I think this is one of my all-time favorite photographs I’ve taken in Italy.
It is SO representative of this place I’ve grown to love. How FABULOUS is the granny in the sequins and sunnies? I love her.
After a year and 2 months in Italy here’s what I know.
1. I now drive with the best (worst??) of them. Yielding? What’s that??? TAKE THE ROTARY!
2. I find myself feeling chilly when it’s under 70 degrees. I have,however,fought the urge to put on a puffer jacket.
3. I talk with my hands a lot more.
4. I end conversations with “si si si si si si si si!”
5. I savor the taste of a spritz aperol.
6. I don’t find it at all strange that strangers try to hold Cate and Lucy routinely.
7. I use the word “allora” on the reg.
8. I will never be able to eat tomatoes, pasta, gelato, produce, or cheese when I move home. Or drink wine or coffee. I am ruined for life and destined to be a horrible snob.
9. I wear gloves when I handle produce.
10. I eat as soon as my food comes to the table. No waiting for everyone else.
11. I am used to no central air. I feel like it is going to be COLD all the time when we go back to the US.
12. I can fit my van through ridiculously narrow spaces.
13. I don’t expect anything to happen the first time I try. I expect to get lost. If I don’t it’s a pleasant surprise.
14. I eat dinner a lot later and drink coffee a lot more.
15. I am used to the feel of marble under my feet. Carpet…what’s that?
16. I still hate the taste of licorice, even though Italians adore it.
17. I have grown accustomed to the sound of church bells ringing.
18. I have forgotten what the American media is like. No news on the TV here, no 24/7 mentality. No talking heads, no sensationalism. I do not miss it at all and dread having to return to it.
19. I consume meat and produce that was on a farm hours before.
20. I have discovered la bella vita.
Even when it’s infuriating and nonsensical, I love it here. I don’t ever want to leave. I love the sounds, the smells, the views. I love the people and the mentality. I don’t ever want to leave.
Buona giornata,amici miei.
xoxo