La Mattina in Italia - Morning in Italy

I'm not "Eat, Pray, Love" or "Under the Tuscan Sun." I'm more "sweat all day and night and eat salty foods so I don't get a calf cramp." And, it's pretty fun!

I met a friend in July who lives in Vigevano, Italy. She's kind, generous, and has two empty bedrooms where her kids used to stay. Now, I'm occupying the daughter's room for a few weeks until I either stay on in Europe or head back to the US for a while. 

What's fun about Italy? Here goes.

Lots of Salty Food - I can't emphasize enough how much sweating is happening. This heat doesn't end and the hostess-with-the-mostess is Italian and doesn't like A/C. I respect and admire the choice. I'm just...hot...most of the time.

Massimo - I met the most wonderfully Italian man who is an egg and chrysanthemum farmer. The flowers are for the Day of the Dead celebrations at the end of October. He grows them in a large greenhouse with help from his dad and son. The eggs he produces year round. It's really a beautiful life. And, he thinks my Italian is bravissima. That's kind. 

My Italian - Welp, I'm getting a lot of English in return for my efforts at speaking Italian which tells you that my Italian needs strengthening; accent, vocabulary, and pronunciation. I have Harry Potter books to read, which helps because I know, I mean, I adore the stories. I also will have a bike to ride soon so I can find unassuming elderly Italian people who are seated somewhere and encourage a slow-paced conversation with lots of correcting. That is my dream.

Tan - I may never have been this tan in my whole life. And, my hostess is offended that I don't where a bikini at the beach. At 46, I figured my bikini days were done but here every woman (most every) wears a bikini, into their golden years. We'll get me one this week so I don't continue to embarrass myself at the water.

Ideas Welcome - I've never been quite so nomadic. I left my condo behind, rented out, and am free to wander. I may end up in California for a while. That would be nice. If you have any ideas on where I can go to see wonderful things, please chime in. 

Much love to everyone who is cozy in their beds on the West Coast of the States. I have a big part of my heart with all of you as I know you're my people and I love you so much.