That summer of 1989 was distinguished by a philosophy of carpe diem and a Faustian desire to learn. We were young. We were far from home. Everything was possible. “Come on! We are going to be late,” yelled Gianna grabbing her book bag a clementine, my arm and dragging me down the stairs and out …
Tag: italy
CHAPTER IV – PATIENCE
The forest, when bare, reveals all. A few days ago, we discovered, leaning over the parapet of our terrace, that there is a log cabin, oozing fairy tale vibes, on a clean strip of mowed hillside below. Someone had lit a huge bonfire in the fire pit that day; an ancient gathering call to come …
The 1600 year old Beauty
Footsteps echo on the ancient ciotolo as you wind your way through her alleys like a mouse in a maze. During high season you can hear the build up of commotion as you approach the center until you come out of the final calle and are hit with a crescendo of human racket! But, visit …
Fog in a Jar
Photo by Ruvim There is a bar in Italy called the Kyrie Eleison ("Lord, Have Mercy"). Unique to it, as anticipated by the name, is an interior decoration consisting of pulpits, velvet throne chairs, confessionals and the like, collected from rectories, churches and monasteries that are no more. On a more modern, commercial note, one …
False friends – the vocabulary kind
While studying in Italy (as a young high school student) I visited the local grocery shop and ordered prosciutto and panini to take back to my classmates. I did so in the following manner: Vorrei quattro pannini integrali e 3 etti di prosciutto cotto senza preservativi. When the young man behind the counter, visibly blushed …
He
The church in the main square is emptying out and the bars and cafes are filling up on a shimmery Sunday in early Spring. Linda is on vacation, visiting her mom, and is determined to savour every moment of the glorified weather conditions. She has left still frigid temperatures back home. The bell tower announces …
Snippets of Life (from A to Z) “E”
THE LETTER "E" Encircled by an ocean of green, our house emerges from the treetops, ephemeral and effortlessly floating above the forested valley. Encompassing us are layers of hills backed by densely wooded mountains, followed by menacing craggy rock, ending in majestic snowy peaks. The exquisite beauty of the Julian Pre-Alps. For now, we enjoy …
CHAPTER II – CONNECTIONS
A bulky builder with huge working hands, fingers thick as sausages and cracked skin (the sort of hands that Tina Modotti would photograph) is holding a tiny red and white kitten when we arrive at the house in the morning. Set against the dark cupped paws of the builder, the kitten's delicate tininess is emphasized; …
CHAPTER I – REMINISCING
I sat down over two hours ago, but so far…nothing. Scribble pad still virgin, computer screen still blank. “Shout if you need anything.” I had said to the workmen downstairs before climbing to my perch on the third floor. It is all very casual here. Shouts and swearing, laughter and arguments and lots and lots …
Manu writes 