Fiume

In the rolling mountains and valleys of Lunigiana, after a good cappuccino, and a fabulous pasta for lunch with fresh Italian tomatoes, on this beautiful summer's day I couldn't resist going to the "fiume" (river) to catch some sun. Its fresh, with crystal clear water and silent with just the sound of flowing water, there is a little lake for river bathing to cool off in the fresh mountain water.
If you go further inland immersed in the rolling hills of Lunigiana you can find some impressive waterfalls and small lakes to swim in.

It's a good walk to my spot and the view of the "centro storico" and the castle is very picturesque and its moments like this that I know why I am here.

Houses in Tuscany and Liguria

 

www.progettiecase.it

If anyone is looking for a house in Italy please look at www.progettiecase.it. I do translation work for them occasionally and they are very good. I have been helping some English people that have had a lot of problems with an agency but this one is very thorough. If anyone needs any information or help just email me.

Bums on the news

Over cappuccino this morning I discussed Italian TV. Now I am not a great fan of Italian TV and very rarely watch it a part from perhaps Rai3, in fact I don't really watch TV in general not here or at home (London) and use my TV to watch films.  However yesterday evening I was zapping away having a nose and came upon the late news on TG4, quite amusing I have to say, a part from the usual stories about the weather, the models and where to party, this time there was "the prova costume" (getting ready for your bikini) directed of course to the ladies, after which they progressed to show a spot on bikinis showing very tanned ladies bums on the beach and the different style costumes always zooming in on the bum.

Now the quality of the news on rete 4 really is a bad joke, and indeed I know it's all to do with permatan B's television (Berlusconi) but it really does amaze me every time I watch the news on either Italia 1 or TG4 .....and Emilio Fede.... no I won't even go there.

No more Leaning Tower of Pisa underpants

Italian cities plan summit to banish trashy souvenirs

Leaning Tower of Pisa underpants the final straw for Tuscan officials long tormented by David statue's member on aprons

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/04/italy-cities-tourism-souvenir-trade

"Gli Amor"

"Gli Amor" cakes are "molto buoni" made from a secret recipe that is handed down from generation to generation, made with a delicate cream between two wafers, they have a very distinctive and unique flavour.

They are to be found in my favorite place for my cappuccino which is an old cafe that dates back to 1842, it forms a part of the "antica pasticceria degli svizzeri". Art nouveau interior and many original features with fabulous cakes make it the perfect place for breakfast, though on a market day it can get quite hectic, you have to wait hours for a coffee and the fabulous "mela" cakes that I choose to have for breakfast are finished by 10.30, although I guess its fine for Italians that wouldn't dare to have a cappuccino after 11am.

In following this rule I have friends who after an evening meal in a restaurant order a cappuccino and are looked upon as "oh those English tourists" this expression also includes that they know nothing about food and no Italian that I know has ever eaten well in England. Although I have to admit the food here is delicious, healthy and probably the best in the world.... save the odd Chinese crispy duck (one thing I miss about London, Chinese here is like eating a bad Italian risotto). 

Talking about Italians eating habits everything seems to be centered around meal times. In small towns like this one everything closes at noon for a plate of pasta and an afternoon nap. However we do seem to have moved into the 21st century just recently as both the local supermarkets (Conad) stay open all day!!

A cappuccino and a book

There's nothing better than sitting at my favourite cafe sipping a cappuccino with a good book, I generally don't read books in Italian as laziness gets the better of me but this time I made an effort and finished reading “Io e Te” (me and you) by Niccolo' Ammaniti.

Its a short story about Lorenzo, a withdrawn neurotic fourteen year old who lies to his parents about going away on a school skiing trip and spends the week in a forgotten cellar. He plans to live his dream of complete isolation away from conflicts with his parents, his school friends and his make-believe life. Then he gets a visit from Olivia, his estranged half sister, and everything changes.

Written in Armmaniti's elegant style the book portrays the sense of isolation and alienation in adolescence and wanting to be loved. 

I have read a few books by Ammaniti now and although not his best it is certainly worth a read. They are easy and elegant reads and if you are learning Italian or looking for an Italian book thats not too challenging I recommend Ammaniti. (I also recommend it in English if you are looking for a good book).

I have set up the cappuccino e-store with all books Italian (and in English language) if you wish to browse.

His best book in my opinion is “Come Dio Comanda” (As God Commands) also made into a film by Gabriele Salvatores (I will also post about Italian films I like).

Il lavoro

While sipping my cappuccino this morning I am pondering over my work situation. I am not working at the moment having left my last job a week ago. I was doing the graphic design for a music festival, don't get me wrong it was a great 4 years, but just recently the association has incurred problems with finding funds and its time to move on.

Finding work is hard in Italy because unemployment is so high but of course don't let this put you off if you are thinking about moving to Italy. I live in the countryside and thankfully up until now have worked continuously and remember speaking English is a great advantage. Italians generally speak it badly and rarely goes beyond what they picked up at school. Speaking Italian is also an advantage and would you give more chance of finding work, so consider taking a course if your Italian isn't too good.

Also with the English education system you have more work experience than Italians and get through university much quicker, I know Italians who are still studying at 30.

Location is an important factor, most jobs are located in the larger cities of Milan, Rome, Florence or Bologna however I live in the countryside and have found work in nearby cities. Most jobs are on a fixed term contract (contratto a tempo determinato) so you always have the stress of whether the contract will be renewed and it seems difficult for companies to have employees in "regola".

One of the easiest options is teaching English, though if you are like me and teaching isn't for you then tourism, media and communication, international business and finance are the main job sectors open to foreigners. Searching through websites like www.jobrapido.it or www.bachecalavoro.com are good place to start as are employment agencies like www.manpower.it, www.randstad.it and www.giresearch.it.

Networking is also a good way of finding work especially in smaller towns, thats mainly how I have found work, through friends or meeting new people that have opened new doors for me.

Now lets see what happens, after the summer of course as usually everything seems to stop here in August and I am in no rush to get back to early morning get-ups.

Monday morning closures

There really isn't anything good about Mondays, my favourite coffee bar is closed and therefore need to head to one of the many other bars that don't do the fresh "brioche", which is a rather important aspect of my day I have to mention. 

In fact all shops a part from the foodie ones are closed so if you are looking for a new pair of shoes or need something for the home, relax have a cappuccino and wait until 4pm.

After my not so perfect cappuccino I headed for my favorite fruit and veg shop, I love it there, its usually full of  "signore" discussing what they are making and how, and the aroma of fresh basil. After picking up some fresh zucchini, salad, juicy tomatoes and raspberries I headed to the bread shop for some crispy panini and headed home for a zucchini frittata.

The food here reminds me of how lucky I am to be here.