A Passionate Life

Discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary

Italian journeys

 

 

Travelling to Italy from Australia – making it easy

[dropcap size=dropcap]A[/dropcap]ustralians love to travel and I’m one of them. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics we took a record 8.4 million short-term overseas trips in the year ending June 2013. That’s a lot of flying time!

As you know, I love pretty much everything about Italy. But the one thing I really don’t look forward to, is getting there. Did you know that transit time from the major capital cities in Australia to Milan or Rome is around 23 hours?  So, how do you make travelling as easy as possible? Continue Reading

A few of my favourite (Italian) things

The jasmine (gelsomino) is blooming on my verandah. It makes me feel homesick — for Italy. It’s been more than a year since my last trip and the absence of some of my favourite Italian things is being felt.

Gelsomino
The sweet fragrance of gelsomino, as well as geraniums growing in profusion in window boxes everywhere are quintessentials of an Italian summer.
Some special things characteristic of an italian summer which I miss:
  • The ora dell’aperitivo, between 7.00 and 8.00pm in the piazza with the heat rising from the cobblestones, drinking a Spritz Aperol before dinner.
  • Mellifluous Italian voices enveloping me like a beautiful silk scarf in their musical tones
  • Gelato, the real stuff, not that sweet, fake confection which is served up in Adelaide.
  • The smell of fresh foccacia wafting up from the bakery (panicifio) below my apartment early in the morning.
  • Swimming in the clear blue waters of the Ligurian Sea, warm and much saltier compared with the cold waters of the Southern Ocean.

Here in Adelaide we are coming to the end of a very wet winter. It’s been a time of hunkering down, keeping warm and trying to keep the Italian journey going.

One of my favourite (Italian) things is listening to my favourite Italian radio station Kiss Kiss Italia which comes from Naples. They play only Italian music, mainly top 20 with some news and talk and of course commercials, which I love just as much as the songs.

Another favourite is Capri a TV serial filmed on the Island of Capri, which is off the coast of Naples. It has intrigue, romance and some great characters. My favourite is Kaspar Capparoni who plays the blonde hero Massimo …handsome, kind, passionate, great physique… the perfect Italian man in my opinion!

Cooking is one of my passions and although I tend to eat out when I’m in Italy, when I’m home, Italian food is favourite.

I’ve recently tried my hand at baking focaccia… with less than perfect results! I found the recipe on a great food blog called Silvia’s Cucina, with authentic italian recipes by a young Italian woman living in Australia. Beautiful pictures and great recipes.

focaccia
Focaccia from my oven

My focaccia didn’t look quite like Silvia’s although I followed the recipe religiously.  But, I’ll have another go soon and let you know the result.

Sometimes it’s the small things — the voices, the smell of baking bread — that you miss most…

Alla prossima …Isabella

Wading through the foreign language swamp

Learning a foreign language is like wading through a swamp: you take two steps forward …and your foot  sticks in the mud. You hit a snag and have to take a couple of steps back to find a better way forward. Sometimes, you just get bogged.

Vocabolario

I’ve been studying Italian for more than four years and it seems the more I learn, I realise how much more I still need to learn. It’s been found that in the early stages of foreign language learning, we acquire around 2000 words which occur with high frequency. But that isn’t enough for real conversations, to understand the news or to read a book. Apparently, around 7000 words are ideal.

… there is general consensus that 5,000 base words is a minimal requirement, while for non-specialised, academic reading a considerably larger vocabulary is needed. It is therefore necessary that a large number of words be learned in a short period of time at the intermediate and advanced stages of language acquisition.

Peter Groot

 

So, how do you learn so many words?

My teachers at InClasse recommend reading, listening and viewing as we need to ‘interact’ with a word between 5 and 16 times  in order to retain it. I decided to give up reading English language books for a year and focus on Italian books and newspapers (you remember my goal is to be fluent).

Libri italiani

I’ve read a number of Italian books now and  actually enjoy it even thoughI don’t know all the words.I started with dual language books but found that I was constantly looking at the English translation. I’ve graduated to novels now, some by Italian authors and some translated from English. I’ll talk about some of the books I’ve read  another time but there is a secret to reading in Italian.

The secret is not to interrupt your reading flow. So, do not  look up words as you’re reading, just  try and get the sense of the text and leave the dictionary ’til the end of the chapter.

I love Italian movies too; some of my favourites are Marriage Italian Style (Matrimonio all’Italiana) with Sophia Loren; Bread and Tulips (Pane e Tulipani) starring Licia Maglietta as well as the famous Federico Fellini satire, La Dolce Vita with Marcello Mastroianni. Did you know that the pejorative term paparazzi originated from this film?  Mastroianni, the journalist hero had a side-kick, a photographer named Paparazzo.  At home, I prefer to watch movies with the Italian subtitles, not  english. This helps with my comprehension, especially if  the characters speak too quickly or are difficult to understand.

Listening to the Italian news on the radio  or watching on TV is the most difficult for me as newsreaders seem to speak really quickly, and if you’ve ever listened to the weather forecast (previsioni del tempo) and you can understand it, hats off to you! I’ve been told to keep listening as it becomes easier to understand.

Visiting Italy, eating the food, admiring the magnificent  art and enjoying the culture is all the richer if you are able to speak the language.  So if  like me, you are learning Italian, trying to  wade through the language without hitting a snag, or worse, getting bogged, take a different tack. Try some Italian television – reality shows are entertaining and the language is repetitive which is good for expanding your vocabulary and comprehension. Watch an Italian movie without the English subtitles or read some Italian cartoons (fumetti).

I think the main thing is to keep at it. I’ll see you on the other side of the swamp.

Auguri sinceri …Isabella

Italian celebrations – Ferragosto

[dropcap size=dropcap]I[/dropcap]talians love celebrations. At any time of the year you can experience a sagra – a festival dedicated to a particular local food; truffles, polenta, fish… or a saint’s day when special dishes are eaten, or the well known celebrations like the Venice Carnevale or the Palio in Siena. On 15 August it’s Ferragosto, from the latin feriae Augusti (Augustus’ rest).

Ferragosto is an Italian tradition dating back to the year 18BC when Emperor Augustus  declared it the beginning of festivities to mark the the end of the harvest season. It was a time of rest and celebrations which included the animals that laboured during the harvest.

Later, the church proclaimed it a religious holiday, commemorating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And still later, Mussolini declared 15 August a national holiday with discounted train travel (called the ‘people’s trains of Ferragosto’) so that Italians could visit different parts of the country.

The festive tradition continues today with some shops and businesses closing not just for the day  — Chiuso per ferie — but for their annual vacation. Typically, it’s the hottest time of year and many Italians begin their annual holidays around this date.  On the 15th, they head to the beach or get together with friends and family.

If you’re in Italy, you’ll find celebrations in many places, with food, music and parades. There is the Festa del mare (festival of the sea) in Diano Marina, Ligura which ends with fireworks in the evening. Rome has the Gran Ballo di Ferragosto  which are live dance performances in the piazze and in Montepulciano there is an historical pageant and games. Whatever takes your fancy, you’ll find a celebration to suit you somewhere in Italy.

Pranzo di FerragostoIf you’re like me and you’re not in Italy now, you might like to get into the spirit of Ferragosto with the charming Italian film Pranzo di Ferragosto (Mid August Lunch). It’s a bittersweet story about Gianni, a middle-aged man who lives with his demanding 93 year old mother. Gianni is a bit of a no-hoper who owes money around town and likes to have a drink. As a consequence of his debts, Gianni finds himself spending Ferragosto taking care of four demanding  women who have little in common. Humorous and sweet, the film also gives you an insight into the respect that Italians have for their older relatives.

 

Food of course is a big part of any Italian celebration. Grigliati (barbecues) are popular, and delicious summer fruits and vegetables as well as pasta are eaten. Chilled slices of watermelon (cocomero or anguria) is a favourite and you will find many roadside stalls selling this delicious taste of summer.

Here’s a great recipe for watermelon sorbet.

watermelon sorbet
Watermelon sorbet – Sorbetto all’anguria

http://ricette.giallozafferano.it/Sorbetto-all-anguria.html

Whatever you’re doing today, have a happy holiday!

Buon Ferragosto!  …Isabella

PS: Thanks to Nicolette for the featured graphic

Italian style, grace, and Il Galateo

Italian style is a natural attitude. It is about a life of good taste. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple but with good taste.
Luxury is possible to buy. Good taste is not.

                                                                                                ~ Diego Della Valle, Italian businessman

Il galateo, Italian grace and style at the table
Italian grace and style at the table of my dear friend Emi’s house. Even the simplest of fare is always served with flair and elegance

The words Italy and style are synonymous. Just think the Vespa, Valentino, and Versace.  And another sparkling symbol of style and grace is Sophia Loren, the epitome of the elegant donna matura (mature woman).  Italians have been creating beauty for a long time so it’s a way of life for them. The Italian philosophy which emphasises beauty, style and grace is called  ‘la bella figura’ or ‘the beautiful figure’.  But la bella figura is more than beauty, style and grace. It is also about behaving well or Il Galateo which translates to  ‘the rules of polite behaviour’. It’s what Italians Italians follow.

Il Galateo, a manual for behaving with grace, style, and respect
Galateo: The Rules of Polite Behavior (Il Galateo, overo de ‘costume) by Florentine Giovanni Della Casa (1503–56) was published in Venice in 1558. A delightful guide to what one should do and avoid in ordinary social life. –     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Il_Galateo

The origin of the phrase Il Galateo is a book  of the same name written during the renaissance period by Giovanni della Casa —  it was a manual for behaving with courtesy, dressing with elegance, and respect for others, which became popular throughout Europe.

According to Wikipedia: 

. . . this influential courtesy book of the Renaissance explores subjects such as dress, table manners, and conversation. It became so popular that the title, which refers to the name of one of the author’s distinguished friends, entered into the Italian language. To “not know the Galateo” means to be impolite, crude, and awkward in polite society.

Choosing flowers, Italian style
Italian style extends to furry four legged friends

Il Galateo is said to have been the foundation for the etiquette manuals we know today and that through it, the Italians taught the rest of the world how to behave. Italians today talk about  Il Galateo at the table – not only good manners, but the appropriate way to set the table; the giving of gifts and flowers; and even how to dress. As a manual or guide to behaving like an Italian in Italy, it is still relevant today.

Choosing flowers, the biggest bunch is not always the best
When choosing flowers as a gift, opt for elegance rather than size of the bouquet

The etiquette of flowers or Il Galateo dei fiori

Flowers are a thoughtful gift but the wrong flower for the occasion could be embarrassing for you and the recipient. Italians are superstitious and there is symbolism attached to colour and type of flower. Take care in your choice and you’ll be rewarded with sincere appreciation and thanks.

A few suggestions:

  • Huge bunches are generally not in good taste. It’s better to give a small bouquet chosen with care
  • Chrysanthemums are only for funerals
  • Orchids are the perfect gift for important occasions
  • Roses signify love and passion
  • Yellow flowers to your boyfriend are a symbol of  betrayal
  • A single flower such as a rose is only given to someone you love
  • For a man, flowers such as tulips or roses in bright colours are ideal
A stylish breakfast table
The table set for breakfast at the Villa Avenia, our bed and breakfast accommodation in Salerno

Il Galateo at the table

For a dinner party, an elegant table set with a clean tablecloth, the right number of glasses, napkins and cutlery and a beautiful centrepiece will impress your Italian guests. However, Il galateo means that there are a few other basic rules to be obeyed.

A few considerations for the host and guests:

  • Invite a compatible group of friends to ensure conviviality
  • Take a small beautifully wrapped gift, flowers or chocolates for the host. Quality, not quantity is the key
  • At the table don’t talk too loud, or too much
  • Elbows are off the table but hands are always in sight
  • Don’t start eating until everyone is ready
  • Whilst at the table, mobile telephones should be silent and nowhere in sight

Italian style is hard to beat, but good manners (buone maniere) cost nothing. So when in Italy, well, anywhere really, my advice is: behave like an Italian.

Buon divertimento!  

Colleen

 

 

 

Christmas Aussie style, New Years Eve stile Italiano

Hello everyone!

Thought I’d share one more memorable moment to conclude this series of posts. This time it’s not us in Italy, but  the Italians in Adelaide.

Our special friends braved the long journey from Italy to be with us at Christmas. A crazy different experience for them, starting with the weather! Hot and dry in Adelaide and then a trek (and I mean a trek!  …travel time is about 6 hours) to Kangaroo Island our little jewel off the coast of South   Australia.

Snellings Beach, Kangaroo Island
Snellings Beach, Kangaroo Island

Second difference is the food. Celebrating Christmas in the heat is so far removed from most peoples’ experiences of festive fare. Here in Australia, lamb is a must, as well as seafood of course. Our family tradition includes a baked ham, basted with a sweet marinade which includes pineapple juice, brandy and sugar. You have to taste it to believe the deliciousness!!

A stop along the way to Kangaroo Island for lunch at a vineyard. Yes, rest stops are needed! At Coriole, you could almost imagine yourself in Soave, in the Veneto, except maybe for the sunburnt  view of the Adelaide hills.  Ferry to the Island and another hour or so in the car before we reached Snellings Beach and our home away from home for the next five days.

Vineyards, McClaren Vale, South Australia
Vineyards, McClaren Vale, South Australia

Kangaroos, koalas, cockatoos and seals, pelicans and echidna to see and touch as well as white sandy beaches, snorkelling and body boarding− all part of this Australian adventure! No sharks, venomous snakes or deadly spiders in sight, contrary to my Italian friends’ perceptions of our wide brown land.

Greedy pelicans, Kangaroo Island
Greedy pelicans, Kangaroo Island
Catching a wave, Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island
Catching a wave, Stokes Bay, Kangaroo Island
Cuddling a koala
Cuddling a koala

New Year’s Eve began with learning to make tortellini…wow, no wonder the italians have such an appreciation for food! What a long process to form those tiny, tasty morsels! The menu included  vino which travelled all the way from Italy, tortellini alla panna, and to finish, the most delicious panettone con crema zabaglione made by the lovely Rosa. A real italian feast!

Making Tortellini alla panna
Making Tortellini alla panna
Making Tortellini all panna
Wow, this is hard work!

It was an experience to remember for  us and our Italian friends, not only for the good times, but also for a stay in our local hospital for la bella Rosa (a scary moment for her… and us!). But I hope the good things outweighed the bad. It’s our turn next for Christmas in Italia!

Cari saluti! …Isabella