Dusting off the Italian Language Skills

It has been about a year since we have taken any form of Italian class. And even more disturbing is that it has been five years since I have visited Italy and heard the real deal spoken all around me.

The cliché "Use it or lose it" is so appropriate for languages, as well as in other things in life. And man, we really haven't been using it.

We used to be really good about speaking to each other in Italian for a bit each day.

The basics like "How was your day?", "What time is it?", "What do you want for dinner tonight?"

But as time went on, and with no impending trips on the horizon, Italian got less and less of a starring role in our day and eventually just faded into the sunset.

Now, that we have another trip coming in two months, we are finding ways to brush-up on our Italian.

Though we did forget alot, like weight-training or bike-riding, it comes back easier than if you are learning for the first time.

Like falling off a Vespa and getting right back on- or something like that.

We are reviewing chapters of Ultimate Italian, by Living Language, which was our text book for our Italian class.

We are downloading Podcasts on my Macbook, so that I can listen while I am working on projects.

Some of my favorites, include:

I am also the type of person that puts the TV on for background noise when I am writing and blogging. So, I am having the RAI Italian channel added to our cable package for the next two months.

The hope is that just hearing the Italian spoken word for a few hours a night, might just make us learn by osmosis. I think it is worth the twenty dollar investment to find out- especially if I find a great place to eat, score a digestivo on the house or a make a new Roman friend as a result!

No matter what, I know that the Romans will appreciate whatever Italian we manage to eek out, and won't get offended if our tense or grammar isn't perfetto.

In fact, during our first visit we had ordered drinks at a caffé, in Italian, prior to learning about pluralization. We ordered 'due cappuccino' and the barista made our drinks, placed them on the bar and graciously announced that our 'due cappuccini 'were ready.

We didn't really understand why he did that, until we learned that cappuccini is the correct form when ordering more than one cappuccino.

And though he could have made a huge, overblown scene, he could have not corrected us, or answered us in English (I am sure it was painfully obvious that we were American), he chose instead to help us in a respectful way. I am convinced that this was because we respected him enough to try speaking his language.

So, no matter how bad we speak, how many words we may have forgotten over the last year, how many times we forget to put the adjective after the noun, or how many times we are answered in English- we will still try our best to speak Italian in Rome.

And though we won't speak it perfectly, I am quite certain that we will be more fluent than we were five years ago.

And that's something, right?

Tell me your foreign language stories? The good, the bad and the ugly!

< /div>

My (not so) Love Letter to Rome

Dear Rome,

I remember the last time we met- just like it was yesterday. I remember that we fought. You won. We sorta broke-up.

I never wanted to see you again. You were *so* not my favorite.

You and your stinking non-existent road signs. I mean seriously, do you actually want people to visit your damned city?

Were you plotting a cruel trick on me, by not advertising a huge underground parking structure like that? Do you think that is the best way to say "Welcome to Rome" ?

Send your visitors to drive aimlessly, round and round your ancient city until we were so freakin' exhausted and fed up that we just decided to call it a day and head back from whence we came?

Ah, maybe that's it. Drive 'em crazy, get 'em lost and then they will leave with a bad taste in their mouth- never to return again!

Not. very. mature.

Perhaps that debacle is all on video tape, to be played in front of a Papal audience, so that they and the Pope could get a good Sunday laugh at the Americans expense? Eh?

Well, it wasn't funny!

You and your ridiculously overpriced everything. My God Rome, I am not made out of money! I could've spent a fortune trying to keep up with you.

You and your history, ancient ruins and museums. The Vatican, the Colosseo, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Campodiglio-do you really want me to go on? When your nickname is the Eternal City, I should have guessed it was because it would take an eternity to know you completely. You are so complicated!

It was constant on-the-go with you. You know I don't enjoy marathon museum hopping. It was all such a whirlwind, that I just couldn't keep up and I was losing myself in the process. We really never had any *us*time.

You were overwhelming me. I never caught my breath.

Granted, I didn't spend nearly enough time with you. Three days is hardly enough time to get to know someone with your depth and 2,000 plus years of stories. Oh, the stories.

Now, don't get me wrong, I did like quite a few things about you. Your glorious food, your pretty language, your cobblestones, your stunning views, your wine bars, your cafes and your gelato. Oh My Gawd, your gelato!

I just wasn't quite sure that the good was enough to outweigh the bad. Enough to convince me to give you another chance.

But, thanks to Chris, Delta Airlines, and my friend Miss Expatria, and the fact that I miss my Italy, more than you can imagine, I have decided to do just that.

Lucky You.

But be forewarned. Things will need to be different this go-round, if this is gonna work. Things are gonna need to change.

I am afraid that in the past I had taken a back seat in our relationship. I gave you total control. And you took it, willingly.

This time you'll be following my rules, Rome.

This time, I'm not driving around with you. Nope, I will be enjoying the public transportation. Plane, train, metro and bus. Oh, and feet. Lots of walking, vespa-dodging and taking-your-life-in-your-hands-street crossing.

I am not staying in the city center with all the other toursts. No, sir. I am staying in Monti neighborhood, to see the real you.

Our relationship will not be based on overpriced accomodations, and tourist food that's just not up to par.

Negatory.

If this is gonna work, you better look like seducing me by taking me to all the best local neighborhood joints.

And no marathon history tours, anymore. I'm done with those. I much prefer to wander and get lost in all the nooks and crannies. We can go to a few churches, maybe the Forum. I'd even agree to a garden or two.

Rome, I pray that you are reading this. I hope that you will use this chance wisely. I really do see great things for us in the future. I can see a beautiful Italian romance,
a love-affair to stand the test of time. I wish with all my heart that I will fall in love with you this time, but you need to prove to me that you are worthy.

Please, don't disappoint me again.

Eternally hopeful,

Robin

Potato and Leek Soup

Or is it Leek and Potato Soup? Or is it Vichyssoise?

Actually, it's all three.

This classically simple French soup, made with a mere few ingredients had escaped my kitchen for far too long.

I have no idea why I have never actually made this soup myself. But, I have enjoyed it from many other kitchens for quite sometime.

I don't know quite what prompted me to make it, but it might have something to do with reading the delightful Julia Child's book, My Life in France or recently watching old episodes of her cooking show, The French Chef, on DVD.

Either way, I am glad she inspired me.

I have seen more variations on this soup than one could shake a stick at. It can be served hot or chilled, can have more poatato than leek and vice-versa, it can have cream or can be served without- you can purée it or leave it more like a chunky, country, veggie soup.

Many recipes add the extra step of sautéing the leeks in butter, adding what I would assume is an 'extra layer of flavor'. I don't think it's necessary, and certainly don't appreciate the extra work.

I have even seen gourmet cooks ~~doctor this up~~ ruin this by adding bacon, other vegetables, or even salmon. Blech.

So many ways to try- you'll never get bored with it.

This go-round, I made mine puréed, sans cream, served warm.

This recipe is adapted from the cookbook, The Way To Cook, by the Master herself, Julia Child. I have made my own adjustments, which are italicized.

Potato and Leek Soup

• 4 cups sliced leeks, white part only (I used some light green as well)

• 4 cups diced potatoes, old or baking potatoes recommended (I used Yukon Gold)

• 6 to 7 cups water

• 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt or to taste

• 1/2 cup or more sour cream, heavy cream, or crème fraîche, optional (I opted out)

• 1 Tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, minced

Bring the leeks, potatoes and water to the boil in a 3 quart heavy-bottomed saucepan. Salt lightly, cover partially, and simmer 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Purée the soup if you wish. Taste, and correct seasoning. After chilling the soup, you may wish to stir in a little more cream. Taste carefully again, and correct the seasoning. Top each serving with a sprinkle of chives or parsley.

I topped mine with chives, a big dollop of plain Greek yogurt (which makes an excellent substitiute for crème fraîche when it can't be found), and a few chopped pieces of tender light green leek shoots. Throw them into the soup pot at the last minute, just to soften them. They look lovely and add some much needed fiber.

And as Julia would say…..Bon Appetit!

***

How do you like your Vichyssoise?

And speaking of recipes, Jessica from WhyGoItaly has decided to feature a few of my Italian recipes on her site. Pasta alla Carbonara and Fried Zucchini Blossoms are up and running, with a few more on the way.

I'll keep ya posted on the progress!

Travel Tip Tuesday – A Guest Blogger’s Packing Tips

As you know, I have always dubbed myself the Carry-on Queen. Well, thanks to Twitter, I have found my travel soul-mate. A traveler after my own heart. Well, she is alot more adventurous a traveler than I am, but we are totally insync with traveling light!

Her name is Jeanine Barone and she was nice enough to agree to do a Guest Post about her sure-fire packing tips. This is a first on My Melange. A first of many, I hope.

And now I present Jeanine:

I definitely have an issue about checking luggage. The disadvantages (you’re often delayed at the airport waiting for your bags; luggage can miss the flight and sometimes disappear into a black hole; your bags or their contents may be damaged or missing) far outweigh the advantages: convenience. So I never check luggage, even when I travel for five or more weeks. Here are some of my favorite packing tips that can make your traveling life more compact and convenient:

1. I don’t like wheeled luggage because I prefer to walk very briskly and I find that pulling even a small bag breaks my stride while giving me a backache. And the wheels add to the weight of the bag when I have to lift it. Instead I travel with a small backpack and a fanny pack that I sling over my shoulder.

The latter doubles as my purse and as my mini-pack when doing day hikes/bike treks. It also has pouches for a water bottle. My backpack (an old Mountainsmith) has padded straps and a hip belt, compression straps to cinch the load, and at least one additional zippered compartment for smaller items. I'm not going to recommend a specific pack — though I love Mountainsmith — because choosing a backpack is a very individual experience and should be fitted in the store.

2. Rather than rolling my clothes, I now work with my adaptation of the bundle method, a method that is difficult to explain but easy to practice after visiting this web site.

Basically you lay out whatever is your longest piece of clothing (pants, long skirt) and then place another long piece of clothing atop in the opposite direction, and then smaller pieces (shirts, shorts) and so forth. Once they’re all laid in this pattern, you place what’s referred to as a core item in the middle.

This can be a small pouch or sac with a scarf, bathing suit, underwear, buff and socks. I use Eagle Creek's sacs, which come in a variety of sizes and are very sturdy. Then you fold all your garments over this, one after the other. Once you have this compact bundle, you lift it as a unit and can place it into your backpack. The bundle takes up a lot less room that if you rolled all these clothes.

3. Almost all of the clothes I pack are made of wickable fabrics, which mean that they don’t absorb moisture easily so you stay dry as you’re racing about town, but they also dry relatively quickly when you wash them. I hand wash my wickable underwear, pants, shorts and shirt and they dry in no time.

I particularly love the shirts, pants and underwear manufactured by Ex Officio. They have a great life expectancy, are comfortable, perform well and look good. Most wickable fabrics are synthetics, like nylon and polyester. But two companies I also love have very wickable merino wool tops that I always travel with: a mid-weight crewneck base layer by SmartWool and hoodie by Ice Breaker. These two tops together provide great warmth when it's cold or separately they can be worn with a skirt or pants during the day or, dressed up with a scarf, at night.

4. I always carry a first aid kit that includes these necessities: Ibuprofen, adhesive bandages (in different sizes), tape, topical antibiotic ointment, topical cortisone or antihistamine cream, oral antihistamine, oral/nasal decongestant, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium AD, antacids, tweezers, scissors, thermometer and a DEET insect repellent (I like Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent ). You can also include a temporary filling product in case you lose a dental filling (But this is only to try to get you by until you find a dentist.)

5. Since something will usually break on my trip I carry four items to help repair almost anything: a long string of safety pins (of all sizes), dental floss — one year in Iceland I used dental floss to keep my hiking boot sole from falling off — a Krazy Glue-type product and duct tape. (I don’t bring the roll but rather wrap really long sections around a pen and carry that in my fanny pack.

6. If I need a beach-type towel on a trip, as I did recently, I tote along a super absorbent product that’s also ultra small, compared to the traditional version. You'll find you’re your friends will be amazed that you’re your bath towel fits in your pocket.

7. As long as I’m not traveling to a cold locale, I only bring two pairs of shoes with me. The one I wear on the plane is a sport sandal such as the Newport model manufactured by Keen. I’ve worn this shoe on kayak, day hike and urban walking trips. I've even climbed volcanoes wearing this shoe. The only shoe I pack is a flat Mary Jane-type shoe that actually rolls up in my luggage and looks good with a skirt or pants at night.

8. Instead of a traditional hat or cap, I pack a multi-purpose buff. Some even come with a visor. Even the simple buff can be used a bandana, hat, neck gator, headband, hair band, and more.

9. A black leotard can be worn with a skirt or pants but also doubles as a health club workout outfit with shorts. Then again, pack a simple one-piece black bathing suit or even a tankini and it can serve the same functions.

10. Instead of packing a pair of pants and shorts, buy a pair of convertibles where you can simply zip off the legs. I wear the Mountain Hardware product, which looks good whether I'm wearing it in the pants or shorts mode. Then, again, you can choose a versatile convertible that also has buttons so that it can become capris. You may want to also look for brand that has lots of zippered pockets to keep valuables whether you're walking in a city or on a trail.

—-

Jeanine Barone is a travel, food, design and architecture writer whose articles appear in magazines from National Geographic Traveler to Travel + Leisure. She travels the world – often bicycling, hiking, walking or cross country skiing – seeking out hidden treasures. Because she has a background in the health sciences (she's trained as a biologist, nutritionist and exercise physiologist) and she travels to off-the-beaten-track locales, she has plenty of experience packing light and staying healthy on the road with a primo first-aid kit.

***

Thank You Jeanine! What great tips! So, what do you think? Which of these tips do you already use? Which ones will you try next?

My Melange Sent Me Round Up

Well, I am happy to report that my idea wasn't a total bust!

We did get two, count 'em two whole entries for the My Melange Sent Me event.

Sure, one was a dual entry, but hey, whose counting?

So, without further ado I present the round up, slim as it may be.

First, we have Meredith, who lives in the beautiful South of France.

She is the author of the blog, Poppy Fields. Isn't that a lovely, cheerful name for a blog?

She submitted this glorious photo taken in Aix en Provence. It shows the Fontaine des Quatre Dauphins.

Jessica, who authors WhyGoItaly and Julie who authors WhygoFrance sent a dual photo from Jess's kitchen near Portland Oregon. Thanks to the BootsnAll crew!

Jessica was quick to point out that both Italy (the pizza) and France (the Provençal tablecloth) were represented! And check out the tri-lingual sign! Impressive, girls!

And who could forget Joe, who originally sent this photo.

Thanks too all who participated!

I'll started a Flickr group so that if I receive new entries from time to time you can check in and see where people have been.

I wonder where My Melange Sent Me will send you next?!

Love Thursday: Trashed and Graffiti’d

First, I have to tell you, I have the. best. readers.

No really. The best.

Yeah, I know, you think all the blogs say that to their readers.

That very well may be true, but I really mean it!

They send me handmade cards, or agree to interviews and book give-aways, or send me Travel Tips or Travel Photos.

And I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you!

The other day, when I talked about Travel Bordering on the Ridiculous, (which incidentally got picked up by BootsnAll Today and featured on their front page and from there, WorldHum grabbed it for their Travel Blog Morning Links feature) reader Marsi made a comment about something *ridiculous* that she had seen. She lamented about not being able to post a photo in the comments section.

She wrote:

On our flight home from Paris four years ago, a man and his teenage daughter were seated in front of us. The man suddenly slumped into the aisle. Alarmed, we asked his daughter if he was all right. She said, "Oh yeah. He just took a sleeping pill with Jack Daniels. He's fine."

A few minutes later, she took out a red Sharpie and her video camera and started doodling all over her father's face and filming it! Everyone was laughing, including us, because he was passed out through the whole thing. I have a picture of her work, which I must say is QUITE good, and that is what I wish I could post.

Hours later, we finally land and disembark. We see the father and daughter shortly thereafter, a good dozen or so people ahead of us in the line at Customs. No one has said a word to the man; his daughter is gesturing to everyone behind his back to keep it quiet. He is walking through the airport with graffiti all over his face!

Finally, he and his daughter get to the front of the Customs line and the official takes him out of line and back into an office. He finally emerges, laughing and scrubbing his face while his daughter is nearly doubled over in hysterics.

That is the funniest thing I've ever seen while traveling!

Well, because it is Love Thursday, and because I love my readers and because I love a good laugh- of which I had a long hard one after seeing the photo that I asked Marsi to forward, I present to you:

Trashed and Graffiti'd

rc="http://mymelange.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83545496553ef0112793634ef28a4-pi" style="width: 500px; border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: #5b5b5b; border-right-color: #5b5b5b; border-bottom-color: #5b5b5b; border-left-color: #5b5b5b; " title="Trashed and Graffiti'd" />

If that is not some funny father-daughter prankster love, I don't know what is!

Thanks Marsi!

And Happy Love Thursday everyone!

Three Coins in the Trevi Fountain

If you have ever been to Rome and stood in front of the grand and glorious Trevi Fountain, you will see people chucking in coin after coin, over their shoulder.

Legend has is that if you throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, you will one day return to Rome.

Not one to want to tempt fate, I too grabbed a handful of change and chucked it in. A bit cliché? Sure, but you really don't care. You kiss your coins, infusing them with love and wish with all your might that the universe is listening.

And you leave, live the rest of your life, never giving it another thought.

Until now.

I guess I am living proof that the magic of the Roman coin toss is the real-deal!

On the spur of the moment (which isn't really in C.'s vocabulary), a without a plan (which isn't always in mine), we found such a fabulous deal to fly to Rome, that we just couldn't resist.

After much too long of a hiatus, we wiil return to Rome for a week at the end of May!

You may remember my last trip to Rome. The arrival wasn't pretty. In fact it has taken me 5 long years to get over the trauma, and want to try it again.

This trip will be different. So, different. No car, for starters. We are leaving the transport to trained professionals. Plane, train, metro, taxi. And feet.

And we will be soley in Rome. Seven full days to just soak up the Roman atmosphere.

Another difference- I am so looking forward to just really doing nothing but *being* in Rome.

Honestly, I'd be perfectly content with not setting foot in one museum. Instead, I'd choose just wandering the little off the beaten path Roman neighborhoods, looking at all the architecture, taking photos of peeling facades, doors and streetsigns.

No expensive, gourmet dinners either- just real Roman food in little trattorias.

Walking around the Campo di' Fiore, drooling over all the produce at the market. Throw in a flea market and a caffé pit stop at least one a day and I'll be a happy camper!

Perhaps the best difference of all- I have *met* many Italians since our last trip, many who live or have lived in Rome. Having them pass along all of their local knowledge and perhaps getting to meet them after haviing Internet relationships with them will make our trip, well, a slice of life in the REAL ROME.

Even if it is only for a week. I still think we will feel as if we have lived something special.

Of course, we have learned more Italian since last time. We'll have to start boning up, but we can enjoy speaking (and hopefully understanding) more of the language.

Oh, and I have my MacBook now! So, I'll be bloggin' right from the road. So in a way, I'll be taking you all with me!! Great, I could use some help with my luggage!

A little take-away here. I sign up for almost every airfare deal alert imaginable and will continue to do so. I will no longer complain about how much they clog my inbox. Because if it wasn't for acting quickly on one of these deal alerts (that's right, I am talking to YOU Travelzoo!) we wouldn't be returning this soon.

And I must thank the Roman Fountain Gods and Godessess who oversee the Trevi Fountain, who work tirelessly at granting the wishes and dreams of tourists 'round the globe who hope to one day return to their magical city.

If you're listening…it worked!!! From the bottom of my Italian lovin' heart, I say thank you. Thank You!

Now, can you work on providing good weather and a favorable exchange rate?

If you have been or perhaps lived in Rome, what are your favorite things to do?

Travel Tip Tuesday – Magellan’s Scottevest

I am normally not a proponent of recommending travel clothing. But a little ditty caught my eye that I thought I'd share. I was recently leafing through my Magellan Travel Supplies Catalog. (And if you are a traveler, why don't you subscribe to this catalog yet??)

They have a new line by Scottevest- and they are marketing it as Gear Management Clothing. Uh, ok, whatever that means?!

It kind of reminds me of a fishing vest. Tons of little pockets, nooks and crannies to keep things close. It looks and hopefully smells a bit better than a fishing vest though.

What is this Scottevest thing?

Easy Access for Travel on the Go
Weight Management System- to balance the load and carry weight evenly
iPod and MP3 features-to control our devices through the fabric
Versatile Go-Anywhere Styling-so you always look great

They range from $75 to $150.

Personally, my favorite is the jacket. Probably because the sleeves zip right off!

Here is the jacket description:

Pockets? 18 and counting . . . As its name implies, the SCOTTEVEST® Essential Jacket is the travel jacket you simply can't do without. Designed especially for a woman's shape, it's loaded with great features.

For starters, the sleeves zip off, making it comfortable in any weather conditions. Then there's the multitude of pockets and compartments, inside and out. Load them up with everything from your passport to your iPod, digital camera, cell phone, maps and guidebooks, and leave that extra tote bag at home.

The Weight Management System® in the shoulders evenly distributes the weight of your gear, and the built-in PAN (Personal Area Network) System® lets you run headset wires up through the lining and out the collar for tangle-free listening. Lightweight and breathable, it's made of brushed cotton/nylon with a polyester lining and Teflon® coating for water and stain resistance. Machine washable.

I could see myself using this. For the flea markets, for adventure travel, hiking, bike riding, for strolling city streets and not wanting to lug around a purse, backpack or daypack! Or, for fly fishing, if you are into that sort of thing.

You could stash your hotel keys, digital camera, spare battery, maps, protein bars, full-sized guidebook, iPod, headphones, money, pen and journal- all kinds of goodies in it. Plus, it's waterproof and so lightweight it would take up next to no room in your suitcase!

I'll even go out on a limb here and say, without actually having tested it, I'd bet you could stash your pet chihuahua in it!

No, it's not Chanel, and although this might shock you, I rarely look like I stepped off a runway when I travel!

So, what do you think? Like it or hate it? Would you wear it? What could you see yourself using it for? What would you put in it?

And just another reminder- Friday is the last day for you to send in your My Melange Sent Me photos. Email them to mymelangesentme (at) gmail (dot) com

Travel Bordering on the Ridiculous : How to Tell if You’re An Anal Traveler

I got to thinking about some of the funny travel-related things I have seen, heard, read or done over the years. I have been known to classify myself as anal, especially where travel is concerned!

Though, I think I have come a long way in curing myself of that in the last few years. I think it boils down to, the more you travel, the more you get used to dealing with things that can and do go wrong.

I remember reading a part in Dario Castagno’s book, Too Much Tuscan Sun, where he is leading a tour in Siena and announced his plans to take his group of American tourists to an authentic family owned Sienese trattoria for lunch. To his shock and amazement, the woman in the group puts her foot down and states that she didn’t come all this way to not have REAL ITALIAN FOOD and demands that they find an Olive Garden or Pizza Hut??!!

Uh, Hu-lo laaaaaaaaady!

So, I decided to run with this theme of travel bordering on the ridiculous and come up with a sort of Top Ten List- Jeff Foxworthy style, called You Might be an Anal Traveler if…