Tuesday, June 18, 2013
I'm Alive!
I know I haven't written since March! But I will write hopefully within the next few weeks. A lot has happened but I haven't had time to write about it all! I'm still here. Check back in a few weeks!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Carnevale 2013
So Carnevale was almost a month ago....The pictures are in reversed order, sorry. But it rained on Carnevale so the floats were the following Sunday. The pictures start with the day of the parade and work their way back towards the Monday before Carnevale.
Sunday Lunch:
Parade Time :) The best seats in the house....Music was loud and every one was dancing!
Monday Before Carnevale: Party at school :) Sempre! :)
Carnevale/Carnival/Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2013:
Sunday Lunch:
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| Coffee with cream |
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| Banana Splits |
Parade Time :) The best seats in the house....Music was loud and every one was dancing!
Monday Before Carnevale: Party at school :) Sempre! :)
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| Sanguinaccio- chocolate :) |
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| Migliaccio |
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| Chiacchiere |
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| Apple Cake |
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| Drinking the Sanguinaccio |
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| Eating chiacchiere |
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| In England, Carnival is also known as Shrove Tuesday and they eat pancakes....so I had pancakes for breakfast! :) |
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| Meatballs |
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| Lasagna |
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| Migliaccio |
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| Migliaccio |
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I'm the Party Teacher :)
So recently, I have been given the title of being the "Party Teacher." A few weeks ago, I switched classes with Ipolita so her class could have more practice with conversation, while she did reviewed grammar with my class....
Well, I was asking the students what they did over the weekend, when one student said he celebrated his birthday. He then informed me that his wife had made a cake for his birthday and he had brought it for class! So of course, we sang Happy Birthday and ate cheesecake!
....But what is funny is that Ipolita's class never celebrates anything and this was the first time and I just happened to be covering her class that day :) My class always parties and her class is jealous of our parties, even though we do share. ;) But, the one day I switch they have a party, it must mean that I brought the party or the party followed me. And there is apparently a Neapolitan proverb that says "What Maria wants, comes to Maria." My name is now "Maria Angela." :)
Since then, my classes have continued to party... And, I am the Party Teacher/Maria Angela :)
And it goes to show "Ogni giorno è una festa" in Italy or at least when I am around. Before I thought it was just Italy but maybe it is what Italy does to me :)
Well, I was asking the students what they did over the weekend, when one student said he celebrated his birthday. He then informed me that his wife had made a cake for his birthday and he had brought it for class! So of course, we sang Happy Birthday and ate cheesecake!
Since then, my classes have continued to party... And, I am the Party Teacher/Maria Angela :)
And it goes to show "Ogni giorno è una festa" in Italy or at least when I am around. Before I thought it was just Italy but maybe it is what Italy does to me :)
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| A student brought Sicilian cookies for his birthday :) |
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| A student in high school made her own birthday cake, delicious :) |
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| I tried to make chocolate chip cookies, more difficult using different ovens and ingredients, for a birthday party at school... |
Appreciation
I know I haven't written in a month. I said this year I was going to be more diligent but unfortunately it doesn't seem that way...
I have a lot to write about but I am going to split up all the entries instead of having one huge entry. I am going to start with my day yesterday.
Yesterday, I went to Pozzuoli for work and in order to get there I take two forms of transportation, train and bus. Usually, the train is never on time. And in fact, I was a little late so I didn't catch the earlier bus to Pozzuoli. Instead I waited in the windy weather for 30 minutes. As I stood there waiting for the bus, I noticed the stands selling mimosa in honor of International Women's Day or Festa della Donna. It made me glad that some countries do appreciate women and celebrate this day. I was told Auguri, meaning best wishes, through Facebook, chat and in person. At work, we were even given espresso. A shot of caffeine I desperately needed at the end of a long day. I was also given a small bouquet of mimosa even though I had the option of taking a huge branch home...Mimosa trees are everywhere in Italy and are in full bloom this time of year. They are very pretty.
When the bus finally arrived, I took a seat next to the window. The bus experience is always an interesting one. Usually, there are many immigrants, including myself on the bus, but also some interesting characters. The smell usually is barely tolerable, can't wait until summer..... I saw a nicer dressed man come towards the seat next to me and sit down. I never know if anyone wants to talk, usually they don't but I pulled my headphone out of my ear just incase a conversation was going to take place. Instead, I saw the man pull out his phone and start a call. Then I glanced over again and noticed he was having a video call. I could see the woman on the screen as well as myself since he had the phone pointed towards me. Not sure why, he turned it shortly after. Then he started signing to the woman on the screen. I instantaneously felt pure joy for technology. I never thought how video chat on cell phones could improve communication for all forms of communication. I may sound ignorant but I was truly happy that deaf people could communicate using cell phones. Yes, there is text messaging but this is different. I use video chat to talk to my mom so she can see my face every once in awhile but I never thought about sign language. Other people on the bus were staring at the man and I felt that it was rude to stare but I have found that many, not all, Italians tend to stare. The whole experience made me appreciate my hearing capability. Afterwards, I thought about the music I was listening to and realized the man or the woman on the phone can't listen to music. It made me sad that they don't get to listen to the beauty of music. I was having a day full of appreciation for my life.
This morning, I woke up at 4:55am. Don't ask me why, I have no idea but as I realized that I was awake, I heard birds chirping and singing. Why at that time of day? But then I felt happiness that it was a sign that Spring was near. I couldn't fall back to sleep right away and wanted the birds to shut up but I had to remind myself that Spring was near! Afterwards, I was very happy and appreciative to hear their music at that time of day! :)
Today, I walked in the sun on my way home from work, very appreciative of the sunny day. When I returned home, I decided to make lunch. Again, I am not the professional like Ipolita's mother but I try...First thing I did wrong was that I didn't use the proper pasta, I used what I had in the cupboard. I made pasta with broccoli and it was delicious. Maybe I was just hungry but it tasted great. I was appreciative that have had such an experience here in Italy. I have learned how to cook many more Italian dishes and have eaten so many wonderful foods. I felt pure joy that I have had this experience.
Have a beautiful day and weekend! :) I haven't mentioned this in awhile and actually I need to remind myself of this "Ogni giorno è una festa!" :) Ciao!
I have a lot to write about but I am going to split up all the entries instead of having one huge entry. I am going to start with my day yesterday.
Yesterday, I went to Pozzuoli for work and in order to get there I take two forms of transportation, train and bus. Usually, the train is never on time. And in fact, I was a little late so I didn't catch the earlier bus to Pozzuoli. Instead I waited in the windy weather for 30 minutes. As I stood there waiting for the bus, I noticed the stands selling mimosa in honor of International Women's Day or Festa della Donna. It made me glad that some countries do appreciate women and celebrate this day. I was told Auguri, meaning best wishes, through Facebook, chat and in person. At work, we were even given espresso. A shot of caffeine I desperately needed at the end of a long day. I was also given a small bouquet of mimosa even though I had the option of taking a huge branch home...Mimosa trees are everywhere in Italy and are in full bloom this time of year. They are very pretty.
When the bus finally arrived, I took a seat next to the window. The bus experience is always an interesting one. Usually, there are many immigrants, including myself on the bus, but also some interesting characters. The smell usually is barely tolerable, can't wait until summer..... I saw a nicer dressed man come towards the seat next to me and sit down. I never know if anyone wants to talk, usually they don't but I pulled my headphone out of my ear just incase a conversation was going to take place. Instead, I saw the man pull out his phone and start a call. Then I glanced over again and noticed he was having a video call. I could see the woman on the screen as well as myself since he had the phone pointed towards me. Not sure why, he turned it shortly after. Then he started signing to the woman on the screen. I instantaneously felt pure joy for technology. I never thought how video chat on cell phones could improve communication for all forms of communication. I may sound ignorant but I was truly happy that deaf people could communicate using cell phones. Yes, there is text messaging but this is different. I use video chat to talk to my mom so she can see my face every once in awhile but I never thought about sign language. Other people on the bus were staring at the man and I felt that it was rude to stare but I have found that many, not all, Italians tend to stare. The whole experience made me appreciate my hearing capability. Afterwards, I thought about the music I was listening to and realized the man or the woman on the phone can't listen to music. It made me sad that they don't get to listen to the beauty of music. I was having a day full of appreciation for my life.
This morning, I woke up at 4:55am. Don't ask me why, I have no idea but as I realized that I was awake, I heard birds chirping and singing. Why at that time of day? But then I felt happiness that it was a sign that Spring was near. I couldn't fall back to sleep right away and wanted the birds to shut up but I had to remind myself that Spring was near! Afterwards, I was very happy and appreciative to hear their music at that time of day! :)
Today, I walked in the sun on my way home from work, very appreciative of the sunny day. When I returned home, I decided to make lunch. Again, I am not the professional like Ipolita's mother but I try...First thing I did wrong was that I didn't use the proper pasta, I used what I had in the cupboard. I made pasta with broccoli and it was delicious. Maybe I was just hungry but it tasted great. I was appreciative that have had such an experience here in Italy. I have learned how to cook many more Italian dishes and have eaten so many wonderful foods. I felt pure joy that I have had this experience.
As I sat eating my lunch, I admired and smelled my mimosa. It is very pretty. I love the color yellow. It is very positive and uplifting. I felt tranquility and again appreciation for my life. I am blessed and every now and then I need to pinch myself just and step back and appreciate everything I have been given. I have been uncertain of my life lately and it helped to finally feel some tranquility. It also helped that "Smile" was playing on my iPod while I was reflecting on my life. "If you smile through your fear and sorrow, smile and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun come shining through for you"- It is true :)
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Good Company :)
I know I haven't written in a long time but I haven't been eating a lot so I don't have much for a blog post :) But, it is now getting into the season where food will become a priority! :)
Carnevale is among us and will officially take place on Tuesday, although festivities have already been initiated. Yesterday, Ipolita and her family made Migliaccio, a semolina cake and Chiacchiere, fried strips of dough...
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Today, the town started to come alive in honor of Carnevale. The children filled the streets in their costumes. They were all so cute! :)
Today, I went to my student, Stefania's house. It was her birthday so we had a party :) We ate a lot too! But of course it was all delicious!
We had a nice time together. We laughed a lot and our conversation was in English/Italian. Everyone around the table understood English quite well. I was impressed! But, we used both languages... Some memorable topics of discussion were about when you ask for directions and then the person giving directions asks you to repeat what they said like it is an exam...which has happened many times to me! I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way. We also talked about the origins of our meal and how it is quite the international meal since oranges are originally from China/Portugal...there was a big debate about that...then we talked about the origins of Native Americans...It was a very pleasant and lovely Sunday with Stefania and her family. They were very gracious and invited me back whenever I wanted. Thank you Stefania and family! :) Can't wait until next time! Looking forward to more laughs! :)
Carnevale is among us and will officially take place on Tuesday, although festivities have already been initiated. Yesterday, Ipolita and her family made Migliaccio, a semolina cake and Chiacchiere, fried strips of dough...
Today, I went to my student, Stefania's house. It was her birthday so we had a party :) We ate a lot too! But of course it was all delicious!
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| Delicious! Bruschetta! |
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| Lasagna |
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| I learned something new in regards to bread....The end piece is called Cuzzitiello in Napolitano. Apparently, it is the piece everyone fights for :) The bread was very good :) |
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| Cutlets- Pork, Beef and Chicken |
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| Fried Artichoke hearts- delicious! |
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| The blood oranges came from Catania, Sicily |
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| The sunset |
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| Homemade limoncello |
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| I made cheesecake for Stefania... |
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| Stefania's Birthday Cake |
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