Living in Italy - A Few of My Favorite Things: Part 1.

It's hard to believe nearly three years have come and gone since my family and I moved to Italy. We've just over a year left and though I'm excited for our next adventure there is a very big part of me that will be sad to say "Arrivaderci" when the time comes. Over the next year, I will be sharing all the little things I love about living in Italy (and perhaps some of the things I don't.) because living in a foreign country as opposed to visiting one on vacation allows one a rather unique perspective.In years to come, when I think of Italy, I'll think of their amazing coffee. It truly is a major part of the makeup of this land. Coffee bars, cafes, and even vending machines can all provide a delicious cup of caffeinated dreaminess.The quintessential cappuccino, sprinkled generously with unsweetened chocolate or as it's often referred to "cacao" Is one of my most favorite things about Italy. I don't think I've traveled, or toured, or simply experienced any place more aware of art. Everywhere you go, even in the most humble of places there is some form of art, or at the very least a beautiful natural landscape. Italians enjoy beauty, and even when they don't mean to, they make things beautiful. From the way they package gifts you buy, or box sweets from a bakery, or go for a picnic. Which isn't how you or I would. No, these can be large affairs full of multiple course meals, and of course wine and things to beautify a picnic table...I encountered this simple flower bouquet at a park one summer afternoon, a previous visitor, had left it to be enjoyed by the next person to dine. I'd be remiss if I were mentioning coffee, to not remark about gelato. Gelato is delightful any time of year, but especially in the summer months. When I visit my local gelateria, I may, take home one of these other - non "ice cream" deserts. My favorite - the meregata. If you've ever the chance to try this desert. Go for it! It's meringue, whipped cream, and a fruit, usually a berry. Yum!Italian deserts, aren't they pretty?All of these photos were shared on my Instagram- follow me!

Cinque Terre, Italy Is As Charming As You Think It Will Be

Cinque Terre, Italy is everything you think it will be. Charming. Picturesque. Quaint. Lovely.Though we only spent a day, we didn't feel as though we were missing out, but leaving was hard. As we drove out of the mountainside we kept looking over our shoulder and craning our necks to see the closely stacked buildings. We were all completely charmed and wished we had more time to spend exploring all of it's nooks and crannies. We've vowed to return, and I'm already planning a trip for sometime later this summer. I can easily see us all spending a lackadaisical four day weekend among the awe inspiring cliffs and views of the five seaside fishing villages that make up this beautiful and truly unique place.

          

A Walk Through Conegliano, Italy

My husband and I  often go exploring neighboring towns and villages.  Any town, it doesn't matter, because it's all going to be new to us. A few weeks ago, days before Christmas, we took a drive with our boys and ended up in Conegliano.I love Italy at Christmas. There is no rush. There is no bustling from big box store to electronics store in search of that "perfect gift". Christmas in Italy is a time to rejoice, to spend time with family and friends. This time of "feste" is celebrated and exemplified in each city. Pretty much every commune has some sort of holiday decorations on display; usually in the form of lights. Depending on the size, some are more extravagant, and others quaint. Some cities will also host Christmas markets, where things like baked goods and sweets, mulled wine, artesian hand crafted products, and art are sold. The size of the market, is usually small unless you head closer to the mountain areas near Austria. Conegliano is such a town with a small area where local artisans and businesses gather under tents to sell their wares. Conegliano is a lovely place to go for a walk any time of year, but it is especially lovely at the holidays.   After our walk through Conegliano, we went for dinner.It was a good day.   SaveSaveSave

July in Italy

Summers in Italy are a thing to behold. I'm fairly certain the phrase, "La dolce vita" was first coined during an Italian summer...perhaps in July...I stumbled across this poem by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz, and thought it rather a fitting The figs we ate wrapped in bacon.The gelato we consumed lustily:coconut milk, clove, fresh pear.How we’d dump hot espresso on it,just watch it melt, licking our spoonsclean. The potatoes fried in duck fat,the salt we’d suck off our fingers,the eggs we’d watch get beaten’til they were a dizzying bright yellow,how their edges crisped in the pan.The pink salt blossom of prosciuttowe pulled apart with our hands, meltingon our eager tongues. The green herbswith goat cheese, the aged brie pairedwith a small pot of strawberry jam,the final sour cherry we kept politelypushing onto each other’s plate, saying,No, you. But it’s so good. No, it’s yours.How I finally put an end to it, plucked itfrom the plate, and stuck it in my mouth.How good it tasted: so sweet and so tart.How good it felt: to want something andpretend you don’t, and to get it anyway.

— Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz, “July”Here are a few pictures I've snapped this summer so far...  SaveSave

Living in Italy - One Year Later

It's hard to believe a year has passed since my family and I got off the plane that brought us to our new home. Living in Italy has been whirlwind of wonderful, crazy, confusing, frustrating, and at times very magical moments. It took us about six months to really feel settled and at home. Home...My home is in Italy... There are still moments when I pinch myself to make sure it's not a dream.There are many things I love about living here and a few I could do with out. So I of course, I made a list.Why I love Italy

1. It's Italy. Need I say more? The blessing to have this experience is one I'm not taking for granted.
2. I am surrounded by antiquity. When you stroll though towns on cobblestone roads you can't help but think about all the people that have gone before you. In short, the history.
3. I've had to put myself out there and it's totally been worth it.
4. The wine. Ohmygosh...the wine!
5. "Domani". Italians are very laid back. I love how they enjoy and appreciate living and aren't afraid to put things off till "domani" (tomorrow). They don't rush to drink that cup of coffee on the run. In fact I think they only time they do rush is when they're on the road. It's made me appreciate the simple things even more than I already did.
6. Market day. Antique Market Day. Artisan market day. Festivals. etc. etc.
7. They take serious steps to conserve and preserve. From the recycling to the infrequent use of paper cups and utensils (I've yet to see them in a cafe).
8. Scarves. One of my favorite accessories is also considered one necessary piece of clothing for Italian women. Yay!
9. Pizza with mushrooms from my favorite Pizza place = heaven.
10. I'm actually getting to use the Italian I studied: four years in high school & 3 semesters in college. Over the last year it's vastly improved.
11. Gelato. Gelato. Gelato.

What I could live with out or miss the most about the States

1. The toilets. I absolutely dislike the toilets here. They're designed in such a way that one constantly has to take a toilet brush to them if you know what I mean. Oh and then there's the squatty potty.
2. Getting used to things closing in the middle of the day for "riposo" was really challenging at first and it still can be at times.
3. The lack of big box stores like Target. Oh how I miss Target and their cute home decor items and way affordable t-shirts I also would be remiss if I didn't mention the CLEARANCE items. The Italian sense of decorating style tends to either lean toward the ultra modern or somewhere in the 70's or 80's and there is no "clearance" section. There are two major times of year when the stores have major sales. January and July.
4. I know I'm surrounded by cafes that serve excellent coffee and I am a bit of a coffee snob...Yet as much as I'm embarrassed to say it, I miss Starbucks. Sometimes you just want a cafe latte to go. NO such thing here. [Except for the coffee vending machines which, by the way, make excellent coffee. (See number 5 above).]
5. Converting the Dollar to Euro. I hate that right now we get only about $.71 to every €1,00. Needless to say, I shop online a lot.
6. Closets. I miss closets.
7. Cellular telephone service. It's "no buono".

Blood Orange Mimosa

Last week I told you about buying some blood oranges from the market. They were amazing!  Over the the weekend I was slicing some up for my son when I got to thinking that a blood orange mimosa would be perfect for an Easter brunch or when ever really. So I made myself one…But these oranges were so pretty, I couldn't stop photographing the fruit. Gosh, I'm so weird.To prepare a blood orange mimosa you'll need

Prosecco or other sparkling white wine (or champagne) well chilled.Juice from fresh blood oranges. I like mine with the pulp but if you don't then use a strainer.Sugar. If your oranges are on the tart side mix in a bit of sugar to taste. (optional)Orange liquer (optional)

Combine fresh blood orange juice with sugar and orange liqueur  if you're using these ingredients. in a large measuring cup and stir to combine.  To serve, pour the blood orange juice into the bottom of Champagne glasses until about half full, top off with Prosecco.

Enjoy!

Italian Open Air Markets - Sacile, Italy #igtravelthursday

It's nearly been a year since I arrived in Italy and shopping at the open air markets has become one of my favorite things to do. Each town or "commune" has their own market and they're usually held on a different day of a week. You can find everything from: fresh produce, cheese, fish, clothing, shoes, housewares, fabric, and flowers.The Sacile market is one of the bigger markets held in the Aviano area and it takes place on Thursday mornings from about 8 a.m. - 12:30. It is held near the city center and winds around various streets and is very picturesque as parts of it is on the Livensa River.The produce is all farm fresh and the fish, cheese and other food products generally come from the local region. The markets are also a great place to purchase Italian made products from handbags, shoes (leather), clothing (I love the scarves), and some of the household goods. You will find items made in other places like the PRC but you can generally tell the quality apart.Today I purchased some delicious blood oranges and a few novelty "carnevale" toy items I'll use as props for my son's upcoming birthday party. I had to fight the urge to purchase yet another scarf (even though I really liked it.)When you need a break from shopping I highly recommend stopping at one of the many local cafes and enjoying a latte or cappuccino or even a Spritz.[gallery type="rectangular" ids="9934,9933,9935,9937,9936"]Things to remember when shopping at the markets:

• Bring Euros (if possible in small denominations). Some vendors may accept credit cards, but I've never seen one.
• When purchasing produce: It is considered uncouth to handle the fruits and vegetables. Don't be surprised if you're chastised by an old lady if you touch it with your bare hands.  Many of the vendors will offer samples of their products esp for in season fruit or cheese. If you're unsure you'll like an item, don't be shy to ask for a small taste.
• It generally is a good idea to ask for assistance when you wish to purchase an item.
• The number one on hand written signs to an American will sort of resemble an upside down V. Decimal points are not used in it's place you'll find a comma.
• ALWAYS get your receipt as you can be stopped by an Italian Guard of Finance and asked to furnish a receipt. I've never seen it happen at an open air market, but I've seen them at other commercial stores. So it's better to be safe than sorry.

From Wikipedia:Sacile is a town and comune in the province of Pordenone, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of north-east Italy. It is known as the "Garden of the Serenissima" after the many palaces that were constructed along the river Livenza for the nobility of the Most Serene Republic of Venice.

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