Under the giant olive tree, tonight ended in a roundtable of misty eyes, mine included. Although we bring a green version of the native tongue to Montanare each time, Larriano gets the job done. Sometimes, like tonight, our pigeon brand of Dante’s words come through crystal clear. Amedeo, Rosy, Luisa, Piero, Laura (all locals) and myself share similar passions. Many of mine began in this country: Formula One, industrial and …
A Casa in Montanare
Piero stood from 50 feet wondering who was passing the large gate in an unknown Renault. As we came to a rest, his simpatico smile met the one I was showing. He and I have done this exchange more than a dozen times and I love it more every time. We are home. Not because the area is familiar. Not because the 650 square foot, restored apartment hasn’t changed. Not …
Garden Fresh Italiano
One of the first questions Piero asked us when we surveyed the well cared for acre around Ca D Maestro in March of 2004 was if we liked to garden, as in growing Italian vegetables of nearly every variety. With our language skills as green as the lawn under our feet, we did what continued to come natural when we didn’t understand the proposal and said Si, Si! On April …
Giorno Ringraziamento-Thanksgiving
It would take me nearly a day to acknowledge the dozens of special family and friends in our midst. Although there isn’t a formal holiday on the Italian calendario, I’ve unilaterally decided that May 8th is Thanksgiving Day in Italy. One of my important friendships was born on that date. On that fateful Sunday, I was learning to become a Montanarese-Contadino, Italian farmer. Ca’ D Maestro owner Piero was demonstrating …
Ultima Giorni in Montanare
The mood seems to change every year at this time. “Ultima Giorni” Rosy reminds us from the back seat as we exit the Outlet Mall. This shift isn’t foreign to me but it is my least favorite part of preparing to exit the spot which is responsible for much of who I am and will always will be. Every friend here (dear and not so) knows our departure is near. Each …