I currently live in Italy and have loved living here...it's always been a dream to live overseas, and our experience here couldn't have been better. (That picture was taken on our balcony.)
We've gotten to know Italy (Naples in particular) pretty well - I've learned to cook from my landlady (a true Italian nonna). She is an amazing person - and of course, an amazing cook! I've learned molto from her...and I intend to share as much as I can here.
I've also had to learn the local language, Napolitan. (Each region has their its language...here, in Naples, that can change from town to town.) It has definitely made living here that much more of an adventure. About two years in, I finally found a "vocabulario" (a dictionary) that translated from Italian to Napolitan/Napolitan to Italian. So, those who call Napolitan a "dialect" are sorely mistaken..."e un altra lingua"!
I love the relaxed way of living in Italy. Yet, what's interesting is that the Italians take living well very seriously. It's second nature. They take both the good and bad in stride - even though their conversations can often look (and sound) heated and make it seem as though they take nothing in stride.
There's a natural rhythm to life - they still live close to the earth and follow the seasons and cycles.
I remember ordering a pasta dish with cauliflower - and the waiter just stared at me. So, I asked again - thinking perhaps I'd mispronounced what I wanted. That's when he let me know that cauliflower was out of season...in a tone that said, "I can't believe you didn't know that."
It's not that Italy is better - just different. I'd never, for example, recommend we adopt their modes of bureacracy. There are times when "domani, domani" (tomorrow, tomorrow) - can be nerve wracking - like, say, when your fuse box is overheated and melting.
They've got 2000+ years of perspective. So, it stands to reason that there might have learned a few things.
I'm extremely interested in creativity, faith, and resilience as well as expressive therapies like writing, poetry, journaling and photography.
And I've recently rekindled a love for crafting that I had as a kid...anybody else like Shrinky Dinks? My latest project (which you may end up seeing here) was a letter "G" made out of wine corks. My next project will be a decoupaged Italian roof tile (called a "tegola"). Can't wait!
I've started this blog to record the recipes I learned while cooking with my landlady, Pina. My goal is to have a regular series called, "Cooking with Pina". I'll also post photos, insider travel information, tidbits of the language (Italian and Napolitan), information about local produce and products (like Italian ceramics, salumis, leather, and olive oil), and share ways you can bring Italy into your home and live the good life every day.
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