Ciao Mio Amico’s
I figured I better update the blog or you might all forget we are in Italy. The last few days have been spent doing what I had hoped… just being part of the everyday life as an Italian.
Palm Sunday we were up bright and early. We went down to the piazza and tried a pastry and coffee at a newly opened cafe, Vittoria’s. After we enjoyed our coffee, we joined with the rest of the villagers, who gathered in the square for their traditional Palm Sunday procession to the church of Mary Magdalene. They sang and carried flowers and palm branches to the church service. It was a sweet setting, something we will always remember and be glad we were a part of.
Life in Italy is at a much slower pace. Even doing normal daily chores seems more enjoyable. I still found a way to fire up my competitive nature by figuring out how I could hang our clothes out to dry better than anyone else. It takes a special skill to pin your clothes on the line so that they don’t blow and twist together.
We’ve spent our days wandering around a couple of towns high up in the mountains, walking the beautiful paths. We found new places to eat and stumbled upon vegetable stands and flea markets. We talked to vendors and towns folk who like to talk about American politics and what is happening with the old time family values in America. One thing they do not discuss is religion. I think it’s because 95% of them are Catholic and it’s just what they know. You will often see older Italians give the sign of the cross as they pass a church building as a sign of respect, it’s interesting to watch.
I'd like to specifically acknowledge the small village, Pergola Italy. It sits high in the cliffs, over looking the coast of Amalfi. It has a gorgeous vista, beautiful walking trails, the charm of a small mountain village and a little pub called, Gerry’s Pub. Now if you’re online and read the reviews, it’s all about the owner Gerry. Well the day we were there it was obvious that the real charm comes from his wife, Maddy. She was the only person working in the place. Everything is made fresh so it took a while for her to make our carbonara and chicken with rosemary potatoes. Both dishes were amazingly good and her cannoli shell was probably the best cannoli shell I’ve ever eaten. So if you’re ever in Pergola, stop by Gerry’s Pub and tell Maddy I sent you.
The food has been amazing here just like I had hoped. I finally had my risotto, it was a rice based dish with a meat mix, tomato sauce, mozzarella, peas, mushrooms, parmesan and eggs. I also found my n’dunderi pasta, it’s like gnocchi but it’s made with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheese covered in a meat sauce. It was very tasty and did not disappoint. We also made it to, Pasticceria De Riso, and got my lemon delight. It was light and flavorful but I’m not sure if it was worth 6 euros. I’ll take a chocolate fudge cream puff any day.
Arrivederci!