piano, piano

I think I’m finally getting used to this whole “vacation” concept. It feels great to be here in beautiful Pescara with Alessia and her family. I love their home, I love their food, I love being so close to the ocean, I love the house slippers that they insist I wear. Everyone is so patient with me and my Italian -- especially Eva, Alessia’s mom. We have been the first ones awake in the mornings and we sit on their lovely balcony and chit-chat in our nightgowns. Piano, piano, she tells me, when i get frustrated because i can't express my thoughts.

Last night we had dinner at Federico’s house (Alessia’s boyfriend) in preparation for the first ever Italian Iron Man, which Pescara hosted today. I tried to identify a new feeling while sitting at his family's dinner table for 3 hours... i think that without a cell phone to check, or thoughts of other plans or possibilities, I am living in the moment a lot more than usual.

I follow Alessia where she wants to go and then focus on listening to the conversations around me and enjoying the fantastic company and great food. Last night, Fede made Arrosticini: a traditional dish of Abruzzo (the region we are in) made from sheep meat cut into very small cubes and accompanied by the best bruschetta I've ever had. We capped off the meal with a shot of liquirizia made by Fede's mother to aid with digestion. It was very strong and tasted like liquid black licorice. I think it also aided my sleep ;-)

Speaking of sleep, nightmares accompanied by some sleepwalking seem to be a new trend for me! I think its the result of so many different beds and changing scenery. It’s somewhat funny at the moment, as long as it doesn’t happen again (already twice this week). Both nightmares involved tunnels and my mother – no idea about the tunnels, but I think that all of these wonderful Italian mamma’s around me are making me miss my own wonderful Italian mamma!!! Thank goodness I’ll see her in about 10 days.

In the meantime, I am averaging 3 espresso drinks per day and eating more than ever before!! I think I had the best pizza of my life today... I plan to return tomorrow so that i can be absolutely sure.