February started as January finished - still waiting for my internet to get fixed. I won't bore you with all the ugly details but in the end I had to change the type of technology I use for internet and wi-fi as Hell would freeze over before a new line would be installed. I now do not have to depend on TIM (which is the ONLY provider of telecom service in Italy) which means they own all the copper wire for all internet and phone usage. Luckily I found a different technology (basically a satellite dish) that does not depend on hard cable! Very frustrating experience I'm afraid to say.
Again I spent a lot of free time working on the family tree. As of this writing there are 644 people entered in the database. And there are more to find and enter. It can be very addicting and I can spend hours sitting at the computer.
The best news for this month is my trip to Venice for Carnevale.
The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival held in Venice. The Carnival ends with the Christian celebration of Lent, forty days before Easter, on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. The festival is world-famous for its elaborate masks and costumes. It is believed to have started in the year 1162! It runs for 2+ weeks.
I created a video of my adventures for your enjoyment. See the link below.
I took an early morning train on Friday, the 22nd from Vallo della Lucania to Venice - changing trains in Salerno for the high speed train. Once in Venice I found my hotel and my friend Diane and the fun was about to start. Our initial plan was to take the ferry to the island of Murano, famous for hand blown glass, but the fog rolled in and all boats and ferries came to a halt. So instead we were just tourists for the day.
Another part of Carnevale is dressing up in costume and masks- very elaborate I might add. While roaming around on Friday we saw many beautiful and elaborate costumes. We quickly realised these people were Carnevale performers and not tourists with a huge budget for costume rental. In the video you will recognise them -stunning detail and colours!
Saturday was a busy day. We wanted to experience the full effect of Carnevale so we decided to rent costumes for 2 days. You must plan for this ahead of time. You select an Atelier (French for workshop of fine art) and then make an appointment for a fitting. We had selected costumes from their website and submitted measurements so they could ensure a proper fit. We had 11:30 a.m. fitting appointments. It was fun seeing all the costumes available. I was fortunate in that the one I picked fit perfect. My friend had to make a change from what she had selected. The dresses come complete with all the necessary accessories - gloves, purse, choker, and hat. Wigs are also available but we decided again them. We did rent a short cape as we would be outside quite a bit and the weather was still a bit chilly. So costume ready we were now off to get ready and begin the fun.
We would go back to the hotel and change into our costumes. That afternoon we would go to Piazza San Marco for the Festa Delle Marie. There is quite a bit of history behind this but suffice to say it is now a beauty contest. The 12 young ladies are part of all the festivities during Carnevale and then on the last day of the festivities the "Maria of the Year" is selected.
Piazza San Marco was very crowded, as you would expect, but we watched some of the festivities, with many performers again in period costume. The ladies arrive to fanfare and more festivities. The interesting thing is WE are now in costume and everyone wants to take OUR picture. We were told this would happen but when it does it is kind of surprising. It is fun as most tourists are not in costume so we were among the unique ones.
Our next adventure was a "Pub Crawl". Not something you would consider Italian but it was a planned event you could attend. The group was rather large according to our guide but we made it work. We walked to 4 different "bars". At each one we were served a different wine and of course little appetizers or in Italian (aperitif). We started with Prosecco, then a red, then a white and finished the night at a bar with an Aperol Spritz (very Italian but I hear it is starting to appear in the states). If you get the chance, order one - they are yummy!! We met some great people along the way and again being in costume adds a whole new dimension to a pub crawl.
Sunday would be an amazing day and evening. The main masquerade ball was Sunday night - the highlight of the trip. But we still had a few fun adventures before we turned into Cinderellas.
Another public event is the Flight of the Angel. This too has a lot of history as all events for Carnevale. An angel (real person dressed in costume) is lowered from the bell tower in Piazza San Marco into the piazza via wires and cables. The angel is the Maria that won the beauty contest the year before. It marks the start of Carnevale so they say - yet festivities had been going on for over 1 week already. (It's Italy!) So we would attend this and then head out to Murano as we never made it there on Friday. I needed to do some shopping. I love Murano glass.
Funny story here - we left Piazza San Marco after seeing what we thought was the flight of the angel. Once I was home I realized we actually missed the true Flight of the Angel. We saw the Flight of the Warrior Angel - who knew there were 2? We left before the 2nd angel descended. So in the video I have just a few pictures from the internet of the actual Angel.
Over on the island of Murano it is much more peaceful. But there are still signs of Carnevale. Note the wonderful musicians all in pink in the video. We enjoyed strolling the streets and admiring all the wonderful glass art in the many galleries and shops.
Once back in Venice it was time to get ready for the ball. No fairy godmother to help!! We took the water bus to the ball which was held in a beautiful palace that is now the Venice Casino. Palazzo or Ca' Vendramin Calergi, is remembered as the place where composer Richard Wagner died. He had just completed the opera Parsifal and died not long after its premier.
We were greeted by the Master of Ceremonies as we entered the Palace. The theme for the entire Carnevale was "Blame the Moon" with the masquerade ball the "Official Lunatic Dinner Ball". The entire night had a space - "out of this world" theme. All performers and servers were dressed in space attire - some from Star Wars, some from Star Trek, and the decorations were fabulous as well. We were treated to quite a bit of entertainment before dinner along with an open-bar and wonderful food.
We were seated for dinner around 10 p.m. at tables of 10. I estimated about 250-300 attendees. We had a wonderful 5 course dinner, each course served with a different wine. All throughout the dinner the performers would enter the room and engage with us. All dressed as aliens, space people, etc. their costumes were amazing. It was like a Hollywood production for sure. It was fun meeting the others seated at our table. We met people from Italy, Spain and even China.
After dinner it was back out to the main ballroom for more desserts, drinks and dancing to a DJ. We ended our evening about 1:30 a.m. and headed back to our hotel via the last water bus available. No glass slipper left behind!
It was an amazing few days and I am so grateful I was able to experience Carnevale to its fullest. I highly recommend visiting Venice if you come to Italy. It is a magical city even without Carnevale but with Carnevale it is enchanting.
Enjoy the video and more to come in March!
https://youtu.be/1gNvcbtO_3Y
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Friday, February 1, 2019
A Year in My Life - January, 2019 - Trees and Technology
As promised this year, I will blog on a monthly basis giving you a view into everyday life here in southern Italy. It may still include some "firsts" but my intent is to give you a glimpse into the daily life I lead here. I may also blog on specific things such as trips I may take, etc.
January started with a celebration to bring in the new year. Nothing fancy - in fact I was at home but my cousin and her husband came about 9 p.m.. We watched a little bit of the Netflix documentary "Dogs" (if you are a dog lover check it out!), then toasted in the new year with some prosecco and panettone. The holiday season does not end in southern Italy until January 6th so on the 4th I had a few friends over to celebrate the season. This was my first "party" without any cousins - a fun time was had by all.
My days in the winter are usually non-eventful (which I hope for) - cleaning, shopping, stopping for coffee with friends, going to the outdoor market on Friday, going to the gym to work out. Pretty routine - which here in southern Italy can be a good thing. And believe it or not it fills your days. I'm sure I mentioned it before but things just take longer to get done here. So many chores take planning (good weather so your clothes will dry - stacking wood for the stove when there is no rain. In winter, weather becomes a very important element. But in southern Italy your days are never without some drama - both good and bad as evidenced by the two events below.
I lost my Internet connection one morning. I must admit the service is pretty reliable so when I did lose it I was a bit surprised. I reset the modem a few times as many times that will help. But nothing. By early evening I still had no service so Luigi helped me call the provider. A service ticket was issued. This, I must admit, concerned me as I had no clue when/what/where but kept my fingers crossed. The next day I received a call from the technician that he would arrive shortly. Well he got lost in the village (I don't even want to explain that one) but while I was waiting for him to find my house ( I was outside) I noticed a wire hanging from the pole that has all the electric and other cables. OMG - it was my Internet cable. The day before the "comune" had come to "trim" a tree in front of my house. Well it was more than trimmed AND they cut my cable. I about flipped out. So l discovered the problem so when the technician finally found my house I could show him and definitely save some time. He fixed the cable temporarily telling me an entirely new cable would need to be strung - but that would be another day - sigh! So he fixed the cable on Friday, January 4th. I am still waiting for the new cable to be strung. Needless to say I am not holding my breath and I lose Internet connectivity multiple times a day.
My days in the winter are usually non-eventful (which I hope for) - cleaning, shopping, stopping for coffee with friends, going to the outdoor market on Friday, going to the gym to work out. Pretty routine - which here in southern Italy can be a good thing. And believe it or not it fills your days. I'm sure I mentioned it before but things just take longer to get done here. So many chores take planning (good weather so your clothes will dry - stacking wood for the stove when there is no rain. In winter, weather becomes a very important element. But in southern Italy your days are never without some drama - both good and bad as evidenced by the two events below.
I lost my Internet connection one morning. I must admit the service is pretty reliable so when I did lose it I was a bit surprised. I reset the modem a few times as many times that will help. But nothing. By early evening I still had no service so Luigi helped me call the provider. A service ticket was issued. This, I must admit, concerned me as I had no clue when/what/where but kept my fingers crossed. The next day I received a call from the technician that he would arrive shortly. Well he got lost in the village (I don't even want to explain that one) but while I was waiting for him to find my house ( I was outside) I noticed a wire hanging from the pole that has all the electric and other cables. OMG - it was my Internet cable. The day before the "comune" had come to "trim" a tree in front of my house. Well it was more than trimmed AND they cut my cable. I about flipped out. So l discovered the problem so when the technician finally found my house I could show him and definitely save some time. He fixed the cable temporarily telling me an entirely new cable would need to be strung - but that would be another day - sigh! So he fixed the cable on Friday, January 4th. I am still waiting for the new cable to be strung. Needless to say I am not holding my breath and I lose Internet connectivity multiple times a day.
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| Workers "trimming" the tree |
The finished product 😱
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| The problem! |
But to counterbalance this mess, January brought an amazing discovery. Remember that the Gentile Family had 7 children of which my grandfather was one. There was always one brother for which I had very little family information for the family tree. I only knew the name of one second cousin from that line and at some point I would have to start to try and track her down - which could prove to be very difficult. Well no need now - as the family found me.
Mary Gentile (no relation) works at the bar near Luigi’s Parafarmacia. She also lives in Acquavella. She knows Luigi and Angela (my cousin) very well and knows of our family. She was contacted via FB by a Pat Gentile in the U.S. Pat wanted to know if Mary was related (because of her name and village). She told Mary that her family had 4 brothers that immigrated to the U.S and 3 siblings that remained in Italy. Well that can only be one family - OURS! Mary told Luigi and he said yes she was probably related. So Angela and I went to the bar to see Mary the next day. We read Pat’s message and sure enough she mentions she is a granddaughter of Alfonso (the brother). It was so exciting. Angela and I were jumping up and down in the bar - someone should have had a camera. We had goosebumps!!!! Sometimes technology can be a pain in the behind and other times it can be wonderful!!! This was one of those wonderfuls!!!
Since that time I have now been in touch with 3 of the second cousins from Alfonso Gentile and one "second cousin once removed". I actually know what this stuff means! HAHA!
Prior to this connection I had finally started to enter the family tree data into the software package I purchased. Great winter time activity and was on my list of "things to do" for way to long. So talk about more motivation!!!! My poor house will never be clean until summer time!!
And to add to that excitement I have been gathering family documents as well. The most exciting of which is my great grandfather's birth and baptism record. With this knowledge I now have the opportunity to continue to go back in time! I may finally crack into the 1700's!
And one final shout out to my sister Sue and niece Tatiana - congratulations on achieving your Italian citizenship!! 💃❤️🇮🇹🍾
Stay tuned for February's blog - I'm going to Carnevale in Venice! That's sure to be an amazing experience.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
It's not always Paradise
domenica, dicembre 9
Many of you, through emails or Facebook comments, comment about the wonderful life I am living. And I have to agree with you - it is fabulous. But it is not without its' trials and tribulations. So in the spirit of Christmas giving, this blog will make you feel glad about where you live and you will be happy you don't live in southern Italy. 😜
Since August I have been working on a project to remove my fireplace and replace it with a new cast iron wood burning stove. This project in itself deserves a full blog post but I'll save that for another day. Needless to say the project is still not complete. A decision was made, which I agreed to, to add an additional part to the stove after it was completely installed. So a week ago last Friday, my cousin Antonio, a friend of his and my cousin Angela and I set out to buy this part. The men believe it should be no problem. Well, three hours later and after having driven to every hardware store and construction supply store within a 20 km radius we come back empty handed. (Now why we just didn't pick up the phone and call these stores is beyond me). Well the next day I find the part on Amazon/Italy (I say Italy as there is a BIG difference between Amazon.com and Amazon.it.). I order the part and it says it will arrive on Thursday.
Earlier this past week I get the updated shipping message from Amazon telling me the
package will now arrive on Wednesday and it will be shipped by SDA. My happy face 😀 (for coming a day early) now turns into a sad face 😟 because it is coming via SDA. Side story here - a week ago I was expecting another shipment from SDA. On the expected day I do get a call from the driver - he is in Acquavella but will not deliver the package to my house. He is at the bar and will leave the package there. WHAT?????? I live 30 seconds up the hill from the bar - but he will not drive up and bring me my package. So that explains the sad face.
Well I am resigned to the fact that SDA is delivering and Wednesday I check both the Amazon website and SDA's website and the package is on the truck for delivery before 8 p.m Wednesday night. Yippee!!! But wait - at 10 a.m. the websites are both updated to say - oops - external problem the package will not come today - but tomorrow. OK I guess I can't get too upset as Thursday was the original date for delivery.
Thursday morning - I again check both websites and yes it is back on the truck for delivery. At 10 a.m. I check again and still good. But wait - at 11 a.m. the websites are both updated again to say - oops - external problem again - now the package will be delivered in the next 5 days. Another WHAT???? Can you see the smoke coming out of my ears?????
Now remember in southern Italy you MUST be home to accept the package - no leaving at the front door/gate/wherever. So on Friday morning I decided to wash floors - I had to do something to stay busy while I was waiting again for the package as YES - the package was once again on the truck for delivery. I check at 9 a.m. - still good, 10 a.m. still good, 11 a.m. still good (by now I am feeling very confident that today is THE day.). At noon I check the websites again and guess what - The package has been delivered!!! But where???? It sure wasn't delivered to me. Someone with the last name of Volpe signed for the package. Oh brother, maybe again he delivered it to the bar.
As I am walking down to the bar to retrieve the package I also send cousin Angela a txt asking if she knows the last name of the gal that works in the bar - assuming for sure it will be Volpe. She doesn't respond right away but as I reach the bottom of the 132 steps that take me to the main street in the village I get a txt back.
Angela tells me my package has been delivered to the shoe store next to the Parafarmacia in Bivio Acquavella (a totally different village than mine). Yes that's correct. The explanation goes like this.......
SDA wanted to deliver it to the Parafarmacia because apparently the driver knew I was family of the pharmacist (Luigi) who owned the Parafarmacia. But the Parafarmacia was closed that day as the worker was sick - so SDA delivered the package next door to the shoe store. I kid you not - you can't make this stuff up.
Well I get my package - finally. But you won't believe this - the part is not correct. Oh it is the right part - the one I ordered - but Amazon's description on the website was incorrect. The measurements were wrong on the website so the part will not work.
Oh one point I didn't explain - SDA is the Italian post office's package delivery service - enough said.
So I continue to hear from people that they miss my blogs - as I have not posted as frequently since May. For 2019 I have decided to post monthly. I will give you an update of my life each month. It will be a year in the life of KK. Hope you enjoy it.
As I close out 2018 may you and your family and friends have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!
Many of you, through emails or Facebook comments, comment about the wonderful life I am living. And I have to agree with you - it is fabulous. But it is not without its' trials and tribulations. So in the spirit of Christmas giving, this blog will make you feel glad about where you live and you will be happy you don't live in southern Italy. 😜
Since August I have been working on a project to remove my fireplace and replace it with a new cast iron wood burning stove. This project in itself deserves a full blog post but I'll save that for another day. Needless to say the project is still not complete. A decision was made, which I agreed to, to add an additional part to the stove after it was completely installed. So a week ago last Friday, my cousin Antonio, a friend of his and my cousin Angela and I set out to buy this part. The men believe it should be no problem. Well, three hours later and after having driven to every hardware store and construction supply store within a 20 km radius we come back empty handed. (Now why we just didn't pick up the phone and call these stores is beyond me). Well the next day I find the part on Amazon/Italy (I say Italy as there is a BIG difference between Amazon.com and Amazon.it.). I order the part and it says it will arrive on Thursday.
Earlier this past week I get the updated shipping message from Amazon telling me the
package will now arrive on Wednesday and it will be shipped by SDA. My happy face 😀 (for coming a day early) now turns into a sad face 😟 because it is coming via SDA. Side story here - a week ago I was expecting another shipment from SDA. On the expected day I do get a call from the driver - he is in Acquavella but will not deliver the package to my house. He is at the bar and will leave the package there. WHAT?????? I live 30 seconds up the hill from the bar - but he will not drive up and bring me my package. So that explains the sad face.
Well I am resigned to the fact that SDA is delivering and Wednesday I check both the Amazon website and SDA's website and the package is on the truck for delivery before 8 p.m Wednesday night. Yippee!!! But wait - at 10 a.m. the websites are both updated to say - oops - external problem the package will not come today - but tomorrow. OK I guess I can't get too upset as Thursday was the original date for delivery.
Thursday morning - I again check both websites and yes it is back on the truck for delivery. At 10 a.m. I check again and still good. But wait - at 11 a.m. the websites are both updated again to say - oops - external problem again - now the package will be delivered in the next 5 days. Another WHAT???? Can you see the smoke coming out of my ears?????
Now remember in southern Italy you MUST be home to accept the package - no leaving at the front door/gate/wherever. So on Friday morning I decided to wash floors - I had to do something to stay busy while I was waiting again for the package as YES - the package was once again on the truck for delivery. I check at 9 a.m. - still good, 10 a.m. still good, 11 a.m. still good (by now I am feeling very confident that today is THE day.). At noon I check the websites again and guess what - The package has been delivered!!! But where???? It sure wasn't delivered to me. Someone with the last name of Volpe signed for the package. Oh brother, maybe again he delivered it to the bar.
As I am walking down to the bar to retrieve the package I also send cousin Angela a txt asking if she knows the last name of the gal that works in the bar - assuming for sure it will be Volpe. She doesn't respond right away but as I reach the bottom of the 132 steps that take me to the main street in the village I get a txt back.
Angela tells me my package has been delivered to the shoe store next to the Parafarmacia in Bivio Acquavella (a totally different village than mine). Yes that's correct. The explanation goes like this.......
SDA wanted to deliver it to the Parafarmacia because apparently the driver knew I was family of the pharmacist (Luigi) who owned the Parafarmacia. But the Parafarmacia was closed that day as the worker was sick - so SDA delivered the package next door to the shoe store. I kid you not - you can't make this stuff up.
Well I get my package - finally. But you won't believe this - the part is not correct. Oh it is the right part - the one I ordered - but Amazon's description on the website was incorrect. The measurements were wrong on the website so the part will not work.
Oh one point I didn't explain - SDA is the Italian post office's package delivery service - enough said.
So I continue to hear from people that they miss my blogs - as I have not posted as frequently since May. For 2019 I have decided to post monthly. I will give you an update of my life each month. It will be a year in the life of KK. Hope you enjoy it.
As I close out 2018 may you and your family and friends have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!
Saturday, November 10, 2018
History, Tradition, Heritage and Legacies
sabato, novembre 10
In my last blog I mentioned how southern Italians truly embrace tradition. In addition to embracing tradition they always take time to remember those who have gone before, honouring history, Italian heritage and people's legacies. Whether it’s in the war memorial in the center of the town of Acquavella or in the cemetery. November 2nd was a day for just that. It was All Souls' Day, known as "Giorno dei Morti" (day of the dead), and commemorates loved ones who have departed. November 1st is All Saints Day and it is a National holiday in Italy. Most businesses are closed and there are many masses in the churches. All Soul's Day appeared to be the more important of the two - as far as demonstrative acts. On November 2nd many Italians will take flowers to the cemetery for all of their family and friends. Many will use both days as they may need to visit multiple cemeteries.
I participated this year with my cousin Angela. We purchased our flowers the day before and the following morning, despite the rain, we went to the cemetery to pay our respects. We left flowers at many of the families' grave sites. I specifically wanted to remember my grandfather‘s siblings, his two brothers and his sister. In addition we left flowers at many other cousin's graves. The cemetery was full of people - everyone doing the same thing and it was really a heartwarming and peaceful scene. The flower of choice for this event is usually the mum. People will take full mum plants and leave them on the walkway near the grave site or will take cut mums and place them in the vases that are part of the headstone. I’ve included quite a few pictures of our family members.
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| Emilio Gentile, bother to my grandfather |
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| Delfina, sister to my grandfather |
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| Antonio, brother to my grandfather |
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| Santina Gentile, first cousin to my mother |
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| Palmina Gentile, first cousin to my mother |
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| Flowers I left for a cousins parents |
On November 4th the village had a ceremony remembering those who died in all wars as it was Italian Armed Services day - equal to our Veterans Day. But it also commemorates Italy's end to WWI - Austrian-Hungarian forces agreed to a cease fire, and so that ended the war on the Italian front. I attended this ceremony as well. There was a small marching band and speeches from the Priest and local dignitaries. Here are some pictures and a quick video.
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| Poster announcing the ceremony |
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| The flags are ready for the ceremony. The Italian flag is not flying yet (far left) There are 7 other flags of the allies (note the U.S. flag on the left) Then there is the flag of the European Union (Blue) |
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| During the ceremony this wreath was presented by the dignitaries Here is a short video of the band playing the Italian National Anthem and the flag being raised Interesting that no one sings, but they do clap at the end. |
https://youtu.be/RFObDxYHB00
And finally I thought I would tell you about my first funeral that I attended. It’s not a happy subject to blog about but I found it very interesting because it was so different from the American funerals. And since I’m talking about tradition and legacies I thought it might be interesting to tell you a little bit about this Italian ritual.
Unfortunately earlier this year, a first cousin of my mother passed away. She was 85 years old. She passed the day that I had family arriving from the states so it was kind of a hectic start to their vacation but it did allow them to see quite a few family members.
99% of the Italians in southern Italy are catholic (I would say 100% but I'm in that 1%). So the funeral, as many religious ceremonies, follows the religious beliefs. But what is different and unique here in southern Italy is after death they do not embalm the body. Very little cremation occurs. Based on that the funeral will most always occur within 24 hours of the passing. The church in the village will toll the death bells when someone passes. I then know that 24 hours later (or close to it) there will be a funeral at the church. Italian funerals are traditionally open to everyone in the village or town to attend. Posters announcing the death are posted almost immediately. These posters are hung throughout the town to alert people of the deceased passing and details of when the funeral will be.
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| This poster announced the passing of my mothers cousin |
So after the passing the funeral home will prepare the body at the house. Friends and family then come to visit at the home of the deceased. That was quite alarming when I saw it but quickly realized this was the norm for Italy and just take a deep breath. Walking into a house and finding an open casket and body was totally foreign to me. I'm not big on funerals to begin with but then to have this in a home - quite unsettling. There is no way to avoid seeing the casket. Out of respect you must pass and then greet the family. The houses are usually small and the room was most likely a bedroom. There are seats around the room surrounding the casket. Everyone sits but pretty much in silence. After awhile you leave and allow others to come in and sit for awhile. Flowers from family and friends are brought to the house. We went to the home the day of the funeral and then went to the church right from there. There is a car that transports all the flowers ahead of the hearse. Once at the church the casket will be brought into the church along with a few flowers. Many times if the house is near the church people will walk behind the hearse as it moves toward the church. The service is a catholic mass but no eulogy or comments from friends or family.
After the mass the casket is taken out of the church into the hearse and then there is a processional direct to the cemetery. Usually each village has its own cemetery. Most, if not all of the attendees, will walk behind the hearse to the cemetery. Those unable to walk will drive their car.
Italian cemeteries are above ground as you saw in the photos above. The casket is placed in the space reserved by the family. All the attendees then stand and watch as a mason closes up the "grave" with brick and mortar. Another unsettling experience. Some months later the engraved "headstone" will be put in place. Many times while this is happening people will take many of the flowers and take them to other graves of family members or friends. That then ends the service. One of the most astonishing things is - for EVERY occasion here in southern Italy there is always food. NOT for a funeral. I was kind of shocked. You would think there might be a family dinner at least - no - nothing. There will be a mass one week, one month and one year after the passing. A few days after the funeral many times notices of thanks from the family are then posted on the notice boards throughout the village.
Out of respect for all I have not included any photos of the funeral processions or burials.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Il Meraviglioso Fico (The Wonderful Fig)
lunedi, 29 ottobre
I realize August is long past as November is a few days away but I wanted to tell you about Fig season. August is the time for harvesting figs. Last August of 2017 I didn't do much other than pick them fresh and eat them. This year I wanted to learn how to dry and stuff them as all good southern Italian women AND men do. So another FIRST for me. The white fig is exceptional and is the best one for drying and stuffing. I have many trees on the land. There is the large one near the house that I have shown before but behind the house there must be 7 or 8 more trees. More figs than one person can eat.
This August a friend of the family came to teach me how to harvest figs and prepare them for drying. Then once the figs were dried (that takes a few weeks) she came back and taught me the rest of the process.
I realize August is long past as November is a few days away but I wanted to tell you about Fig season. August is the time for harvesting figs. Last August of 2017 I didn't do much other than pick them fresh and eat them. This year I wanted to learn how to dry and stuff them as all good southern Italian women AND men do. So another FIRST for me. The white fig is exceptional and is the best one for drying and stuffing. I have many trees on the land. There is the large one near the house that I have shown before but behind the house there must be 7 or 8 more trees. More figs than one person can eat.
This August a friend of the family came to teach me how to harvest figs and prepare them for drying. Then once the figs were dried (that takes a few weeks) she came back and taught me the rest of the process.
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| The large fig tree near my house |
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| A bountiful harvest |
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| You can harvest figs for weeks in August depending on when they are ready. A tree will bear fruit for quite a long time so continual harvesting is necessary. |
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| Some figs are cut open and laid on the grate for drying. Normally this grate would be full but I am only doing a small amount this time |
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| Other figs are dried whole. Many have already started drying prior to being picked |
The whole drying process can take a few weeks, depending on the weather. They must remain outside in the sun. Once dry the stuffing process can begin.
After they are dried, you need to boil them in water. Before the water boils you slice off the skin and white part of an orange and lemon and put this in the water. Once the water boils add bay leaves and juice from a little of the orange. Squeeze a few slices into the water. Add the figs and let them boil for 2 minutes. Continue until all figs have been boiled. You remove the figs and put them on a cookie sheet with a towel to absorb the water. Then lay them on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. They will then be baked in the oven.
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| The boiling process |
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| Figs ready for the oven |
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| Whole figs are baked in the oven as well. |
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| The figs are cooked until they turn golden brown |
While the figs bake, you chop up the rind and white of more of the orange and lemon. You also chop the nuts, usually walnuts or almonds, in small pieces.
Once out of the oven you now stuff them. When stuffing the cut ones you match up two similar size figs. You then put a piece of lemon, orange, nut and a little finocchio (fennel seed) on each piece of fig. Lay one open fig on top of another to make a sandwich of two figs. Squeeze them together and lay them on a cookie sheet. Then you take 2 wooden skewers and then layer the figs on two skewers.
For the whole figs you cut a slice in the top of the fig. You then insert a piece of orange, lemon, nut and finocchio. Then close the opening and put the fig on the cookie sheet. These can then be dipped in melted chocolate at a later time - a great way to serve them at Christmas time. All the figs can be wrapped in parchment paper and kept for quite some time.
And check out the short video!
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| The finished product!! |
It is wonderful to see all the traditions that are carried forward to future generations in southern Italy. There are so many more to learn!!
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