Greetings, we have returned from a cooler Austria, it was a tranquil weekend vacation. Now the days are filled with heat and the humidity here in northern Italy.
I am watching two things these days. First the fires in Colorado are very bad, and my aunt has been evacuated, and a cousin has moved her valuables to a safer place in case her home is torched. The area of the fires is very dry and the wind is the big problem. Some fire fighters have perished, sadly. The second thing is the situation in Ukraine/Russia. I believe this will worsen when food items will not be available because there is no fuel for trucking, also water and electric power will lessen and Russians will become angry and frustrated with this problem.
Did you know that there are two countries inside Italy? Yes, the Vatican is its own country and also the Republic of San Marino which lies near the coast south of our home. We have been there twice, and if you go be prepared to do a lot of walking. You will end up high looking down on a beautiful scene, and there will be lots of souvenir stands and food shops. Otherwise, ??eh?
Italians do a lot of walking, they are used to going several kilometers enjoying the out of doors. Weekends, when the temperature is cooler you will see them in groups walking. The cyclists will also be out slowing traffic as they like to ride side by side, and in large groups. They have what seems to be cycling clubs, as they all have the same shirts with advertisements all over them. Here in the hills they grind it out as if they were in a race. Roads are not wide and drivers come very close to them when passing. Quite scary!
During the time they are outdoors they will stop for lunch /pranzo) in the many eateries in the hills. This one is the enoteca in Arqua Petrarca where my paintings are displayed. Pino, the owner, specialises in only the most superior wines from this area. His wife assists him by preparing lunch items for their customers. The view from the back terrace is unforgettable.
If you want pizza for lunch in northern Italy you must do a bit of searching because pizza is baked in a wood fired oven and they do not fire the oven up at lunch, When I first moved to Padova, I was shocked to NOT be able to find a pizza place. I did manage to find one near the center with seating outdoors in a nice setting. This place had the largest wine book I have ever seen, It closed after covid for awhile but I think it is back in business. Otherwise, it is pasta mostly, no burgers for sure.
Let's talk about customs in restaurants here. I have seen many videos where Americans complain about slow service. It is not really slow, it is the way of life here to relax and not be hurried through meals. In America the waiters need tips to make a living so they hurry people through the meal. They need the table open for the next group which will leave 20% in tips. Italian waiters earn wages with health benefits so there is no hurry to make more wages through tips. In fact they do not expect tips at all. In tourist areas, those waiters are hoping for sucker clients who are used to tipping.
 |
| Hard to resist eating there |
One bottle of wine usually is sufficient for diners, and the waiter is not expected to come to your table and top off your glass. Waiters in America do that as they hope you will buy another glass of wine or bottle and the end price goes up......20% tip will be more. Here waiters will not be standing around waiting to see you in need, you will need to signal them for whatever you need. A simple wave does it.
 |
| Appetizers to die for |
Things notexpected here in Italy. Sometimes parmigiano cheese will not be left at your table. They will bring it on request and sometimes they won't leave it, instead shovelling it onto your pasta with a look on their face like shock if you want more. Oil for bread items before main courses are served is an American thing. Never expect it. Items on your plate like extra vegetables will be on a second smaller plate, never piled onto the main plate. Sometimes if you order a glass of red wine it will come piped up from the cellar and will be cooler than you would like. This custom is normal, but I find it less every year. This past year my glass was filled from a bottle at the table. If you are a person who sniffs, views and holds the glass high in the light, you will be alone. I have NEVER seen anyone doing this, and we go out a lot, trust me. Doggie bags are becoming a usual thing here. Don't be shy about about asking. You are not expected to eat an appetizer, a pasta and a main course. Usually I see people doing two of the three. However, if you want to taste but not gorge, no problem. After all the point in travel is to taste and then come home to try to make something new that you liked. So Do It!
Ice in soda drinks must be asked for. Italians do not seem to like to drink cold liquids. So when you order you should ask for ice.
I believe they think cold is harmful for digestion.
Future plans for the drone. I want to fly it to show this wonderful scene you see below. You will see this soon, up close, and the area around it.
Comments