these greetings is just another indicator that Italy is in fact a place where every day is a party/celebration!
Overall, I enjoy the motto that "ogni giorno è una festa." It is a good way to live life and I am glad to have experienced it! Living life as if it is a party or celebration ensures that we have a full and meaningful life. It makes us stay positive and be happy. This is certainly how I want to live my life, always smiling and full of happiness.
1. Every day there are fireworks. Somewhere, someone is celebrating something, whether it is a birthday, a name day, a graduation, a national holiday, a win for the football (soccer) team, a good grade, a new job, a birth, or maybe even a funeral (I don't know if this is true but I think fireworks could also be used since a funeral is a celebration of life).
2. Everything you buy is gift wrapped. Yes, everything. No matter what it is (cookies, crepes, pastries, plates, decorations, other food items, etc), they will hand it to you gift wrapped. Even if it is for yourself. It doesn't matter. The concept that what you buy is important and has value is intriguing. I also like the idea that whenever you buy something you can take it home and unwrap it signifying that again every day is a party, a celebration, because you are opening a gift of some sort.
3. Every day everybody dresses nice like they are going to a party. They are always nicely dressed, clean shaven and ready for a party at any moment. Another indicator that every day is a celebration.
4. Every day there is a feast. Lunch time, pranzo, is considered the largest meal. It makes sense to have the big meal during the day so you can work it off throughout the day. There is almost always two courses at least during lunch. This to me is another sign that everyday is considered a party/celebration in Italy!
5. Every day everyone says Buon Giorno, which means Good Day. They greet everyone with this greeting, although it does change with the different times of day. You walk into any store or building and you say good day. Everyone is pleasant and always acknowledging the people they see. If you see someone you know then you even give hugs and two kisses, one on each cheek. All of these greetings is just another indicator that Italy is in fact a place where every day is a party/celebration!
Overall, I enjoy the motto that "ogni giorno è una festa." It is a good way to live life and I am glad to have experienced it! Living life as if it is a party or celebration ensures that we have a full and meaningful life. It makes us stay positive and be happy. This is certainly how I want to live my life, always smiling and full of happiness.
Monday, December 5, 2011
First Weekend in December in the Mountains
After the Planet Funk concert and work on Saturday morning, I went to the mountains with my boss and her family. Although, I consider her family as pretty much my adopted family here in Italy. We arrived at her house and started the fire and wood burning stove to warm up the place since it is usually about 10 degrees cooler in the mountains than in the city. We had lunch then relaxed. Enchanted just happened to be on the Disney Channel so we watched part of that. I was exhausted from lack of sleep that I just sat in content watching Enchanted. :) Afterwards, it was time to start making dinner. We were making pizza! I told Ipolita's mom that I wanted to learn how to make pizza so she showed me and even let me do some of the mixing and kneading!
Afterwards, here are what the pizzas looked like. They tasted great! I love fresh pizza!
On Sunday morning, we had coffee and cookies, the traditional Italian breakfast. I told Ipolita that when I was little and we were visiting our Italian relatives in New York, my mom would never let me have cookies for breakfast or if she did only one or two. I took full advantage of the cookie thing this time and dunked my cookies in my coffee, in honor of my childhood self. :)
After breakfast we got ready because it was Ipolita's mom's birthday. We were going to go out to eat instead of cooking for her birthday. As we were almost ready to leave a neighbor gave Ipolita a huge bag of olives. So we had to sort through the olives and make saltwater to store the olives in.
After we finished the olives, we got in the cars and traveled to the restaurant which was located about halfway between their house in the mountains and their house in the city. The restaurant was located off many small roads and in the mountains. It was very cute, quaint, homey and beautiful! The food was great too! These type of restaurants are becoming increasingly popular in Italy, I am told. They are called Agriturismo restaurants.
We first had the antipasti course.
Then the first course.
Then the second course.
We could have had fruit and dessert but many of us were too full. We did get a few desserts to share amongst the seven of us.
On our way home, we experienced an interesting experience. Wild Boar were in the road. I mean an expressway. Not one but 4, 5, or 6. We couldn't count them all! I was with Ipolita in her car while everyone else were in the car in front of us. They slammed on their brakes and swerved to the left. Ipolita slammed on her brakes but stayed in the right lane. There was a car behind us but they were in the left lane. Apparently one of the boar hit the car with the rest of our party but they were still running and moving. I don't think any of them got seriously hurt (the boar I mean). They were racing around trying to get out but they didn't know which way to go! Overall, I got a close up view of wild boar! Thank god our guarding angels were taking care of us otherwise we would have had a major accident because those boar were huge!
Afterwards, we went back to their house in the city to celebrate her mother's birthday with a cake. I was very full but yet I still had a piece of cake and a cookie. Mostly, I had to taste the cookies because I just became aware of a cookie store located very near to my house and I needed to taste which cookies I want to bring to America. :) I also had to try a liqueur that I just heard about. It is called Liqueur Strega. Strega means witch in Italian. Apparently a town nearby makes this liqueur because there were "witches" in this town in the past. They were burned at the stake...sound familiar to Salem? Anyways, I wanted to try this liqueur and I did. It is good. I liked it!
Overall, I had a great weekend with my adopted Italian family :) Thanks for everything, Ipolita and family! :)
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| Tomato sauce, cheese and oregano pizza |
Afterwards, here are what the pizzas looked like. They tasted great! I love fresh pizza!
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| Corn and cream pizza |
After breakfast we got ready because it was Ipolita's mom's birthday. We were going to go out to eat instead of cooking for her birthday. As we were almost ready to leave a neighbor gave Ipolita a huge bag of olives. So we had to sort through the olives and make saltwater to store the olives in.
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| Focaccia |
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| Local Wine |
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| Salami and fried mashed potato sticks :) |
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| Mozzarella and Ricotta- They bought some of the ricotta and gave me some to take home! It was delicious! |
Then the first course.
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| Homemade pasta with tomato, pancetta (bacon), and arugula- I ate this |
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| Cream of Mushroom Ravioli- I tasted this |
Then the second course.
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| Chicken- I ate this |
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| Lamb- Ipolita ate this |
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| Rabbit- The guys ate this |
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| Ricotta and Pear Tart |
Afterwards, we went back to their house in the city to celebrate her mother's birthday with a cake. I was very full but yet I still had a piece of cake and a cookie. Mostly, I had to taste the cookies because I just became aware of a cookie store located very near to my house and I needed to taste which cookies I want to bring to America. :) I also had to try a liqueur that I just heard about. It is called Liqueur Strega. Strega means witch in Italian. Apparently a town nearby makes this liqueur because there were "witches" in this town in the past. They were burned at the stake...sound familiar to Salem? Anyways, I wanted to try this liqueur and I did. It is good. I liked it!
Overall, I had a great weekend with my adopted Italian family :) Thanks for everything, Ipolita and family! :)
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