And soon to be gone.
This devastation on my street is what I woke to this morning. At 6:45 the chainsaws started their engines and their destruction. By 8 am 6 trees were down and hauled away. At this rate, it will all be over by the end of the day and a once beautiful boulevard will be just a scar running through Chiavari.
So tragic, needless, and sad. A little history on the topic go to my post on March 3rd. Click here.
A few of my neighbors and myself passed around a petition. We gathered thousands of signatures and to no avail. Down now are the beautiful trees. Soon there will be a long road with out shade and blooms. Why? For vanity. For nothing. A mayor's foolish pride and for sure to line the pocket of some friend with a nursery. Do you know where exactly on my street this horror began? Right in front of my apartment building. Which is not at the beginning or the end of the street, it is smack in the middle. Why? Just to piss us off I suppose. Those who dared to oppose the sindaco of Chiavari, who by the way stands as tall as me. He is a very small man, I have shaken his cold hand. The power politics of Chiavari has now only become a vergogna, an embarrassment. A line of stumps on the ground for dogs to pee and poo in.
Should I go on to point out that there is not one person on the street this morning protesting this episode. No one blocking the chainsaws. Imagine if this was another country like the USA or the UK? The uproar would stop the machines in their tracks. Who, these days, cuts down perfectly healthy trees only to replace them with palms - just because at one time there were palms? Which by the way, died, just like the new ones will eventually.
This episode points out what is so clearly wrong with Italy and Italians. Why they elected a Berlesconi, a Prodi. Why there is corruption and why nothing really ever changes. No one stands up. Everyone argues and nothing changes. There is little grass roots action other than to wrap one's self in a rainbow flag and yell "pace" - peace and point the finger at someone else. I ask you, where are all those environmentalists and green people this morning? Sleeping for sure.
Krista
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Happy Birthday Auntie Sonja
Happy Birthday to my sister in law, Sonja. Today she is... well, I am not saying. Lets just say, she is very happy in Frankfurt and getting to do what all Crockfords to best. MOVE House.
Tanti Auguri e Buon Conpleano a te!
Krista
Tanti Auguri e Buon Conpleano a te!
Krista
Monday, May 29, 2006
Memorial Day
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
This poem inspired the American Moina Michael to write this:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies
American, Canadian, European.... Remember your country's fallen heroes Memorial/Remembrance Day and everyday.
Today is Memorial Day in the United States.
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
And so on and so on.
Go decorate a grave, watch a parade, and remember those you gave their lives fighting wars. Or do what most Americans do on Memorial day, watch the Indy 500, have a bbq and go shopping at the mall. There are always huge Memorial Day sales...
Krista
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Andersen Festival
Here are the African Acrobats doing their thing in Sestri Levante.
We, meaning Sam, myself, Anna and Valentina, joined up with some of our friends for an evening of more multicultural fun at the Hans Christian Anderson Festival, an annual event that we have seemed to miss 5 years running. Well, better late than never.
I had such a good time last night I am going back. This time with out the kids or even Sam. He is on his way to rustle up some business in Brasil.
Poor him.
Click on over to Joanne's blog for some more scoop on the Anderson Festival. The event is a sort of annual ritual for her and she has blogged quite nicely about it.
Krista
We, meaning Sam, myself, Anna and Valentina, joined up with some of our friends for an evening of more multicultural fun at the Hans Christian Anderson Festival, an annual event that we have seemed to miss 5 years running. Well, better late than never.
I had such a good time last night I am going back. This time with out the kids or even Sam. He is on his way to rustle up some business in Brasil.
Poor him.
Click on over to Joanne's blog for some more scoop on the Anderson Festival. The event is a sort of annual ritual for her and she has blogged quite nicely about it.
Krista
Grazia Dio!
Here is Anna Banana at her last ever end of the year school recital. I could go on about the global theme.... we all can be friends... or the cariticures that mutliculturalism has made cultures into....or a bunch of elementary age catholic school kids singing John Lennon's "Imagine" to the nuns.... "Imagine there's no religion" ect...ect...ect... You all know the words. Loads of irony in that. Lets just leave it with this. Anna did well. The kids had a great time. And thank god this the last end of school recital Sam and I have to suffer through. It is one thing to enjoy your kids, but to suffer through everyone elses.... Pazienza.
Sommeliers in Camoglie!
Joanne and I enjoying another glass of wine and another magical Italian sunset!
I have been busy as can be this week trying to keep up with all the activities that seem to pile on as the days get longer.
I started off the week going to a wine tasting event in Camoglie hosted by the Associatione Italiana Sommeliers. Joanne and I met up with another American couple who are currently dropping out of the rat race of San Francisco and now living in Portofino. We concentrated on tasting white wine, vermentino to be exact, to find the one we liked the best. No an easy choice. After several glasses, they all tasted the same, like white wine. At the end of the evening we had our sciaccetra which we had saved for last. Sciaccetra is a dessert wine made from dried grapes left on the vine that are only grown in the Cinque Terre, and marveled at how lucky we are to live in such a fantastic place.
I know, I know.... I have the life!
Krista
I have been busy as can be this week trying to keep up with all the activities that seem to pile on as the days get longer.
I started off the week going to a wine tasting event in Camoglie hosted by the Associatione Italiana Sommeliers. Joanne and I met up with another American couple who are currently dropping out of the rat race of San Francisco and now living in Portofino. We concentrated on tasting white wine, vermentino to be exact, to find the one we liked the best. No an easy choice. After several glasses, they all tasted the same, like white wine. At the end of the evening we had our sciaccetra which we had saved for last. Sciaccetra is a dessert wine made from dried grapes left on the vine that are only grown in the Cinque Terre, and marveled at how lucky we are to live in such a fantastic place.
I know, I know.... I have the life!
Krista
Monday, May 15, 2006
San Giovanni Battista
These photos are proof that Sunday's prima communione mass was hectic and very nice.
After attending this rite of passage for 3 years in a row, there are a few things you can count on at this "grande spettacolo". First, everyone turns out in their Sunday finest. Or at least they try. You see the full range of fashion, from the grand senora to the punk kids. All in their best. Second. Confusion and crowds. There is never one seat empty as the child's complete extended family is expected to show up. No one takes charge and we all seem to move in mass not really knowing how it all works (at least for us foreigners). Lastly, since our church reserves the second Sunday of the May for prima communione, there are always conflicts with several important things in our lives. For instance, yesterday was Mother's Day. Who cares about moms when there are cute kids in white robes running around. There was the Antique Market in the carrugio. Imagine if you had to find a parking spot yesterday? Finally, there was the annual Marcia di Chiavari, a 12k run in the hills behind our home, which for the last 3 years Sam has been unable to run because of this conflict. Porca Miseria!
If you want to learn more about our little church in Chiavari click here. Scroll down till you see "Parrocchie On Line...." 3rd over on the top row is S. Giovanni Chiavari. Click the link and then the English Flag! I cannot believe I found this in English! Uno Miracolo! Now I can learn the historical importance of the church we attend!
Click on over to Joanne's blog for the complete photo journal of the day and you might get a feel for what I have been telling you about.
As for Sam and his running, he is training for the next race, "Le Cinque Campanili" in Zoagli, the most difficult 12k race in town! 6k uphill and 6k downhill.
A tardi!
Krista
Sam da Man!
Here is my man Sam right after his "little presentation" Friday afternoon. His topic? "The Global Impact Of Italian Shipbuilding" but of course. His audience? The newly formed British Chamber of Commerce in Italy's Genoa chapter. As expected, Sam was a star. He had his facts, he had his figures, and sounded like he knew his stuff. Best of all, he had his company logo on every one of his little PowerPoint slides. Go Saranna!
We had a nice lunch, chatted to some old friends and made some new ones.
Ciao!
Krista
Rites of Spring
Prima Communione Chaos....
Yesterday was Davide Costa's, Anna's male partner in crime, prima communione. Joanne was left to celebrate this rite of passage alone. Silvio is still playing his role as "Silvio of Arabia" and hopefully will be home soon.
The event was, as usual, crowded and chaotic. Sam and I tried to snap a photo of Davide with his friends after mass, but no dice, you will have to settle for a photo of me. After mass, Joanne invited us back to her home for a light lunch. The food was great, company lovely, and Sam and I had a nice day. Though at one point one of Silvio's elderly aunts cornered me for my chocolate chip cookie recipe! I tried my best to translate it, including metric conversion. I just hope she was being polite and has no intention of making them!
After lunch Sam and I took the kids, plus Sara Costa, to Sestri Levante to our favorite beach. We kicked back, had a mojito or two, and enjoyed the rest the afternoon. When we dropped off Sara C. at home, Joanne invited us in for round 2 of the communiune festivities, eating the leftovers. This time, minus the relatives....
A presto!
Krista
Yesterday was Davide Costa's, Anna's male partner in crime, prima communione. Joanne was left to celebrate this rite of passage alone. Silvio is still playing his role as "Silvio of Arabia" and hopefully will be home soon.
The event was, as usual, crowded and chaotic. Sam and I tried to snap a photo of Davide with his friends after mass, but no dice, you will have to settle for a photo of me. After mass, Joanne invited us back to her home for a light lunch. The food was great, company lovely, and Sam and I had a nice day. Though at one point one of Silvio's elderly aunts cornered me for my chocolate chip cookie recipe! I tried my best to translate it, including metric conversion. I just hope she was being polite and has no intention of making them!
After lunch Sam and I took the kids, plus Sara Costa, to Sestri Levante to our favorite beach. We kicked back, had a mojito or two, and enjoyed the rest the afternoon. When we dropped off Sara C. at home, Joanne invited us in for round 2 of the communiune festivities, eating the leftovers. This time, minus the relatives....
A presto!
Krista
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Its my party...
and I will cry if I want to!
Ahh, the stress of getting your way for 2 days! Something had to come along to break the spell.
Sarah was very happy to be at the beach with all her friends - but - not enthusiastic about eating pansoti! I suppose "mind reader" is part of the mom job description.
After the beach we returned home minus 4 of the girls but added Anna and Davide to mix. The kids scoffed up the last of the cookies and chips and played some more. The day had to end and all eventually went home. Grazie Dio!
Sarah crashed at about 8:30 and is hopefully having sweet dreams.
Check in over at Joanne's blog for more birthday photos!
I am off for some much needed couch time!
Buona Notte a tutti!
Ahh, the stress of getting your way for 2 days! Something had to come along to break the spell.
Sarah was very happy to be at the beach with all her friends - but - not enthusiastic about eating pansoti! I suppose "mind reader" is part of the mom job description.
After the beach we returned home minus 4 of the girls but added Anna and Davide to mix. The kids scoffed up the last of the cookies and chips and played some more. The day had to end and all eventually went home. Grazie Dio!
Sarah crashed at about 8:30 and is hopefully having sweet dreams.
Check in over at Joanne's blog for more birthday photos!
I am off for some much needed couch time!
Buona Notte a tutti!
Sam Working at the Beach
Poor suffering Sam. He spent the day shuttling around little girls. What he really needed to do was work on a presentation he is giving Friday! As you can clearly see, he did manage to squeeze in some time for work and get in a bit of sun!
Les Sommelier on The Beach!
The party went on and on....
This morning, Sarah somehow convinced me to drag 7 screaming girls to the beach! A quick change, a hasty departure from the house and mad dash to the train station - I managed to get to the train on time? Did they? Nope. We took the next one and spent the rest of the day at Mark and Cristina's now famous, if you read my blog, beach bar. The kids played, had a pasta lunch and even took a dip in the sea. Sam joined us bringing his computer so he could work and tagging along in the mini were Joanne, Anna and Davide.
After all were fed and busy, Joanne and I enjoyed a little piece and quiet - and a lovely glass of wine.
Wine might have been the excitement of the day for us, but for the kids.... At the next beach sitting with some friends who we happen to know, was one of the Footballers/Soccer players for the Genoa team. Poor him. Before you know it, there was a queue up for autographs. My rascals leading the way!
Ciao!
This morning, Sarah somehow convinced me to drag 7 screaming girls to the beach! A quick change, a hasty departure from the house and mad dash to the train station - I managed to get to the train on time? Did they? Nope. We took the next one and spent the rest of the day at Mark and Cristina's now famous, if you read my blog, beach bar. The kids played, had a pasta lunch and even took a dip in the sea. Sam joined us bringing his computer so he could work and tagging along in the mini were Joanne, Anna and Davide.
After all were fed and busy, Joanne and I enjoyed a little piece and quiet - and a lovely glass of wine.
Wine might have been the excitement of the day for us, but for the kids.... At the next beach sitting with some friends who we happen to know, was one of the Footballers/Soccer players for the Genoa team. Poor him. Before you know it, there was a queue up for autographs. My rascals leading the way!
Ciao!
The Breakfast Club
Here they are, the pajama wearing pre and teen set!
Left to right:
Sarah, Virginia, Kelly, Sara, Silvia, Julia and Gemma.
Note the fresh healthy choices I laid out for them this morning. Think that they ate those? No Way! The girls went staight for the left over cupcakes, Nutella, whipped cream and sprinkles! Only healthy thing that went into their mouths? Strawberries.
Now I am off to the beach with 7 chicks in tow! Mamma Mia!
Krista
Left to right:
Sarah, Virginia, Kelly, Sara, Silvia, Julia and Gemma.
Note the fresh healthy choices I laid out for them this morning. Think that they ate those? No Way! The girls went staight for the left over cupcakes, Nutella, whipped cream and sprinkles! Only healthy thing that went into their mouths? Strawberries.
Now I am off to the beach with 7 chicks in tow! Mamma Mia!
Krista
Pajamapalooza 2006
Sarah and her friends hit the sack last night at about midnight. They made their beds on the floor, sorted out who slept where and actually fell asleep - at about 1 am. If you think about it, that was pretty good for 7 giggling girls.
Kelly and Gemma took the beds, Sarah, Sara, Silvia, Julia and Virginia hit the floor and slept like sardines in a can. Where is Anna you ask? She stayed over Joanne's last night with Davide. Seems Anna and Davide had a date with Wrestling Mania. She left just as the party was starting and she seemed happy to get away from the chaos.
At the moment the girls are quietly waking up. Soon, I am sure they will be looking for something to eat. Gotta go and get breakfast for 7 on the table!
Ciao!
Krista
Kelly and Gemma took the beds, Sarah, Sara, Silvia, Julia and Virginia hit the floor and slept like sardines in a can. Where is Anna you ask? She stayed over Joanne's last night with Davide. Seems Anna and Davide had a date with Wrestling Mania. She left just as the party was starting and she seemed happy to get away from the chaos.
At the moment the girls are quietly waking up. Soon, I am sure they will be looking for something to eat. Gotta go and get breakfast for 7 on the table!
Ciao!
Krista
Time Warp
At this present moment there are 7 pre pubescent girls trying to sort out who is going to sleep where in Sarah's room tonight! Augh! I do not truly think I am going to get any sleep this evening. I leave it to the ragazze to sort it out.
In reality, they know best, don't they? The minute I add my two cents, whatever plan they may or may not have had will fall apart. One can only count on the law of fatigue in these trying moments during little girl's sleepovers. After pizza, cookies, cupcakes, and ghost stories, these little ladies should be well on their way to slumber land. One can only hope, that is.
Me, I am in dream land already. It is not the need for sleep or the lovely wine served by Ian and Silvia this evening. I did mention I arranged for a sitter, didn't I? Sam and I escaped this madness for the tranquility of the Lewis'. It does seem to me that only yesterday our little Sarah was our precious newborn baby. New born smell, fluffly black hair and all that came with the magical moment.
It's astounding, time is fleeting
Madness takes its toll
But listen closely, not for very much longer
I've got to keep control
To quote the Frankenfuter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
Seems apt, doesn't it?
Today, and each and every day that follows, Sarah is well on her way to maturity and her destiny. She is intelligent, wise and most days, she just drives us crazy. All I can say is that the last 12 years have flown by, cliche, I know. Yet, it was only yesterday I was a new mom with a beautiful babe in my arms.
Ahh....As my mom always said, "Youth is wasted on the young". Really, it was George Bernard Shaw. But, I think she got it from the movie "Its a Wonderful Life" "Aw, youth is wasted on the wrong people!", by the grumpy old man on the porch. (1946). Knowing my mom, who never read a book, yet, saw every movie. This is where she got it from.
Happy Birthday my little one. Don't grow up too fast.
Love,
Mom
In reality, they know best, don't they? The minute I add my two cents, whatever plan they may or may not have had will fall apart. One can only count on the law of fatigue in these trying moments during little girl's sleepovers. After pizza, cookies, cupcakes, and ghost stories, these little ladies should be well on their way to slumber land. One can only hope, that is.
Me, I am in dream land already. It is not the need for sleep or the lovely wine served by Ian and Silvia this evening. I did mention I arranged for a sitter, didn't I? Sam and I escaped this madness for the tranquility of the Lewis'. It does seem to me that only yesterday our little Sarah was our precious newborn baby. New born smell, fluffly black hair and all that came with the magical moment.
It's astounding, time is fleeting
Madness takes its toll
But listen closely, not for very much longer
I've got to keep control
To quote the Frankenfuter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
Seems apt, doesn't it?
Today, and each and every day that follows, Sarah is well on her way to maturity and her destiny. She is intelligent, wise and most days, she just drives us crazy. All I can say is that the last 12 years have flown by, cliche, I know. Yet, it was only yesterday I was a new mom with a beautiful babe in my arms.
Ahh....As my mom always said, "Youth is wasted on the young". Really, it was George Bernard Shaw. But, I think she got it from the movie "Its a Wonderful Life" "Aw, youth is wasted on the wrong people!", by the grumpy old man on the porch. (1946). Knowing my mom, who never read a book, yet, saw every movie. This is where she got it from.
Happy Birthday my little one. Don't grow up too fast.
Love,
Mom
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Hidden Surpises
As you can clearly see, there are many treasures to be found inside an Italian country home. That is after you climb over weeds and whack back the cobwebs!
Even a red Fiat!
Krista
Even a red Fiat!
Krista
Wreck Number 3
Now here is a real scary house. What does it have going for it? First the price, very low. Second, a great view. Though, not a pretty as the house with the vines. Yet, if you have an imagination and the inclination, this house could be made into a very beautiful country home. The walls are solid stone!
A Pergola....
That belongs to the home with the vineyard I posted earlier. For the moment, this is the house I keep referring to. I suppose I must like it. The view... Breathtaking. These vines are what you see as soon as you exit the house from your shuttered doors!
House Number 1
A long and winding road.
Lovely isn't it? Love the fence. A shame the house was too small for us. The property way beautiful!
Lovely isn't it? Love the fence. A shame the house was too small for us. The property way beautiful!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Vines
Dolcetto Vines.... And the house, at the moment, in my world, that is - it is in 1st place....
Isn't the view just lovely!
The vines are DOC, Dolcetto della Langhe Monregalesi. However you say it or grow it, it is a very nice red table wine!
Cin Cin!
Isn't the view just lovely!
The vines are DOC, Dolcetto della Langhe Monregalesi. However you say it or grow it, it is a very nice red table wine!
Cin Cin!
Me and a house....
Believe it or not.... that is me looking at a house. A long way from the tract housing in San Diego, CA for sure, but really, if you look hard enough there is a house under all that vegetation!
Sam and I have, since selling our home in the sunny CA, been looking for a home in hilly Piemonte. For those that do not speak Italian, Piemonte literally translates to... Foot hills. And in this case we are talking about the foothills of the Alps! Not a shabby place.
We have spent the last couple of weeks touring properties and taking in the area. I have come to the conclusion, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Sam and I have seen nothing but wrecks. Yet, underneath all the overgrowth and destruction of the ages, you can find a diamond in the rough. Have we found it? I am not sure. The fun is in the search, no? If I had married the first man who asked, would I be with Sam? Nah... Onwards we go.... Where we stop? Nobody knows?
Hence, we keep on looking. And. After all our searching today, we stopped in to see our friends with the Hotel near Nizza Monferatto. You can find the link here or in the sidebar under "La Villa Hotel". We shared a coffee, caught up and of course, talked real estate. Keep in mind, our hotelier friends traded in their high power jobs and and flash lifestyle in London to be hoteliers in Italy. Not an easy feat. They have courage.
When we parted company, we parted with their daughters in the back of the mini. How could we not? Sarah and Anna have been begging for months for Gemma and Kelly to visit. So, tonight, Sam and I have 4 girls who range from 10 to 14 sleeping in our house! That is just the warm up. Tomorrow is Sarah's 12th Birthday Party. Oy Vey! We will have 8 screaming, boy crazy girls eating pizza and sleeping over. Did I mention that I arranged for a babysitter for tomorrow night?
Cheers!
Krista
Sam and I have, since selling our home in the sunny CA, been looking for a home in hilly Piemonte. For those that do not speak Italian, Piemonte literally translates to... Foot hills. And in this case we are talking about the foothills of the Alps! Not a shabby place.
We have spent the last couple of weeks touring properties and taking in the area. I have come to the conclusion, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. Sam and I have seen nothing but wrecks. Yet, underneath all the overgrowth and destruction of the ages, you can find a diamond in the rough. Have we found it? I am not sure. The fun is in the search, no? If I had married the first man who asked, would I be with Sam? Nah... Onwards we go.... Where we stop? Nobody knows?
Hence, we keep on looking. And. After all our searching today, we stopped in to see our friends with the Hotel near Nizza Monferatto. You can find the link here or in the sidebar under "La Villa Hotel". We shared a coffee, caught up and of course, talked real estate. Keep in mind, our hotelier friends traded in their high power jobs and and flash lifestyle in London to be hoteliers in Italy. Not an easy feat. They have courage.
When we parted company, we parted with their daughters in the back of the mini. How could we not? Sarah and Anna have been begging for months for Gemma and Kelly to visit. So, tonight, Sam and I have 4 girls who range from 10 to 14 sleeping in our house! That is just the warm up. Tomorrow is Sarah's 12th Birthday Party. Oy Vey! We will have 8 screaming, boy crazy girls eating pizza and sleeping over. Did I mention that I arranged for a babysitter for tomorrow night?
Cheers!
Krista
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
A May Day Still Life...
I am in a reflective mood this morning.... bear with me.
Yesterday was of course, May Day. A day of bonfires, protests and agitation. For Us? It was another day off in the Italian spring holiday extravaganza. Seems we have had an awful lot of holidays one after the other. Next one in the line up....Festa Della Repubblica, June 6th! Woo Hoo! Italians work hard all winter, warm up the holiday season in spring for the coast through summer.... Ahh... La Dolce vita!
In Italy, life revolves around the family. It is the single most important aspect that holds people together. Me? My family is spread thin and in the U.S. of A. Sam's, they are all over Europe. I have to admit, when the holidays do come around, I get fed up when my Italian friends or acquaintances start asking me if I am going home to "my people". I consider my self home where ever Sam and the girls are. Not where I was born. By Sam and I choosing to live that way we do - I have learned to rely on myself. A very important lesson in life. Also I have learned to rely on the kindness of strangers. With that philosophy I have knitted together a sort of family everywhere I have lived, even here in Chiavari.
See this photo? What a great still life of my existence it is. In it you see that picnic table? My dad bought that for the girls many years ago when we lived in Coronado, CA. It has made 3 moves and now lives with the Lewis Family in Chiavari who first extended a helping hand to us 6 years ago when we arrived in Liguria. That straw bag? Was purchased by me a few years ago on a trip to Nice -the mother in law has one too, I bought her one and me one, I take mine with me as I travel all over the globe. The wine, Dolcetto di Alba, is right from the zone in Piemonte where Sam and I spent Saturday looking at properties - who would have thought we would want a house in Italy? Ian, our trusty friend is looking at the photos of the wrecks we saw Saturday while Sam bbqs on his grill with the help of Sara Costa, Joanne's daughter. We were 3 families yesterday. The Lewis', The Costas, and The Crockfords. All ex pats. All married to someone not from our country and not living in our countries. We stick together, rely on each other, and somehow we have managed to stitch together a loose knit extended family. I have a good life here. Everyone that knows me says that. But, like anyone anywhere, it has it ups and down. Without my friends, life would be a lonely existence. Where would I be without the kindness of strangers?
Krista
Yesterday was of course, May Day. A day of bonfires, protests and agitation. For Us? It was another day off in the Italian spring holiday extravaganza. Seems we have had an awful lot of holidays one after the other. Next one in the line up....Festa Della Repubblica, June 6th! Woo Hoo! Italians work hard all winter, warm up the holiday season in spring for the coast through summer.... Ahh... La Dolce vita!
In Italy, life revolves around the family. It is the single most important aspect that holds people together. Me? My family is spread thin and in the U.S. of A. Sam's, they are all over Europe. I have to admit, when the holidays do come around, I get fed up when my Italian friends or acquaintances start asking me if I am going home to "my people". I consider my self home where ever Sam and the girls are. Not where I was born. By Sam and I choosing to live that way we do - I have learned to rely on myself. A very important lesson in life. Also I have learned to rely on the kindness of strangers. With that philosophy I have knitted together a sort of family everywhere I have lived, even here in Chiavari.
See this photo? What a great still life of my existence it is. In it you see that picnic table? My dad bought that for the girls many years ago when we lived in Coronado, CA. It has made 3 moves and now lives with the Lewis Family in Chiavari who first extended a helping hand to us 6 years ago when we arrived in Liguria. That straw bag? Was purchased by me a few years ago on a trip to Nice -the mother in law has one too, I bought her one and me one, I take mine with me as I travel all over the globe. The wine, Dolcetto di Alba, is right from the zone in Piemonte where Sam and I spent Saturday looking at properties - who would have thought we would want a house in Italy? Ian, our trusty friend is looking at the photos of the wrecks we saw Saturday while Sam bbqs on his grill with the help of Sara Costa, Joanne's daughter. We were 3 families yesterday. The Lewis', The Costas, and The Crockfords. All ex pats. All married to someone not from our country and not living in our countries. We stick together, rely on each other, and somehow we have managed to stitch together a loose knit extended family. I have a good life here. Everyone that knows me says that. But, like anyone anywhere, it has it ups and down. Without my friends, life would be a lonely existence. Where would I be without the kindness of strangers?
Krista
Monday, May 01, 2006
Piggy Is As Piggy Does.....
To my surprise yesterday, my favorite local "Macellaria" (Butcher Shop) was open. Of course back to May Day and the bbqing in the mountains... Anyway, this butcher, who is one of the best in Chiavari, who wins prizes for his cows and all that, also raises pigs. Every year in the fall he proudly shows off his latest little piggies by posting a photo of the new litter in the window. If you would like, you can reserve your choice for the spring May Day festival. As I entered the door, experience told me to keep my eyes down, I did not want to see the slaughter hanging on the hooks. But - not a dead piggy in sight. After I wrapped up my order, I asked where were all the little piggies? The response, "This year there were none". How strange was that. "Why?", I asked. The girl that was helping me looked one way, then the other, then tapped her right earlobe! The male pig was gay! No piggies this year. He was not interested in the sow - at all.
Oink Oink!
Krista
Oink Oink!
Krista
Happy May Day!
Yes, today is the day for the workers of the world to unite and all that. Here in Italy you have your protests and parades, but a huge number of people pack it up and head for the mountains to camp, bbq, and party ... Us? Not a chance! Me camp? No way.
Yesterday Sam said to me, "Lets go on a hike". Ok. Where to? "Sestri Levante", he said. Crazy, I know, but somehow he convinced me to go. Sarah was off again to Lerma with Virginia and Anna was with Valentina, I had no excuse - off I went.
The walk started off fine, that is until we started the climb behind Lavagna. We walked 3 hours, all uphill, till we reached the ridge behind Sestri - 692 meters or 2,270 feet above sea level!!! A short walk along the ridge, where we stumbled across the "youths" camping, then a sharp descent into Sestri Levante that took another 2 hours to reach. My motivation? Well, like all women my age, a smaller butt and slimmer waist, and of course to spend time with my husband. But, what kept me going? The vision of the apperitivo Sam promised me when we reached the end of the trail. When we reached Sestri, some 5 hours after we left Chiavari, we stopped in to see our friends with the bar on the beach and had a ice cold Mojito with fresh picked home grown mint! Ahhhh refreshing! I took off my sneakers to cool off my sore feet and sat back and enjoyed what was left of the sunset....
I hope you have a nice May Day. And remember...
Agitate. Educate. Organize.
Of course, throw another sausage on the bbq for me!
A presto!
Krista
Yesterday Sam said to me, "Lets go on a hike". Ok. Where to? "Sestri Levante", he said. Crazy, I know, but somehow he convinced me to go. Sarah was off again to Lerma with Virginia and Anna was with Valentina, I had no excuse - off I went.
The walk started off fine, that is until we started the climb behind Lavagna. We walked 3 hours, all uphill, till we reached the ridge behind Sestri - 692 meters or 2,270 feet above sea level!!! A short walk along the ridge, where we stumbled across the "youths" camping, then a sharp descent into Sestri Levante that took another 2 hours to reach. My motivation? Well, like all women my age, a smaller butt and slimmer waist, and of course to spend time with my husband. But, what kept me going? The vision of the apperitivo Sam promised me when we reached the end of the trail. When we reached Sestri, some 5 hours after we left Chiavari, we stopped in to see our friends with the bar on the beach and had a ice cold Mojito with fresh picked home grown mint! Ahhhh refreshing! I took off my sneakers to cool off my sore feet and sat back and enjoyed what was left of the sunset....
I hope you have a nice May Day. And remember...
Agitate. Educate. Organize.
Of course, throw another sausage on the bbq for me!
A presto!
Krista
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