Words by Pat Eggleton
This week our blog interview takes us up towards the Alps. Who could resist a blog that begins, “It started with a vacation and continues with a romance”?
Bev, can you tell us a little more about both the vacation and the romance?
Ah yes, several years ago I decided to take a sabbatical and spend three months in Italy. I travelled from the north and zigzagged through Italy's slender body until I reached Sicily, which was the attraction in the first place. You could say I was already in love with Italy and had a love affair with a country.
I was not disappointed because Italy was pretty much all that I had imagined her to be. That doesn't always happen. The terrain was beautiful, the old historical centres held their magic and charm, the people were friendly and the eating (not something in which I usually indulge) was perfect for me.
The romance changed from when I had an encounter with a rather forward Italian. I thought so at the time because he had insisted on offering me coffee even though I'd declined. I hardly spoke any Italian and he didn't speak English but I understood he didn't take "no" for an answer when he pulled out a chair for me, ordered the coffees and settled down for our first attempt at a conversation, which led to another meeting and another.
That second time he drove out to see me and it was pouring with rain. I thought for sure he wouldn't bother to come, with all those treacherous curves leading up to my then mountain apartment. He had said he wasn't coming on a horse, but in fairy-tale land, I think he in fact did.
How long have you lived in Italy and do you live here all year round?
I've been here since 2007 and yes, I live here all year. After my vacation, I went back to the States to apply for a visa to stay an extended period of time so I could come back and live in perpetual sin.
Whereabouts are you in Italy?
I live way up north, pretty close to the Swiss and French borders, near the town of Borgosesia. I love mountains so being so close to the Alps and the finicky weather that comes with it isn't too much of a problem for me. There are a lot of sporting activities to keep anyone happy in this area and of course, there are always the local foods of the region to compare with the south.
We frequently go south to Calabria and the food there is awesome. The north has a lot going for it as far as beauty, food, fashion, culture are concerned but the south is where it all is for me. It's easier to run across artisans at work and buy their products, the food is spicy which is more to my taste, the old traditions have hung on a little longer... which is what is so attractive to me.
Did it take you long to get used to living in Italy?
No, it didn't. Just as a person in a new relationship is open to almost everything in their new love, I was accepting of all of Italy's idiosyncrasies. It really has to do with a mind set. I didn't mind being changed by Italy and her ways and was more than willing to let the "American" in me slide. I didn't want to mix the two and truly wanted a baptism by Italian submersion.
Was there anything you found difficult?
Oh yes, the closure of all businesses during lunch times, during holidays, and many during the entire month of August. Even after these few years here, I am still not used to it because that is one convenience that I miss.
Many times I still find myself ready to head out to grab something last minute and realize stores are either closing soon or already closed. The bank really surprised me because we are used to them being open until 5:00 or 6:00 pm on a weekday. Here they open after lunch at 2:30 for a measly hour. However, I don't know if it's any different in a big city like Milan or Rome. I sure hope so.
Did you know Italian before you moved here?
No, I actually enjoy the thrill of navigating a new country and trying to communicate without knowing the language. However, it's a different story when you move for a relationship and need to communicate. I learned fast, one of the benefits of living in the country of the language you are learning.
What do you love most about Italy and about where you live?
I love the roads. Those curves that I'd thought would throw my potential suitor off, are the same ones I love to drive. I also love riding motorbikes and the combination of the two equals an extremely enjoyable and interesting ride. I love the greenery, except in winter when it all turns a naked brown. This particular area is strewn with lakes, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and the closest to me, Lake Orta. That little town of Orta San Guilio is like a postcard you'd receive in the mail, with the pastel colors, faded frescoes and arched columns that lead into ancient churches. There are even old apartments that are still used and yet not completely restored to modern convenience. It's wonderful.
Have your tastes in music, food, literature or the cinema changed since you came to Italy?
Very good question, Pat. I like this one because yes, my taste in food has become more refined as a result of interacting with these finicky Italians on a daily basis. I am pleased about this, really. I have more of an appreciation for the different types of pasta and the sauces that go with them. Although, I have not gotten used to eating the different parts of a meal as a first, second or third course but I am getting there. I still think eating rice, for example, just by itself is ridiculous.
I've always loved world music...anything but American pop or rock...so listening to Italian pop or rock is heaven for me. I really like the old Italian music (similar to the music of the 40's and 50's in America) and I can find it here! Very romantic.
Italian TV in my opinion sucks...can I say that? I used to watch foreign movies when I was in the States so I feel particularly fortunate to just go down the road to pick up an Italian production. Hmm, in fact I guess to answer your question, my taste for the films I watch have not changed as I used to watch them as much as possible before coming here.
I'm working on the literature part. I so want to read the books here, not translations of English authors, but I am still working on my Italian. I am surrounded by history...ancient history, history of war, civil an worldwide, and now history in the making as Italy undergoes its modernization. Because of my interest in the south, and my morbid fascination with the crime families I've been wanting to read an account from an Italian point of view.
Do you mainly cook Italian food?
Are you kidding?!!!! I crave all the ethnic food I used to have at a moment's notice in the States. I have to admit I am a horrible cook, but I am getting better. They say practice makes perfect and although I am not trying to be perfect, I am certainly getting a lot of practice!
My friends laugh at me because they know just how much I "love" to cook. But thankfully, the large grocery chain here carries some items for Mexican food and also Chinese. I adore Japanese, but haven't tried my hand at that. Probably won't so thankfully, there is a Chinese/Japanese restaurant nearby.
When did you start blogging and why?
I started my blog when I came on my vacation in 2006, to give my friends a look-see at Italy, and to share my adventure with them. I figured it would just be for the trip and then I'd let it go but since I stayed, I decided to keep it up and it has been fun doing so.
What do you blog about ?
For the longest while I blogged about what I discovered in Italy... and many times how it differed from life in the States. When I run across something like a hotel, restaurant or service that I love, I write about it as a way of showing gratitude to the service and for sharing with readers something that might be useful if they happen to be looking for something similar. The last few entries have had more of a personal flavour, though.
What has blogging given you?
A voice. Interestingly, I am not much of a talker and don't express myself easily that way, but through writing my blog, I've found a new form of expression and a freedom to write what I think. It has given me the courage to start writing for myself.
It has also introduced me to many different people and other cultures, and I've developed new friendships. This is important for people who have left behind a network of friends, family, comforts and securities by moving to a new country. It's a sign of moving forward and those friendships, even virtual, give a certain degree of confidence.
All your blog articles are interesting but can you recommend some especially for Italy Magazine readers?
The categories with entries that I think would interest Italy Magazine readers, of which I am one, would be Festivals and Lifestyle. Festivals in particular give a glimpse into one of the aspects of Italian life that is very common to them but a bit foreign to many US readers, especially the ones in the south. Lifestyle has a bit about everything, architecture, holiday periods in Italy, American/Italian differences. It's fun.
Are you planning to stay in Italy?
For as long as I can. I'd like to live in the south for a while too because that is the area that drew me in the first place and it's where I feel more connected. I am more of an old soul, and I like the old way of life, the traditions that you can still see families hanging onto, the old centres that haven't been completely obliterated by modern buildings and modern ways of life. And the weather, I like it hot....and, no, I am not blond.
Do you ever get homesick and, if so, what do you do about it?
Not often. I think about my past life in the States mostly when I run into an inconvenience. Since I am more of a drifter, I don't experience homesickness as would someone who has roots and ties to family and friends.
What advice would you give someone planning to move to Italy?
It would be different for someone coming from the States than from another European country or for someone wanting to work than for someone coming in retirement.
So one thing, perhaps the obvious, would be to be patient. Italy on vacation is a completely different experience than Italy as your home. You encounter a different group of people dealing with different issues than you would while on holiday. If there is one thing I've noticed though, Italy almost forces you to take your time, to be organized, to slow down. You can not rush things here and really, that is a good thing. But life is what you make it wherever you are. It can be an adventure, even in your own backyard.
Happy blogging, Bev and thank you for talking to Italy Magazine.
