Down time.

With the holiday season here and all, I FINALLY found some down time to update this thing! It's been a whole 2 months since I've posted anything. Yes, I've been busy, but honestly I haven't really had anything super eventful or interesting to write about lately. The majority of my time has been dedicated to working and studying for my driving theory exam (which I hope to do in February). 

I've been going through some ups and downs. Missing home a lot.  Not only 'cause the holidays are here, but I've just been feeling frustrated. I know it's only natural since this isn't my hometown and I'm still not completely fluent in Italian. But man, I have some really bad days where I'm just cursing about everything here and really want to go home. The only thing that really keeps me strong is my wonderful man and our close-knit group of friends and family.

sharing some fun western Christmas gift games with my Ternano people

Learning Napoletano cards ain't easy!

I love game nights

The amazing cousin Fabio in action for Christmas lunch

Alla prossima!

xoT

This....

.....sucks.

xoT

Pesto time

When I returned to Italy in the middle of September, I was not surprised and not happy to find the hot and humid temperatures. The mosquitoes that were still lingering around until last week were the worst. Actually, wait a minute....I just killed one yesterday. But now, we finally need jackets for the nights because they are quickly getting cool.

The best part about this transitional season is having an abundance of fresh basil growing on my balcony. Instead of letting all those beautiful aromatic leaves die, my mother-in-law-to-be (whom I already call mamma) suggested we make some good ol' pesto.

A few days ago, I was in a lazy mood. So I cooked up some spaghetti, threw a few small spoons of pesto onto it, mixed it up and enjoyed a simple, yet savoury lunch. It feels good not to let good things go to waste. =)

xoT

San Gemini

San Gemini is a charming little town very close to where we live. Every year, there is a medieval festival there for a few weeks where the town is converted and performers are dressed in costume marching around the town. The most popular thing to do is to go eat at a "taverna" where you can enjoy some good old comfort Italian food. The long lineups are not fun, but once you're inside, you can guarantee tons of shouting, singing, laughing and wine.  We had the pleasure of going twice.

San Gemini

Putting them kids to work! 

Why so many jugs???

Top: Polenta and Picchiarelli (homemade pasta with spicy meat sauce)
Bottom: Medieval style bill

blurry blackberry pic =(

xoT

Last few hours in Toronto

It's been a very short 5 week trip home to Toronto. Watching my baby nephew grow has been the best part about being here. It is also the worst part about leaving today.

Emanuele also enjoyed some time with me in my hometown. It was amazing to see him bond with la mia famiglia and all my friends! We also went from being Godparents to my nephew to being fiancees in just 2 short weeks. What a trip....

While it's very hard to leave my family and friends, I am excited to get back to my normal "Italian" life with my new hubby to be!

xoT

bride & baby "express shopping" for a dress

soon to be zio (uncle) reading to my little chubster

xoT

Italian dimsum?

Yeah right, I wish. But it was the first thing I thought of when I saw the menu, checklist styles and all.


Last weekend we drove to Strettura to check out the sagra of "bruschetta al tartufo". Living here makes it really difficult to have any kind of "portion control", I'm beginning to feel concerned about my eating habits. 

So anyways, I kind of got a little too excited and ate my bruschetta covered in tartufo before I realized I could take a picture of the plate to show you guys. Sorry about that. Here's what I managed to snap:

fagioli and frittata both cooked with tartufo

Counting down to my visit home. 2 more weeks....can't wait.
xoT

The happiest day of my Italian life.

I think the picture explains it all.

Okay, I guess receiving a fedina for my birthday is really the happiest moment I've had here so far, but having this bad boy installed comes pretty damn close. Being able to sit on the couch without having my legs stick together or feeling sweat dripping down my neck is truly bliss. This air definitely feels luxurious, especially when it's nearly 40 degrees outside. Ahhhhh....

xoT