Since we’re going to India over the Christmas break, we decided to go visit S’ family since we have spent the past 3 years with them. This time we made a special trip deep into the National Park Gargano. S’ father was born in Ischitella, a small town with less than 5,000 people in it [...]

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Last Thursday was Thanksgiving. In Italy, I’ve heard it called “the one day when Americans eat better than Italians.” Many Italians (and perhaps non-Americans in general) have heard of Thanksgiving. Maybe they also know it involves a turkey and a lot of eating. Hosting Thanksgiving in another country means that you have to make a [...]

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This weekend I received an email from a friend: Random question for you! Did you ever think about changing your name after marriage? Did you and S talk about it? I haven’t changed my name and it bothers my other half every blue moon. I’m really torn. I didn’t say it was an easy question. [...]

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This is a new campaign by the Ministero della Salute (Ministry of Health) here in Italy. The wording roughly translates to, “Food, Love, and Health” – the 3 basic ingredients for a happy life, according to the government. I have seen her face on buses, in train stations, and on the side of buildings. And [...]

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It all started with Nicole’s yummy Double Chocolate Pumpkin Cupcakes. Mi era venuta la voglia di CUPCAKES….I wanted cupcakes, immediately. I hadn’t made cupcakes in Italy, for many reasons, least of all that I didn’t have a muffin pan. After Nicole’s cupcakes, I knew exactly what I wanted for my birthday, even if I had [...]

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