Dear Dan Brown…I Have a Storyline for You! May 14, 2012

Dear Dan Brown,

Since your Vatican mysteries, Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code, are such great novels, I have a new storyline for you.  This is full of Vatican mystery, conspiracy, Mafia…all the elements of a great Dan Brown mystery!  But this story is a real life drama…a mystery that’s been unsolved since 1983…when the young 15 year old daughter of a lay Vatican employee vanished on her way to music lessons.  Her name was Emanuela Orlandi.  Her disappearance has been unsolved for all these years, but perhaps may finally be figured out.  Her kidnapping was at one time linked to the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, but nothing had ever been proven.

In 2008, a new chapter was opened in the case when a woman came forward to claim ther her ex-boyfriend, a mobster by the name of Enrico De Pedis and his gang, the Magliana’s, kidnapped the girl.  The order for the kidnapping had come from Archibishop Paul Marcinkus, the late U.S. prelate responsible for heading up the Vatican bank and who had been linked to a huge Italian banking scandal in the 1980′s.  At the time, the Archbishop and the Vatican said that the claims were absurd and they did not pursue the investigation.   There were allegations that the Vatican did not fully cooperate with the investigation – were they hiding something?

Enrico De Pedis was murdered in 1990 and was buried in the Sant’Apolinare Basilica, adjacent to Piazza Navona…and near some very important Catholics…a rather unusual resting place for a reputed mobster!

Over the years, stories have surfaced that the young Emanuela was buried alongside of him. In 2005, an anonymous caller said that the answer to her disappearance lay in De Pedis’ tomb.  Just today, with the approval of the Vatican and the De Pedis’ family, the mobster’s tomb was  opened.  In it lay only one body….but nearby in the ossuary lay about 200 containers containing bones.  These bones were removed and will be tested over the next few weeks to see if they belong to the missing teenager.  The Vatican has given its full authority to exhume the bones and to carry out this investigation in the hopes that the mystery of the girl’s disappearance may finally be solved after all these years.

Mr. Brown…I have no question that you can make this real life story into another great novel and one that would be a page turner like all the others that you have given us!  I hope that you consider my suggestion for your new book!

Humbly,

Il Mio Tesoro

Another Glimpse into Italy’s Antiquity – L’Abbazia di San Donato May 10, 2012

In Northern Italy, where the Ticino river leaves Lago Maggiore, is a small town named Sesto Calende.  During the ancient Roman Empire and later, this town was a stopping point for many as they made their journey from the North, over the Alps, on their way into Italy.  As this map shows, several towns along the lake were important destinations for them.

People like the Roman Longobards, Hannibal, Napoleon, and Garibaldi stopped in Sesto and left their mark.  One such mark is the tiny church of L’Abbazia di San Donato.   The original church, which was built between 500 and 600 AD,  stood on the site of an ancient pagan temple.  This location was chosen to beseech God to protect those travelling across the lake.  The first structure is no longer standing, but an ancient stone was preserved.  This stone was originally gilded in gold and silver and was probably part of the pulpit.

The current Abbazia di San Donato dates from the IX century and was erected by the bishop of Pavia, Liutardo del Conti.  Even though, geographically, it was within the Diocese of Milan, it fell under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Pavia and belonged to the Benedictine order of monks.  During this time, the Benedictines were extremely influential with the Holy Roman Empire  and benefitted both in wealth and power.  These circumstances created conflict  with both dioceses, and in 1111, the monastery and all its wealth were seized by the Diocese of Milan.  Conflicts arose and with the help of the Holy Roman Emperor, Barbarossa, the Benedictines once again regained control of the Abbazia itself but not of the surrounding territory.  Their possessions now belonged to Pope Innocent III.  The monks’ morale and San Donato suffered until 1455 when a Benedictine name Nicola Tatti took control and the Abbazia regained prosperity once again.  Over a period of 40 years, many monks passed through and works of art were commissioned.  This beautiful choir room behind the altar was one of these wonderful artistic masterpieces.  The monks would sit here during Mass and sing their beautiful hymns.

In 1534, once again, the monastery passed into control of Milan and this time the monks left. Over the centuries, the Abbazia fell into the care of others and into disrepair, even becoming a home for soldiers during various insurrections and wars.  In 1911, badly damaged and in total disrepair, it lost it’s status as a parish.  But this gem could not be forgotten…and in 1959, restoration began in the hopes of bringing this important piece of history back to be treasured once more.  With the help of many, it regained its parish status in 1963.

 

From the XV Century

Bellissimo Cosi… May 2, 2012

Another great song by Laura Pausini!  Her passion is incredible…

Bellissimo Cosi

Ricomincio da qui

  e battezzo i miei danni

  con la fede in me

  senza illudermi  

ma con un principio da difendere

 punto a pieno su noi  

è bellissimo così  

meglio tardi che mai  

ascoltami  

posso essere io  

l’occasione che aspetti da una vita  

il mio  

sarò di più  

io sarò la certezza che chiedevi tu  

è innegabile  

che da quando tu mi vuoi  

punto tutto su noi  

sorprendimi.  

 lascia il tuo passato com’è

 e porta il meglio da me  

nel tuo presente  

spezza le parole di chi non t’ama e ti dice si  

non è sufficiente  

e lasciati guardare un po di più  

come un bagliore  

splendi di rivoluzione tu  

bellissimo così 

vieni a me come sei  

fallo immediatamente non voltarti mai  

l’essenziale l’hai tu  

lo nascondi ai miei occhi  

ma vale di più  

sei perfetto così

 coi tuoi denti lucidi  

punto a capo da qui

 ascoltami  

 lascia il tuo passato com’è  

lo porterai insieme a me  

nel tuo presente  

mezza vita è molto per chi

 ti vuole e ti dice si

 e lo fa per sempre  

lasciati ammirare un po di più  

senza pudore  

provochi la mia reazione tu

 bellissimo così  

sono trasparente lo sai

 io quando parlo di noi  

quasi indecente  

canto sottovoce ma c’è  

un suono dentro di me  

così prepotente

 e lasciati guardare un po di più  

come un bagliore  

splendi di rivoluzione tu

 bellissimo così  

bellissimo così  

***************************************

Beautiful Like This

I will start from her

And baptize my faults

With the faith that is within me

Without deluding myself

But with the beginnings of defending

me and you.

It’s beautiful like this

Better late than never

Listen to me

I could be

the occasion that you’ve been waiting a lifetime

For me

It’s more

I will be the certainty that you’ve been asking for

it’s undeniable

that since you’ve wanted me

I put everything on us

Surprise me.

Leave your past where it is

And bring the best of me

Into your present

Cut the words of those that don’t love you and tell you yes

It’s not enough

And let yourself be looked at a bit more

Like a glow

You’re a beautiful revolution

Beautiful like this.

Come to me as you are

Do it immediately, and don’t ever turn away

You have the essential

and you hide it from my eyes

But it’s worth more

You’re perfect like this

With your bright teeth

From the beginning to the end

Listen to me.

Leave your past how it is

You’ll bring it together with me

Into your present

Half of your life and alot for who

want you and tell you yes

and will do it forever

Let yourself be admired a little bit more

Without modesty

Provoke my reaction to you

Beautiful like this.

I am transparent, you know

when I speak of you.

Almost indecent

I sing softly

A sound inside me

So strong

And let yourself be looked at some more

Like a glow

You’re a beautiful revolution

Beautiful like this.

Beautiful like this.

Valentino….One of the Kings of Italian Design April 5, 2012

I recently watched Valentino, The Last Emperor – a documentary that chronicled “the dazzling and dramatic closing act of the last true couturier’s celebrated career” and touched upon the history of this great designer of haute couture.  Of course, I had always heard of Valentino, but honestly, I don’t think that I ever really knew any of his pieces.  His style was elegant – it was unique – and it was beautiful.  His use of fabrics, and the way he created those one of a kind touches on each of his creations, definitely put him at the top of the fashion design world.  His creations were very dressy and very formal, but also very wearable.  When someone needed an elegant outfit (without regard to price), Valentino could deliver!

The fashion house still exists, but it is corporately owned (and actually has been for a very long time, even when Valentino was still designing).  Among his most notable clients was Liz Taylor and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.  This is the incredible wedding gown designed for Jackie!

The movie touches on the relationship between Valentino and his business and lifetime partner, Giancarlo Giammetti.  The two have been involved romantically and in business for over 50 years, and it was the combination of the two together that created the great Valentino name.  Valentino was the artist and creator, while Giancarlo was the anchor that held the company, and Valentino, to the ground.

Italy is Always Around Me February 28, 2012

When my mom was a little girl in Italy, long before the world of the internet and fast airplanes, whenever someone wanted to say “get lost” they would say “vai a California” (go to California!).  Back then, California was as far away as the moon!  Luckily, technology has improved and Italy and California are just a 13-15 hour plane ride away.  You can wake up in California and go to sleep in Italy (or vice versa).  The world has become a much smaller place.  We can SKYPE with our loved ones on the other side of the world – see their faces – hear their voices!  It’s a true wonder

Even though the world is much smaller, travelling back and forth between Italy and California takes time and money.  It’s not something that we can do on a routine basis – it still remains a special trip and one that takes planning.  Luckily, though, I have many reminders of Italy in my own vicinities!

Excellent Italian Restaurants rivalling those found in Italy

Wonderful Enoteca’s serving Italian wines

Beautiful Italian architecture

Villa Montalvo, Saratoga CA

Shops selling Italian products

Italian Fashion Houses

Gucci at Santana Row

Baccala’…Made in Italy February 20, 2012

An old recipe, handed down through the generations….
A dried piece of stoccafisso (the best kind of dried codfish to use)….
Three days of patient waiting…

Voila!

Baccala’!

My mom’s family hailed from the Veneto region of Italy where Baccala’ recipes originated. Served on top of polenta, it was a poor man’s delight during those cold nights of winter. Families always had a dried piece of cod in their pantry…it kept forever and they knew that they could follow their “Fish on Friday” mandate of the Church in case fresh fish wasn’t available. I guess they were better dinner planners in those days because in order to prepare the Baccala’, they needed at least three days!

Just last week, my Italian cousin found this recipe and was inspired to make it! This version is known as Baccala’ Ragno!

The first thing he had to do was beat the dried fish with a piece of wood.  This breaks up the tough fibers and softens it a bit.

When the poor dried fish was beaten, it got soaked in water for three days, changing the water a few times a day.

Here is a translation of the above recipe – I didn’t translate word for word to make the recipe read better in English!

1.  Beat the baccala’ wrapped up in a rag (with a stick or a meat pounder).

2.  Submerse it in cold water for 3 days – changing the water 2 times per day.

3.  Skin it and remove the spine.  Cut it into clean pieces.

4.  Saute 1 minced onion, 3 chopped garlic cloves, and a handful of chopped parsley in some olive oil.  Add salt and pepper to taste. (Optional:  add 3 or 4 salted and chopped sardines).

5.  Add the baccala’ and 1 1/2 cups white wine.  Add a vegetable bouillon cube and simmer for a while.

6. Add some water and cook slowly for about 3 hours.  Occasionally add some wine or water so that it doesn’t dry out.

7.  Halfway through the cooking, add 2 cups of milk.

8.  When it is almost done, add some grated Parmesan or Grana cheese and some more milk if needed to make a creamy consistency.

Technology is wonderful….He could share the cooking process with me almost instantly….but, sadly, it hasn’t evolved yet to the point where I can actually taste a bite of this delicious family recipe!  Buon appetito!

Tis the Night…. January 5, 2012

Tonight’s the night….are your stockings hung?  All over Italy, children are awaiting the loot they will find when The Befana comes to visit.  And all women are getting ready for their day….or are they?  There’s always the question if being wished “Auguri” tomorrow is a good thing or not, since La Befana is an ugly old witch….and does it mean that whoever is wishing us cheer is thinking we are like La Befana?  Quite a dilemma, huh?  The story of La Befana is a cute one, and you can read about it on my post from last year here:  La Befana by Tesoro Treasures.

But today, I wanted to share a fun little song from 1978, sung by the great Gianni Morandi, about La Befana.

Enjoy!

Trullalla, Trullalla!

The Befana comes at night

With shoes all broken

With a sock

Around her neck

With carbon, with iron, with brass.

On her broom

To fly

She comes from the sea, She comes from the sea.

And the snow shall fall

On the deserts of Maharaja

From Alaska to Canada.

She’ll need to leave

And she’ll sing while she leaves.

She’ll dress like a woman from the South

And with the sock she’ll arrive.

The storm will win,

And she’ll sing “Trullalla”

The Befana will arrive…

Trullalla…Trullalla!

A child,

The size of a little mouse,

Inserted himself in the chimney

To see her closeup.

When she arrives,

The Befana,

Without teeth,

Jumps and dances for some wime.

Then, hiding, she backs away

With the night stuck to her skirt.

And a warm wind will blow

on the deserts of the Maharaja

From Alaska to Canada.

Only one star will shine,

and she’ll have to follow it

to fly towards the North..

and the road is long, but

the storm will win.

And singing Trullalla

The Befana will go.

Remote Tree Lighting Ceremony…Really? December 7, 2011

Pope Benedict XVI has the distinct honor of lighting the largest Christmas tree in the world tonight in Gubbio, Italy.  It has over 1000 lights, and it is over 2,000 feet tall!  It isn’t an actual tree, but a tree design draped over Mt. Ingino overlooking the medieval town.  The tree is a symbol of “universal peace and brotherhood among people” all over the world.

But, the Pope won’t actually be present in Gubbio…he is lighting the tree remotely from his Vatican suite with a tablet computer!  And this is where the confusion lies – it was first mentioned that he would be using an Apple iPad, but now reports claim he is using the Sony tablet.

(Pope Benedict) will touch the screen of a Sony “Tablet” with an “Android” operating system which, via the Internet, will transmit the command to switch on the electric current to the tree.

                                                         ~from Vatican Information News.

Why the switch? It’s a papal mystery!

The device used really is not important as long as it does the trick.  The display will be gorgeous and the message of peace clearly displayed.

Can’t Forget Italy Project October 26, 2011

I’ve been following Haleigh for some time now on her blog Making Magique.  I enjoy looking at her style and her photographs, mostly taken in her new hometown, Paris!  Recently, she joined a group of fellow photographers and videographers as they took a trip to Southern Italy’s Basilicata region as part of theCan\’t Forget Italy Project. The project’s aim is to promote travel to this part of Italy.  Each of seven photographers made a promotional video of their experience there.  The promotional video of the project is here:

The videos all show the gorgeous scenery in this part of Italy – at times haunting and mesmerizing – as well as the endearing faces of those that live here.  I have never been here, but I think that after seeing these videos, I may like to take a trip there to experience first hand the beauty of this area.

Haleigh’s video is here, and she did a great job with her photographs as well as the accompanying music.  Good job, Haleigh – you’ve convinced me to take an adventure here!

Pasta alla Puttanesca – YUM!!! September 28, 2011

When I was in Italy earlier this month, I ventured into a book store in Milan and went straight to the cookbook section.  I wanted to see if there was a simple cookbook which gave great down-to-earth recipes for the simple foods created in Italy.  As I’ve mentioned before, I love Italian food because it is so simple – the ingredients are genuine and the taste is not too “messy”.  I found not one, but two, cookbooks which struck my fancy.  The first one was “La Cucina Milanese”…and this one had so many recipes in it that my mom cooks that is was like home to me   I was even surprised to find a chapter on Lumache e Rane (snails and frogs)!  Now, I’m not that adventurous but I guess these are widely eaten in the Milan area (I don’t think I’ve ever had them, though..thankfully!).  The other cookbook was “La Cucina Borghese”.  This book features recipes that are cooked in the countryside and with simple ingredients.  I have been experimenting with these books since I’ve been home and have discovered some twists on old recipes as well as some new recipes!  One of the new ones I tried was the Puttanesca sauce for spaghetti!  Of course, I’ve heard of this sauce but I’m not sure I ever really tried it.  The term comes from the Roman “ladies of the evening” and I think it’s named this way because the sauce has a bit of a kick to it!  It’s a funny name for a sauce that is absolutely delicious.  My version has an omission in it – olives!  I like olives by themselves, but I’m not crazy about them in a sauce.  But, if you are an olive lover, by all means, add them in!

Pasta alla Puttanesca

1.  Saute 2 cloves of garlic and about 1/2 t. red pepper flakes (add more if you like it hotter) in 1/4 cup olive oil. 

2.  Crumble a can of tuna and add 5 chopped up anchovy fillets.  Mix them up and add them to the garlic and oil mixture.

3.  Cook them a few minutes.  Add about 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce and cook until the sauce is warmed.

4.  Add 1/4 cup drained capers and mix gently.

5.  Pour over 1 lb. of cooked spaghetti.  Top with some grated parmesan cheese, if desired.  ENJOY!!!