I know we've all seen these. In fact, I can't stop seeing them. Videos of Italians in this time of lockdown and fear, out on their balconies or by their open windows, singing together at the top of their lungs. If they can't be in physical community together, they have managed to find another way. … Continue reading 105. Il Mondo (The World)
104. My Perfect Day
What's your idea of a perfect day? That is this week's discussion question. Every Friday for the past two years, I've sent out a topic to a group of friends and coworkers, and on Mondays, a group of us meet over lunch to discuss. I always try to compose questions that can be interpreted in … Continue reading 104. My Perfect Day
103. Italian-Australians
As an American, I naturally think of Italians emigrating to the great cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago, to the smaller ones like Providence and New Haven, and to a certain extent to Latin America, the family of Pope Francis (ne Bergoglio) being a prime example. But it turns out that nearly 400,000 … Continue reading 103. Italian-Australians
102. Natale
Christmas in Italy is famously a low-key affair, at least in comparison to America. Actually, Christmas everywhere is a low-key affair compared to here, where consumerism rules the roost. In Italy, it's traditionally been limited to the Feast of the Seven Fishes Christmas Eve, Mass, and a few gifts for the children on the Feast … Continue reading 102. Natale
101. Little Ears
The New York Times, which seems to share my obsession with all things Italian, published an article this week about the city of Bari cracking down on its handmade orecchiette makers, older ladies who set up shop outside on the narrow streets in front of their houses, and make orecchiete by hand on large tray … Continue reading 101. Little Ears
100. Scenes of Italy
My daughter Lizy tells me that the average number of posts that people who start blogs do is -- zero. I get that. Aspirations often outstrip reality. It's not so easy to see something, recognize its significance, and then write about it. But for me and Italy, the ideas just keep coming -- far beyond … Continue reading 100. Scenes of Italy
99. The Gift
I have always felt that the expression "Everything happens for a reason" is ridiculous. Sure, things sometimes work out, but everything? For a reason? What about cancer? Child abuse? War? Trump? But now I'm not so sure. Back in 2014, my dear friend Lisa got engaged to Jesse. They had met in a grief group … Continue reading 99. The Gift
98. Magic Moments
Sure, one travels to see the biggies for oneself - the Coliseum, the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben. There's no shame in that. But it's those little unexpected moments that stayed tucked in our memories forever, long after the selfie at the Trevi Fountain has been forgotten. It happened for us when Tonio invited us to … Continue reading 98. Magic Moments
97. Birthday in Roma
I always celebrate my birthday with a nice Italian meal. It used to be Babbo in New York before Mario Batali's disgrace, or Brigantessa in Philadelphia. So when I realized when the two-week-long olive harvest took place, I couldn't resist scheduling our trip to include my birthday, November 18. We spent the afternoon on the … Continue reading 97. Birthday in Roma
96. Bread City
It takes a lot of moxie to call yourself the Bread City in Italy.Italian bread is uniform in its excellence, but like all regional specialties, not in its shape, taste or texture. Genoa is known for its focaccia. Sicilian bread is made with semolina flour and often has sesame seeds sprinkled on top. The Tuscan … Continue reading 96. Bread City
Gigi's Italia 