There are always so many enchanting surprises when you live in Italy. My favorite one happened just the other day in Monterosso... I was with my boyfriends little brother playing futbol on the beach, when all of a sudden, we see a swarm of kids running towards us, and asking if we'd like some "castagne." One of the kids, a typical Monterossino, pointed his finger to his cheek and did one of the thousands of Italian communicating gestures for "yummy"... "buona." Who could deny such a charming little offer. So, we ate 'em, hot chestnuts, roasting over an open fire, on the beach.
In Italia, such recognition to the little tradtions in life, make me feel so humbled. In Italia, you still find joys over gliding paper-airplanes in school halls, barfeoot bikerides on the shore 'til sunset, perfumed laundry dripping from colorful widowsills. Ally cats roaming rusty rooftops reluctantly.
I find the Italian heritage in so many ways; it's in the kitchen, on the silver screen, and on the Riviera. Italia is the country of senses... I am forever grateful to open up my own in this magical place.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
"Back to dat same ol' place... sweet home Monterosso!"
Yes, I have returned to the Cinque Terre, and I'm the most content being on this planet. My heart feels swollen and empowered. The salty steamy breeze fills my lungs and opens my mind. I am still mad to live and will squeeze in the occasional "beach rave," but i love just airing out my head here. It's so releasing to not be an "ant" in the city, and just lay and sway and caress your spirit and imagination with the beauty of our world.
Nothing is more comforting than lying on the beach in the night with the howl of the hungry sea playing with the wind. I hope the summer speaks to all of you in such a harmonies way. I'm still reading "On the Road" and reminising of hazey blubbery drunk summer nights in the states, just go air out you brain... like that Jack Johnson song... "It's all relative, it's all understood." Have an awesome day!
Nothing is more comforting than lying on the beach in the night with the howl of the hungry sea playing with the wind. I hope the summer speaks to all of you in such a harmonies way. I'm still reading "On the Road" and reminising of hazey blubbery drunk summer nights in the states, just go air out you brain... like that Jack Johnson song... "It's all relative, it's all understood." Have an awesome day!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
"Mad to live"....and it happened in New Jersey "sOn!"
Yes, Billy Joel might have sang about New York, but I have to say I fell a little bit in love with it's underated, underated, highly scrutinized neighbor. New Jersey is called "The Garden State," and yes, I've seen the movie, and thought the title was it's only justification. But, after my best friend picked me up from Newark, I looked past the smog and the crusty factories, just a bit ahead, towards the turnpike, I saw bountiful flowers bursting like "spiders across the sky like stars." They were in the forests... flowere bushes peeking from the thicket off the highway. The forests were truly magical. I couldn't get over how pleasantly surprised I was of New Jersey.
"Leave the gun, take the conoli." Yes, I was also red from excitement over seeing all "The Godfather," "The Sopranos," even the Asbury Park exit made me feel proud. Not that I'm a huge Bruce Springstein fan, but his message, his raw humanity, and working class persona, that touched ever middle-American's life... yes, I felt truly honored to be amonst his childhood upbringing.
We did hit up NYC though, don't get me wrong. It was interesting too. My girlfrined and I could NOT pick a restaurant for the life of us. So many options in NYC. I actually read recently the dilemma facing New Yorkers. A study was researched about the most unhappy Americans, and where they are from, etc. Would you believe it was NYC? Where Carrie Bradshaw once quoted in "Sex and the City"- "only if your really lucky do you deserve to live in New York." Hmmm what's going on, too much to do, so many choices. It's like that book I've been reading "The Omnivor's Dillema" all these diverse extenuated options. I'm just glad I booked my trip, we picked an amazing Chinese restaurant on Amterdamn, and saw a live band. Even if it's not the most detailed ridiculous plan, we had a ball. Travel, grow, and be yourself, and yourself will grow through each beautiful experience. Thanks New Jersey, for not being what I predicted. When you travel, whether it's Moscow, or Tibet, or Tahiti, never calculate too much, not where to go, what to wear, what route to take on the map, what to read, and at what coffee shop, what to say, and to whom, just be yourself, and be "mad to live"- "On the Road."
"Leave the gun, take the conoli." Yes, I was also red from excitement over seeing all "The Godfather," "The Sopranos," even the Asbury Park exit made me feel proud. Not that I'm a huge Bruce Springstein fan, but his message, his raw humanity, and working class persona, that touched ever middle-American's life... yes, I felt truly honored to be amonst his childhood upbringing.
We did hit up NYC though, don't get me wrong. It was interesting too. My girlfrined and I could NOT pick a restaurant for the life of us. So many options in NYC. I actually read recently the dilemma facing New Yorkers. A study was researched about the most unhappy Americans, and where they are from, etc. Would you believe it was NYC? Where Carrie Bradshaw once quoted in "Sex and the City"- "only if your really lucky do you deserve to live in New York." Hmmm what's going on, too much to do, so many choices. It's like that book I've been reading "The Omnivor's Dillema" all these diverse extenuated options. I'm just glad I booked my trip, we picked an amazing Chinese restaurant on Amterdamn, and saw a live band. Even if it's not the most detailed ridiculous plan, we had a ball. Travel, grow, and be yourself, and yourself will grow through each beautiful experience. Thanks New Jersey, for not being what I predicted. When you travel, whether it's Moscow, or Tibet, or Tahiti, never calculate too much, not where to go, what to wear, what route to take on the map, what to read, and at what coffee shop, what to say, and to whom, just be yourself, and be "mad to live"- "On the Road."
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Caprese salads Can Capture and Catapult you to Capri!!!
Yes folks... it is true. If you want to be whisked away from a stuffy boring hazy summer day... I've got something for you!
Ok, this is not your ordinary bbq dish, and I know we're all "o-ding" from the same ol' backyard, blockparty greenbean casarol...
SO EASY recipe:
-fresh mozzarella di buffalo (try you local grocier, it's not too exotic)
-fresh basil
-plump heirloom tomatoes
-extra virgin olive oil
-garlic
-salt
I dice and rub the garlic over an oiled dish then I slice all the colors real pretty on the plate.
The Italian flag colors will surley open your palate and lift your spirits!
Don't forget a fresh crisp glass of Pinot Grigio :-)
Buon Appetito!
Ok, this is not your ordinary bbq dish, and I know we're all "o-ding" from the same ol' backyard, blockparty greenbean casarol...
SO EASY recipe:
-fresh mozzarella di buffalo (try you local grocier, it's not too exotic)
-fresh basil
-plump heirloom tomatoes
-extra virgin olive oil
-garlic
-salt
I dice and rub the garlic over an oiled dish then I slice all the colors real pretty on the plate.
The Italian flag colors will surley open your palate and lift your spirits!
Don't forget a fresh crisp glass of Pinot Grigio :-)
Buon Appetito!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Why are there only two seasons in Chicago?
I am from Chicago. Yes, born and raised, and our weather, like our politicians, is quite "Windy." Every year, the same ol' griping- 6 ft. of snow, and we're shoviling our driveways... in March. Now it's June, and I've got a cold because it changed from 50- 88 degrees in 2 days. But I do love the spontinaity of our weather. It keeps us on our toes. Maybe us true Chicagoans feel more thick skinned because our weather keeps us from certain climate control "certainties."
I was reading a bit from "The New York Times" today, and there were a few eye-catching articles in the "Dining In" section. One segment was about a poetic short story author from Russia. Lara Vanyra's stories add humor and the nostaglisms of food, she divideds a space between cultures, and in the end gives us cute relatable stories.
The other article which captured a bit of my inner "wino" and weather observer, was one on a new wave of winerys "branching" out in India. I love India, always have been inspired and enthrolled by it's culture and beauty. My favorite friends when I was little were Indian. I was mesmorized by the small shrines they made room for in their modest Chicago-suburban bungalows. Anyways, Even until now, my best friend, and fellow world-jet-setter, Roshni, has a graceful, yet humbling way of incorporating her traditions into her overly-new-wave-modern-fly by your seat, corporate life-style.
What I mean is she can get down with her hip-hop groves, and fold them into an orgami-like budding Indian flower dance. It blows me away. That's how I want to live my life, gracefully tieing the two worlds together, a new up-beat techno, richly morphed into the "Tarantella." But, back to this story written on the new Winerys in India. It was fascinating to me to think of going to my local Binny's and buying a nice shiraz-cabernet blend... from India. That would be the most delighful compliment to any worldly dish. The idea that their seasons are oposite, could bring a new market, a new demographic of buyers and tasters. The region Nasik was mentioned as having a reputation as the Napa of India. I just found that to be beautiful. As so many of us can realte to that one fabulous movie, "Sideways" we can actually see and feel that California breeze. And, we've seen it before, whether it's in the rolling Tuscan Hills, or the darting slopes of the vineyards in the Bordeaux, it's all relative, and relatable, and possible.
But, that leaves us to believing, there is no other region like in Chicago. This city was plucked in the Mid-west and sought after for it's brave and lustrius "Lake." The connecting Chicago River that made all trades and movment possible to the mighty Mississippi, are just a few of the many amazing pioneering moments, in our nation's great history. Being from Chicago helps me see in all the little ways our nation came togther, how it can't be copied, and how it will perservere... forever. And us true Chicagoans will continue to complain about the weather, but we'll never really leave, and we'll wait for others to come. Whether it's for the Olympics, or a certain President's address...we know for sure the weather will be unpredictable.
I was reading a bit from "The New York Times" today, and there were a few eye-catching articles in the "Dining In" section. One segment was about a poetic short story author from Russia. Lara Vanyra's stories add humor and the nostaglisms of food, she divideds a space between cultures, and in the end gives us cute relatable stories.
The other article which captured a bit of my inner "wino" and weather observer, was one on a new wave of winerys "branching" out in India. I love India, always have been inspired and enthrolled by it's culture and beauty. My favorite friends when I was little were Indian. I was mesmorized by the small shrines they made room for in their modest Chicago-suburban bungalows. Anyways, Even until now, my best friend, and fellow world-jet-setter, Roshni, has a graceful, yet humbling way of incorporating her traditions into her overly-new-wave-modern-fly by your seat, corporate life-style.
What I mean is she can get down with her hip-hop groves, and fold them into an orgami-like budding Indian flower dance. It blows me away. That's how I want to live my life, gracefully tieing the two worlds together, a new up-beat techno, richly morphed into the "Tarantella." But, back to this story written on the new Winerys in India. It was fascinating to me to think of going to my local Binny's and buying a nice shiraz-cabernet blend... from India. That would be the most delighful compliment to any worldly dish. The idea that their seasons are oposite, could bring a new market, a new demographic of buyers and tasters. The region Nasik was mentioned as having a reputation as the Napa of India. I just found that to be beautiful. As so many of us can realte to that one fabulous movie, "Sideways" we can actually see and feel that California breeze. And, we've seen it before, whether it's in the rolling Tuscan Hills, or the darting slopes of the vineyards in the Bordeaux, it's all relative, and relatable, and possible.
But, that leaves us to believing, there is no other region like in Chicago. This city was plucked in the Mid-west and sought after for it's brave and lustrius "Lake." The connecting Chicago River that made all trades and movment possible to the mighty Mississippi, are just a few of the many amazing pioneering moments, in our nation's great history. Being from Chicago helps me see in all the little ways our nation came togther, how it can't be copied, and how it will perservere... forever. And us true Chicagoans will continue to complain about the weather, but we'll never really leave, and we'll wait for others to come. Whether it's for the Olympics, or a certain President's address...we know for sure the weather will be unpredictable.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Eating a bunch at brunch...
So my family and I have just lazily awoken to a big brunch and the "Labirynth", starring Davis Bowie. Could there be any better way to start you Sunday? Yeah, I think not. I have been staying at my cousin's gi-normous, fun-filled house in the city, and spending time with her fascinating 3 boys. They love the "Labirynth", and gizmos and gadgets, and stretching their imagination, and so do I. I totally miss the mystical movies of the 80's. When little puppets took on our imagination, and we didn't need computer animation to curve our entertainment. But it's all good, I just like the unpolished, rougher copy better.
So all of this kiddy-time has been a real treat. I've been baby-sitting, and helping my cousin out at her store- Psychobaby. And, I've taken some time to really organize my thoughts, and next steps... and focus completley on travelling. Travelling for the 20 somethings, with out kids to tie them down, is quite a luxury. However I am quick to say I'll strap on a marsupiol, and preach with enthusiasm- "Meet me at the top of the mountain, let's go baby!" We'll see, I love the harmonius chaos that goes with having a big family.
I just thought I'd share a bit of these "fluffy" thoughts... it is Sunday after all, we're allowed to be uncensored and in the moment. After all the most important time is "the now!" Capture what you have around you, if it "doesn't fit"- as my Ma would say, go find something that does!
I hope even for those of you who are bouncing around, or far from the one's you love, you have sweet memories, a mystical movie, or an enchanting place to comfort you. Traveling is what it's all about, home is where your bed is, but it's your thoughts and dreams that can transport you to those favorite times together. Happy Sunday, have an awesome day, do it with passion!
So all of this kiddy-time has been a real treat. I've been baby-sitting, and helping my cousin out at her store- Psychobaby. And, I've taken some time to really organize my thoughts, and next steps... and focus completley on travelling. Travelling for the 20 somethings, with out kids to tie them down, is quite a luxury. However I am quick to say I'll strap on a marsupiol, and preach with enthusiasm- "Meet me at the top of the mountain, let's go baby!" We'll see, I love the harmonius chaos that goes with having a big family.
I just thought I'd share a bit of these "fluffy" thoughts... it is Sunday after all, we're allowed to be uncensored and in the moment. After all the most important time is "the now!" Capture what you have around you, if it "doesn't fit"- as my Ma would say, go find something that does!
I hope even for those of you who are bouncing around, or far from the one's you love, you have sweet memories, a mystical movie, or an enchanting place to comfort you. Traveling is what it's all about, home is where your bed is, but it's your thoughts and dreams that can transport you to those favorite times together. Happy Sunday, have an awesome day, do it with passion!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Since I'm not going to NYC for another 2 weeks... I'm doing the next best thing...
Yes, I am jumping on the cosmopolitan filled band-wagon. My friend Lindsay got us tickets to see the mid-night screening of "Sex and the City." I don't think I need to explain my love for this show, everyone claims to be it's "BIG"gest fan. But, I do claim to be amongst those who can relate. Well, I actually have my best friend (not Lindsay) that can realte. See her and I met while studying/I was nesting, in Italy last year, and she, just like me, met this Italian guy, she totally fell for him. I had the same thing happen to me the year before, only in a much different way.
It's hard comparing relationships, especially being that there is a HUGE demographic of American girls, girlfriends, or now, wives, to these strapping Italian men. It's quite unique. It's like we have settled in a new colony. We are Pioneers from the West, bringing our free-once "Single-wmoen" Carrie like behaviors, and settling into a fairytale small town of Italy. It is a harmonizing mix though. It is one of the deepest, complimenting communities I've ever been to. That's why my friend was so eager to get in.
Not like you need a boyfriend to keep you in this town, on the contrary, all you need is your brain, and your laughter, and an open-sense of life and adventure. But she was convinced to get this guy. She moved all the way from Jersey, and like "Carrie" wanted to expand her life, and it's possibilities in Italy. In the 6th season of "Sex an the City," Carrie goes to Paris and instead of writing about her life goes and "lives her life." So what came first the chicken or the egg? Do we need to read inspiring books to help us suck it up and get on the plane? But what's waiting for us when we get there? I say get all you're chickens lined up first, and your friends, and then you can choose your next daring leap. But hey, for now, get lost in "Sex and the City."
I am sooooo excited for this movie!
Click bellow to see the trailer
http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/video/trailer-no-2/2081927
It's hard comparing relationships, especially being that there is a HUGE demographic of American girls, girlfriends, or now, wives, to these strapping Italian men. It's quite unique. It's like we have settled in a new colony. We are Pioneers from the West, bringing our free-once "Single-wmoen" Carrie like behaviors, and settling into a fairytale small town of Italy. It is a harmonizing mix though. It is one of the deepest, complimenting communities I've ever been to. That's why my friend was so eager to get in.
Not like you need a boyfriend to keep you in this town, on the contrary, all you need is your brain, and your laughter, and an open-sense of life and adventure. But she was convinced to get this guy. She moved all the way from Jersey, and like "Carrie" wanted to expand her life, and it's possibilities in Italy. In the 6th season of "Sex an the City," Carrie goes to Paris and instead of writing about her life goes and "lives her life." So what came first the chicken or the egg? Do we need to read inspiring books to help us suck it up and get on the plane? But what's waiting for us when we get there? I say get all you're chickens lined up first, and your friends, and then you can choose your next daring leap. But hey, for now, get lost in "Sex and the City."
I am sooooo excited for this movie!
Click bellow to see the trailer
http://movies.aol.com/movie/sex-and-the-city-2008/30247/video/trailer-no-2/2081927
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