Caspita!!! Only five words? April 30, 2010

I have been asked by my friend and fellow lover of Italy, Melissa from Diario di una studentezza matta, to come up with my five favorite Italian words.  So…I took a pad and started writing down some words that I liked.  Some had a good ring to them; others had special meanings for me; and others were purely comical.   I kept coming up with more and more words.  I was jotting down words as I thought of them – even jotting while I was driving (only when I got to a stop light, of course!!!)  My list was growing and growing to a point where I felt I had better  stop otherwise it would take me too long to whittle it down to only five!  So here we go with the five I chose (the others I will save for a future post):

•  Gingillo = trinket.  I would describe this word as “cute”.  You can just   imagine the daintiness of the item just by the sound of this word.
• Tesoro = treasure.  This word has special meaning for me.  It is a term of endearment used in Italy between lovers and other dear ones.  I have been fortunate to have been called this many times by my dear family, both here and in Italy.  When someone calls you a tesoro, you feel such a sense of love towards you of which there is no comparison. 
• Giro tondo = ring around the rosie!!  When I was a child, my mom would always sing the song about “Giro giro tondo, casca il mondo, casca la terra; tutti giù per terra. “  I hadn’t thought about this little ditty in years!
• Zitto! = shut up!!  This word needs no translation because it is always said with gusto and it’s meaning is VERY clear!
• Sbrigati = hurry up!  Another word that is always said with lots of feeling!

The Italian language is always so expressive, and the words sound so lyrical.  Many times the words even sound like the action!  I’m always amazed that even when people are angry with each other, the words are still said in such a beautiful way that the angriness just seems to melt away (well maybe not always, but in my mind it does!)  And by doing exercises like this one, I am reminded of the depth of the Italian language and it’s beauty! 

And BTW, caspita means gosh!!!

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The origin of this exercise came from Melanie at Italofile   What a great idea!

Don’t blow up, George!!! April 29, 2010

Now, I’m not usually an “Entertainment Tonight” type of person and celebrity gossip doesn’t interest me much, but I have to confess that I make an exception when it comes to George Clooney!  Maybe it’s because he lives in Italy on a lake not far from my home roots.  Or perhaps it’s because he loves everything about Italy like I do… but I have a soft spot in my heart for George!  Therefore, when I heard that there were WWII bombs just feet away from his villa buried deep in the lake, I instantly became interested in this developing news story!  Evidently, a fisherman spotted the bombs lying at the bottom of the lake and alerted authorities to their existence.   Italian soldiers have been surrounding Villa Oleandra and working to bring up the 500 pounds of unexploded bombs, grenades and mortars.  The situation is tense because the bombs are unstable, with a possibility of an explosion.  The entire town of Laglio has been closed off while the Navy removes the bombs and brings them to a cave for detonation.

Iris… April 29, 2010

This song, sung by Biagio Antonacci, touches me somehow.  The lyrics, the gravelly voice of the singer, the melody…it’s haunting and romantic, and interpreted with so much emotion.  Biagio’s voice is not for everybody, as my relatives and friends in Italy tell me.  But he was voted 2005′s “Best Male Selling Italian Artist”, therefore he must be doing something right!!

In Italian:

Iris tra le tue poesie,
ho trovato qualcosa che parla di me.
Le hai scritte tutte con blu
su pezzi di carta trovati qua’ e la’
dimmi dove, dimmi come….
e con che cosa ascoltavi la mia vita,
quando non stavo con te…..
e che sapori e che umori che dolori e che profumi respiravi,
quando non stavi con me…

Iris mi viene da dirti…
ti amo e lo sai
non l’ho detto mai

Quanta vita c’è.. quanta vita insieme a te
Tu che ami e… tu che non lo rinfacci mai
e non smetti mai di mostrarti come sei
quanta vita c’è in questa vita insieme a te

Il mio nome….dillo piano…
lo vorrei sentire sussurrare adesso…
che ti sono vicino
la tua voce, mi arriva,
suona come un’onda che mi porta il mare,
ma che cosa di più….
Iris ti ho detto ti amo…
e se questo ti piace rimani con me

Quanta vita c’è.. quanta vita insieme a te
Tu che ami e… tu che non lo rinfacci mai
e non smetti mai di mostrarti come sei
quanta vita c’è in questa vita insieme a te

dimmi dove, dimmi come….
e con che cosa ascoltavi la mia vita,
quando non stavo con te…..
e i sapori e gli umori che dolori
e che profumi respiravi
quando non stavi con me…
Irisi ti Amo davvero
e se questo ti piace, rimani con me

In English:

Iris among your poems
I’ve found something about me
you’ve written all of them with blue ink
on pieces of paper found here and there
tell me where, tell me how
and with what you listened to my life
when I wasn’t with you
and what flavors and what moods, what pains and what perfumes you breathed
when you weren’t with me

Iris I have to tell you
I love you and you know
I’ve never said it

how much life there is…how much life with you
you who love and…you who never reproach it
and you never stop to show yourself as you are
how much life there is in this life with you

my name…say it softly…
I’d like to hear it whispered now
that I’m close to you
your voice, I hear it
it sounds like a wave that brings me the sea
but what more
Iris I told you I love you
and if you’ve liked this stay with me

how much life there is…how much life with you
you who love and…you who never reproach it
and you never stop to show yourself as you are
how much life there is in this life with you

tell me where tell me how
and with what you listened to my life
when I wasn’t with you
the flavors and the moods, what pains
what perfumes you breathed
when you weren’t with me
Iris I truly love you
and if you like this stay with me

A Brief History of Italian Maiolica April 28, 2010

The Italian art form of Maiolica was born in the red-clay hills of central Italy during the 14^th century.  This art form featured vividly-colored pigments painted on a background of creamy white tin glazes.  Initially, the ceramic objects were created mostly for everyday purposes, and they incorporated designs based on abstract and geometric motifs.  Etruscan designs also offered inspiration.  Then human portraits and family coat-of-arms became popular.  Portraits were given to loved ones in the Coppa Amatoria, or “Lover’s Cup”, and the coat-of-arms were painted on plates to impress guests.  Finally, during the height of the Renaissance period, inspiration was derived from the Great Masters such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Da Vinci, and art was created solely for the purpose of art’s sake.  These artists created an array of designs comprising flowers, fruits, scrollwork, cherubs, vines, and borders in vivid patterns and colors that are still valued today.  Their creativity flourished with the Istoriatos – historical or mythological stories painted on pottery using narrative scenes along with gracious figures perfectly depicted.  The ceramic arts became as important as paintings and sculptures and were prized by the nobility.  The rise of Maiolica’s popularity was in direct correlation to the great wealth amassed by the aristocracy during this time and was crucial to the pursuit of excellence in all the arts during the late 15^th and the early 16^th centuries. 

Maiolica is still produced in Umbria, Tuscany, and many other regions of Italy as it has been for the last 500 years by an unbroken line of master crafters.  Many of the patterns which existed during the Renaissance are still created exactly as they were then.  Even though the method of production has changed over the years, the creativity of each piece is still the same.  The quality and artistry of a beautiful Maiolica piece still adheres to ancient traditions, especially that of hand painting.  The workshops that fill the small streets of quaint towns such as Deruta give testimony to the unchanging characteristic traits of a beautiful and prized Italian Maiolica piece.   It is still, and always will be, a highly valued art form.

These beautiful ceramics, along with my love of Italy, inspired me to establish my little business which I lovingly named Tesoro, which means treasure in Italian.  It’s an appropriate name for these little gems, don’t you think? 

You can view my online shop by clicking here:  Tesoro Treasures

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso April 26, 2010

A few miles north of the town in which my parents grew up sits the beautiful sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso.  It wasn’t until 2009 that I was able to actually visit this magical place.  The sanctuary sits on a cliff above the eastern shore of the lake, and it is best accessible by boat.  We accessed it by road, but we had to climb down (and then eventually back up) from the parking lot.  The climb was a bit arduous, but the result of being able to explore this extraordinary place was beyond compare.  My mom used to tell me that the lake’s depth here at the sanctuary is the deepest in the entire lake and that there are rumors of sunken treasure which no one has ever been able to recover due to the great depth.  Who knows if this legend is true, but it just adds to the mysticism here.  The sanctuary is home to a small group of Domincian friars, after having been part of the Carmelite order of monks for many years.  The church has recently been restored, and the frescoes have been cleaned and brought to light after many years of being hidden beneath rubble and dirt. 

The story of the this sanctuary and how it came to be are enchanting.  The story goes that a certain rich merchant by the name of Albert Besozzi, while crossing the lake during a storm in 1170, capsized his boat near the rocky shores of the stone cliff.  He clung to the rocks and prayed to Santa Caterina to save him.  He promised that if his life were spared, he would build a santuary to the saint and live the rest of his days as a hermit.  His life was saved, and he kept his promise by devoting his life to her.  It is believed that several miracles happened here, all due to the intervention of Santa Caterina.  The evidence of one of these miracles can still be evidenced today, and I was fortunate to see it.  During a rock slide in the 17th century, a huge boulder came off the cliffs and was destined to destroy the altar and Alberto Besozzi’s tomb.  Miraculously, the rock was lodged above the altar and never came down to destroy it.  The site is still evident today, with that part of the chapel being kept unrestored so that the miraculous recovery can be seen. 

Strolling along the arches and gazing out at Monte Rosa in the distance, you can see how this very scenic piece of coastline would lend itself to a life of devotion and prayer by the faithful.  Experiencing the silence, only interrupted by the sounds of the lapping waves on the rocks, was a moment that will stay with me forever as I remember the shores of the lake that is such a part of my core.

Italy? Nope…Santa Cruz Mountains in California!! April 25, 2010

 

As a pleasant surprise while driving through California’s Santa Cruz Mountains in search of some picturesque wineries to stop at and enjoy a picnic lunch, we stumbled upon a gorgeous Italian villa and winery!  What a find!  The architecture was spectacular and the ambience was even better!  Stone and stucco decorate the facade of this lovely winery, and the gardens and terraces boast outdoor fireplaces and fountains surrounded by flowers, herbs, and fruit trees.  The interior of the winery had marble floors and frescoed walls!  It was as if the owner had read my mind and decorated his villa exactly as I would if I had one   There was even a wood fired oven in which they baked those thin crust pizzas that you can only seem to find in Italy!  And, guess what?  The wines were good, as well!!   Sitting on the warm patio, sipping on a lovely glass of San Giovese, nibbling on a slice of thin crust pizza, and savoring the gorgeous views of vine-covered hills – no wonder so many Italian immigrants settled here…it was just like home!

 

Pisolino….. April 23, 2010

The other day, my good friend reminded me of this word….I hadn’t heard it in ages!!!  And it’s a wonderful word   It means “a little nap” and I remember my mother saying this to me when I was a little girl, with tons of energy, who didn’t want to rest for the mandatory after-the-lunch siesta that everyone seems to do in Italy (especially during the hot summer).  She would say….dai, solo un pisolino (come on, just a little nap) to get me to stop nagging her because I was bored     All I wanted to do was be entertained and have fun, and all that the adults wanted to do was to take a pisolino!!!  I just didn’t get it!  Funny how things change….a pisolino now sounds like a GREAT idea!

Sophie taking a pisolino....

So many places to see, but so little time… April 22, 2010

This coming September, we are taking a trip back to Italy.  Originally, we were planning on making a stop in Deruta to pick up some more pottery for my shop, Tesoro.   As much as I want to do this, I realized that it would make our trip so much more duty-oriented rather than just about taking time and being at leisure.  So, I think I’ve made the decision that I will skip Deruta this time, thus giving us more time to explore Italy’s backroads.

This past weekend, we actually sat down and tried to find some places and things to do that fit into our path of travel.  I think we’ve come up with some unique and fun things to do.  I would love it if anyone reading this blog had anything to add to our ideas – whether you’ve experienced them or have any other tips!  Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Since we are travelling to and from Zurich, Switzerland, we have decided to incorporate a teeny bit of Switzerland into our itinerary.  The first thing we are planning to do is to take the William Tell Express, a scenic train ride from Luzern to Locarno.  The William Tell Express goes to Lugano as well, but we chose Locarno because it is on Lago Maggiore and the starting off point for our next adventure.

From Locarno, we are planning on taking the train ride through the Cento Valli.  Another scenic train ride through the valleys in the Piedmont region west of Lago Maggiore.  I have heard lots of favorable reviews of this excurion.  It can be combined with a boat ride along the western shore of the lake from Arona back to Locarno.  Even though I have been to lots of places along the shores of Lago Maggiore, I have never experienced anything north of Stresa.  So this sounds extremely appealing to me!  Exploring the lake of my roots has always been a dream of mine, and this will be a start to fulfilling that dream!

After visiting family and friends on Lago Maggiore, we plan on making a road trip to the Cinque Terra via Piedmont.  Stopping in Piedmont and exploring some of this area’s wineries and charming little towns is hopefully a possibility.  Visiting the Cinque Terre will be another new experience for me.  I have always wanted to see these enchanted towns set along the Ligurian coastline but never before had the opportunity.  We are excited to visit in September – hopefully the throngs of tourists which frequent these places will be gone and we can have the place to ourselves?  (am I being too hopeful?).  Irregardless, the tourist crowds have to be better than in the height of summer!

From Liguria, it’s on to Cecina in Tuscany to visit more family!  A trip along the coast is in the plan.  Being from California, travelling along the coast is always so scenic and beautiful.  I’m sure this Italian coast will not disappoint! 

Alas, at this point, our trip will be  almost over so we will have to take the Autostrada back up to Lago Maggiore, and then back to Zurich.  But….some quick stops along the way are a very strong possibility. 

Now I am starting to get excited!!!

Pasta al Aglio e Olio April 21, 2010

Sometimes for me, the simplest ingredients make for the best meals.  This is precisely why I love Italian food – the ingredients are fresh and simple, yet the meals created are full of flavor and delicious.  And, after following the Mediterranean diet now for about 4 months, so healthy for you.  This particular pasta dish is a no-brainer and the ingredients are always in my pantry.  Whenever I don’t know what to cook for dinner, I whip this up and it satisfies all my cravings!!  Last night was one of those nights.  I came home late, and I didn’t want to deal with too many preparations for dinner.  So Pasta al Olio e Aglio it was!  Delizioso!

Begin by chopping up some garlic. 

Use a fair amount (for one pound of pasta, I chopped up about 7 cloves). 

Saute the garlic in a generous amount of olive oil

and salt until it begins to brown. 

Remove the pan from the heat and add 3 T. chopped parsley,

some red pepper flakes, 2 T. of pasta water,

and 2 t. lemon juice. 

Once the pasta is cooked, add the pasta to the pan. 

Add a bit more olive oil and about 1/4 cup of more pasta water. 

Toss it all to combine and serve it with

some grated Parmesan cheese! 

Voila!  It couldn’t be simpler!

These types of simple meals with ingredients that are readily available and  inexpensive are affectionately labeled by my Italian mamma as pranzo alla casalinga (housewife’s dinner) or pranzo al contadino (farmer’s dinner).  Either way, they reflect the simple bounty of the earth turned into a savory pasta sauce that can be enjoyed by all.

Quick stop in Milan? Here are some ideas… April 21, 2010

Castello Sforzesco

If you are stopping in Milan for a few days (or even one day), here is a quickie tour of some of the highlights.   I was only there for about 1 1/2 days but I think I saw the highlights.  Of course, I didn’t delve very deeply into anything, but it whetted my appetite for more when I have the time.  On my own time and not with a tour, I saw the Pinicoteca Brera, Castello Sforzesco, and San Ambrogio.  The Pinicoteca is a great museum – small but full of famous art work.  I got an audio guide and roamed around looking at the art.  They have some Rafael’s and other famous European artists.  The museum is part of an art school so there were lots of students walking around.  But it was uncrowded and I was able to take my time looking around.  

The Castello Sforzesco is an old fortress which has been a home to many nobles from the Renaissance.  It is now a museum (several, in fact).  The interesting things here include a ceiling frescoed by Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo’s last sculpture – an unfinished Pieta.  There are many other things housed here so look at books, etc to see if it’s something that you might want to see.

San Ambrogio is a church constructed in about 300 AD – there are parts of original frescoes on the wall.  San Ambrogio was the patron saint of Milan so this is a special site for the people of Milan.  St. Ambrogio himself is entombed in the crypt underneath the church and many people stop by to pay him homage. 

San Ambrogio

While I was there, I also took a half day organized tour.  This was necessary in order to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper.  It is almost impossible to get in to see it if you are not on a tour.  They only allow about 15 people in to see it at a time and thus not many visitors can see it in one day.  The tour also took me to the Duomo (or cathedral).  You can visit this on your own, but the tour gives you a lot of interesting information about the Duomo.  It is a beautiful Gothic cathedral well worth a visit.  Near the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emmanule (another tour stop).  And finally the tour went to the Teatro La Scala.  This is a very famous opera house where all the great operas have taken place for the last few hundred years.  If you are into opera, you might want to see if something is playing when you are there.  I’ve heard that the acoustics of the opera house are incredible.  I can highly recommend this half day tour.  I just called the concierge at my hotel and told him that I wanted to see the Last Supper and he went from there.  I’m not big on organized tours but this one was very good.  And it was only 1/2 day so it was perfect to get a glimpse of the city.  

Milan has a very good Metro system.  You can get to practically every place with it and it is very easy to navigate.  You can purchase your tickets directly from the kiosks located in the metro stations.  I find it’s easier to get them from a person rather than trying to figure out the ticket machines.  When I was there, it was 1 euro per ride.  You might also be able to buy day passes.

Walking is a great way to get around.  Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.  Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes!!