My name is Thauna and I am addicted to buying books about Italy.
Shocked?? I didn’t think you would be. I have more than I can possibly read before my trip in 3 months and 5 days. (Thanks handy countdown in my sidebar.)
The first step is admitting you have a problem, right?
**Note: adding some important things I’ve learned so far after a long-winded comment below:
Let’s see, so far I’ve learned:
- It’s frowned upon to order a cappuccino after noon or after you eat.
- Balsamic vinegar involves a very lengthy process.
- L’Aperitivo helps stimulate your appetite ( don’t think that will be a problem) and digestivo is for after dinner. Both have alcohol in them.
- There are four different types of police officers in various and colorful uniforms.
- The custom of sugared almonds as a wedding favor started in Italy with Le Bomboniere…which is quite an elaborate party favor. It signifies prosperity and fertility.
- Soccer is a religion.
- Watch out for dishes and household items flying out the windows in Napoli (Naples) on New Year’s Eve.
- Look for the oranges with wrappers (and save them). They are an old custom and still can be found here and there, ask the seller if you really want a wrapped one and it’s in the middle of a big pyramid…you may have to buy a few to get it. And you might want to mention you want the wrapper so they don’t rip it off to check the fruit.
- Buy some ceramics.
- And you may see a Chiuso (closed) sign when you least expect it.
- Oh and only use the informal “tu” when you’ve been told it’s acceptable…until then stick to Lei (you).
I’m only on page quarantasei (46). So much to learn!
Okay, as a person of Italian ancestry, I just have to ask. What DO Italians do best? Is it food? Talking with their hands? Art? Love? I’m hoping that, whatever it is, I’ve inherited some of it.
teri recently blogged..Tutorial – Image Transfer onto Sticky-Back Canvas
Let’s see, so far I’ve learned it’s not cool to order a cappuccino after noon or after you eat. Balsamic vinegar involves a very lengthy process. L’Aperitivo helps stimulate your appetite ( don’t think that will be a problem) and digestivo is for after dinner. Both have alcohol in them.
There are four different types of police officers in various and colorful uniforms. The custom of sugared almonds as a wedding favor started in Italy with Le Bomboniere…which is quite an elaborate party favor. It signifies prosperity and fertility. Soccer is a religion. Watch out for dishes and household items flying out the windows in Napoli (Naples) on New Year’s Eve. Look for the oranges with wrappers (and save them). Buy some ceramics. And you may see a Chiuso (closed) sign when you least expect it. Oh and only use the informal “tu” when you’ve been told it’s acceptable…until then stick to Lei (you). But I’m only on page quarantasei (46). So much to learn!
Thauna recently blogged..A Confession
Very informative. Half my relatives are from Naples. On New Years, we would always go outside and bang pots and pans at midnight. I’m not sure why, but it’s probably related to the flying dishes.
Also, my gramma made, for breakfast, caffe latte, except it is actually called latte cafe. It’s half milk, half coffee, and a raw egg whipped in. Day old bread was toasted and dipped in. I mention this because I suspect latte and cappuccino were considered breakfast drinks.
Keep ‘em coming – I love this!
teri recently blogged..Tutorial – Image Transfer onto Sticky-Back Canvas
You are going to be so prepped for that trip!
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