Observations on traveling or living in Italy – on food, habits and the good life.

September 23, 6:55 PMItalian Living ExaminerSerenella Leoni

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My heart is filled with memories and feelings from living in Italy.  I have shared with you a few of the main ones.
I hope my reminiscing has brought you some smiles and perhaps gotten you curious about exploring the Italian way of life.
Here is my last installment (for now) of

You know you’re in Italy when…

• You have learned the “3 Cs” and always compliment mothers on their cooking, clothing and children
•  The two nylon chords stretched across the courtyard or the wooden rack on your little balcony are called your “clothes dryer”
• The food you experienced at the neighbor’s wedding should be described in an epic poem
• You are unexpectedly pleased by the delicious Panini and other food found at the “Auto grill” (gas and food stops on the “Autostrada” or toll road)
• Your hosts for the evening are extremely apologetic about the “light dinner” of only three courses since they are on a diet
• That afternoon nap is starting to be a habit as are the late dinners, the evening walks and returning home in the wee hours
• Sparkles are everywhere – on women’s shoes, pants, shirts, slippers and Lord knows where else
• The faces of people walking by look like those you saw in the Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi Gallery
• Colors, whether natural or man-made are incredibly alive and vibrant
• The tantalizing smell of fresh bread fills the air during your early morning stroll
• Time stops, your soul is at peace, you find yourself reverent with all of life. You have nothing to do, no place to be… and you have never been happier in your life!