You must visit it. I went so many times and everytime it takes my breath away. You know, it's just impossible that it has been built there, but...it is!!!
I hear Francesco has a new watch, but he wasn't wearing it the other day. Must try again. Fresh olives and olive oil are absolutely required. As are pici all'aglione.
Wonderful writing to welcome me back. I have been “missing in action” for a few months on my journey to a new life in Spain. Selling my 50-year old house in Colorado was a daunting task but it is done. My 14 year old rescue pup and I finally made it to our little apartment near the beach of Playa San Juan in Alicante, Spain. Your book is on my coffee table. I finally have time to finish it. Your writing and adventures in Italy continue to inspire me.
Peggy, you bring me joy today! I'm so happy you've made the big leap now and all that preparation paid off. Have fun settling in and exploring your new home—it may be daunting at times, but I have no doubt that your new life will be exciting and rewarding. Thank you for being such a loyal reader!
My love of Italy predates my first visit to that country by about 50 years! I was 14 when I fell in love with Italy by way of a girl I met in our last year of Middle School. She summered in Ferrara, Italy with her paternal grandparents all through HS. At the end of the summer she would invite me over to her house, her mother would cook an Italian meal with freshly made past and we’d talk for hours about what she did. She also brought back italian music, books and food. Every year I longed for summers to be over just so I could live vicariously through my friend. I swore that one day I would visit this magical country of wonderful music and delicious food. Many years laters, having married an Italian (by design? Maybe) I now have the privilege of living there half the year. My friend and I are still in touch.
How wonderful to have your very own Italian ambassador! I hope you've had a chance to visit Ferrara over the years, to see where her roots were. I have no doubt that you married an Italian by design! I'm so glad Italy became a big part of your life. Thanks for sharing this story!
Cheryl, I was so eager to share my story with you that I neglected to say how much I enjoy your weekly missives. In this one, you paint a picture of Italy with so much love that it immediately transported back to my teen years when I fell in love with this unseen country.
I would like to add one more item to your Italian love letter: Family! I love the way family connections are still important to Italians (for the most part). I love to see so many nonni pushing strollers or waiting in front of schools for the bell to ring to pick up their precious cargo and take them home or to a cafe for merenda! I love the way my husband can argue with his brothers (loudly) but hug and kiss every time they meet, everyday! Sometimes they even walk with arms linked as they talk and shout and laugh. That makes my heart melt.
Thank you Cheryl for your writing. It always stirs up the best memories!
Thank you so much, Cristina; your appreciation means so much to me. And that you bought my book—wow! Eternal thanks. And yes, family is so important here, even when all isn't peace and tolerance. I love how demonstrative your husband is with his brothers—we need more of that in this world!
Again with the wonderful journeys and vivid word paintings you make! Thank you! You took me on a sweet little trip right in the middle of my afternoon - while sitting in my office, no less!
https://sacradisanmichele.com/
You must visit it. I went so many times and everytime it takes my breath away. You know, it's just impossible that it has been built there, but...it is!!!
Oh wow, that's incredible! Thank you for the tip—my reasons to explore Piemonte keep growing and growing, and this goes at the top of my list!
You have absolutely to. It's so moving.
Francesco!!! omg. I'm sharing this with Tom. Olives. Fresh olives and olives oil would be on my list.
I hear Francesco has a new watch, but he wasn't wearing it the other day. Must try again. Fresh olives and olive oil are absolutely required. As are pici all'aglione.
Saw him today! Another red watch, very spiffy, this time on his right front paw.
Wonderful writing to welcome me back. I have been “missing in action” for a few months on my journey to a new life in Spain. Selling my 50-year old house in Colorado was a daunting task but it is done. My 14 year old rescue pup and I finally made it to our little apartment near the beach of Playa San Juan in Alicante, Spain. Your book is on my coffee table. I finally have time to finish it. Your writing and adventures in Italy continue to inspire me.
Peggy, you bring me joy today! I'm so happy you've made the big leap now and all that preparation paid off. Have fun settling in and exploring your new home—it may be daunting at times, but I have no doubt that your new life will be exciting and rewarding. Thank you for being such a loyal reader!
My love of Italy predates my first visit to that country by about 50 years! I was 14 when I fell in love with Italy by way of a girl I met in our last year of Middle School. She summered in Ferrara, Italy with her paternal grandparents all through HS. At the end of the summer she would invite me over to her house, her mother would cook an Italian meal with freshly made past and we’d talk for hours about what she did. She also brought back italian music, books and food. Every year I longed for summers to be over just so I could live vicariously through my friend. I swore that one day I would visit this magical country of wonderful music and delicious food. Many years laters, having married an Italian (by design? Maybe) I now have the privilege of living there half the year. My friend and I are still in touch.
P.S. We are both in our 70s!
How wonderful to have your very own Italian ambassador! I hope you've had a chance to visit Ferrara over the years, to see where her roots were. I have no doubt that you married an Italian by design! I'm so glad Italy became a big part of your life. Thanks for sharing this story!
Cheryl, I was so eager to share my story with you that I neglected to say how much I enjoy your weekly missives. In this one, you paint a picture of Italy with so much love that it immediately transported back to my teen years when I fell in love with this unseen country.
I would like to add one more item to your Italian love letter: Family! I love the way family connections are still important to Italians (for the most part). I love to see so many nonni pushing strollers or waiting in front of schools for the bell to ring to pick up their precious cargo and take them home or to a cafe for merenda! I love the way my husband can argue with his brothers (loudly) but hug and kiss every time they meet, everyday! Sometimes they even walk with arms linked as they talk and shout and laugh. That makes my heart melt.
Thank you Cheryl for your writing. It always stirs up the best memories!
P.S. Just purchased your book!
Thank you so much, Cristina; your appreciation means so much to me. And that you bought my book—wow! Eternal thanks. And yes, family is so important here, even when all isn't peace and tolerance. I love how demonstrative your husband is with his brothers—we need more of that in this world!
Again with the wonderful journeys and vivid word paintings you make! Thank you! You took me on a sweet little trip right in the middle of my afternoon - while sitting in my office, no less!
- Ellen
You give the most wonderful compliments! Thank you, Ellen.
Just what I needed to read today. After living here 16 years, a reminder of the good things is nice.
Great photo of Aria!
Glad it came in handy! Aria sends kisses.