Exploring my grandparent's region of Abruzzo – and more of Italy
Abruzzo is never far from my mind. I am planning a trip of my own later this year. But, as always in April, my thoughts turn to my late mother Louise Pergolini Tucker. She would have been 89 this week. Not only was she born on the 10th of April but she also died on her 81st... Continue Reading →
Two recent articles have inspired me to write about my late grandfather John Pergolini, longtime tailor. First, a review of a documentary about Italian tailors, which I have yet to see (Men of the Cloth - a film by Vicky Vasilopolos). The review is written by fellow Abruzzophile Helen Free on the Abruzzo Blogger Community site. Second, an article... Continue Reading →
Our great uncle Michael Izzo married into the Mezzacappa family and acquired not only his wife, my great aunt Ethel, but four more sisters. All potential suitors had to be scrutinised by our great grandfather Nicola Mezzacappa, who could be, by all accounts, somewhat frightening and very protective of his five daughters. So having passed muster, you knew... Continue Reading →
Normally, at home in Australia we pride ourselves on how lucky we are to have a great climate (mediterranean, in the case of Adelaide) which gives us access to a variety of fresh local food and produce, year round. Living by the low food miles philosophy is possible here. Sometimes I break from the philosophy,... Continue Reading →
Food inspiration takes many forms: a favourite meal remembered, a key ingredient you've been wanting to try, a special request from a loved one, a new recipe. Well, my beloved husband Roo has been the lucky recipient of a new kitchen tool, a little press for cutting out ravioli. This is his inspiration. I... Continue Reading →
When in Italy, the conversation always turns to food. Whether on the bus, riding a bike along the lungomare (seaside esplanade), sitting on the train, waiting at the post office, at a coffee bar, with friends and family. It's everywhere. There is talk about foods in season, the price of cheese, the colour of apricots,... Continue Reading →
If you find yourself in Sulmono, a town in the L'Aquila province within the Abruzzo region, 'senza macchina' - without a car - it is worth the effort to catch the local bus to picturesque Scanno. And if you go on a school day when the teenagers from Scanno are travelling home from Sulmona, expect... Continue Reading →
I have to admit that the idea of going to Abruzzo to learn more about the art and craft of blogging has struck some of my friends and colleagues as an odd thing. To be honest, most of them have never heard of Abruzzo. Unless, of course it's just the humorous mention of it by... Continue Reading →
Follow my blog with Bloglovin It started with a photo. My grandparent's wedding photo. I always had a sense that we were different. My mother's parents had a funny accent when they spoke English and they talked real loud. My friends couldn't understand our grandfather. I was used to it and explained that my Pop-Pop... Continue Reading →
Heart in Abruzzo 