Italians Gone Wild

Here is the latest news from the Championship League....For you all who don't know what that is you can find out by reading here Basically it is the single most important event in an Italian sports fan's calendar, or any European's for that matter. Each year it is rife with violence. Seems the English are not the only fans that behave like hooligans!


The second leg of the AC Milan and Inter Milan was abandoned when Inter fans behind the goal threw scores of flares on to the pitch, one of them striking AC Milan keeper Nelson Dida.

German referee Markus Merk stopped the match after 73 minutes with Milan leading 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.

The players waited near the centre-circle for the trouble to cease, but as flares continued to tumble down from the stands Merk led the teams and officials back down the tunnel.

After a 20-minute suspension, Uefa took the decision to play the remaining 17 minutes, but within seconds of the restart more flares were thrown onto the pitch and Merk blew the final whistle.

Andriy Shevchenko had given AC Milan the lead in the 30th minute, blasting in a shot from the edge of the area to the goalkeeper's left. It was his fifth goal in this season's Champions League.

AC Milan will almost certainly be awarded the match, while Inter are likely to receive a hefty fine and a suspension from European matches. - Reuters-Sapa-AFP

For those of you who may know something about Italian football and politics....Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi used to be the president of AC Milan, he resigned his post only last December see here for the whole story. It has been announced that the final decision, regarding the outcome of the game, will be handed down on Friday....lets hope it is a fair one and the fans don't run riot again.

Porca Miseria.....Holy pig!

100 Strade per Giocare

What a great idea! And Chiavari is one of the 100 cities shutting down streets to traffic! Next Sunday Piazza Mazzini and Via Rivarola with be shut down to traffic for the day! Better remember to keep my car in the garage, lord knows, what traffic there will be, will be a nightmare!

100 ROADS FOR PLAY": LEGAMBIENTE FOR A 'DIFFERENT CITY'
(AGI) - Rome, Italy, April 12 - 'Free to play, free to breathe'. This is the slogan of 100 roads for play by Legambiente, on 17 April. For a day, with the help of Legambiente volunteers, a different city is possible. It is possible to run and play without having to take account of bottlenecks.
   This historic celebration, which crowns the long winter of Legambiente's Bad Air campaign against traffic and smog is in its eleventh year and is this year organised in collaboration with Volkswagen. It is aimed at children, but also parents and grandparents, to stop traffic for one Sunday, with roads and squares closed to traffic and opened for games, artists, music, shows, workshops and theatre.
   'Volkswagen has collaborated fully since 1996 with Legambiente in environmental education projects with the aim of increasing attention for the quality of life - declared Marco Chelazzi, Marketing Manager for Volkswagen -. After, 'Plan the Future, 'Comunicambiente' and 'Salvalarte', we will work freely with Legambiente to create 100 roads for play, on the 11th year of the event. Thus on 17 April the invitation to take part in 100 Roads for Play is for everyone, old and young, on foot or on bicycle, on roller skates or on foot, to experience the city in a different way, to rediscover the interest and improve liveability'. All the information can be found on the internet sites, www.legambiente.com and www.volkswagen.it, where it is possible to consult the complete list of roads given over to play. (AGI) -
121700 APR 05

Are We Ready For This?

Sarah and Company
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.

Saturday night Sam and I were so happy to finally be alone for the evening. The kids were off with their friends having another sleep-over party and we were strolling the streets of Chiavari taking in the Antique Market. Who do we run into? Sarah and her little friends waiting desperately to enter a fancy boutique to meet this TV actor! The three gushing girls were standing out at the doorway with autograph books in hand eagerly waiting to enter and get this guy's autograph! Poor Sam. I do not think he is ready for this. I don't think I am ready for this. Sarah is growing up too fast to keep up with her!

Happy Birthday Daddy Jack aka Grandpa Jack!

Daddy Jack
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.

Today is my daddy's 80th birthday! Happy Birthday Daddy!

We all should be so lucky to reach this age and look so good! Way to go Champ! Who would know you are a heart patient.

So Dad, enjoy your day. Lift a glass, drink your wine, and reflect on life well lived!



Auguri!

The Papal Funeral

I have been feeling a little under the weather today. Maybe it is the cold rainy weather or the sadness of this day. Maybe both.

I am going to be cheeky and steal my friend Joanne's blog entry about the Pope.

Papal funeral

The funeral of Pope John Paul II is being held right now in the Vatican.


It is not business as usual today in Italy - many of the shops have decided to close and lower their shutters in sign of mourning.


I was in the gym when the funeral started. We switched off the music and paused in our aerobics for a minute of hot and sweaty silence.


I have had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II twice since I have been living in Italy. The first time we "ran into him" quite by accident - we were traveling in Tuscany with my mother in the spring of 1993. After a cappuccino in Buonconvento and a visit to the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore - entirely unaware of the importance these places were later to assume in our lives - we decided to take Mum to Arezzo to see Piero della Francesca's frescos. Arriving in Arezzo, we found it particularly difficult to locate a parking spot. After nursing Sara, then only a few months old, in the Roman amphitheatre, we proceeded up the hill into the town and found and that all the local people had arranged yellow and white draperies hanging over their windowsills and balconies. When we got to the top of the hill we joined the people who had gathered outside the Duomo just in time to catch a glimpse of the Pope coming out of the cathedral. He paused to offer the crowd his blessing and I held Sara up over my head to receive it. Thus she had the good fortune to be blessed by the Pope himself at the tender age of only three months.


In September of 1998 Pope John Paul II came to Chiavari. It was very exciting. The town was in an uproar and crowds of people were converging here from all over Liguria. At midday we heard his helicopter pass overhead on its way to land in the football field where Davide now plays, and soon the Pope was cruising along Corso Dante in his Popemobile. We had a first-class view from Nonna and Nonno's balcony (our own balcony is around the back of our building and does not overlook the street). Thus Davide also had an opportunity to see the Pope within the first few months of his life - though he was old enough by then to hold a yellow and white flag and wave it with enthusiasm!






12:56 PM
 

You can visit her site and discover more about our lives in Chiavari. At the right you will find the link. There is a gold star to anyone who can spot the photo of Davide at my house!

Cosa vuol dire?

Cosa vuol dire?
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.

Thursday, April 07, 2005



You gotta love Italians!


My dear Sam, at the moment, is in his faithful Alpha Romeo on his way to Rome! (See my previous post, He's going to Rome) Please say a prayer he finds a parking spot and still has a reservation at his hotel.

Mama Mia! Que Casino! CITY'S CHAOS FRIGHTENING & THRILLING
By ANDREA PEYSER
April 7, 2005 -- ROME ???? So close. Johanna O'Connell, visiting the Eternal City from Maryland, stepped toward a subway train near the Vatican when a force far greater than her slim body swept her off her feet. For real.

She was standing just yards from the spot where Pope John Paul II lay in state. Suddenly, hundreds of hands grabbed hold of her. Shoving, shouting, mauling. She was drawn into the train, while her two pals were left outside the closing door. It took hours for them to find one another again. Plans to view the pope also were swept away.

"It would have been great to see him," the Loyola College student said dejectedly.

Monumental forces have converged here ???? the force of extreme faith, combined with sheer, human determination and perseverance. And more than a sprinkling of curiosity.

The desire to participate in mourning the pope has sucked what feels like a major portion of the global population into Rome. Transportation is overwhelmed. Hotels are so full, the government here has asked citizens to share their homes. People have dropped from heat exhaustion as they've waited up to 12 hours under the broiling sun for a glimpse at the pope that was to last just seconds.

Then, last night, the authorities announced there would be no more viewing. They were shutting down the line.

It is chaos, yes. But it is, at the same time, thrilling to watch. Despite the immense crowds, the discomfort and hassle, I have not witnessed a single incident of violence in three days.

Americans, even those of us accustomed to jam-packed cities, crowded subways and insane drivers, have been virtually locked out of the test of endurance that the Vatican has become, feeling helpless against the millions who just keep rolling in.

Rome will survive, of this I'm certain.

It always has.

A Bigga Pizza Pie Is'sa Comin'

Hey the pizza convoy may be coming to your town! If you get the chance to eat "True Neapolitano pizza" you might not look at pizza the same way again. I have been told the secret ingredient is in the water - only found in Naples. Wonder if they will truck that along too. I've seen this passion for authenticity at work in a Neapolitano's home in Sicily. I was at a huge wedding party, which lasted for the whole weekend, the night before the ceremony they had some guests over for pizza. They flew - all the way from Naples, the pizziaola with the water and mozzarella di bufula. Local Sicilian ingredients, though still Italian, still weren't good enough. That is a true story and how I found out about the water....Now the Romans say their expresso is the best because the water....See, you can on and on....

TOURISM: TRAVELLING PIZZERIAS TO PROMOTE NAPLES IN THE WORLD
(AGI) - Naples, 6 Apr. - Two traveling pizzerias, with real rough brick ovens as laid down by the discipline of the 'True Neapolitan Pizza', will be created to promote the image of Naples and its typical products in Italy and the world. The provincial association and its administration's initiative - known as 'True Neapolitan Pizza' - is based on the fact that pizza is one of the city's main tourist attractions. The project involves an investment of 200 thousand euros, 92 thousand of which have been provided by the Province. "We want to take our tourist promotion round Italy and also abroad - stressed the tourist offical Giovanna Martano - its basis being in our region's extraordinary heritage, its tradition in wine and cuisine and in craftsmanship. Pizza, with a key role in both sectors, is a crucial element." The project will make use of two large lorries carrying the sign 'Neapolitan Pizza on Tour'. Each lorry will be equipped with two ovens and two work benches and changing rooms for the staff. Each structure will be supplied with a system of lateral bulkheads with inbuilt openings to permit the covering of an area of around 200 square metres with seats for a hundred people. The occupied area will then be sectioned off with panels containing images of local beauty spots. From time to time musical performances of Neapolitan street artists will be included in the project.
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062015 APR 05

Which brings us to this tidbit. Let us just hope they aren't using any Chinese tomatoes on the pizzas made in the traveling pizza ovens. The outrage!


CHINESE APPLES AND TOMATOES HURTING ITALIAN PRODUCTION
(AGI) - Bologna, Italy, April 6 - Tomatoes and apples are the products that are suffering the most in Emilia Romagna from increasing imports from China. On the other hand, there are products such as kiwis and Parma ham that cannot enter the Chinese market, announced Coldiretti (farming association ) of Emilia Romania, revealing that Chinese exports of apples in Italy more than tripled in a year, passing from 1,463 tons in 2003 to 5,637 tons in 2004, while tomato concentrate has quadrupled since 2004, arriving at 150,000 tons, or half of the tomato concentrate in Italy. "The big problem is that these products arrive in Italy in an indistinct manner, with a strong risk that they can be sold as Italian products because there is no labelling that allows consumers to recognise them," said Mauro Tonello, the regional president of Coldiretti. This, according to Coldiretti, causes a crisis for some important Emilia Romagna products, such as tomatoes. Tomatoes from Emilia, with 1,800,000 tons, represent 30 percent of the national production. On the other hand, a leading Emilia Romangna product, kiwis, can't be exported in China, because Italy is not authorised to do so. Even Parma ham was difficult to introduce in China, and only recently did Chinese health authorities concluded health visits to define technical aspects and give authorisation for exports, which interest 60 Italian companies. (AGI) .
061938 APR 05

BTW, I got this from the official state news site, I take no responsibility for the spelling and grammar errors.

Behind the Scenes

Vatican 2.4.2005 (1)
Originally uploaded by toolpa.

This shows only the cameras fixed on the crowd in St. Peter's.....Imagine the stands built for the TV anchors and commentators? I heard an interesting rumor over the weekend. The BBC, for the last 10 years, has been renting an apartment, with a view of St. Peter's, for an incredible sum of money. Why? Because it had the best seats in the house! Not to mention a few beds too! Well watched the Beeb last night, I have to admit they have the best view, beats CNN hands down! They got their money's worth, just don't know if 10 years money worth. Now the reporting on the other hand......

I just watched the news....It has been reported that over one million have already passed through the Basilica to pay homage to The Pope! Incredible. Revised numbers for Friday are topping an expected 4 million, with an estimated 1 million from Poland alone. And don't forget 200+ present and past heads of state and a prince who wants to get married. If you feel you need to pray.....pray for the city and citizens of Rome. For a reference 3 million call Rome home....Can you imagine all the sewage and garbage created by the crowds....Gosh and where will they all sleep? Tent cities have been erected but Rome is an ancient city with ancient roads and pipes....Hope all can walk, forget about getting a seat on a bus. If all goes well this week it will be a miracle and a testament to the citizens of Rome.

He is going to Rome

My dear husband has been called to Rome, not because he has an overwhelming desire to say good bye to The Pope, but for business. He has his ticket to ride the train, first class with a seat, an amazing accomplishment if you follow the press reports out of Rome.

A few miles away at Termini, Rome's main train station, hordes of pilgrims pouring out of the concourse and into the middle of the street to pore over maps caused traffic chaos. Armando Antonio Monteiro Barbosa, a Spanish builder, had just arrived by train from the airport after impulsively catching a flight to Rome, and did not know how long he would stay since he had not found a return flight. "We're not sure where we are staying ... If you have inner peace, the when, where and how doesn't matter," said his Colombian girlfriend Mojin, her hair in dreadlocks and a woolen blanket wrapped around her.


At least Sam has a comfy bed waiting for him at the hotel. I have been trying to convince Sam that he needs to go to St. Peter's to pay homage to The Pope as a representative of the Crockford family, but he isn't taking the bait. Who could blame him, it is turning into a regular circus. On the other hand a few up close - I was there shots would be nice to add to the blog.....

Here is hoping that Sam arrives and returns in one piece and is able to complete his business.

Krista

Mourning and Remebrance

I just saw the news conference announcing the funeral of The Pope. What an amazing week we will have here in Italy. Rome is bracing for floods of visitors and pilgrims and the news has 24/7 coverage of John Paul II and his amazing life. I read this op ed by one of his biographers here in the Opinion Journal on line. A fine tribute for an exceptional human being, an inspiring spiritual leader, and extraordinary statesman. May he rest in peace.

Krista

St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Square
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.

Life goes on in Italy.....

Even with the death of Il Papa, the drama continues to entertain us....

Italians Vote in Regional Elections

By AIDAN LEWIS
Associated Press Writer

April 3, 2005, 10:54 PM EDT

ROME -- Italians voted Sunday in regional elections seen as a key test for Premier Silvio Berlusconi's ruling coalition but overshadowed by the death of Pope John Paul II.

More than 41 million people were eligible to vote in the election of the governors and councils in 13 of Italy's 20 regions. The ballot is considered an indicator of the center-right government's strength ahead of general elections due next year.

Voting started Sunday and was to continue on Monday. Going into the election, Berlusconi's ruling coalition controlled eight of the regions that were up for grabs. The center-left opposition held power in the remaining five regions.

In recent days, as the 84-year-old pontiff's health took a turn for the worse, the campaign was toned down and most politicians canceled their rallies and joined the chorus of mourning after John Paul died on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, leaders from both sides, including Berlusconi, joined prelates to pray in front of the pope's body lying in state at the Vatican -- an event that was shown live on Italian television.

There were calls for the election to be postponed, but Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu refused to have the vote delayed. "The pain for the Holy Father cannot distract us from our duties as citizens," Pisanu said.

As polls closed Sunday evening, the ministry said that average voter turnout was 55.2 percent.

Politicians have exchanged sharp jabs during the campaign, with leaders from both coalitions saying they see the election as a referendum on government policies that include support for the war in Iraq, tax cuts and controversial constitutional reforms.

Last month, the campaign was further inflamed when Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of Italy's fascist dictator, was accused of ballot fraud.

Mussolini, leader of the small extreme-right party Social Alternative, was initially barred from the ballot for allegedly falsifying hundreds of voter signatures on the list parties needed to present to run in Lazio, the region that includes Rome.

Although a top administrative court later reinstated Mussolini on the ballot, the campaign was marred by accusations that the conservative coalition had instigated the investigation of Mussolini's party lists for fear she would steal precious votes from the mainstream right-wing party.

---------------------------------
Now a view on the election of the next Pope. I am rooting for an African. John Paul II shined a light on Eastern Europe's darkness helping to bring it out of its long dark winter. Could an African pontiff draw the world's attention to the horrors endured by the faithful on African soil? Force the world to see the consequences of the wars, massacres, enslavement, famine, and AIDs, leading to the misery and death of millions of Africans.....

Cardinal Turkson leaves for Rome
Accra, April 04, GNA - Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, the Archbishop of Cape Coast, left Accra for on Sunday for Rome to participate in the funeral of Pope John Paul II and join the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope.

Speaking to journalists before departure at the Kotoka International Airport, Cardinal Turkson asked for the prayer of the nation for God's guidance in the choice of a new Pope.

He paid tribute to the late Pope for his contribution to the spiritual and the material welfare of mankind as well as the growth and recognition of the African Diocese of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Turkson mentioned in particular the increase in Ghana's dioceses from 10 to 18 as well as his elevation to a cardinal. Asked whether there was a chance of an African being chosen as a pope, Cardinal Turkson answered in the affirmative. " In this selection there is no room for politicking since we will be confined, so there would be no communication with the outside world and we will depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance".

Cardinal Turkson was seen off at the airport by Archbishop George Kochery, Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana and Monsignor Osei Agyemang, Secretary General of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference.

Source: GNA

Meet the Misleys

Meet the Misleys
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.

What a motley crew? Here are Barbara's in laws in all their glory! Alessandro and Roberta, their kids, Mikela and Marco, Cicco and Francesca, with Benadetta and Julius (as in Hail Caesar), Virginia, me, the girls, and of course the Misley's dog, Sam.

After many heated discussions of where to eat our picnic lunch, can you imagine the strategy involved in order to get them all to pose for a group photo? This was the best effort. Pretty pathetic.

All kidding aside, we did have a lovely day and think they did too. Here is hoping, we are one step closer to our summer tans and a few centimeters nearer to our swim suit size!

A presto!

Il Papa

Baio di Silenzio
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.

Il Papa, Giovanni Paulo II, e' morto.

What a time to be living in Italy. We saw the news last night and heard the bells this afternoon. A great man has passed on and left a legacy we will all be pondering for some time to come.

In the spirit of Il Papa's message of life, we decided that instead of attending a somber mass, to embrace life as he did and enjoy the bounty in front of us. Sam, Sarah, her friend Virginia, Anna, and myself took a lovely hike in the hills behind Sestri Levante. We were joined by our friends the Misleys and their extended family.

The Pope was an avid outdoors-man before his rise to the papacy and tried to keep active even with the demands of his calling and declining health. Given the events of this past week, maybe we should all give thanks for what we have been blessed with, slow down for a bit, and experience what is good and real right in front of us. We never know what tomorrow brings.....

Krista