Week 31: E

Le ELEZIONI.  Sunday and Monday the elections for regional posts were held.  64% of the population voted, which is actually a huge decline from earlier years when over 90% of the population used to vote.  Voting here is not easy. Look at the choice of political parties (appearing on the bottom row of the poster):

On the other hand, at least in this small town, voting is a nice social event. You go to mass on Sunday morning, and when mass is over you cross the piazza and go vote in the school. On the way, you get to greet some neighbors that you haven't seen for awhile.

I was amazed when I came across this campaign literature for the Lega Nord. Yes, this is a far-right political party, but I wouldn't call them fringe by any means.  I can't see this artwork flying in the U.S. Can you? (Work must stay here! Enough with production in China and Turkey! With us, work remains in Piemonte! We are the only ones who side with the people!) 

I don't think I've seen these types of caricatures since World War II-era propaganda.

CIGLIANO -- Redemption?

After being hounded, berated, mocked, chastised, and ridiculed for two weeks, I've been forced to post different (hopefully better) pictures of Cigliano.

Here is the glorious campanile, with the main square in front of it.

Here is another view of the piazza centrale, with the municipal building behind it.

And the front of the main church, built between 1791-1820.

Mamma Loredana, mi perdoni adesso?

A walk to Moncrivello

I took advantage of the beautiful spring weather to visit Moncrivello, the neighboring town. Just about a 30-minute walk away, it is nestled on the one little hill in the area. The castle was closed, but I did get a picture of this castle-like tower.

A 16th-century church, one of about five that I saw in this small town.

A nice campanile -- part of the main church.

And, of course, a deserted street. I don't know if people see me coming and they all hide, or if I just choose odd times to visit towns, but on my little walk I came across about 10 people out and about. Maybe there was an important soccer game on TV?

Buona domenica! (Happy Sunday!)

Week 30: D

D is a little random this week.

Of course, there is the DUOMO in Milan.

Then, there is the greatest author, living or dead, of all time periods, of the East or the West: DANTE.

I so regret that I didn't take pictures of all the DOLCI that I ate in Naples, but when I first arrived I had no idea how famous Naples was for its sweets, nor how many of them I would eat in the span of three days. Neverthless, the cream-filled sfogliatelle were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, as was the zeppola, a specialty for father's day. The biggest surprise was the baba'. It was described to me as soft inside, and from the looks of it, I was expecting something like angel food cake. Well, I took a bite and -- SURPRISE! -- it is a soft cake infused with rum. Now, that is the way to start your morning -- rum cake and espresso. No wonder I liked Naples so much! 

In lieu of a picture of the DOLCI, here is something that Naples is even more famous for, its pizza.  This is my favorite, a pizza quattro stagioni (artichokes, prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, and mushrooms). And, yes, this pizza is for one person.



One other note: Naples is also known for its fried antipasti. Try this one when you need some comfort food: fried balls of macaroni. Just a little rich.

Week 29: CASTELLI

A few CASTELLI from my trips to Milan and Naples. First, Milan, where I (and about 1,000 schoolchildren) visited the Castello Sforzesco. Built in 1450, it used to house the ruling family of Milan.

Then, Naples. Home to three important CASTELLI. In the distance you can see the New Castle or  Maschio Angioino, as seen from Castel Sant'Elmo. For any opera lovers, right next to the large Galleria is the Teatro San Carlo, the oldest (1737) active opera house in the world.

They started building the New Castle in 1279. So, what then, is the old castle? Il Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle). The Normans started building the castle on this site in the 12th century, although important religious and political buildings had been located there since many centuries before Christ. This is a view of the castle from my friend's terrace. Grazie, amica mia!

Most astonishing for me, who has spent most of my tourist time in Florence, is that the entrance to these castles was FREE! Actually, most astonishing was that next to the castle were fishermen in their boats wearing swimming suits. Yes, it is hard to believe, but warm weather might actually be arriving!!!

Happy (Italian) Father's Day!

March 19th (it is St. Joseph's saint's day) is Father's Day in Italy. Dad, in case I forget in June, Happy Father's Day. Hope Sherron, Cole & Company make it a great weekend for you.  Rock Chalk!

CUCINE: A word from my sponsor

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How about this gray look to make me happy?

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