It didn’t take long… I’m homesick for Italy.
Within the first few days of our trip to Ireland I was missing Italy with all of my heart.
This is a very different experience than I had after leaving the US. I was gone from the United States for 5 months when my brother-in-law asked me what I missed about the states. I didn’t hesitate before sincerely replying, “nothing” (save for family, of course).
Here I’m gone from Italy less than a week, and I’m craving all things Italian – cappuccino, spritz, our community at the local bar, proper pizza, loud neighbors, and more. That feeling of belonging.
So, there are a few things I’m doing to ease the heartache.
1) Fresh air is in order.
In Ireland, we finally have a day with some sun and we run for the park. I revel in the blue skies and sunshine like a prisoner coming out of her cell. We take the ferry – a neat treat.
The sunny skies, the fresh air, and the warmer weather bring a smile to my face.
2) Pining for Italy, I don’t hesitate to order a cappuccino.
First things first, I kiss Kamea and send her off to play. Next, we make our way to the cafe where I’m excited to order a cappuccino.
But, oh, my heart… weeping. This is not a cappuccino.
More like, a latte. A big mug full of overly heated milk, tinged only slightly brown from the shot of espresso… and so hardly any flavor. I feel farther from Italy now.
I snap out of it though! I’m grateful for the option at a park! I settle for an Americano on all future visits.
3) Tethering to Italy via Reading
I miss Italy, so I’m reading about her. It connects me, keeps her closer… tethering me to her. And, it actually works. I start to feel better right away.
I start with Elizabeth Minchilli’s work.
These books have been on my wish list for too long.
First up: Eating My Way Through Italy. I read it in two days and enjoyed every word, story, and I loved her writing style. I like it so much I decide I must have a hard copy, too. This book is too good for all of my highlights to get lost in my Kindle paperwhite.
Learning Much More Than I Thought I Would!
What I didn’t expect, but made me such a lover of the book, were the histories and differences between certain foods from Italy – I had always known there was important information I should know regarding balsamic, olive oil, and parmigiano reggiano, but I never knew what it was. Elizabeth succinctly teaches and shares these important details.
As soon as I set foot on Italian soil I will be on the hunt for these items. The proper ones! Sorry, budget.
Also, I never knew the pertinent distinctions between the kinds of pasta – industrialized vs fresh vs artisan dried. I’m glad I know now, and I can’t wait to try her recommendations. I’m so inspired by her books that I’ll be putting full-carnivore on hold while I work my way through her recipes, doubling the meat parts, of course.
Surprised, But… Rome Beckons Me
Even though I’ve flirted with the idea of traveling to Rome to get my hair done. That just sounds cool to me. “Oh, honey, I’ll see you tonight, I’m off to Rome to get my hair done.” Our place, in Italy, is only a few hours train ride away, so why not? A good book, a porchetta panino, and a bottle of water to take along? Perfetto!
Still, at first, I didn’t think I’d buy Elizabeth Minchilli’s book, Eating Rome, because I didn’t expect it to be as useful to me as Eating My Way Through Italy. I have changed my mind! I loved that first book so much that her book on Rome was purchased immediately. As I finished Eating Rome on my Kindle, I immediately set to getting the print of that book, too.
And so I found myself buying her newest book, The Italian Table, as I’m addicted to her writing, and longing for Italy while passing the time in Ireland.
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