Have you ever had one of those nights where your heart smiles. No matter what may be going on in your own little world, it gives you a moment of happiness. You seem to forget everything else, because your heart just feels content. You are surrounded by happy people, that are enjoying your company – as much as you are theirs. Nights like that are a gift.
Last night we all felt that. After dinner while walking home, we all recounted how perfect the night turned out. Our neighbors, Giovanni and Alessandra invited us over for pulled pork. This has been an ongoing conversation for months between Mike and Giovanni. He was so excited to make the pork for us while getting Mike’s approval :). Giovanni has been such a great neighbor, helping us in so many ways. So, before we returned (to Italy) Mike asked Giovanni if there was anything he could bring him. We should have figured, he asked for American pork rub lol. Mike brought a couple bottles of different rubs and different seasonings, they were both as excited. One to make the pork, the other to devour it. Ok, both were excited to devour it. The pork certainly lived up to its expectations. It was an unanimous 2 thumbs up all around!
It wasn’t even the food for me that was the best part, sure that was all delicious. We met new neighbors that we now can share a simple “bongiorno” with. (I previously wrote about my neighbor’s beautiful flowers) he brought over a homemade cheese pizza pie for the table. Another neighbor made a delicious homemade blackberry & orange marmalade pie. It was so yummy, you could taste the fresh fruit from her garden. Alessandra made coleslaw and a delicious prosciutto & cheese tart. The table was full of delicious dishes, tasting even better under the Italian sunset.
Mike and I brought over a few bottles of wine we had grabbed at the local supermarket. I held my breath for a moment. Oh God, what is she doing? Another neighbor picked up the carafe to smell our wine….OMG, would she know it was a local “Conad” wine. She knew! It’s amazing how sensitive they are to the different smells and grapes. Each region being known for their own speciality. Meanwhile, we had no idea our neighbor Lallo (our welder) makes his own wine in his cantina. God help Poggio Nativo! I think Mike has found his new best friend lol. One neighbor makes homemade “moonshine”, I don’t know what they called it, I called it moonshine. So, of course that bottle got busted out and opened. I didn’t even taste it, the smell told me everything. All I got out of that conversation – Moonshine = 25% …. from the smell, I think it’ll grow hair on all the guy’s heads lol.
Walking 2 houses over to meet for dinner, the setting was everything I imagined a summer night in Italy to be. A long authentic farmhouse table, random mismatched chairs, with an old tablecloth to pull it all together. The decorator in me was in heaven. It didn’t matter the food or drink, the setting was simply lovely. The sun was setting behind us, the valley looked so beautiful in the summer’s glow. The neighborhood cats were frolicking around, momma and all her kittens. Yes, Camilla even joined us. She sat close by and loves the affection. The birds were chirping overhead. The ancient castle wall made for the best backdrop. The evening had all the elements of a perfect summer night. This was not even a dream. We were really there, enjoying a delightful evening with neighbors and new friends, in Italy.
We shared laughs and stories, it almost felt like a grownups game of charades. The Italians really all do speak with their hands, in unique ways. I just sat quietly at the end, watching the different conversations going around the table. Drinks were poured and re-poured. All kinds of wine, red, white and prosecco. Giovanni had mentioned he really tried to capture the 4th of July for us, that was his “target”. He and Alessandra did a fantastic job. How thoughtful of them to make us feel so welcomed, while giving us a 4th of July to celebrate!
We experienced this same feeling back in February with other neighbors. It was a very stressful day being 5000 miles away from home. My daughter Brett was home in Boston going through very complicated vascular surgery. I had never been away from all the kids (that long), never mind missing TOS surgery. Mike and I went out for a walk to clear my heart. Everything was feeling so heavy. It was on this walk that we met other neighbors, Lida and her parents. After telling us about the chapel just down the hill (where I sat and prayed for Brett) they invited us over for dinner the next night. I left feeling such gratitude both of those evenings. We had found “our people” in our tiny Italian village. Kind, welcoming and wonderful. These are connections you know will last a lifetime. Truly a gift from above.
To experience a new culture can bring a high level of anxiety. We don’t even speak their language. Is it even possible to communicate? Mike and I are certainly trying. It’s not easy teaching old dogs new tricks. Just the other day, I introduced Kailee as my sister to a neighbor. Kailee gave me a look and said “MOM, I’m not your sister” OMG. Ha! Luckily, the neighbor stopped by last night and I was able to clarify. Her laugh told me she knew I had introduced Kailee improperly. It’s all good. It’s part of the experience.
We walk up our street, unable to breathe because it feels like we are hiking Mt. Everest lol. But, as we climb the cobblestone street, a simple “bongiorno” to the elderly man who is always there. He sits on his chair and we exchange a smile. I’m sure they hear my Boston accent as I try my hardest to sound somewhat Italian. You can take the girl out of Boston, but you can’t take Boston out of the girl.
“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”
We are taking this all in. Knowing when we leave again, we will truly miss everyone. I miss home beyond words (when I am here). I definitely
get homesick, quickly. I miss the kids, my mom, family and friends. Knowing our next visit back to Italy may not be for awhile, I’m already missing this beautiful place. So we take it all in. Absorbing the friendships, the conversations and the entire experience. I’m remembering to count my blessings and to truly feel gratitude for this amazing life we have created here. Our home away from home.
“It’s amazing how one day someone walks into your life and you can’t remember how you ever lied without them.”
My first July 4th out of the USA, in a different country. It was definitely a different experience. I have to say we ended up having a very happy July 4th. It was different without fireworks, but we celebrated new friendships, while enjoying the simpler things in life. God bless America, land that I love. I love her even more when I am away from home.
“It is all a gift” ~ Blessed is she.
