Meet Terry Bhola from Brooklyn, New York, who blogs about his new life in Italy and his forthcoming book, “Searching for Wild Asparagus in Umbria”.
Terry, you are a Trinidadian-born American with a "beautiful Italian wife". When and where did you meet her?
We met about eleven years ago in a wonderful borough in New York City called Brooklyn.
When and why did you move to Italy?
We moved to Italy about seven years ago. We both wanted a change of scenery and a new start, so when the right timing and means came, we took the plunge. That was back in 2003. It was an attempt at something fresh.
Did it take you long to settle?
I've done a few lessons at home, but when I got here it was like starting all over again. For example, two months into my new Italian life I found a cavity, and had to beg my wife to accompany me to the dentist out of fear. Apart from that little drama, it didn't take me too long to settle.
How’s your Italian now?
If it hadn't been for me immediately starting to teach globalization's it-language to professionals here in Italy, my spoken Italian would've been almost fluent by now. Hey, but at least it's enough to small-talk with the elderly men at the Circolo in my town. Wine is dirt cheap there, you know!
Can you tell us about where you live?
We live in a pleasingly small northern town called Besana, which boasts the biggest Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica "pendula") in Italy (and the third biggest in Europe). I've seen wedding ceremonies held under it; it's that big! I'm planning to actually climb it soon, by the way!
That’s incredible. What do you love about where you live and is there anything that drives you crazy?
I could see the Alpi Lombarde mountains from my bedroom window, and the public library's just a three minute walk. It's also a treat to jog through my town at night. It's a quiet little place. The only thing that irks me is when those summertime mosquitoes start coming around. My neighbours feel the same! You see, we really don't care if they drink our blood; but why do they have to buzz around our ears while we sleep? Why? (Leave us alone!)
I know the feeling! What do you miss about the US?
There are more interesting activities throughout the year in our New York City, so we miss them. But what my wife and I miss the most are the exotic assortment of restaurants to choose from. I swear to you, there's a trattoria or pizzeria at almost every corner up here in suburban Brianza!
When did you become an oenophile? Did you have any training?
(Laughs!) For the record, I consider myself a fledgling oenophile, so don't take me too seriously just yet. But I do have a thing for red wine. It was Merlot that started it, actually!. Many years ago, it used to be a symbolic-like wine every entry-level-job-having New Yorker (myself included) bought at a discount. Around that time I discovered the free wine-tastings on Friday evenings at Astor Wines & Spirits. What really took it me deeper into oenophilia were all the neighborhood art walks and art receptions I'd made a point of not missing. Yes, I enjoyed the artworks, but also the complimentary wines at the snack table. (They're truly bad people, those artists.) But it was expat living in Italy that really strengthened my knowledge. I realize now how truly unthoughtful I was towards wine back in NYC. I wish I'd known better!
What are your favourite wines? What local wines would you recommend?
Just so you'd know, I try to obtain wine from as many certified organic/sulfites-free wine producers as I could afford. (Yes, they do exist and need our support!) Apart from that, my top red wines right now are 1) Sforzato di Valtellina 2) Chianti (which I'm sipping on right now), and 3) Pinot Nero. What local wines would I recommend, you asked? Well, I'm no sommelier, but if I really, really like you, I'd give you a bottle of Sforzato di Valtellina (over a Brunello di Montalcino).
At home, who does the cooking? Is it Italian?
We take turns. My wife claims that I'm the better cook, which I totally disagree because nobody makes risotto with pumpkin like she does. But when it comes to Spaghetti con Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino, I have to admit that I'm the true master! I can't really say that it's mostly Italian we cook, though. We're both from unique cultural backgrounds, and it's been having a blissful effect on our cooking for years now.
Your spaghetti sounds delicious. Have any of your tastes - culinary or cultural - changed since you came to live in Italy?
I don’t want to sound like a complainy expat, but culturally, Italy's not New York City; but that's not a big issue, especially if most bartenders in your region know you like red wine. In all fairness, though, there is a language barrier that makes it a challenge for me to build relationships. I need to improve my Italian for that to happen. I really do! Two- minute chats with friendly, slurring drunkards at random bars in Brianza is not enough. Come to think of it, there is a significant change worth mentioning: I'm a much better driver than I was back home. Yes, I'm capable of filling out a Modulo Blu if I do have an accident with another driver; but to convince the other driver that it was actually I who had the right-of-way would be a disaster.
That’s interesting. When and why did you start blogging?
I officially started in January of this year. If my agent hadn't urged me, I wouldn't have done it. From the start I wanted it to function as a prelude to my memoir and a trust-building device. So far so good, huh?
Yes, your blog is always refreshing and interesting. What do you blog about?
I blog about random vagaries and findings I come across as an expat in Italy. I want readers to know and see Italy through my eyes.
Who reads your blog - mostly Americans or a mixture of readers?
I've noticed that my blog attracts just about everyone. I'm getting the impression that my existence as an expat in Italy is quite a novelty for some. What I find interesting, though, are the Italian readers of my blog. It's really cool that they're fascinated by my life here.
What has blogging given you?
This project has given me another way to develop my writing, and something to ponder upon while driving. I actually look forward to being stuck in rush-hour traffic, now that I'm doing this.
Tell us about your book.
When my wife and I (with our fussy cat) decided to move from the dynamic bustle of Brooklyn, New York to the wild countryside of Umbria, Italy, we had no idea what was in store for us. My memoir about the experience is fittingly called “Searching for Wild Asparagus in Umbria”, and it is a detailed and politely humorous account of our big Umbrian adventure. It's also a curiously revealing look at modern Italy from a perspective never before unearthed.
Do you plan to stay in Italy?
We consider ourselves to be here indefinitely. Time will tell, I guess!
What advice would you give to someone planning to move to Italy?
1. If you're planning to bring your beloved cat, Mimi, to live with you in Italy, letting her fly in coach[economy class] with you is an act of pure kindness.
2. Before buying the home of your dreams in Italy, insist (to your hired notary) that everything's thoroughly checked on that chosen house, even as far back to when the very first brick was laid. The essence of your “ Dolce Vita" depends on it.
Happy blogging and good luck with the book, Terry. Thank you for talking to Italy Magazine.
Visit Terry's blog here, where you can also read an excerpt of his upcoming book
