Yesterday, we left Italy with a new appreciation for its culture, cuisine, and people. Catholicism is the dominant religion, and it permeates many facets of Italian life. The countryside and cities are dominated by Catholic churches, shrines, and sculptures of an era gone by. However, new statues and shrines of current Popes and Saints are numerous as well.
The people of Italy are warm, hospitable and love to cook! We have gained back all the weight we lost in Africa, and then some! We have learned new cooking techniques and an appreciation for pasta. Friendships are created around the dinner table. Italians love to party. Dinner usually starts around 8:30 P.M. and goes till midnight. From noon until 3:30 P.M. all shops are closed, now I know why, they all need a nap! We have made many new friends and we will miss them!
Jerry
