Andiamo al mare!

Question, how can you tell that it is July and August in Italy? Answer.... countless old men in speedos and Italian women dressed to the nines who sit in the sun all day. I have no idea how they do it.... the women, well and the men I guess. No shame thats for sure.


I am quickly learning what it is like to be on an Italian holiday. The Rivas have a cabin at the beach where they house all of their things. In addition they have several chairs both of the sitting and lounge variety. It is a very nice set-up. We have been going about twice a day. Lulu loves to be in the water and laughs so much that choking is now a regular occurence. There is only so much that you can do to prevent her laughter besides tell her to chuiso la boca!

I love people watching there, not in the creeper sense, but it awe of how the people interact. Its fun and sometimes sad to see how the families are together. Thankfully because Claudia is a single mother she does not have the entitled attitude that most of the women have. Monday through Friday the seaside is speckled with mothers, children and ta-tas but come the weekend the men flood in to get some face time with the kids. I was sitting in the park today and saw so many Fathers chase the kids around thinking well 2 out of 7 days, I guess that they can put that much enegery into it.



Lets see to update since I have been here we have ventured to an Italian Circus. Nothing spectacular just a few scary men in tight, shiny, spandex pants juggling a variety of objects and overcharging to see their act. We have been to a few very nice restaurants, well nice in the sense that it has been some of the best eating of my life not cloth napkins and suited waiters. I am going to start to add the recipes that I am learning from Claudia to my updates to stay tuned... they will arrive shortly.

Each night Claudia makes an incredible meal. It ranges from a variety of cheeses to pastas and sauces. Several types of local wine that a friend made or she knew someone who loves this type ect. Also, everything and I mean EVERYTHING is cooked, coated, dipped or dunked in olive oil. Oh how I love thee.

A few days ago I was fortuante enough to meet up with a friend from college and her friend in Cinque Terre to escape bottles and diapers and speak some much needed English. We stayed in Riomaggiore at a place called Edys (Rick Steves special) in an apartment. Upon meeting Kassey and Jennie we immediatley headed out for lunch (foccacia, local specialty) and then started the hike around 3pm. The trek from Riomaggiore to Manarola also called Lovers Lane was 1km and well paved, a nice afternoon stroll if you will. The venture from Manarola to Corniglia also 1km had a little suprise at the end of about 380 steps to climb.... but ok we could handle this. Lies. The following segment from Corniglia to Vernazza was 4km, not paved and included hundreds of steps. Hahaha, we finally realized why people say the hike is hard. However despite the heavy breathing and dust the views were indcredible and upon entering into Vernazza we were welcomed by a free beach and cafe. Not like people were literally waiting to serve us but the option was there. It took quite of bit of enegery to get us out of our chairs after a espresso but risotto called our name from the next town over, Monterosso. 3km to go! This last bit was the most difficult having to go from sea level to mountain high quite rapidly but the idea of a Kodak moment and the impending sunset pushed us on. Finally at 8:30pm we descended into Monterosso legs wobbling but with a feeling of great accomplishment.

Can I please tell you about this risotto... well of course, its my blog. I had been hearing about this ristorante for months from Kara a coworker who, upon hearing of my location in Italy told me about a place who served not plates, but VATS of the most amazing risotto. I mean what carb, cheese lover could turn down that? After a few failed attempts and wrong turns we made it to the ristorante and were seated immediately. Risotto ai funghi e vino rosso per favore. Thats all it took for me to enter into gastronomic heaven.

It has been nice to finally feel a bit more situated and comfortable in someone elses home. I know that it will take time but I am learning more Italian and feeling more like a regular than foreigner. I am so excited for upcoming adventures... Tuesday we head to her mothers house outside of Rome for another seaside outing. Thankfully there is another American ta-ta with whom I am hoping to shares stories and memories with. Who knows!

A dopo!

Jenny the ta-ta

Also, if you would like to see photos you can look at them through this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2424702&id=3203327&l=76438f2ad6