Correction!

3 Oct

Well, I guess after 40 years, it’s not surprising to find that a detail from my previous post was incorrect. A classmate let me know that some Rome students participated in a Diet Rite commercial, not the Coke one. They were paid about $30 and the popular commercial aired for over 12 months nationwide.

People who don’t need it drink it
Folks not on a diet try it
People who’ve heard of it love it
You’re not on a diet; try it!
Everybody likes it – Diet Rite Cola

The Coke commercial was released in July, 1971, before we got to Rome, and per Coke archives, has consistently been voted one of the best of all time.

I’d like to buy the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow-white turtledoves

I’d like to teach the world to sing
In perfect harmony
I’d like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company
 That’s the real thing

Interesting how both commercials included students and how both were filmed in Rome. Although I was not part of either commercial, I do remember returning to the US and seeing them both…two wonderful reminders of my time in Italy.

For those old enough to remember the commercials, are you humming???

Ciao,

Judy

A Rome Reunion to Remember!

30 Sep

There are many things that can make one fall in love with a country. I was reminded of so many of them this weekend as I celebrated the 40th reunion of my junior year abroad with many fellow “Rome Campers” at the 50th anniversary of Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center.

In the fall of 1971, 358 students, mostly from across the U.S., descended upon Loyola University of Chicago’s Rome campus.  Eager with excitement and perhaps a bit nervous about the unknown, we came together to spend our junior year in Italy. And what a year it was!

Although our classes were in English, we all studied the Italian language and became fluent enough to eat, shop, travel and carry on with the locals. Our beautiful campus on Monte Mario provided the perfect setting for our home away from home, and our teachers and classmates became our new family.

We ate, drank, socialized, studied, shared our innermost thoughts, chased our dreams, learned about new cultures, confronted our fears, and most of all, had an amazing opportunity to discover who we were and what made us tick. Most of us turned 21 that year.

Besides the classroom academics, much of our study abroad learning happened in the classroom of world travel. Over the course of a school year, and with no classes on most Fridays, travelling was easy…I visited 17 countries.

In small or large groups, spreading out in all directions like the spokes of a wheel, we ventured from Liverpool to Leningrad, from the Netherlands to the Nile, and just about every place in between.  We rode camels to the great pyramids; saw the birthplace of Jesus; toured ancient Greek ruins; visited the home town of the Beatles; hosted a Christmas day party for an orphanage; gathered on a hillside to film a Coke commercial http://soc.li/wOdW4Qf;

celebrated numerous 21st birthdays at Carmellos; wrote a letter to Pope Paul VI about Vietnam; rode Vespas throughout Rome; literally “jumped” into the Trevi Fountain (ok, it was the night before we were heading home and a few of our classmates wanted to be certain it was a memorable evening!);

marveled at the amazing art and antiquities throughout Italy and wherever our travels took us; flocked to the Vatican after the Pieta was damaged (before it was behind glass);

attended the “real” Oktoberfest and Mardi Gras; learned to eat calamari; loved to drink cappuccino; and just simply had the time of our lives.

Over the last few days, with friendships renewed and hugs abundant, many of us gathered from near and far to retell and relive the stories as if they had happened yesterday. We raised our glasses – to each other, to those who could not attend, and to those who have left us. How incredible, after 40 years, to so vividly remember each other and the events that shaped our lives that year. Sure, a few well earned wrinkles and gray hairs have emerged, but they have done nothing to lessen the sparkle in our eyes and the smiles on our faces. We loved our experiences then and still cherish them to this day. For most of us, our year together in Rome still ranks among the best years of our lives.

Saturday night, at the 50th anniversary gala, a Fiat 500 was auctioned. None of us won the car, but for sure, we all walked away winners. You don’t need to look hard to see that!

Over the last 50 years, more than 14,000 students have attended Loyola’s Rome Center. Not surprisingly, those just returning shared the same enthusiasm and reaped the same rewards as we did so long ago. At Saturday night’s grand celebration, 50 years of Rome Center attendees, aged  20’s to 80’s, gathered to celebrate. While the heels were higher and the dresses shorter for the younger generations, there was little difference in the glow of all the faces of alumni brimming with stories to share. In fact, some of our stories trumped those of the more recent attendees as they discovered we actually had birrra machines in some of our hallways!

When our class left the Rome Center in 1972, I’m sure most of us thought we’d return within a year or so. I know I did. But after college came my career and graduate school, then a wonderful marriage and family, and incredibly, it took me 25 years to return. My advice, especially to students, is to take advantage of any opportunity you may have to study abroad and learn about other parts of this world we share, whether for a year, a semester, or a summer. Careers and yet unknown responsibilities have a way of postponing your best laid plans for travel, so jump at the opportunity if you can.

To my classmates, ci vediamo a Piazza Igea, alle otto, domani mattina! Well, perhaps not tomorrow morning, but hopefully our paths will cross again soon. And thanks to all whose pictures I have copied and shared here. I can’t believe I found the commercial!

Grazie tutti for a most memorable and wonderful weekend! Campers, and spouses, you’re the best!

Ciao!

Judy

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RIP Our Dog Paco

5 Sep

Our dog and friend Paco died peacefully in my arms around noon today. He had been failing this last week and letting us know it was his time to go. We were fortunate to have had him nearly 17 years, almost 119 in human years. Unlike humans, however, he never lost his puppy look. Rarely could a person pass without commenting what a darling puppy he was.

Paco was born in Marble Falls, Texas, in late 1995. A lady who worked at a Drexel Heritage furniture store found him in a field (covered in burrs) and didn’t know what to do with him. She had named him Drexel. Len and I were supposed to be playing golf, but it was pouring outside and the courses were closed. Not much else to do in Marble Falls besides golf, so we wandered into the store.

The cute little black puppy followed me around the store and we offered to take him home. Benita was not quite three and we were thinking about getting a dog anyway. Why not this one, a homeless mutt?

We changed his name to Paco. None of us know where the name came from but it certainly fit him better than Drexel. Ironic thing is, I bought a Drexel Heritage sofa this week.

The rest is history. Paco was an easy dog and just about everyone he met couldn’t help but like him…including my Mom, who really wasn’t much of a dog person. I guess it’s just hard to resist a dog with a perpetual puppy face, a snaggle tooth, and jet black fur that felt like mink.

My friend Glenys recently told me about a book written from a dog’s perspective. The dog is nearly Paco’s age, failing and not wanting x-rays, tests, and treatments –  just wanting his beloved owner to know it’s ok to let him die peacefully with dignity.

Paco had that look in his eyes as I held his head in my hands.  It was his time…we both knew. Farewell, buddy… we’ll miss you, but we sure had a long and great run together.

Ciao,

Judy

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Cortona Sagra della Bistecca – Beef Steak Festival

18 Aug

Ferragosto…an Italian word filled with celebration.

The Latin “Feriae Augusti” denoted the “August Rest” which was a month-long holiday period proclaimed in the 18th century by emperor Augustus. It was a time when people could relax after all the hard work associated with the harvest and the end of the year’s main agricultural work. It was also a time when nobility mixed with the workers.

Over time, the festival shortened to a few weeks and eventually became a one-day event, celebrated on August 15 each year. For Italians, this bank holiday combines elements of both ancient and Christian worlds, as August 15 also commemorates the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Cities throughout Italy celebrate this day with great festivals. If you happened to be  in Cortona, you no doubt enjoyed the annual Sagra della Bistecca, or beef steak festival, held in the normally quiet Parterre, or public garden pictured here.

For the festival, the quiet setting is transformed. An enormous grill, some 14-meters long, is erected. Locals don chef’s aprons, and with extra long forks, lovingly go about the work of grilling mouth-watering T-bone steaks, Italian sausages, and spareribs for the locals who have crowded the park to enjoy the celebration with family and friends.

Photo: “Classic Tuscan Homes”

Local wines and cheeses compliment the grilled meats and make for a perfect feast and day of relaxation. If interested, I’ve included a You Tube clip of the Cortona event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anpiFhse558

Hmmm… grilled steaks for dinner tonight?

Ciao,

Judy

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Mona Lisa Uncovered

1 Aug

Does the name Lisa Gherardini sound familiar? Well, it didn’t to me until I saw a news clip that caught my eye. Many experts believe that Lisa, the wife of Italian merchant Francesco del Giocondo, was the subject of Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting, Mona Lisa. Now it seems that her bones may have been uncovered beneath the altar of the Convent of Saint Ursula in Florence, Italy.

The clipping intrigued me, mostly because I’m not sure I have ever wondered who Mona Lisa was. So, a bit of research uncovered some information I found very interesting:

  • Lisa was born in Florence, Italy, in 1479, and was the eldest of seven children.
  • In 1945, at the age of fifteen, she married Francesco del Giocondo, a successful merchant. Together they had five children. Two of their daughters became nuns, (which has to do with the location of the archaeological dig!)
  • In 1503, Francesco commissioned Leonardo DaVinci to paint a portrait of his wife, Lisa, age 24. It is believed it took him about four years to complete due to other projects. DaVinci, however, feeling the painting was unfinished, never delivered it to Francesco nor did he get paid for his work.
  •  The painting depicts Lisa as a fashionable woman as well as a faithful wife of her time, as shown through her right hand over her left.
  • The title of the painting, La Gioconda in Italian and La Joconde in French, refers to Lisa’s married name Giocondo, as well as the nickname La Jocund, meaning the merry one.
  • Monna Lisa was the original title. Monna is considered a contraction for Madonna, meaning Madam or My Lady.
  • After her husband died and Lisa’s health began to fail, daughter Marietta (a nun) cared for Lisa in the convent of Saint Ursula, where she is believed to be buried.
  • King Francis I of France acquired the painting in the 16th century and kept it in his chateau, The Fontainebleau. Many years later, it was hanging in Napoleon’s bedroom in the Tuileries. In 1797, it was moved to the Louvre where it became accessible to the masses for viewing.
  • On August 21, 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian carpenter who worked  at the Louvre, stole the painting from the wall of the Salon Carré. It was recovered 2 years later when he attempted to sell it to a Florentine antique dealer.
  • Mona Lisa is considered one of the most famous paintings in the world. About six million people visit the painting each year at the Louvre in Paris. It now hangs in the Salle de Etats, inventory number # 779. ( Great trivia!)
  • Mona Lisa is undated and unsigned.

For those who have had the joy of being in the Louvre, you might have been caught off guard by the size of the painting. For a portrait of its time, it was actually considered large. But for many today, including me, it’s hard not to be struck by the small size of perhaps the world’s most famous painting… 30 inches high by 20 7/8 inches wide (77cm by 53 cm). Nonetheless, her smile and eyes never fail to intrigue…and now we know about the hands!

As for unearthing the bones, click on the link for a great picture of the dig as well as an explanation.

http://dawn.com/2012/07/24/italian-archaeologists-close-in-on-real-mona-lisa/

Ciao,

Judy

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From Cappucino to Vino and More!

19 Jul

This year, we added a few places to our morning routine. Bar Sport Caffe Sandy sits on a corner strategically between the two main piazzas of Cortona. It has two entrances, one facing each piazza, a large outdoor seating and two inside dining areas. The owners, Mirko and Elena, son Nando and wife Pia, are always there to greet with a smile, although they were looking rather serious for this photo! They make great cappuccino, and it’s only 1.1euro, or about $1.30 a cup, and NOT served in a paper cup! Civilized. The name Sandy actually refers to the coffee brand.

One of the great things about cafes in Italy is that they are full service from morning till closing. In the morning, people order their preferred form of coffee…espresso, cappuccino, café latte, etc., often accompanied by a dolce, or pastry, or a panini. They can choose to sit inside or out, or stand at the counter, as they read the paper or talk to friends about the latest news.

 

Typically at Italian cafes, the drink menu is not limited to coffee. Bar Sport Caffe Sandy has a full bar and a huge variety of liquors, which some people, more often tourists, choose as their morning pick me up. In addition, lighter menus are available for lunch and dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes after dinner, we stop in for a glass of wine, chat with people we meet, or just enjoy people watching in the piazza. If you stop at Sandy’s for a nightcap, don’t be surprised if a lovely plate of bruscettas accompanies your drink… on the house. All part of the experience, all part of the fun. All in all, Bar Sport Caffe Sandy is a great casual spot, day or night!

Ciao,

Judy

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Renting in Cortona: Il Roseto

17 Jul

This summer, we rented Il Roseto, the name referring to the lovely garden at the front of the house. The immaculate home is on one floor, no steps, and was comfortably spacious to accommodate all of us.  Besides large rooms and modern baths, one of the best features is the outside patio with a large umbrella table and a covered swing, all surrounded by roses and geraniums.

We found the rental through VRBO: Il Roseto. It is owned by Fernando and Anna, brother and sister, who grew up in the house. They have lovingly restored it, yet kept the charm of wood beams, stone and tile. They are very attentive to the needs of their guests and made us feel very at home in their home.

There are two large bedrooms, each with a queen bed, and one smaller room with bunk beds.

                           

The family room has a sofa that doubles as an incredibly comfortable king size bed. There is also a large dining table, which we used for our computers, and a large TV. WIFI works throughout the house as well as outside.

Across the hall is the breakfast room with another dining table and through it the kitchen, small but functional. And after all, who wants to cook too much when there are so many great and reasonable restaurants in Cortona!

The house has two modern baths, each with shower, and all the hair appliances we needed. Sorry about the towels!

Across the front patio, there is a small structure that houses the washer AND dryer, unusual in Italy. There is also a BBQ grill, which Len mastered.

Finally, the location is great. It is inside the city walls, located not far from the Porta Colonia entrance, making parking easy when we had a car. It is also just a few minutes walk to the main piazzas and everything in town, including the buses to nearby cities. Living right in the heart of a neighborhood is exactly what we like.

A great find, a great stay. Grazie, Fernando and Anna!

Ciao,

Judy

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5000 Views…Grazie!!!

14 Jul

WOW! Today blogginginitaly.com reached 5000 all time views! Not bad for a one year old site that started as a way to share our travels with family and a few friends. I’m humbled and honored to have so many readers and love all the feedback and comments. Just this week, I heard from a lady in Florida who will be spending a month in Cortona in the fall. She said the blog really helped her, and that is so rewarding for me. So, a huge thank you to all who have read and enjoyed the posts, especially Len and Benita! Stay tuned for more to come. For now, however, although a picture can’t truly capture the beauty, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite vistas of Tuscany. To enlarge, just click on the photo.

Ciao and Grazie!

Judy

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Arrivederci

11 Jul

With deference to Goodnight Moon, my farewell ode to Italia 2012:

Arrivederci salumi, cheese and wine

Arrivederci going to dinner at nine

Arrivederci shopping at the markets in the street

Arrivederci greeting every stranger I meet

Arrivederci pastry and cappuccino in the early morn

Arrivederci basil from a plant freshly torn

Arrivederci best mozzarella I will ever taste

Arrivederci appreciation of life at a slower pace

Arrivederci  sunflowers growing strong and tall

Arrivederci lovely shops, not ever in a mall

Arrivederci gelato –  the source of smiles galore

Arrivederci  flowers adorning every window and door

Arrivederci graceful ladies walking arm in arm

Arrivederci vistas of the land people farm

Arrivederci homemade pasta in every size and shape

Arrivederci beans that only Italians know how to make

Arrivederci tomatoes, bruscetta and cheese

Arrivederci pizza prepared to please

Arrivederci piazza life where people sip vino and talk

Arrivederci evenings’ activities we find on our walk

Arrivederci shoes, scarves and fashion

Arrivederci simplicity filled with passion

Arrivederci antiquities that stretch the soul and mind

 

Arrivederci art and architecture, every imaginable kind

Arrivederci friends, old and new, from far and near

  

Arrivederci Cortona, Italia, till we see you next year.

Many thanks to all who made our trip so memorable.

While this marks the “physical” end of our 2012 Italian adventure, it is not the end of the blog… come back for much more!

Ciao!

Judy

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A Simple Life

2 Jul

In Cortona, shopping for one’s daily needs is simple…no megastores, no supermarkets, and no chain stores. What does exist are merchants who tend to specialize, thus offer great quality at reasonable prices. Meat and poultry are generally purchased at the macelleria, or butcher shop, and there are a few in town. Fish and seafood is less easily available, but the fish monger comes to town once a week and fish is available at the Saturday market.         Bread can be purchased directly from the panettiere, or baker, as well as local venues he supplies early in the morning. His shop is directly behind our house, so just about every night we fall asleep to the scent of fresh bread baking in the ovens.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are available at a few locations…two stores and one pop-up market only open in the morning, spread out in an area that becomes a restaurant later in the day.

                            

Dry goods, canned goods, deli meats and cheeses, paper and cleaning products, frozen and dairy items, etc., can be found at one of the two markets in town: Molessini and the Mini-Market.

Pharmaceuticals, baby products, healthcare items, etc. are available at the local Pharmacia, and they are easily identifiable as they have a green cross in front.

The Tabacchi or tobacco shops sell newspapers, magazines, bus and train tickets, maps, gum, candy, and an assortment of tourist items and toys.

                                               

Bars, cafés, and enotecas offer everything from morning coffee and pastry to light lunch and dinner with full bar, and I mean full.  You can sit in or out.

   

The best part is that you buy only what you can carry as you walk everywhere. That of course means that everything you eat is fresh, and so delicious. Makes grocery shopping fun!

Not to be left out is the gelato. Ice cream is available at two gelaterias in town…a great way to stroll and end the evening.

How I am dreading “super” markets back home. Super is definitely not always better, just big, big, bigger! Is there a future for “Simplemarkets” in the US? Probably not, but a good reason to travel!

Ciao,

Judy

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