I took my time waking up this morning, it was after all a Sunday morning. I got ready and went to Ipolita's house for lunch. Today we were having my adoptive aunt, uncle and cousins over (Ipolita's real family). It was a big group. We ate in the dining room. It was the first time I had eaten in the dining room. Usually, we just eat at the table in the kitchen. There were a total of 13 people for today's lunch. As soon as I arrived, we starting eating the antipasto.
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| Olives and Eggplant from Ipolita's garden..Yummy!!! |
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| Ipolita's aunt made these, I forgot the name but also very delicious!!!! |
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| Sun Dried Tomatoes from Ipolita's garden! They were delicious!!!!!! |
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| Cheese!!! |
Then we started on the first course. Homemade pasta with meatballs and braciole (meat rolls). I unfortunately was too busy eating that I forgot to take pictures of this course.....But, trust me it was delicious. And, I was definitely really full at this point.
After the pasta, we had pork, peppers, and salad. Delicious. The pictures will do all the describing.
Then we had a fruit and nuts. We waited a little longer and then had dessert. Yes, it was a successful Sunday dinner. I left full!
At the beginning of the meal, someone suggested for me to take photos. It has now become the family joke. Angela, where is the camera? Take a picture! They find it humorous that I take pictures of food and only take photos of people when we are eating! They are afraid my friends and family are going to think that all we do in Italy is eat. I said well it is true! They also said that I was mean. I asked why and they said because I am going to make my mom jealous of all the delicious food. I said no, not just my mom but everyone in America! :)
After the Sunday lunch, which finished around 4:30pm and started at 1:15pm, we went to mass at the Duomo. The Cardinal from Naples was going to be saying the mass so we decided to go. As we arrived at the Duomo, there were a lot of people outside with banners, balloons, and even police escorts. At first, I thought it was a protest of some kind then I saw the balloons and quickly decided it was a party, a celebration for the Cardinal who had just arrived. And, after about a minute of standing in the crowd, we heard a loud BOOOM! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to say it again "OGNI GIORNO รจ UNA FESTA!" It was fireworks. Fireworks, going off right outside the Duomo. Only in Italy, folks. I love it! :) EVERY DAY IS A CELEBRATION/PARTY!!!!
I love Italy. I smile every day!
