Mid-August Lunch

Mid-August Lunch, A Favorite Italian Film

PRANZO DI FERRAGOSTO

I was utterly charmed the first time I saw Pranzo di Ferragosto just after its release in the early fall of 2008. I remember seeing it in Rome at the multiplex in Piazza Barberini with friends from Rieti, where I was staying. The film wasn’t expected to be a huge draw and hadn’t been programmed in Rieti, so we drove the 80-kilometers to Rome – a trip well worth the effort. I was enchanted, as were the critics, and Pranzo di Ferragosto was distinguished with a number of important Italian film awards. Luckily, an English-language subtitled version would also be produced and it was released in the United States about a year and a half later with the title Mid-August Lunch. Read More

Painted Stories, View from Guardia Piemontese

Painted Stories of Calabria

PAINTED STORIES – THE PREMISE

Several months ago Diane Taylor of the Writers of Southern Nevada invited me to take part in the organization’s multimedia event, “Painted Stories – Duel in the Library,” co-sponsored by the Las Vegas-Clark County public library system. The gathering was to feature two writers, reading aloud from their books, and two artists, putting to canvas their impressions of the selected passages. After each reading, there would be time for questions, comments and discussion.Read More

Bergamot

The Bergamot: Calabria’s Incredible Citrus

WHAT IS THE BERGAMOT?

The bergamot is a wonderfully unique citrus that makes its home in Calabria. It’s quite puzzling, this strange fruit with a bitter, almost musty-smelling pulp and incredibly light, fragrant zest. Equally intriguing, the bergamot’s complex properties lend themselves to a wide variety of uses and products – from perfume to cuisine to pharmaceuticals – positively jaw dropping! Read More

Monasterace Museum, sea dragon mosaic

Monasterace Museum and Archeological Park

NEWER CALABRIA MUSEUMS

No matter where you dig in Italy, you’re bound to hit upon something ancient, or at the very least medieval. Calabria is certainly no exception. Exciting discoveries pop up with a certain frequency and new museums are even inaugurated from time to time, such as the Monasterace Museum that opened its doors in the town of the same name in April of 2015. Read More

Book Club Skype

Book Club Skype

THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING THERE

When I’m not yelling at my computer for its impromptu errant behavior, I find it to be quite useful. You’re reading this blog post, so you understand what I’m saying. For me, one of its most serviceable features is the “video chat.” I’ve used Skype, FaceTime and Google Hangouts for long-distance conversations over the Internet, and with a strong connection it’s the next best thing to being there. So when a book club across the country in New Hope, Pennsylvania asked me if I would be able to come to their meeting at which my book was scheduled for discussion, I countered with a, “How about a Book Club Skype for Calabria: The Other Italy?” Read More

Italian Dogs, Venerdì

Italian Dogs and the Mediterranean Diet

Dog lovers take note of the slightest mention of man’s best friend. So not surprisingly, a number of people have asked me about the dogs I briefly referred to in my book. To set the scene, my dear friends Luisa and Franco had three dogs that they walked in the beautiful park along Via Marina in the center of downtown Reggio Calabria. The area is a very pleasant place to stroll. The shady park is lined on one side by stately mansions and the other opens up to the spectacular panorama of the Strait of Messina and Sicily beyond. Read More

Politics in Italy

Reflection: Drills and Politics in Italy

La Politica. Politics in Italy loom large. As guests we prefer to focus on the spectacular scenery, inspirational art and mouthwatering food. We laugh at the political machinations and exaggerated personalities that make a splash in the headlines, as we do in our own country; however, la politica is serious business and I’d like to reflect for a moment on Italy’s referendum this past weekend. Read More