I love the way you told this story. Even in Italy, we don’t know him well enough. I was in awe when I discovered that he’s found the time to write like four novels and one drama besides his own memories in multiple volumes!
I love the statue of Anita in Janiculum Park, in Rome. It’s not as big as Garibaldi’s, but it’s very dramatic. They should do a film about her some day.
Oh, good to know! I’ll pay her a visit next time I’m in Rome. And you’re in luck, there’s a miniseries! Unimaginatively titled “Anita Garibaldi,” it stars Valeria Solarino (2012). If you’re in Italy, it’s on RaiPlay. I haven’t seen it yet.
Love this and am sharing! I knew nothing about him until my first visit to Italy. Have to share this though: last September while driving with my neighbor Enzo, we came upon a Girabaldi monument (they are all over Sicily just as they are on the mainland) and he grumbled. What, I asked? Do you not like Garibaldi? His response was swift: “Traitor. we were fine without him”. Honestly, I was so surprised that I didn’t ask more. Later, I mentioned this to another Sicilian friend and he said yes, many older Sicilians aren’t happy being part of Italy. They see Sicily as very distinct and different.
Glad you liked it! Yes, Sicilian pride runs strong! There are anti-unification people all over Italy, but in general Garibaldi seems to be looked on favorably. I'll ask around!
Oh undeniably the country is pro Girabaldi! Probably just some oldtimer holdouts. Ive been seeing more and more “Sicily is not Italy “ slogans. Which I understand. And- its pretty clear Sicily would struggle immensely if it weren’t part of Italy!
Laughter again as well as wonderful history lessons. So relieved to know that I am not the only one who uses the bidet in my bathroom for hand laundry. Also a great basin for quick foot soaks!
Thanks for this letter, Cheryl, it brought back some old memories. I am surprised that Argentina isn’t mentioned in the Caprera museum. He’s adored there! In fact, Garibaldi’s influence is taught in almost every country in Latin America. I studied for two years in Colombia and later my kids in Venezuela, and we all knew who he was way before I met my Italian husband. My husband and I visited Chile and Argentina several years ago and encountered his statures in almost every mid-sized town plaza that we visited in Argentina, the largest of which is in La Plaza de Italia in Buenos Aires. Also, a dear friend who now lives in Santiago, Chile named her dog after him! :-)
Thank you, Cristina! I'm sure Argentina was mentioned—the amount of information was staggering and I couldn't even read it all, much less take it all in. His typical attire was definitely Argentinean (introduced to him by Anita). I'm far from an expert, just hoped to give a little glimpse of what I learned.
And you, my dear, have made me fall in love with Maine despite my traumatic memory of returning home with 30 black fly bites on my face and arms after going camping there as a kid.
We moved to Italy twelve years ago and Garibaldi is everywhere—including a big statue in the square of our small village with the inscription “To Rome or death” and he’s pointing, in the opposite direction from Rome. I knew the Wikipedia-level info on him, but your post humanizes and contextualizes him in such a beautiful way. Thank you for bringing our statue to life.
I love the way you told this story. Even in Italy, we don’t know him well enough. I was in awe when I discovered that he’s found the time to write like four novels and one drama besides his own memories in multiple volumes!
Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it (and that you took the time to tell me)!
I love the statue of Anita in Janiculum Park, in Rome. It’s not as big as Garibaldi’s, but it’s very dramatic. They should do a film about her some day.
Oh, good to know! I’ll pay her a visit next time I’m in Rome. And you’re in luck, there’s a miniseries! Unimaginatively titled “Anita Garibaldi,” it stars Valeria Solarino (2012). If you’re in Italy, it’s on RaiPlay. I haven’t seen it yet.
great read. thx cheryl
Thanks!
Love this and am sharing! I knew nothing about him until my first visit to Italy. Have to share this though: last September while driving with my neighbor Enzo, we came upon a Girabaldi monument (they are all over Sicily just as they are on the mainland) and he grumbled. What, I asked? Do you not like Garibaldi? His response was swift: “Traitor. we were fine without him”. Honestly, I was so surprised that I didn’t ask more. Later, I mentioned this to another Sicilian friend and he said yes, many older Sicilians aren’t happy being part of Italy. They see Sicily as very distinct and different.
Thank you for the history and a great read!
Glad you liked it! Yes, Sicilian pride runs strong! There are anti-unification people all over Italy, but in general Garibaldi seems to be looked on favorably. I'll ask around!
Oh undeniably the country is pro Girabaldi! Probably just some oldtimer holdouts. Ive been seeing more and more “Sicily is not Italy “ slogans. Which I understand. And- its pretty clear Sicily would struggle immensely if it weren’t part of Italy!
Laughter again as well as wonderful history lessons. So relieved to know that I am not the only one who uses the bidet in my bathroom for hand laundry. Also a great basin for quick foot soaks!
Well, that makes two of us! I should take a poll. And yes, it's perfect for foot soaks. As always, thanks for reading and commenting!
Thanks for this letter, Cheryl, it brought back some old memories. I am surprised that Argentina isn’t mentioned in the Caprera museum. He’s adored there! In fact, Garibaldi’s influence is taught in almost every country in Latin America. I studied for two years in Colombia and later my kids in Venezuela, and we all knew who he was way before I met my Italian husband. My husband and I visited Chile and Argentina several years ago and encountered his statures in almost every mid-sized town plaza that we visited in Argentina, the largest of which is in La Plaza de Italia in Buenos Aires. Also, a dear friend who now lives in Santiago, Chile named her dog after him! :-)
Thank you, Cristina! I'm sure Argentina was mentioned—the amount of information was staggering and I couldn't even read it all, much less take it all in. His typical attire was definitely Argentinean (introduced to him by Anita). I'm far from an expert, just hoped to give a little glimpse of what I learned.
Oh how I love your writes!!!!
And you, my dear, have made me fall in love with Maine despite my traumatic memory of returning home with 30 black fly bites on my face and arms after going camping there as a kid.
We moved to Italy twelve years ago and Garibaldi is everywhere—including a big statue in the square of our small village with the inscription “To Rome or death” and he’s pointing, in the opposite direction from Rome. I knew the Wikipedia-level info on him, but your post humanizes and contextualizes him in such a beautiful way. Thank you for bringing our statue to life.