stracciatella and other reasons to stay in Italy

I rose early this morning, having agreed to present for some of Giulia’s english classes at the middle school she is working in. I was on the road by 7:30, riding through the unexpected cold to San Giorgio (Giulia warned me I needed another jacket). The english teacher remembered me from more than 15 years earlier when I had visited with my brothers. Using a unused presentation made by Giulia about Australia, I presented to two classes, explaining a little about the country and it’s history and answering questions. One kid asked if I liked Stranger Things. Another asked what perfume I wear.

Giulia made us pasta for lunch when we were home (pomodoro and tuna, like the one I’d enjoyed in Trento last week). whilst she enjoyed a siesta, Valeria and I rode to her friend’s place to help decorate the garden for their daughter’s wedding on Saturday. Zia Rosana helped out, and I met a nonna who had married my nonno’s brother. she remembered my mother and asked after her. she smiled wide when I showed her a photo of our new cat, explaining that he’d been named after nonno.

Nash and I facetimed for the first time since America, and I realised just how much I’ve missed him. we spoke to the surreal feeking of now being three years from the day we first met and moved into Lewes Study Lodge. planning ahead for our reunion, a lot of different feelings. it was lovely laughing with him again, and I can’t wait to travel together.

Valeria cooked us a feast of soup, grilled polenta wrapped in prosciutto and covered in steamed cheese. Massimo bought us gorgonzola (Giulia’s favourite) and (upon my request) stracciatella, perhaps my favourite cheese on the planet. it tasted just as transformative and life-giving as I remembered, and we’ve saved some for tomorrow. today’s menu topped off with pistacchio and nutella gelato from Rauscedo’s gelateria (apparently under new - and better - management).

my favourite conversation from today

Dan: *sees picture of Miuse the cat* gatto

Massimo: is gatto

Dan: si

Massimo: is very gatto

I’m feeling relaxed and safe here. I know how lucky I am and am trying to not take this for granted. another day for which I’m thankful. <<