Ringraziamento

Our hostess, Tracey

Okay, I'm a few steps behind on the Thanksgiving posting but so much happens every day and I could write a book, never mind a blog post, every day.  I think a lot about what I might like to capture in words and, believe me, I write only about the highlights so you can just imagine.

I thought about penning a few words about the teenagers who get on and off the busses here in town when school gets out, and how they have absolutely no regard for people of any age, who may also wish to get on or off the bus; how when the doors open, they herd on as if they were one solid mass, pressing forward with determination and strength of youth.  This, of course, prevents those who wish to, from exiting and if you don't push and shove, just like the kids do, you will find yourself trapped. But, alas....... today, I must capture a memory, one that (have you heard this before?) will last a lifetime.

Joe and I have spent a few of our Thanksgiving holidays here in Italy.  This is a great month for travel and Thanksgiving is only one day out of the month so we've culturally warped ourselves out of thinking that we have to be present.  However, having said that, let me say that I do love the start of the holiday season and that there is a huge part of me that loves being with friends and family for every holiday. This one was no different.

The Italians, of course, do not celebrate Thanksgiving.  But they do have a word for it. "Ringraziamento" or "giving thanks", and they understand that those of us who come from the land of the pilgrims (pilgrims they do understand - people who journey and seek a good outcome), so they are more than willing to help in marking the day for visitors or expats, of which there are many here.

My current travel-mate-extraordinaire, Barbara, and I chose to have our holiday celebration at a local cafe called "Nonni Nani".  I have been there several times since planting myself on Via Porta Perlici almost five weeks ago, and have grown to love the owner, Tracey and her lovely wait-people.  Tracey is American, married for many years to an Italian, one who's family has been in Assisi for centuries.
Her family is still in the States, a huge presence in the Rutland Vermont area. She speaks English with an Italian accent which she attributes to her long marriage.  Her Thanksgiving menu reflects her roots and her understanding of what's supposed to be on that plate on that day.  So, we enjoyed turkey, imported from Tuscany, along with potatoes and vegetables and her own version of cranberry sauce which exceeded any other we have had, in taste and quality.  She told us that there is not one fresh cranberry to be found in the country so she re-constituted dried berries for starters.  Our plates were filled and after the starter which consisted of fresh cheeses, salumi, prosciutto, etcettera.....it was hard to put a dent into the meal so.....we got leftovers!  The American dream fulfilled.  We were too full for dessert so Tracey graciously extended the invitation to come back the next day for dessert (s)!! and coffee which we did last evening.

Now, there's always more to my stories so here it is and I'm not changing it.  The "help" called in sick.  Tracey had to assume the role of waitress and head of the kitchen.  For some lovely reason, Barbara and I were the only diners for the evening so that allowed for lots more time with the owner. Lots of time to share stories and to "celebrate" together. We talked about traditions, about the history of her restaurant, about ghosts and old grandparents. She apologized for the sweet tears that formed in her eyes as she explained that this year she was feeling a tad bit blue as the holiday approached. We all bonded so beautifully and I KNOW, for a fact, that the spirits of our departed loved ones were at work, that we three were surrounded by an energy that brought us together for the evening and that we have a LOT for which to be thankful.  Here, now, then, in this world and in the "other".

www.nonnanini.com