As you can tell from my previous post (by speaking a bit of Italian lingo) and also this post, I find myself lately wanting to express and share my Italian heritage.
But don’t worry, I won’t go so far as to share video clips of Marlon Brando as The Godfather.
And even though I took two years of Italian in high school, the only thing I can say is culo del gatto.
Which means: ass of the cat.
I recently watched two brilliant films that were set within the breathtaking backdrop of Italy.
Eat. Pray. Love and Letters to Juliet.
Back in the late 70’s I traveled to Europe, but never got the chance to visit Italy. However, after seeing these films, I know I must get there one day.
Being an Italian-American myself, I’ve always had a deep-seeded connection to all things Italian.
The food, the wine, the culture, and the overall passion and gusto with which true Italians live.
Italians do everything with feeling.
When they eat, it’s an experience.
When they drink wine, it’s savored.
When they express any emotion, it’s fully.
And when they love, they love with total abandonment.
That’s amore!
Italians live as if they‘re creating a life of art; painting it with each luscious and dramatic stroke of a brush.
They take time to relish each moment.
I adore being Italian.
I love knowing that my family roots are planted within Italian soil.
I can feel it.
Whenever I look at images of Italy….my heart swells.
wow, what gorgeousness are those pictures and yes, it's a gorgeous country i hope to see someday...my son and his wife plan to buy a home in tuscany with or without friends from there so maybe one day we can go without the fortune it takes to actually GO! even tho i don't know what i would eat without the pasta and pizza and pasta and pasta and and and pasta...and pizza...did i say? and you ARE so italian, my friend.xox oh, hated-well, strong word but it was rather um stupid but the other, 'letters from julia' i adored because i adore vanessa, pure and simple and the man she ended up with? O. M. G.... italia bella is for sure...would that be bello? no, couldn't be bello, must be bella. sounds more italiano..
ReplyDeleteBonjourno Linda~
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the photos. I had such a hard time selecting them because I had so many to choose from, and they were all so gorgeous.
Ahhhh yes, pasta! We Italians LOVE pasta! But I'm sure you could find plently of yummy food in Italy that didn't involved pasta.
OMG...wasn't 'Letters to Juliet' fabulous? Vanessa looked more beautiful than ever! And yes, so did the man she ended up with (her in real-life husband, Franco Nero) - bello!
I loved Eat. Pray. Love. Julia Roberts, I feel, did an amazing acting job. The movie deeply touched me.
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend!
Hope you had a FAB holiday!
((((( Linda )))))
xoxox
Awesome pictures! Fell in love with Italy after reading the descriptions of Rome written by Pat Conroy. Hope to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteRon...
ReplyDeleteOHHHHH!!! I LOVE this post! I love ALL things Italy! I have traveled to quite a lot of cities in Italy but sooo many more to see-- I LOVEEEEEEEEE Italia! LOVE the pics...
Merry Christmas, Ron! Yes, it's really me! I'm Back ;) Missed you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics & fabulous post, as usual! Haven't seen either movie but want to see both.
I feel the same way about my Polish heritage.
And believe it or not, I finally posted after 8 months. Check it out when you get a chance. mybabciasbabushka.blogspot.com
Wonderful to be back.Talk to you soon, my dear friend! (((HUGS)))
Beautiful pictures Ron. The only places I've been to in Italy are Naples and Palermo - just for the day as part of a Mediterranean cruise. I desperately want to go to Rome so of course it's on my 'to do' list and I WILL get there one day. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it, love it, love it. Talking about Italy of course. How marvellous that you have roots there. I am EXCEEDINGLY jealous. I have a passion for the place and totally adore beautiful Sorrento. You might have noticed that I often write (or wrote) stories with an Italian theme. Just in case I shall repost one of my favourites. Thank you for lightening my heart on this awful winter's day and I hope you can soon relax on the work front. Heehee well, maybe not ON the workfront but you know what I mean. Ciao, baby.
ReplyDeletepictures are beautiful. i've been to italy, now where did i go. venice and florence. i would love to go back there too. i love love love italian foods but i only know a few italian words. family there?
ReplyDeleteGreetings Beach Bum~
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Thank you for stopping by and sharing a comment. Nice to meet you!
I have a feeling that if I ever visited Italy, I would NEVER come home because it would feel as if I WAS home!
Hope to visit someday too!
Enjoy your day!
Ciao!
X
Bonjour Leesa~
ReplyDeleteAren't the pics faaaaaaaabulous?
Last week when I read your post about the beautiful Italian woman you met on the subway, I had already written this post and thought it totally ironic that the two of us were thinking "italian" - HA!
OMG...I bet you have some of the most glorious photos of Italy. I would love to see them someday!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend! Hope you're having a bella day!
Ciao!
Bonjourno Akelamalu~
ReplyDeleteOMG...I hear Naples is divine! And I work with a woman who is actually from Palermo. She's been living in the states for 30 years, yet still has that romantic Italian accent!
Ahhhhhh.....Rome! Yes, when I go to Italy, Rome is definitely a MUST visit. All that wonderful history!!!!!
Thank you for stopping by, m'dear! Hope you had a beautiful holiday!
Ciao!
X
Bonjourno Valerie~
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, as a kid I had no real interest in my family roots/heritage. However, as I got older I began to feel such a deep connection to all things Italian. Even while looking at photos, I can feel myself transported there; knowing how it feels!
As yes, Sorrento! I hear it's beautiful. While still living in FLorida, I use to eat at an Italian restaurant which was called Sorrento's. It was owned by an Italian family from Italy, who's grandmother would actually be in the back kitchen - cooking the dinners. She was adorable!
OMG....I would LOVE to read your stories with an Italian theme - I bet they're AWESOME! I look forward to it!
You're not going to believe this, but Philadelphia got slammed with a TON of snow yesterday. It came down like a blizzard! As I was walking home from work last night, I thought the wind was going to blow me into the sky - HA! Today, it's sunny and cold. The snow looks so beautiful!
Thank you so much for stopping by, dear lady! Always such a delight to see you!
Stay warm, and have a great Monday!
Ciao, baby!
X
Bonjourno V~
ReplyDeleteI KNEW (being a photographer) that you would enjoy these photos of Italy. Aren't they stunning?
So you've been to Italy? How WONDERFUL!
I've heard countless times that Venice and Florence are two places you cannot miss while visiting Italy. I would also like to visit Verona. It looks so charming and romantic!
Isn't Italian food the BOMB? Honestly, it's my very favorite food.
I have no family there that I know of. Most of my relatives came here waaaaaaaaaaaaay back when. My biological mothers side of the family all spoke fluent Italian and cooked authentic Italian food. Dinner at their homes was like being in the movie The Godfather. My grandmother and grandfather were such sweet people.
Thanks for stopping by, girl! Hope you had a FABU holiday!
Enjoy your day!
Ciao!
X
*jumping up and down*
ReplyDeleteOMG! OMG! OMG! It's COLLETTE!!!!!!! It's so grrrrrrreat to see you again, dear lady! I've been wondering how you were and if you were planning on blogging again.
Sooooo glad you're back! And yes, I will stop by your blog sometime today to check out your post!
Aren't the pics of Italy gorgeous? I would LOVE to visit there one day!
"I feel the same way about my Polish heritage."
You GO, girl! I thinks it's important for ALL of us to feel in love with our heritage roots.
Hope you had a blessed Christmas, Collette!
Much thanks for stopping by!
Ciao!
X
What amazing pictures Ron, of all I like the one of Tuscany the best if I had to choose but they all are great.
ReplyDeleteBeing proud of your heritage is something deep seeded in all of us and your Italian roots will be an impressive line to follow, one day you will get a chance to see it with your own eyes my friend but you have to promise to come back because if you stayed I'd have to put up with Cindy crying because you are gone.
Excellent Post Buddy!!
LOVED the pictures and the clip from Letters to Juliette. I think I am going to have to rent that. Looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI swear from all your descriptions of being Italian... I think I must have been Italian in a previous life (besides that being about the only thing I can cook well!).
Ciao baby!
Howdy Jimmy~
ReplyDeleteAren't the photos faaabulous?
I think I have to agree with you and say that the last one of Tuscany is my favorite too! I looks so mystical! My second favorite is the one of 'Somewhere, Italy' - bellissima!
"Being proud of your heritage is something deep seeded in all of us..."
Absolutely! Isn't it something how your 'soul' tugs you in the direction of your roots? It's like you can actually FEEL it!
"one day you will get a chance to see it with your own eyes my friend but you have to promise to come back because if you stayed I'd have to put up with Cindy crying because you are gone.'
Awwww...you're such a sweet man, Jimmy. Don't worry, when I finally get to visit Italy I promise to come back, if only for a few days, to pack up clothes and MOVE TO ITALY - HA!
Thanks for stopping by, buddy!
Have a super-duper Monday!
X to you and Cindy!
Hiya Peg!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the photos and movie clip. OMG, 'Letters to Juliet' is such a wonderful film. So romantic! So toucing! It made me cry! If you have the chance to see it, I think you'll love it. I think hubby will too.
"I swear from all your descriptions of being Italian... I think I must have been Italian in a previous life (besides that being about the only thing I can cook well!)."
Then I bet you were! I also think I lived a previous life in Italy. Whenever I look at photos, I can FEEL myself there.
Thank you for stopping by, dear friend!
Hope you had a MARVI Monday!
Ciao baby!
X
Welcome to this side of Xmas dear Ron... You'd love Italy. They seem so vivid and just full of careless life!
ReplyDeleteWe Indians and you Italians - we are pretty much alike. Just ask Russell Peters: <ah href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83KEvIURe9M:>Russell Peters About Italy</a>
ReplyDeleteJokes aside, if I am blessed with children, I too will not let them forget where they came from. Sadly, too many children who were born here don't know what their parents and grandparents went through. And it's their parent's fault for not taking any interest and talking about history.
Sadly, even bad apples in society are to blame. They say: "Now that you've got your Canadian Citizenship... you should look forward and not look back to what you actually left"
Sounds like a nice advice but there's a lot of hate underneath it - in short, they want to say "Break all ties with your native land and don't display your culture to us"
I must admit, Italy certainly is a beautiful country. You know, even though I live in the UK, I have never been to Italy. I have no idea why but I've only been to France and Spain.
ReplyDeleteI truly think I was Italian in a previous life. I love just about anything Italian. I took it in college for three years and then studied it while we were in London. I keep telling my husband I want to go back to Tuscany. We talk about it every year. I'll believe it when it happens.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Susu~
ReplyDeleteYes, I finally feel like I can let go and relax. I had some stuff that needed to get done today which I'd been ignoring because I was too busy. But, it's done and I feel great!
"You'd love Italy. They seem so vivid and just full of careless life!"
I bet I would! And I bet the fashion is fabuulous too! Aaaahh.....Italia bella!
Thank you for stopping by, beautiful lady! Hope you had a super Monday!
Ciao!
X
Greetings Jaffer~
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the link buddy, I will stop by You Tube later and check it out!
OMG, I LOVED what you shared about never forgetting where you came from because it's TRUE! Yes, it's wonderful to move some place else, but I think it's so important to always remember and celebrate your roots/heritage.
I'm kinda shocked to hear that about Canada, because I always thought they were a country that embraced differences.
But I have to say, it's the same here in certain parts of the States.
There's no reason why we can't all live in the same place, yet celebrate our various backgrounds.
That's how we learn and grow.
Thank you for stopping by, Jaffer. I always enjoy your comments!
Hope you had a great Monday!
X
Hello Babs~
ReplyDeleteI can totally understand because there are so many places within the U.S. that I haven't been to either.
The thing I love about Europe is that your countries are so close together, so that if you do want to visit, it's just a train ride away!
Yes, France and Spain are two countries I would also like to visit. I'm drawn to Barcelona. I know a woman who was born there and she's such a classy lady. I love her Spanish accent!
Thank you for stopping by, dear lady! Hope you had a swell day!
Ciao!
X
Hey Jen~
ReplyDelete"I truly think I was Italian in a previous life. I love just about anything Italian."
Maybe you and I knew each other in that life - HA!
So you speak Italian? Oh, how wonderful!
Aaaah yes, Tuscany! Wine country. It looks absolutely divine!
Thanks for stopping by, my friend! I thought of you today while I was out walking in all the snow we just had. It really is beautiful!
Hope you had a great Monday!
Ciao!
X
Holy moly....gimme Manarolo!! OH my gosh....
ReplyDeleteI'm not even close to Italian...any of me.
However--I'm all about having a cousin Guido to help me if needed. :-/
So far--it hasn't been required....however!! One never knows when a cousin Guido might come in handy. 'Specially if he's from Manarolo! Whoa!
I do like the food. ('cept for the sea critters....ewwwwww) And I do like the sense of family traditions/respect for their elders.
*sigh* But not even a smidgeon in me....
I WAS RIPPED OFF!!!!!!!
(unless, of course, my sister wasn't kidding when she told me I was the product of the milkman......) (and I don't think she was talking yogurt....just sayin'.....)
OMG Mel....your entire comment had me ROLLING ON THE FLOOR HYSTERICAL!!!!
ReplyDelete"I'm not even close to Italian...any of me.
However--I'm all about having a cousin Guido to help me if needed. So far--it hasn't been required....however!! One never knows when a cousin Guido might come in handy."
Bwhahahahahahahahhaha! Yeah, one never knows when it might come in handy is right!
The Godfather!
Isn't the photo of Manarola spectacular? OMG, I want to go there!!!!
Yeah, me too...I love Italian food except for the sea critters. You should have seen me living in Japan with all the sushi and seafood they eat. I lived on pasta and veggies for the whole two months I was there!
"unless, of course, my sister wasn't kidding when she told me I was the product of the milkman......) (and I don't think she was talking yogurt....just sayin'.....)"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You are a RIOT!
But that's okay Mel, you're Italian in your heart. So that's all that matters!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady!
And thanks for the laughs!
Hope you had a super Monday!
Ciao baby!......X
Hello Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteYou are just showing your true Italian colors! Remember when you talked about your Italian roots?
Your pride comes through here.
Beautiful pics, my friend. I do sincerely hope that this makes you want to come to Europe one of these years. Do Rome! Do Naples! And everything in between... And, don't forget a stop-over to Paree before leaving!
Dream it. Save & plan for it. Then, just do it!
See you soon xox
Prego!!
ReplyDeleteHere's a funny story--in 2001 I visited Lake Como with my (then) husband and stayed in Bellagio. It is fabulous. But I digress. The word 'prego' is used to mean so many things - such as 'welcome, please come inside' or 'you're welcome' or just 'hey.' John didn't have a clue and thought that everyone was saying GREG-O. So that's what he started saying to everyone. He had a two-word vocabulary: Grazie and GREG-O.
For now, I'll just adopt the Italian approach to life, like you say, embracing it fully and with unabashed passion.
Viva l'italia! (oh sorry, I think that is french...?)
Bonjour Barbara~
ReplyDeleteYes....my true Italian colors have been showing through lately, haven't they?
Almost to the point of learning how to cook....but not quite - HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!
No, that's one 'Italian gene' I DIDN'T get. Cooking!
Aren't the pictures glorious? Yes, by all means, if I ever do/will come to Europe, I'll most definitely make a stop-over to Paree - oui! oui!
"Dream it. Save & plan for it. Then, just do it!"
Okay my friend. Will do!
Thanks for stopping by today, Barb! Hope you're staying warm and cozy; out of the snow. As you've probably already seen on the news, we finally got some. And a LOT!
Have a great day!
xoxox
Prego Diane~
ReplyDelete"John didn't have a clue and thought that everyone was saying GREG-O. So that's what he started saying to everyone. He had a two-word vocabulary: Grazie and GREG-O."
Bwhahahahahahahahha! OMG, that's hilarious!
Yeah, I'm will you....for now, I'll just adopt the Italian approach to life....embracing it fully and with unabashed passion.
Viva I'italia, greg-o!
Moocho grazie for stopping by, dear friend! Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Ciao....X
I love, love, love, faking an Italian accent.
ReplyDeleteMy name is a Tracy, Tracy, a Zeeeeno. I lika de peeetza. And de peparoooni. I love the peparoooni on a my peeetza. With a veeeno, a biga glass a vinnno, wit de peparooni peeezta.
Beautiful photos, Ron. And, hey, I'm half-Italian!
ReplyDelete"Italians do everything with feeling."
ReplyDeleteThat is SOOOO true! One day before I die, I MUST travel to Italy. Seriously!
Prego Tracy~
ReplyDelete"My name is a Tracy, Tracy, a Zeeeeno. I lika de peeetza. And de peparoooni. I love the peparoooni on a my peeetza. With a veeeno, a biga glass a vinnno, wit de peparooni peeezta."
HAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG, that's brilliant! I could SWEAR by your accent that you're Italian!
Tee, hee!
Thanks for stopping by, Tracy! Always great to see ya!
Hope you had a super day!
Ciao!
X
Prego Rob~
ReplyDeleteYaaaaaaaaaaaaay.....you're half Italiano!!!!
Bellissima!
I love telling everyone the only reason I have a such a passionate temper is because I'm Italian, so it's part of my character - HA!
Always so great seeing ya, buddy! Thanks for stopping by!
Ciao!
X
Prego my Italian Libra friend Meleah~
ReplyDelete"Italians do everything with feeling."
Don't we?
If we don't feel it, then we can't do it!
"One day before I die, I MUST travel to Italy."
Ditto!
Thanks for stopping by, girl! Hope you had a super day!
Ciao bella!
X
Fantastic romp through Italy! I wish I could do the same, but my official heritage is "mutt". Not sure if we have any great pantheons of architectural wonder...that is unless you count the local Circle-K on the corner...
ReplyDeletePrego Herman~
ReplyDeleteThank you! Aren't the images beautiful?
One day I know I WILL get there!
"Not sure if we have any great pantheons of architectural wonder...that is unless you count the local Circle-K on the corner..."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! A riot, man!
Oh, but I'm sure you've got a rich and wonderful heritage!!
A dear friend of mine has done some genealogy research on my last name, and discovered a lot of interesting stuff about my grandparents and where they came from in Italy. It was so fascinating!
Thanks for stopping by, buddy! Hope your enjoying your week!
Ciao!
X to you and the family!
Wow, such beautiful pics!
ReplyDeleteI too saw those movies, and thought especially Letters to Juliette showed off the country so gorgeously and made me really want to go there. Its on my list!
Happy New Year!
Greetings Brahm~
ReplyDeleteAren't the photos gorgeous?
Yes, I agree....I think 'Letters to Juliet' showed off the country faaaabulously! Especially the countryside of Verona. I read somewhere that Verona is the fourth most popular city visited in Italy. And now I can see WHY!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Brahm!
Wishing you a spectacular 2011!
Happy New Year! Cheers!
X
it is such a dreamlike place to visit. Italy is already in my list of countries to visit. all the photographs n movies they take, always make their adventure so breathtaking! i saw its beauty again lately, by watching Letters to Juliet, it's a place so romantic! it's difficult not to plan a visit there, really. :p
ReplyDeletein the meanwhile, Happy New Year! n wishing you all the happiness in the world!
Greetings Levian~
ReplyDeleteIt's always so nice to see your comments, thank you so much for stopping by!
Wasn't Letters to Juliet a wonderful movie? So romantic! So magical! So Italian!
"all the photographs n movies they take, always make their adventure so breathtaking!"
I agree! It makes you WANT to visit there! And I just know one day I will get there!
Happy New Year to you too, Levian! It's been an absolute delight getting to meet you through our blogs. I look forward to the new year!
Wishing you all the happiness in the world too!
Cheers!
Ciao!
X
THAT is really her hubby? my my my, no wonder it worked so strangely realistically...hahahah, how lovely for them both, no? and happy happy new year to you my dear friend, i will comment on the lovely post you wrote tomorrow as it's late for me and i must stop...but i could not let this little bit of knowledge go without a word or 27! love you much xx
ReplyDeleteHelloooo Linda~
ReplyDeleteYes....THAT is really her husband!
I discovered that by watching the DVD special features after the movie. Franco Nero is her second husband.
" my my my, no wonder it worked so strangely realistically...hahahah, how lovely for them both, no? "
I totally agree....it worked to realistically!
Thank you for stopping by, dear friend!
And a HAPPY, HAPPY New Year to you too! Thanks for being here!
((((( Linda )))))
xoxoxoxoxox
I've learned much from my 98 year old Italian friend, and I must say she lives every moment with feeling, with gusto, with depth, with attitude! Gotta' love Italians! I tell her sometimes that I wish I was Italians and she reminds me that I don't have to be Italian to be loved like family by real Italians!
ReplyDeletePrego Suzicate~
ReplyDelete"and I must say she lives every moment with feeling, with gusto, with depth, with attitude!"
Oooooh...your friend sounds like so much FUN!
And god love her....98 years old!!!!!!
"she reminds me that I don't have to be Italian to be loved like family by real Italians!"
Exactly! Being loved by an Italian family is like being loved by the MAFIA - it's for life - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing on this post, Suzi!
Enjoyed it thoroughly!
Ciao!
X