Carnevale is still hanging in the air even though lent has begun. We have lots of Carnaval celebrations all over Italy. From very small, local celebrations, where costumed children throw fistfuls of recycled paper confetti, creating paper rain, to the elegant costumes donned by Venetians and visitors to the famous city. Rio di Janeiro and … Continue reading Carnevale di Viareggio
Presepe…Nativity Scenes
We have made it to the end of another year, or rather the beginning of a new one. Welcome to 2018! the last year has gone by in a flash, and the last couple of weeks even more so. The holidays always seem to be a mad rush. We have actually taken our winter break … Continue reading Presepe…Nativity Scenes
Tanti Auguri
It is hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us. It has really snuck up on me this year. Almost ready with ready with the presents, I am worried that the one thing I ordered weeks ago, a Westbrook jersey for my baby, might not arrive in time. If it doesn’t arrive, it will … Continue reading Tanti Auguri
Abbia Pazienza…Have Patience
I am sitting in the doctor’s office for what feels like the millionth time over the past couple months. We got about two feet of snow over the weekend and it’s freezing outside. Listening to the chatter it is easy for me to zone out as most of the conversation is in Piemontese (local … Continue reading Abbia Pazienza…Have Patience
Happy Halloween…No Translation
Today is Halloween...a day that reminds me of my childhood. The fun of planning a costume and roving the neighborhood with my friends on what was often a blustery evening as it grew dark. As a rule we were home by 8 pm since we had school the next day. A week or so before Halloween … Continue reading Happy Halloween…No Translation
Pausa Pasticceria…Petite Fours in Padova
September has begun, and my fall tour season has started. I have to admit I find it difficult to write my blog while I'm on tour, but I am trying! At this moment I am in Padova starting a Village Italy tour for Rick Steve's Europe. If you didn't already know, I have spent … Continue reading Pausa Pasticceria…Petite Fours in Padova
La Conserva…
It is that time of year again when the garden is full of tomatoes and it is time to make la conserva, the base for most of our tomato sauces that we learned from Mauro’s parents. It is truly a labor of love. We enjoy good food, knowing what is in our food, and in … Continue reading La Conserva…
L'aperitivo… Cultural Comfort and Girls Night Out!
Girl's night out is a celebration and a reason to celebrate! It always includes an aperitivo and in the summertime when it's hot and we feel like eating light, it can be turned into an apericena. Heavy appetizers, drinks and my expat girlfriends makes for a happy evening. Living in Italy I have learned to … Continue reading L'aperitivo… Cultural Comfort and Girls Night Out!
American Mutt
I always joke that I am a good American...I am a mutt. I am exactly what America is about, the melting pot. My father's side of the family were colonists prior to the American Revolution and my mom's family is part of the massive wave of immigration that started after about 1890 and continued well … Continue reading American Mutt
Livertin…Foraging for Food
Fresh green shoots climbing up last year's dried vines... Our Sunday excursion didn't begin as a quest for food...well it did, but not wild food. We wanted to take a walk and the sun had finally come out after some heavy rain. We also wanted to pick up a smoked trout from an agriturismo we … Continue reading Livertin…Foraging for Food