Blogging In Italy

David – clothed?

Michelangelo Buonarroti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A replica of Michelangelo’s magnificent Renaissance piece, David, now stands in the town of Okuizumo, Japan. As you might expect, the marble replica of David is tall, 16 feet in fact, and also naked, as Michelangelo had intended. One would expect the town’s people to be delighted with the artistic addition,

however, according to a town official, some of the residents are asking that David be given…underwear. Hmmm. “It is the first time we have had anything like this in our town,” said Yoji Morinaga. “Perhaps people were perplexed.”

As for me, the old adage to leave well enough alone seems to apply. However, if they are serious about clothing David after all these years,

Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia in Firenze (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I would suggest the town could richly benefit from a lotto to select a seamstress!

Ciao,

Judy

Japan town demands underwear for Michelangelo’s David (photoblog.nbcnews.com)

Tags: David, Michelangelo

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Italian Art, Italy, Michelangelo, My Blog about Italy

Buona Festa di San Giuseppe!

16 Mar

Painting by Guido Reni, c.1635

Growing up in a neighborhood filled with many Irish and Italian families, I was always happy that the Italians also had their day in March to celebrate. Of course, never as loud, rowdy or perhaps quite as “fun” as St. Patrick’s Day, and with much quieter fanfare, we nonetheless celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19. And while the Irish had their green beer and accessories, the Italians, often sporting something red, had their zeppole, a cream filled fried pastry that originated in Napoli.

©Blogginginitaly.com

According to my fellow blogger, MariaGiovanna, (Sharing My Italy) the “Zeppole di SanGiuseppe” originated in Naples, Italy, “where the first recipe was put on paper, in 1837, by the famous Neapolitan gastronome Ippolito Cavalcanti, Duke of Buonvicino.”

Fortunately, you don’t have to be in Italy to enjoy a zeppole. This morning, I headed to the Ferrara Bakery on Taylor Street in Chicago to check out the famous pastry. Light, airy and filled with cream, it was fun to see the smiles they generated on those wiping the cream from their lips.

©Blogginginitaly.com

Not surprising, Ferrara’s was busy filling and selling what appeared to be hundreds of dozens of the cream filled gems.

©Blogginginitaly.com

And since St. Joseph’s Day isn’t until March 19, you still have a few days to stock up!

©Blogginginitaly.com

So, to those looking to get beyond the grey days of winter, here’s an idea – participate in a St. Joseph’s Day custom by sharing some food with the needy and some friends, and, of course, be sure to share some zeppole!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Feast of St. Joseph, Festa di San Giuseppe, Italian cuisine, Zeppole

Comments 13 Comments
Categories Italian History, Italian Hospitality, My Blog about Italy

Habemus Papam!

13 Mar

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio

the former “Father Jorge”

now Pope Francis I,

becomes the 266th pontiff.

“Habemus Papam” – Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., has been elected Pope Francis I (Photo credit: Catholic Church (England and Wales))

Coat of Arms of Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Emblem of Vatican City Italiano: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As you probably know, the Papal conclave or election of a new pope takes place in the Sistine Chapel, which is kept locked during all voting. The word conclave, taken from the Latin clave or key, actually means “a room that can be locked.” Such intense focus enables the cardinals to be free from other distractions.

When asked by a reporter what she thought of the excitement before Pope Francis I emerged on the balcony, a lady in the square responded, “The cardinals picked a pope in two days. In Italy, we still don’t have a president!” Maybe a conclave would help?

Benedizioni per il nuovo pontefice – blessings to the new pope!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Jorge Bergoglio, Papal conclave, Pope, Pope Francis

Comments 4 Comments
Categories Italy, My Blog about Italy, Vatican

Carnevale in Venezia – 2013

5 Mar

This year, the Carnival of Venice, or Carnevale, was held from January 26 – February 12. About three million people participated in the festivities. While Venice is such a popular destination any time of year, the few weeks before lent offer something extra special.

My friends Mario and Marco, who just returned from an amazing trip, were fortunate enough to be among those participating in the 2013 festivities. Although the weather included some flooding and snow, none were deterred. The amazing pictures that follow were taken by their friends Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro.

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro.

The word for masks in Italian is maschere, and in Venice, some of the most popular ones include the Bauta, a mask that covers the entire face; the Columbina, a half-face mask that is either tied in back or held by hand with a baton; and the Medico della Peste, meaning The Plague Doctor, symbolized by a long beak.

Photo: Anthony Guida andRaffaella Spilotro

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

Masks are abundant in the shops in Venice. They are made by hand by Mascherari and have long played a part in Venetian culture and history.

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

Photos: Anthony Guida & Raffaella Spilotro

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

A panel of international costume and fashion designers shared the task of selecting “La Maschera piu bella” – the most beautiful mask.

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

Hard to pick a favorite – they are all so beautiful.

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

And just in case you have the itch, next year’s dates are February 15-March 4. Be sure to make your reservations early and remember to rent your costume in advance.

Photo: Anthony Guida and Raffaella Spilotro

See you there…well, I can hope too!

Grazie molto Marco, Mario, Anthony and Raffaella for sharing these incredible photographs! And many thanks to the Venetians for putting on such a remarkable show!

Ciao,

Judy

Comments 8 Comments
Categories Carnivale, Italian Fashion, Italian Festival, My Blog about Italy, Pageantry, Venice

2013 Best Beach! La più bella spiaggia del mondo!

23 Feb

This time of year, many of us who are experiencing the grey days of winter often turn our thoughts to warmer times. With spring just around the corner, and the blossoms getting ready to emerge from winter hibernation, it won’t be long before spring turns to summer and people head to the beach.

Since we are still in the dreaming months, which beach is best? You might be surprised to learn that in a recent Trip Advisor traveler survey, the top billing went to Rabbit Beach, on the remote Sicilian island of Lampedusa. Yes, Sicily! And why not when Italy has so much beauty to offer. Lampedusa lies in the southernmost part of Italy, about 176 kilometres (109 mi) from Sicily.

Location of Pelagie Islands on a map (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The island, population less than 5000, is only accessible by boat or air. It is described as an incredible nature reserve and is one of the only places in the Mediterranean where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle escaping from a net via TED device (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Beach oh Rabbit's Island in Lampedusa...

Rabbit Beach on Lampedusa Island Sicily: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Coastline of Lampedusa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If the name sounds vaguely familiar, the 2002 Italian film Respiro, or Breath, was filmed on the island.

Respiro (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So, if your Bucket List includes the world’s best beaches, be sure to add Rabbit Beach to your list.

Guitgia, Lampedusa (Photo credit: lucasiragusa)

Lampedusa, Cala Grecale, 2003 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And don’t forget your sunscreen!

For a list of the top 10 beaches, check out

http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cDestinations-g1

Ciao!

Judy

Tags: Best Beach in the World!, Italy, Lampedusa, Mediterranean Sea, Rabbit Beach, Respiro, Sicily

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Italy, Lampedusa, My Blog about Italy, Rabbit Beach, Sicily

A Fitting Epitaph for Ciccio, the Faithful Dog

19 Feb

Ciccio, the dog who continued to “attend mass” after the death of his longtime owner and caregiver, has died from cardiac arrest. In my January 25 post, Losing a Faithful Companion, I shared the story of Ciccio, the faithful companion of Maria Lochi, who continued to search for Maria each day at church after her funeral.

With health failing, Ciccio, also known as Tommy, had been hospitalized in a local clinic. He had become quite a celebrity, with local people making sure he was cared for. He even had his own Facebook page, which published many messages of encouragement to the dog after the death of his beloved Maria.

Farewell, Ciccio. Thank you for warming the hearts of so many and for leaving us to wonder, as my friend Pat expressed, “did he die of heart failure due to old age, or could it have been heart break due to the loss of Maria?” I guess we’ll never know, but what we do know for sure is this: he loved and was loved in return. A wonderful epitaph indeed.

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Ciccio, Death, Dog dies, San Donaci

Comments 7 Comments
Categories Dogs, Italy, Man's best friend, My Blog about Italy

Buona Festa degli Innamorati – Happy Feast of Love

14 Feb

You might be happy to learn that Valentine’s Day was not created by the greeting card companies. It seems, instead, that is was a religious holiday created in 496 by Pope Gelasius I to replace the pagan festival of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival. The new feast, celebrated on February 14, became il giorno della festa degli innamorati, or the day of the feast of love, and it was dedicated to Saint Valentine of Terni who preached the message of love. Eventually, the date became linked to romantic love, and in Italy, it was the love between a couple that was celebrated.

Early 20th century Valentine's Day card, showi...

Early 20th century Valentine’s Day card, scanned from ca. 1910 with no notice of copyright. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Up to the 19^th century, hand written notes were the norm. Today, however, the greeting card industry has commercialized the concept and love expressions are extended to all family members and friends. According to data from the Greeting Card Association, approximately one billion valentine cards are sent world-wide each year, second only to Christmas. The most common symbols associated with the day are hearts, doves, and cupids.

Scan of a Valentine greeting card dated 1909. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Years ago, I asked my husband and daughter to forego cards for my birthday, Valentine’s Day, etc., and instead write me a note or letter. They usually oblige me, or at least take time to write their own thoughts in a card, and I truly appreciate the effort. No matter how good the preprinted poem or phrase, there is nothing that compares to words from the heart.

It would be hard to beat Paul Child’s words to Julia:

You are the butter to my bread – the breath to my life.

But since it’s the thought that counts…

to my husband and daughter, and to family and friends I am lucky enough to love,

You are the wine in my cup – the smile in my heart!

Author: Bagande (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Happy Valentines Day!

Buona Festa degli Innamorati!

Happy Feast of Love!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Italy, Lupercalia, Pope Gelasius I, Saint Valentine, Valentine history, Valentine's Day

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Festa degli Innamorati, Italian Festival, Italian History, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Valentine's Day

Some Papal Facts and Legends

12 Feb

By now, just about everyone knows that Pope Benedict XVI will resign at the end of February. And although this is unusual, it is perfectly legal under Canon Law and not the first time a Pope has stepped aside. But here are a few other facts you might not know about Papal history:

Papal Nationalities:
While popes can hail from many countries, the majority, or 217 of them have been Italian. The next largest number, 17, comes from France. Rounding out the top five countries are Greece, with 13; Germany with 8, and Syria with 6. Several countries including Africa, Portugal, and Spain have at least two, followed by one each from Galilee, England, the Netherlands and Poland.

Youngest Pope:
In 955AD, at the age of 18, John XII became the youngest pope. Although there seems to be a myth about Benedict IX being only 12 when he became pope, records set his actual age at 20.

Fact or fiction?
Was there ever a female pope? According to legend from the 13th century, John VIII, elected in 855, might have been a British woman posing as a man. “He” was embraced by the Church as a great teacher and ultimately became a bishop before ascending to the papal throne. After two years, however, the legend says that “Pope Joan’s” secret was out when she gave birth while on horseback. Ultimately in disgrace, she was stoned or hung. Today, there exists no records of a female pope nor scholarly confirmation of her existence.

Papal Names:
It wasn’t until the sixth century that some popes adopted new names upon their election to the papacy. Choosing a new name wasn’t mandatory; rather, it signified whom a pope might want to honor and emulate. Later, the tradition became customary and every pope since the 16th century has done so. The most common names chosen by popes are John, Gregory, Benedict, Clement, Innocent, Leo and Pius. There has only been one Peter.

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Papal Facts, Papal History, Papal Legend, The Pope Resigns

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Italy, My Blog about Italy, Symbol of Christianity, The Pope, Vatican

Lucignano

8 Feb

In the grey and cold days of winter, it’s fun to think about some of the beautiful hill towns of Tuscany. Lucignano, a remarkably preserved medieval walled village, is one of those towns. Laid out in elliptical rings, this beautiful town sits 414 metres above sea level and offers its visitors a trip back in time.

Although Lucignano sits between Siena and Arezzo, it came under Florentine control in the 1500s, when a great deal of construction ensued. Today, one can still see the Puccini’s Fortress; Vasari’s 1568 sanctuary of Madonna della Querca; the Cappucini convent, c.1580; and several churches including Misercordia, c.1582, and Chiesa della Collegiata, c.1594. In addition, the Museo Civico offers many artistic treasures including the L’albero della vita, or tree of life, a gilded and jeweled tree holding a crucified figure.

In the village’s website, http://www.comune.lucignano.ar.it, Lucignano is described as “a pearl of the valdichiana, a small village that represents one of the more extraordinary examples of medieval urban planning for its system of elliptic rings…” Today, the village continues its agricultural and artisan traditions and produces products ranging from olive oil and honey to ceramics and gold jewelry. In addition, should you wish to purchase inlaid furniture or have a piece in need of repair, the skilled artists of Lucignano are ready to oblige.

One of my favorite English signs was this:

Nice People – Is that referring to the owners or a requirement for entry? It was closed so we didn’t find out.

And this wonderful Italian thought:

Wine is the poetry of the earth…I’ll toast to that!

Early Sunday morning, the men all gather…

While the ladies smell the flowers and pick fresh basil for the feasts they are preparing…

A lovely way to spend a day, enjoying food, friends and family, and of course, the poetry of the earth. Just wish some of those nice people had invited us to dinner!

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Art in Italy, Driving in Tuscan Hills, Italy, Lucignano, Medieval buildings, Tuscan countryside, Tuscany

Comments 4 Comments
Categories Etruscan Ruins, Firenze, Italian Art, Italian countryside, Italy, My Blog about Italy, Tuscany

Losing a Faithful Companion

25 Jan

About a week ago, the Sud Italia News shared a wonderful story about man’s, or woman’s as is this case, best friend. An article posted by Simona Giacobbi told the story of a kind woman, Maria Lochi, who had cared for stray dogs and cats for many years. At the young age of 57, Maria passed away. Maria was a regular at the church of Santa Maria Assunta in San Donaci, located in the province of Brindisi.

Ciccio, a 12 year-old German Shepherd, was Maria’s faithful companion. He accompanied her everywhere, including “attending” mass with her at the Church of Santa Maria. Two months ago, Maria was buried at the same church, and Ciccio “with his sad eyes” was among the mourners.

Incredibly, since that day, Ciccio continues to go to Mass every day, hoping to see his beloved caretaker, Maria.

As reported in the Huff Post, UK, Father Donato Panna told the Daily Mail: ”He’s there every time I celebrate Mass and is very well behaved – he doesn’t make a sound, I’ve not heard one bark from him in all the time he has been coming in.

‘He used to come to Mass with Maria and he was obviously devoted to her – I let him stay inside as he was always so well behaved and none of the other parishoners ever complained to me.”

According to the parish priest, Ciccio’s presence has deeply affected the parishioners, and no one would think of chasing him away. In fact, the residents of the town have decided to adopt him, ensuring he is fed and cared for.

The story reminds me of Paco, my faithful companion of nearly 17 years. He was wherever I was, under foot or at my side, always with unconditional love, and of course, always hoping I’d drop something for him to eat. So glad that the town’s people are taking care of Ciccio.

Man’s best friend? You bet.

Ciao,

Judy

Tags: Ciccio, DailyMail, Dog, German Shepherd Dog, Italy, Losing a companion, Losing a Faithful Companion, Mass, San Donaci, Unconditional Love

Comments 6 Comments
Categories Dogs, Italian Hospitality, Italy, My Blog about Italy

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Blogging In Italy

David – clothed?

Buona Festa di San Giuseppe!

Habemus Papam!

Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio

the former “Father Jorge”

now Pope Francis I,

becomes the 266th pontiff.

Carnevale in Venezia – 2013

2013 Best Beach! La più bella spiaggia del mondo!

A Fitting Epitaph for Ciccio, the Faithful Dog

Buona Festa degli Innamorati – Happy Feast of Love

Some Papal Facts and Legends

Lucignano

Losing a Faithful Companion

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