L’Epifania and La Befana

Viene, viene la Befana
Vien dai monti a notte fonda
Come è stanca! la circonda
Neve e gelo e tramontana!
Viene, viene la Befana

American children leave a stocking out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve (December 23th) however here in Italy children leave a stocking out for an ugly old witch called la befana on the eve of the Epiphany.  The Epiphany is an important festival for Italians.  It is celebrated on January 6^th and marks the end of the Christmas season/holidays as it’s the day when the Three Wise Men arrive to Jesus’ manger and present him with gifts.

I’ve written about the folklore regarding the Befana in the past.  Most kids, when asked, don’t exactly know what La Befana has to do with the Epiphany.  For them, it is more about the excitement of receiving  candies, small gifts and even money.

The supermarkets are filled with chocolate coins and pre-stuffed stockings filled with other candies and treats.  In fact, Kinder and Ferrero have a special limited edition Befana doll that comes equipped with a sack filled with your favourite Kinder treats.  Every year, they launch two different Befana dolls and some people have even begun starting collections.

Italians give each other a Befana (there are so many varieties) to hang up somewhere in their home.  It is believed to bring good fortune.  I’m not sure if it’s important where you hang it, I’ve heard different things from different people.  I’ve personally never had my own Befana until this year.  My cousins gave me one of the infamous Kinder Befana from the 2013 collection.

She is hanging up in my bedroom waiting to give me a 2013 filled with good fortune! Or at least that is my hope.  Regardless, she was given to me with love from my cousins, and for that she will always hold a special memory and for me that’s enough.

Happy Epiphany!

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”?

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

World Nutella Day 2012

It’s that oh so special delightful day we like to call, World Nutella Day!!!

In previous years, I’ve participated in World Nutella Nutella Day with Mom & Me’s Nutella & Peanut Butter Cookies where I incorporated Nutella into an original recipe I’ve made many times over the years.  Then for World Nutella Day 2010, I made Cupcakes with Nutella Butter Cream Frosting  (complete with drizzled Nutella on top in place of sprinkles).

This year, I was excited to make some type of cookie using Nutella, but unfortunately my local supermarket didn’t have all the ingredients I needed.  I have to admit I was disappointed but I wasn’t going to let it get me down.  Last night (actually it was more like early this morning); a friend and I hit up a local bar/cornetteria here in Cosenza called Top Flight to have one of their famous gigantic cornetti.  What better way to end a night out on the town/or kick-start your morning right than with a gigantic cornetto ozzing with Nutella!!  Dee-lish!

If eating Nutella isn’t enough to satisfy your Nutella craving, check out The Unofficial Guide to Nutella ebook.

As always, I want to send a big shout-out to the lovely hostess’ of World Nutella Day – Sara Rosso (Ms. Adventures in Italy) and Michelle (Bleeding Espresso).  Be sure to check out the Nutella Day website to discover new tasty recipes submitted by people/bloggers/etc from all over the world.

Nutella is without a doubt an Italian staple that is appreciated all over the world.  So, don’t forget to indulge.

Have you had some Nutella today?  If not, what are you waiting for?

JOIN the Official World Nutella Day Fan Page on Facebook!

Festa del Cioccolato (Cosenza) ~ October 28 – 30, 2011

This weekend, Cosenza will be a little sweeter thanks to the 9^th edition of the “Festa del Ciccolato taking place from October 28^th to October 30^th.  This year, Lungo Crati situated in the historic centre of Cosenza will transform into a chocolate lover’s dream as some of the regions most talented and creative chocolatiers showcase their delicious treats.

Thousands of people of all ages will make their way to this event to see all the tasty chocolate displays and sample some of the delicious chocolate treats that are available for the tasting.

5 Questions With…Anna of La Dolce Vita di Pizzo – Visitor Guide in Calabria

Anyone who reads my blog will be able to tell almost instantly how much I love Calabria.  It is a beautiful place with so much culture and history that is often overlooked by tourists visiting Italy.  So, as you can imagine I was so excited when Anna of La Dolce Vita di Pizzo agreed to participate in my “5 Questions With…” series.  Without any further hestitation, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you all to Anna of La Dolce Vita di Pizzo as she tells us about one of Calabria’s travel gems.

Tell us a little about why you chose to create La Dolce Vita di Pizzo – Complete Visitor Guide.

I created the website because when I tried to visit Pizzo in 2008 I found it very difficult to get any information.  In fact, it was so difficult that I gave up and went to Spain that year instead!  But the following year I returned to the task, and finally got to Pizzo in April 2010.  I had done two years of internet research gathering every scrap of information I could find about Pizzo, but I still went on a wing and a prayer with many questions unanswered.  My feeling was that if I – who spoke Italian and had lived in Pizzo – found it so difficult to get there, what must it be like for the first time English speaking visitor?  I started bringing all the information I had together in one place.  I didn’t plan to create a guide, but like Pollyanna, it just grew and grew, until I realised that I was in fact writing a guide to Pizzo.

I put everything I had wanted to know about Pizzo into the Guide to create a one stop information service.  It is very important to me that it is an independent, impartial guide, and for that reason I don’t have advertising, charge for inclusion or get any commission from the services in the guide.  My aim is to provide information and services that I would recommend to a friend visiting Pizzo.  For that reason, I call it ‘your friend in Pizzo’, and if you are planning a visit you can do so with confidence knowing that you have all the information you need.  My aim is to make it easy for English speaking people to visit Pizzo, and enjoy their stay.

Why should someone visiting Calabria include Pizzo in their travel plans?

I am totally biased, but for me Pizzo is a very special place.  I’ve lived in Reggio and spent a 2 week holiday in Tropea, and Pizzo is a place that just makes my heart sing in a way that I don’t experience anywhere else.  Locals say that I’m in love with Pizzo, and it’s true, but it’s not just me, I find that other people who live here feel the same way.  You should come to Pizzo for the warmth of the people; to experience the real Calabria unspoilt by overcommercialised tourism; to come on one of my unique Guided Walks; and to eat the best ice cream in Calabria.  But most of all, to see if it captures your heart.

Describe some of the services you offer and what potential clients can expect from those services.

Apart from the free online guide, the services I personally provide are a Welcome to Pizzo package – where I spend the morning with you on your first day to help you settle in and get to know the area – and the Secret Pizzo Guided Walks.  These are very exciting walks (which leave from the Piazza in the evening and San Francesco in the morning) to explore the Old Town of Pizzo.  I would meet lost tourists wandering around the warren of streets and alleys in the Old Town, not understanding what they saw and not getting the most from their stay.  So I decided to share my knowledge and understanding with English speaking visitors, and take them on guided walks to see the parts of Pizzo tourists don’t usually see.

How did you first discover Pizzo?

I first came to Pizzo by accident in 1976, and ended up living there for four years until 1980.  In the 1970s very few foreigners made it down as far as Calabria, but my sister had been on an inter-rail trip with her friends and she’d met a boy in Reggio, so she decided to stay there and work as an au pair.  I came out to join her, and we both worked in Reggio for nine months.  We were on our way back to England, travelling up the coast staying in Youth Hostels, when we wandered into Pizzo one idle October afternoon.  It seems incredible to believe now, but at that time the ancient historic Spanish castle of Pizzo (built in the 1400s) was a Youth Hostel.  We used to sleep in the old prisoner’s cells and run up and down the narrow stone stairways, and eat ice cream on the battlements where Joachim Murat, brother-in-law of Napoleon and defeated King of Naples, was executed by firing squad!

There was some Pizzo magic at work, and within hours of arriving we had both been offered jobs and an apartment to live in, so we decided to stay.  I ended up staying for four years, and we were the first foreign girls to work in the Piazza as waitresses.  Eventually I left, not knowing it would be thirty years before I returned!  When I finally came back after thirty years, I found that everyone remembered me, and it felt like I’d never been away.  Now I feel like I’ve come home.

What is your favourite thing about Pizzo?

That’s easy… it’s the ice cream!  Pizzo is famous for it’s ice cream.  Closely followed by the cakes from the Toscano Pasticceria made by 70 year old Sicilian trained pastry chef Salvatore, who came to Pizzo as a young man.  Then it’s the views, the blue sea and sky in every direction, the sunshine and the beaches, the lights around the bay at night and the amazing sunsets every evening.  I buy an ice cream or a cake, and sit by the sea and watch the sunset every evening.  It’s only seven minutes from closing my front door until I’m swimming in the sea.  Market day, with all the stalls and excitement.  Cheese, especially country made fresh warm ricotta and homemade pecorino sold door to door and bought at my own front door.  The people, who never cease to amaze and delight me… the list is endless.

***

Thank You, Anna!! I think you have done a wonderful thing by providing such detailed information to tourists (and future tourists) of Pizzo.
You can find out all there is to know about Pizzo at Anna’s guide ~ LA DOLCE VITA di Pizzo The Complete Visitor Guide

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

Marcus of Umbria: Book Review and Giveaway

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I mean, I enjoyed it so much that I read it twice.

Marcus of Umbria written by Justine van der Leun is about a young American woman (the author) who moves to a small village in Italy and falls in love, but not in the way you would think.

I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would.  I’m always excited at the idea of an Italian memoir (or any book with an Italian theme) but most times I’m disappointed.  This book, however, does more than just encompass all things Italian – travel, food, family, and love.  This book takes things further and really focuses on the author’s experiences, her journey, her mistakes, and her discoveries.  It becomes more than the author’s observations of a foreign lifestyle, but also how she fits (or doesn’t fit) into it.

This book is cleverly written and I love that it doesn’t sugar coat life in Italy like so many other books.  Don’t get me wrong, Italy is a beautiful place with a beautiful culture but even the most beautiful things have their not so pleasing side.  The honesty in this book is both comforting and refreshing.  Her description of this small village at times reminded me so much of my own village.  It had me laughing out loud at the silly similarities that those of us who have spent time in a small Italian village could really understand and relate to.

I think this book is a must read for all Italophiles and I am so pleased to have the opportunity to share this wonderful book with my readers.

If you are interested in reading this gem, here’s what you need to do:

It’s really simple, just leave a comment on this post (don’t forget to include your e-mail address) by 12:00am (Italy time) Sunday, March 13, 2011 with the answer to this question:

Have you ever thought about running away to Italy?  Where would you go and why?

The winner will be selected randomly and contacted on Monday, March 14th via e-mail.

Good Luck!

La Chiesa di San Nicola da Bari ~ Cosenza, Calabria

In past years on the Saint Day of San Nicola, I have blogged about the history of San Nicola and the Chiesa di San Nicola da Bari in Bari.

While living in Cosenza, I discovered another Chiesa di San Nicola da Bari.  It is located in the city center of Cosenza at Piazza E. Cenisio.  This church has a more modern look than its neighbour, Il Duomo, located across the river in the old center of Cosenza.  The Chiesa di San Nicola da Bari is an interesting building that has undergone many changes and restructure.  In fact, it was even relocated to make way for the growing city.

The history of the Chiesa di San Nicola da Bari dates back to the early 1600s and although the city of Cosenza has many churches, this particular church houses some interesting works of art, including oil paintings from the mid-1700s that depict scenes of the life of San Nicola.

The Parish of San Nicola was founded in the early 1600s for the Rivocati district of Cosenza.  Like many buildings in this city, it suffered incredible damage during the earthquake of 1783 and again in 1943 during WWII.

In 1961, the church was demolished to make room for the growing city center.  The “new” church was relocated and rebuilt in a more modern style by Roman architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo.  It is now surrounded by various building, stores and the hustle and bustle of the city center of Cosenza but still stands out, tall and proud.

Since today is the Saint Day for San Nicola, I want to send a special auguri to my father.

Buon onomastico papà!!! Ti voglio bene e mi manchi tanto!!

Pro Loco Carpanzano ~ Estate 2010 a Carpanzano

In Italy, many towns have a Pro Loco. It is a term and concept I became familiar with a couple years ago during my trip to Carpanzano.  A Pro Loco is a volunteer organization comprised of a group of residents within a town.  Its manifest is to promote and raise awareness of the town as well as encourage community participation and interaction.  Members of the Pro Loco take it upon themselves to organize, advertise and run various sagre (festivals) and other community-based activities.  In Carpanzano, one of the busiest times of the year for the Pro Loco would have to be August (and of course the months leading up to it).  Carpanzano is a small town but in August family members living all over Italy and abroad start to pour in and the streets come alive with people.  The Pro Loco Carpanzano works hard to create an itinerary full of activities and events that cater to all the residents and visitors here.  Many events have become tradition and staples each year however, every so often new things are introduced.

This year, the Pro Loco Carpanzano has once again put together a series of events for all those that will be visiting this August.

Estate 2010 a Carpanzano

Venerdi 6 agosto ~ Serata di benvenuto
Sabato 7 agosto ~ Motoraduno con piano bar
Domenica 8 agosto ~ Ricordo erezione Santuario e Visita guidata nella missione di don Battista in Kenya
Mercoledi 11 agosto ~ Gara del dolce
Giovedi 12 agosto ~ Notte Bianca:  rappresentazione teatrle, musica, giochi popolari
Venerdi 13 agosto ~ Memorial calcistico
Sabato 14 agosto ~ Sagra della porchetta
Domenica 15 agosto ~ Tombolata
Lunedi 16 agosto ~ Festa dell’amicizia, giochi popolari, serata gastronomica, il concerto di Sabatum Quartet
Martedi 17 agosto ~ Raduno “500″ piano bar
Mercoledi 18 agosto ~ Caccia al tesoro
Venerdi 20 agosto ~ Festa del Quartiere Mezzanile
Domenica 29 agosto ~ Festa del Quartiere Sottani

There are also events being put on by the various other Pro Loco associations in neighbouring towns, such as:

Da mercoledì 4 a sabato 7 agosto, a Bianchi, Palio dei rioni.
Domenica 8 agosto, a Colosimi, manifestazione ippica nazionale e concerto serale.
Mercoledì 11 agosto, a Colosimi, notte bianca.
Venerdì 13 agosto, a Bianchi, notte bianca.
Mercoledì 18 agosto, a Colosimi, Sagra del fungo porcino

I’m looking forward to enjoying many of this year’s events.  Stay tuned for pictures, etc in the coming weeks!

Italian Fashion: Pinko

On a few occasions, when I was out and about in different parts of Calabria I saw this bag.

At first glance I thought it said “Pink Bag” which I thought was strange to have written on a bag that wasn’t in actuality pink.  Although, upon further inspection I realized that my eyes were playing tricks on me and the lettering on the bag actually said “Pinko Bag“.  It wasn’t until I came home from Italy that I looked into what Pinko was.

Pinko was founded by Pietro Negra and Cristina Rubini.  The label began with a concept they termed “instant fashion” that catered to the younger market which was constantly evolving and forming new trends on a very regular basis.  Pinko features woman’s clothing, handbags, and accessories and has had advertising campaigns featuring Mariah Carey (2007) and Naomi Campbell (2008).   The fashion label is supposed to feature top designer looks with “reasonable” pricing.  However, personally, I don’t really think the pricing is very affordable.  A simple summer dress in Italy will easily set you back between 120 – 150 euros.
If this falls into your affordability range, then you can shop online or pop into one of their stores.  They have a number of stores in Italy as well as locations in France, Greece, Armenia, United Kingdom, etc.

For more information on Pinko visit http://www.pinko.it

Check out these other “Italian Fashion”:

Italian Fashion:  Jonk 46
Italian Fashion:  Monella Vagabonda
Italian Fashion:  Never Without You
Italian Fashion: Hollywood Milano
Italian Fashion: Boccadamo
Italian Fashion: Baci & Abbracci
Italian Fashion: Guru
Italian Fashion: Carpisa
Italian Fashion: Sweet Years