Ci Vediamo

So what traditions of the southern Italians look bad to the Northerns?  There were two correct answers to the poll; hanging sheets out to dry from the balcony and wearing a gold chain with a white tank top.  The Northerns see these as trashy habits.

How did I find out?  I started to hang my bedsheets from the balcony to dry and Daria rushed outside to tell me it is not allowed in their apartment.  I thought all Italians did it (considering dryer machines have still not caught on here) and she explained it is a Southern habit.  The Northerns are sophisticated with their drying racks.  I was actually disappointed to find this out because I think it is a charming sight.  Especially as you stroll through the narrow Italian streets.  It is not even an option in American suburbs, with no balconies.

As for the gold chains, I specifically asked about that one.  I have always been curious as to the reasoning behind that Italian stereotype.  Simone believes it began as a way to show you no longer had to work in the dirt (since all the Southern Italians used to work on farms and you cannot wear jewelry with the type of work they did).  Therefore, signifying you were well off.  The white tank tops have no explanation.  My guess is it is hot in Southern Italy (true).  I'm such a good investigator!





 Now I have some news.  This is my last post for a while.  I will not have access to wifi from now until May.  I am leaving tomorrow morning to Livorno, Tuscany with Simone's parents, Matteo, and Philipo (his cousin).  We all will stay there for a week and then will be joined by the rest of the family Easter weekend, to celebrate Matteo's 6th birthday!  The Monday after, we are traveling to Umbria and visiting Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and maybe Spoleto.  :)  It is going to be such an adventure, touring Italy with an Italian family!

Quindi buona Settimana Santa, Pasqua, e ci vediamo in Maggio.  I'll be back in May.  Have a good Holy Week and happy Easter! 

Grazzano Visconti

If you haven't already guessed, once the weather starts warming up very few Milanese stay in Milan during the weekends.  So last Sunday our gita (day trip) was to Emilia Romagna, the region south of Lombardia.  Unfortunately since Matteo was (and still is) sick, Daria had to stay home with him.  So it was me, Simone, Sara, and Daria's parents.   Then we met up with Fabio and his family (their close family friends) at our first delicious stop.

We pranzato (had lunch...BTW in Italian you can say "to lunch") in Piacenza, at the very first restaurant to have served "panzerotti".

After we enjoyed our meal, we drove 15 minutes to Grazzano Visconti, a Medieval town and castle built for the royal Visconti family in 1395.

 

 

 

 

I loved how they designed their event posters to play up the Medieval setting.

  

We found a group of barbarians, preparing to fight the knights! (I will upload the video later!)

 

It was a perfect day here in Italia Bella.