 |
| The Family! |
Larry was born in Thunder Bay,Canada but are from Roccella Jonica. His family moved to Canada in the 60s, had their children ( Larry and 2 brothers) and moved back to Roccella when Larry was 3. He kept up his English, as did his mother and brothers. The family owns a huge villa in town here and its split up; with cousins, his mom, brothers and children all living together but in completely different/separate apartments. Not like slum landlord apts:-) but beautiful places, built out of this old villa, views of the sea, the castles, stone balconies with old Roman busts and situated around the corner from the main plaza square....very lovely.
Back to Christmas.
Larry picked us up Christmas day around noon, off we went to another town called Siderno, his wife's family lives there and that is where we were to have Christmas dinner and boxing day lunch.
Not just the family is invited but cousins, in laws, friends and Canadians are all welcome. We had never met anyone but Larry, yet his entire family made us feel like we were old comfortable friends. It did not matter that we spoke limited Italian and them no English (ok besides Larry, his son and brother in law spoke and understood enough English to make everybody comfortable) we had a fantastic time.
Larry picked us up Christmas day around noon, off we went to another town called Siderno, his wife's family lives there and that is where we were to have Christmas dinner and boxing day lunch.
Not just the family is invited but cousins, in laws, friends and Canadians are all welcome. We had never met anyone but Larry, yet his entire family made us feel like we were old comfortable friends. It did not matter that we spoke limited Italian and them no English (ok besides Larry, his son and brother in law spoke and understood enough English to make everybody comfortable) we had a fantastic time.
 |
Just like in the movies, 15 people all talking and laughing at once, eating plate after plate of food and drinking wine regardless of age:-) Each plate had one item on it, for instance there were 2 lasagna ( I couldn't tell the difference) and each were served separately because you could not mix them. Pickled vegetables, cold meats, cheese and bread, Lasagna, 3 kinds of meat ( rabbit, pork and goat), then a big bowl of fresh fennel is passes around to chew on, salad and 2nd helpings of anything. Then desserts, tiramisu, 4 layered creme cake, grappa, liqueurs, cassata cake and opening of presents.
 |
| Lisa and Mom |
 |
| Santa handing out gifts |
The presents were distributed just the same as when we were kids. A Santa ( the brother in law, who has a carnival business was the Santa, he was hilarious, we could just see him working the Italian crowds) picked a present from under the tree, read out who it was for and from, made comments as to what it might be, a joke or 2 and then everyone watched and waited for the gift to be opened, looked at and sometimes put on.
We got gifts too, how nice for us and totally unexpected. Bath stuff (soap and cream, which is great since we buy the cheapest or use soap from the bathrooms soap dispenser..sometimes) wine and fantastic pickled vegetables, like eggplant, olives and mushrooms, plus a pesto made of sundried tomatoes, capers and mushrooms, yum!
 |
| Tombola cards |
Italians here, play Tombola on Christmas. Bingo for us English folk but play for money, each card costs 50 cents and the winners get money from the pot. Lots of fun, laughing, money to be made and it doesn't matter how many people play as there is always room for more.
Boxing day we again went to Siderno and did the entire thing again but with no presents:-)
Boxing day we again went to Siderno and did the entire thing again but with no presents:-)
 |
| Branko and his chestnuts |
Besides Larry's festivities we ( the Swiss couple, the American guy and us) celebrated 1 Sunday in advent, having brunch, drinking wine, playing Mexican train and bolles on the beach.
The winter solstice, Dec 21st we made a bonfire on the beach; watched the sunset, roasted Italian sausages, drank wine ate roasting marshmallows (unbelievable but found marshmallows but no candy canes) fun and nice to finally celebrate the solstice in some pagan style.
The winter solstice, Dec 21st we made a bonfire on the beach; watched the sunset, roasted Italian sausages, drank wine ate roasting marshmallows (unbelievable but found marshmallows but no candy canes) fun and nice to finally celebrate the solstice in some pagan style.
 |
| Happy Winter Solstice! |
On New years eve we rode our borrowed bikes to Roccella, along the beach boardwalk to celebrate with Larry and the usual suspects. Basically more fun, food and drinks. We had a view from his balconies to watch all the fireworks.
Next day, new years day we were back to Larry's for more eating, drinking and a few rounds of Bingo.
Next day, new years day we were back to Larry's for more eating, drinking and a few rounds of Bingo.
Just beginning to recuperate, mostly from all the food, as we drank sparingly, no room for liquids.
The very (belated) best wishes for you this new year.
No comments:
Post a Comment