Italianizzarsi ~ Becoming Italian

Italianizzarsi - diventare simile a un italiano per lingua o cultura (to become similar to an Italian by language or culture)

One of my good friends here in Italy mentioned that I’ve become more Italian since she’s known me.  I found her observation very interesting because I felt Italian before I moved here but then immediately felt less Italian as I tried to integrate into this relatively “new world”.  There were many times when I felt like a fish out of water and it began to make more sense that the Italian word for foreigner is “straniero” (which sounds a lot like stranger in English).

I’ve been in Calabria for almost 2 years now and have slowly over time found my footing, albeit clumsy, in my new home.  I guess after so much time in one place, it’s inevitable that some change would take place; I just didn’t realize that it would be so apparent to those around me.

I know that I’ll never be completely Canadian or Italian and I’m perfectly okay with that.  I’m fortunate to have a point of view a little different than many of the people I encounter here. It allows me to stay open-minded and less jaded about the day to day life that someone in Italy experiences.  It’s nowhere near perfect here but deep down away from all the dysfunction, corruption and desperation you hear about on a daily basis in the news, there is a natural beauty that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.  This is the part of Italy I hope to take in and make a part of who I am.  If this is the part of me that has become more “italianised” than I can most certainly live with that.

In your opinion, what does it mean to be “Italian”?

Happy 4th Blogiversary, Calabrisella Mia!!!!

Photo Credit: Pixelicus

Wow, 4 Years!

When I first thought about starting a blog I wasn’t entirely sure what it would be or where it would take me.  I guess that was part of the appeal.  Writing for me was always more of a personal thing; a way to organize my thoughts, work out a problem I was having, or the best way I knew to record exactly what I was feeling at any given moment.  When I was younger I kept diaries and when I look back on them today I’m reminded of the girl I was and can see how much I’ve grown.  Life is constantly changing and moving ahead with such speed that these words have become important to me, frozen in time so I can revisit certain times in my life to never forget where I’ve been, what I’ve done and how I’ve continued on. 

I entertained the idea of writing a blog long before I actually started it.  I needed a creative outlet but I wasn’t entirely sure if I wanted to open myself up to the world.  Up until this blog, things that I wrote concerning me and my personal opinions were always kept under lock and key (literally!).  I finely convinced myself that it was time to open myself up and develop something that I love to do ~ write.  I would have complete control over what I wanted to write and how much I wanted to share and with that final nudge from myself, I bit the bullet and signed up for a blog.  So much has happened since my first blog post and although there are times I find it difficult to write, when I’m ready it’s always there, like a loyal friend.

I never thought about or worried how many people would read or take interest in my little corner of cyber-space.  But, it continues to warm my heart that people take the time to read my blog.

Thank you to everyone who continues to follow along with me on this journey.

My Top 5: Italian Male Actors (2nd Edition)

When I first moved to Italy, I didn’t know most of the personalities of the world of television and cinema.  Although I watched a lot of Italian movies in Toronto, there was so much that I wasn’t aware of.  After updating My Top 5:  Italian Male Singers, I thought it only fitting to update My Top 5:  Italian Male Actors which was also originally created in 2009.

The disclaimer is always the same – these are my own personal favourites and I don’t expect everyone to agree with my picks.  In fact, I’d love it if you’d comment with your Top 5 Italian Male Actors.

So here is the 2nd edition to My Top 5:  Italian Male Actors.  Enjoy!

1.  Raoul Bova

It didn’t take long for Raoul Bova to reach “sex symbol” status in Italy but it wasn’t until he starred in Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) as Diane Lane’s love interest that women in North America began to take notice. Who can forget the hunky Bova strutting around the city in his broken-in jeans and stress free cargos from the Gap. What’s not to love? Raoul Bova isn’t just a pretty face; he has also done some producing.

Other movies to watch him in: La Finestra di Fronte (2003), Scusa ma ti chiamo amore (2008), Immaturi (2012)

2.  Alessandro Siani

This Napolitano comedian/actor started his career in 1988 dabbing in various different areas of the world of entertainment such as theatre, television and film.  He has done many things over the years but in 2010 his status exploded when he starred in Benvenuti al Sud as a lovable and endearing postman from a small town in.  He reprised this role again in 2012 with Benvenuti al Nord.

Other movies to watch him in:  Natale a New York (2006), La peggior settimana della mia vita (2011)

3.  Giampaolo Morelli

Giampaolo was born in Naples and it is there that he got his start in theatre.  As time passed, he decided to focus more of his time and energy on acting and with that in mind, he transferred to Rome.  He is an Italian actor, director, and screenwriter and is particularly known for his television work.   He has appeared in several television mini-series including Baciati dall’amore (2011) in which he played a single father of five children who is unlucky in love until he meets his “soul-mate”; a woman who is engaged to be married.

Other movies/mini-series to watch him in:  L’uomo perfetto (2005), La donna della domenica (2011)

4.  Luca Argentero

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Italian cinema or television, you might recognize Luca Argentero from Eat Pray Love (2010) in which he played Julia Roberts’ Italian tutor.  Luca hails from Torino and got his start on Grande Fratello (Italy’s version of Big Brother).  After that, he appeared in a number of films and also had a recurring role on the popular Italian television series, Carabinieri (2005-2007).  Luca has decided to use his fame for good and recently signed on to help WWF (The World Wildlife Fund) to bring attention to the need to protect three of Italy’s forests.

Other movies to watch him in:  Diverso da chi? (2009), Oggi Sposi (2009), Lezioni di cioccolato 2 (2011)

5.  Michele Riondino

Michele was born in Taranto, Puglia but transferred to Rome to attend “L’Accademia d’Arte Drammatica” where he began to do theatre roles.  In 2000, he started a three year stint on a popular Italian television series, Distretto di Polizia”.  In 2012, he bravely took on the role of a young Salvo Montalbano for the prequel to the beloved Italian television series, Il Commissario Montalbano.  Taking on a role of such a beloved character, such as Commissario Montalbano is difficult but Michele’s interpretation didn’t seem to disappoint Italian viewers.

Other movies to watch him in:  I’m sure there will be many in the next year!

Now it’s your turn.  Who are your Top 5 Italian Male Actors?

My Top 5: Italian Male Singers (2nd Edition)

I thought it was time to do an update on My Top 5:  Italian Male Singers.  The original post was created back in 2009 and since I’ve moved to Italy I’ve had the oppourtunity to discover new artists and also my taste in music has changed a bit.  So here it is, the second edition to My Top 5:  Italian Male Singers.  Please keep in mind that music is subjective and this is meant to be MY top 5 and I don’t expect everyone to agree with my picks.

1.  Eros Ramazzotti
Even if you aren’t an avid listener of Italian music, chances are you know who Eros Ramazzotti is. He has released numerous albums and has been a staple in the Italian music scene since 1984. His albums have been released worldwide and he has done duets with many talented and well-known artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Cher, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini and more recently Ricky Martin.

Check out his official site for more information:  www.ramazzotti.com

2.  Marco Mengoni
Marco Mengoni won the hearts of Italians when he competed and won the third season of the popular Italian talent show, The X Factor.  The next year, he placed 3rd at the 60th Sanremo Music Festival with his song “Credimi Ancora”.  Along with his enchantingly beautiful vocals, his performances are always a little bit out of this world which suits his eccentric personality.

Check out his official site:  www.marcomengoni.it

3,  Luciano Ligabue (aka Ligabue)
This Italian rock artist and singer-songwriter started out his musical career in 1987 when he started a band called Orazero.  He wrote several original songs for the band which the performed in various local and national competitions.  He released a solo album in 1990 and quickly became one of the most successful Italian rock artists in the country.  He is more than just a singer-songwriter, he’s also a movie director and a published author of short stories and poems.

Check out his official site:  www.ligabue.com

4.  Jovanotti
Jovanotti has always had an interest in music and worked as a DJ in nightclubs and at radio stations in Rome.  He moved to Milan and met a record producer/talent scout while he was DJing there.  That same year he released his first single and started working as a DJ on one of the most popular national radio stations in the country, Radio DeeJay.  Over the years, Jovanotti has proved he is a mainstay in the Italian music Industry.  He has also used his popularity for good by working with many organizations such as Make Poverty History and Amnesty International.

Check out his official site:  www.soleluna.com

5.  Nek
Nek, born Filippo Neviani, is a popular Italian singer-songwriter who like Tiziano Ferro has recorded and released albums in Italian and Spanish.  Nek released his first solo album in 1992 and participated in the San Remo Music Festival with his song “Laura Non C’e’”. He has released numerous albums over the past decade and shows no signs of retiring.  He is releasing his 10th studio album later this month.

Check out his official site:  www.nekweb.com

La Fiera di San Giuseppe ~ Cosenza (CS)

Cosenza welcomes Spring with a centuries old tradition, La Fiera di San Giuseppe or the Saint Joseph’s Fair.  This outdoor market is one of the oldest and most important traditions in Cosenza and dates back hundreds of years ago to 1234 when it was first established by Frederick II of Swabia.  It’s an event that residents of this city and neighbouring towns look forward to each and every year.

La Fiera di San Giuseppe isn’t like other weekly markets, it’s huge.  To get an idea of the magnitude of this market, last year’s fair had in and around 520 stands which included products and merchants from all over Calabria as well as other parts of Italy.

This year’s fair begins on March 16th and will continue until March 19th (the saint day for St. Joseph).  Usually the fair takes place in the old part of Cosenza however this year, the mayor of Cosenza has decided to move the fair.  It will begin in the old part of the city and continue along Viale Parco (also known as Viale Giacomo Mancini), a long street that runs along Cosenza towards Rende (the neighbouring city).

Visitors to la fiera can expect to find just about everything:  from local products by artisans to various types of plants to clay sculptures and wicker baskets.  It’s also the best oppourtunity to pick up some delicious and traditional southern Italian foods.

5 Questions With… In Italy Tours

Calabria is the place I’ve been calling home for almost 2 years now.  It is a place that at times is overlooked but there are also many times when someone, much like Tania of In Italy Tours, find themselves completely smitten with the beauty and history and overall magic that is found in Southern Italy and decide to do what they can to share this little secret with those willing to hear it.

I am really happy to have Tania Pascuzzi of In Italy Tours take part in this installment of my 5 Questions With… series.  Her passion for the south of Italy has flourished into a business that offers unique culinary adventures in the south of Italy including Calabria. If you are a fan of Italian food, it’s pretty safe to say that in the south of Italy is where you’ll find some of the most delicious foods that Italy has to offer.

So let’s dig in and learn a little bit more about Tania of In Italy Tours.  As we say here in Italy, Buon Appetito!

You offer many different varieties of tours through your company.  What makes tours in Calabria unique and different from other parts of Italy?

I think every part of Italy is unique given the diverse history of each region.  Having said that, Italy as a whole can vary from one place to the other.  As far as Calabria is concerned, I have focused on giving my guests a chance to experience local life in a region that has remained unspoiled.

When I first arrived in Tropea I noticed that it had so much potential. Given the beauty of the town was a head start for me so I dedicated my time there in researching and creating things to do with the foreign traveller in mind with cooking being the highlight.   My tours basically focus on food and wine which varies from town to town and can be a fascinating experience for the new visitor to the region.

What do you say to potential tourists who want to visit Italy but aren’t sure about venturing any further south than Rome or the Amalfi Coast?

I think that what I have to offer is enough to entice anyone who wishes to venture into the region of Calabria.  I live there so it helps people to know that an English speaking person is there if they need it. Our guided tours and itineraries help in that our guests are in good hands and are able to see beautiful places that aren’t really found in guide books which gives for a more insightful holiday.  I’ve had many first time travellers even to Italy which has been great.   I think just knowing that I am an expat living in Calabria gives people that trust.  Although once here they can see how lovely and friendly it really is.

The whole of the southern part of Italy is a must for lovers of the country. It has the most beautiful beaches, great food and wine.  There is really so much to see with so much history and beauty.

I’m sure you meet many interesting people through your tours.  What has been the best experience for you so far?

I don’t have a ‘best’ but what I can tell you is that I have enjoyed each and every experience with my guests.  We have had such wonderful people here who have actually come back the following year to see us.  I think the most enjoyable experience for me is to see people having a great time.  There is such kindness and enthusiasm displayed from my cooks and with the people I work with. They extend themselves beyond what is required of them which really is nice to see.  Calabrese are very humble and generous people and are extremely proud of their region and generous in sharing it.

As a food and wine lover, what is your all-time favourite Italian recipe?

I have so many.  I do love seafood so living in Tropea is a great thing for me as it is here that seafood is eaten as opposed to the towns in the mountains.  I remember when I moved to Tropea it took me a while to taste the famous pasta con cipolla here.  It just didn’t sound appetizing to me but when I did eventually taste it, it has remained to be one of my favorites here in Tropea.  Of course you need to use the famous onions from Tropea.

I think more than recipes, I love the production of food here.  The fruits and vegetables which are  picked fresh from a contadino’s garden is what’s exciting for me and going to the port at a certain time of day  to meet the fisherman to see what was caught that day.  I also have a local butcher up in the hills who raises his own animals.  There’s nothing better than to eat pure food.

You recently completed the first annual Calabrian Table Tour with Cherrye Moore.  Was it everything you hoped for and will we see more editions of this tour in the future?

The Table Tour was such a success for both myself and Cherrye.  Last October was our first tour and it was such a wonderful time had by all that we have decided to make it available two times a year.

We had really good feedback from our guests who continually said that they were experiencing the Real Italy.  It’s a chance to experience the wonderful diverse cultures displayed in the different foods found in the mountains and the coastal area of the region.

It was insightful, fun and delicious and it felt like we were a small family travelling together.  We visited so many remote and beautiful towns and villages where the locals went out of their way to educate us on the unique culture and history of each place.  The people involved were so hospitable and gave that much more to us that those things played an important role in how wonderful the tour was.  Not to forget the wonderful meals that were prepared by our chefs and personal cooks and a chance to learn about how wonderful the wine is in Calabria.

We hope to have the tour available 3 times a year , maybe more and in the future we may include different food and wine tours in other areas of Calabria.  There is so much more to discover and knowing that we both live in the region allows us to research deeper into the heart of each place included in our itineraries.

***

Grazie mille, Tania!!

You can learn more about In Italy Tours and get more information on any of the tours they offer by visiting their website ~ In Italy Tours

Check out my other “5 Questions With…”:
5 Questions With… RomePhotoBlog
5 Questions With… Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino
5 Questions With… Cherrye of My Bella Vita
5 Questions With… Diana Spechler
5 Questions With… Megan of TorreBarolo
5 Questions With… Anna of La Dolce Vita di Pizzo Visitor Guide in Calabria

La Festa Della Donna ~ March 8, 2012

La festa della donna (Women’s Day) takes place on March 8th every year.  It’s a day to celebrate and appreciate all the incredible, strong and sensational women in our lives.  In Italy, the most popular gift for women on this special day is the Mimosa flower. It is a beautiful bright yellow flower that begins to bloom in the early part of March.  However, just like many other holidays, the gifts have evolved to include sweets, perfume, and other types of gifts.

I am blessed to be surrounded by many fabulous women who teach me things everyday.  They have and continue to play an important role in my life as I continue to grow and become the woman I strive to be.

This year, I want to say “Auguri a tutte le donne del mondo!” especially my mom and my sister; two of the most important women in my life!