Twice an immigrant. Twice the bittersweetness. I grew up in the United States. I speak English, obviously. I missed the food, the familiarity, and most of all my family. But...I long for Italy. I miss speaking Italian. I took it so for granted. I never spoke it in the home, because why would I? I... Continue Reading →
Parks and Rec In Italy
The parks and rec departments in Italy are legendary...but not perfect. Let's talk about it. They offer free childcare to anyone 3 and older until able to attend school. They also offer childcare for toddlers from age 18 months to 3 years to bridge this gap in care for working parents. This is growing in... Continue Reading →
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Columbus Day – the true dark history
We think of Columbus Day as an American holiday. What is it really? Well, the origin of the holiday is much darker than how we celebrated it in past years. It all began with the Italian lynchings in 1891. The lynching of Italians in New Orleans was the largest single mass lynching in American history.... Continue Reading →
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Family Traditions…
Bloganuary writing promptWrite about a few of your favorite family traditions.View all responses Let's see. I remember at christmas eve we would open one present before midnight. I really enjoyed that as a kid. But I think my main ones are more classically passed down things. Gardening: every spring you need to redo the garden,... Continue Reading →
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Daily Prompt
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain. Honestly, I don't hate being asked this I just never know how to answer. I get asked about everytime I meet someone new here in Sicily. It is always the same question and my answer never seems to be enough for them. Maybe it is... Continue Reading →
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Caprese Insalata
There are many ways to make this but the general ingredients never change. You can use any type of tomato and cut the mozzarella any way you want. You can arrange it in a circle or pile in on a plate. However you enjoy this dish, it is always welcome at my table and eaten... Continue Reading →
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Stuffed Mushrooms
You can bake these or cook them in a pan with a lid. Either option works well and there is only a small difference. When you use a pan to cook them, they tend to be less tender but have more of a toasted bottom rather than a crisp topping. When you bake them, they... Continue Reading →
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Zuppa Toscana
While zuppa Toscana just means Tuscany soup, it is known in the USA from Olive Garden as a kale based sausage and potato soup. This isn't far off from my own recipe, but I just call it winter soup, or minestra invernale. I also just call it sausage soup. It is a really simple dish.... Continue Reading →
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Viewing Apartments in Italy
Google translate has helped me out significantly. I have the vocabulary to answer small talk, but not to ask if they are fixing the dry wall and how soon I can move in. So I rely on my Italian classes and google translate. I live in a small area, so I mostly walk to all... Continue Reading →
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Step by Step: How to get dual citizenship in Italy from your ancestors
1. Determine if you are eligible for citizenship by decent. This could be a parent, grandparent, or great grandparent. The line needs to be unbroken and no one can have renounced their citizenship. They ideally should have never naturalized or applied for citizenship. 2. Gather all the documents. You will need copies of each person... Continue Reading →
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Living in Italy after growing up as an Italian American
It is a weird phenomenon when you feel totally at home in a foreign country. If you are second or third generation immigrant that went to your family's country, you may have experienced this too. I was raised Italian, except we only spoke English. So when I finally moved to Italy as an adult, I... Continue Reading →
BethAshlei 