Daniela was intrigued by an onion yesterday. We had all the ingredients to make a favorite salad mix, a recipe gifted to us by our very special British friends Bill and Tina more than a decade ago. Although they have simplified their lives by letting someone else care for Villa Donata in Ossaia (five miles from Montanare), what they left behind for us is a beautiful set of memories. Many …
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 …
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 …
