Today in Italy

I've just returned from the gym. I put a sign up there asking if anyone would like English conversation practice in exchange for speaking to me in Italian. We'll see how it goes!

Some recent highlights include:

The Blessing - Wow, Italians know how to put on a healing! August 15 is a major holiday in Italy. It's the feast of the Assumption of Mary. People take the day off, eat a meal with their family, and attend mass. We went to a very special mass in a very beautiful church called Santuario Madonna delle Bozzola. More on the church next.

After mass, there was a special blessing for the sick. It took about one and half hours. In the moment where the priest was walking around passing on the blessing, after a lot of prayer and preparation, I could feel the energy of the crowd. Some people were moving family members closer to the priest. They were stepping out of the way to make sure their love ones healed. It was extremely moving and made me think about how so many cultures have practices of blessing and healing. Italy's was golden, filled with music, and incredibly well-organized.

Immense Faith - About 500 years ago a young girl had a miracle apparition of Mary at the church we attended. So, they have an altar behind the main altar where people can pray for special miracles. And, they do! And, it works! Hanging down the very long walls next to the altar are silver hearts, set in blue or red circles. Each silver heart represents an answered prayer, a great thing that occurred for someone. It's absolutely stunning; an ornate, inspiring wall of faith. Again, I was very moved by what I saw, which is to say that I cried. 

Il Lago di Como - Welp, I'm in love. We got out of the car in Como, a city on the southernmost shore of Lake Como, and I immediately thought, "I like it here." More green than where I am, with tall hillsides dropping to a greenish, gorgeous lake. I felt a bit of Seattle and, yet, saw enough villas to ensure me I was still in Italy. There is not a view or a glance that isn't romantic and idyllic. 

Ricotta in the Crust - Yes, we have stuffed-crust pizza in the U.S. But, the Napolese way of stuffing a crust tastes and chews so differently. First, the crust is perfectly chewy. It takes a little bit to get it down and the flavor and, again, chewiness feel divine. So delicious! Meanwhile, they put ricotta in the crust and it, too, is divine adding up to a pizza of such great divinity that I had to close my eyes while I ate it. Mama mia! Thank you, Napoli! By the way, our waiter let us know that no substitutions can be made to the pizzas on the menu so that the balance of flavors is not disturbed. I'm in! They're getting it right. I concede to their wisdom and greatness.

One Hour of Italian - My extremely patient hostess offered that I could speak Italian as much as I wanted to on the drive to Como. (I must sigh and take a deep breath just thinking about it. I had to steel myself for the experience.) I managed just over an hour. After six days here, that feels like a miracle. We actually had fun and I understood a joke or two. Grazie, Tiziana!

Now, we're going to hang out with our new farmer friend Massimo, then Tiziana's family comes to dinner tonight. I'll be humbled by the fast-moving Italian and I better have my notebook ready. It's where I write words I'm learning and there are plenty in there already. Hugs and love from near Milano!