Manjia Manjia Manjia

The title literally translates to Eat Eat Eat. This was by far the most used word for these past six days. This would usually be followed by me saying sto bene (I'm good) and/or sono pieno (I'm full). These seemingly pointless phrases were then usually followed by more food being placed on my plate.

So here I am, back in Firenze (Florence). It already almost feels like a second home to me. Well actually with the treatment I got, everywhere I went these past six days could feel like a second home. I feel as though if I truly wish to describe these days I will just babble on and on and probably bore all 10 of you that read this blog. I will do my best to make clear and concise statements. Although I must admit I will probably be leaving a lot out. Over the next couple of days I will make 2-3 posts about the details of the trip.

For now I will just share this - Italian mothers are like Jewish mothers, they want you to eat... a lot! More than you can handle... the difference is where a Jewish Mother may give you a small backpack of food for a five minute walk around the block, the Italian mothers I dealt with, would not let you leave without suitcase full. There are no if, and's, or but's. You accept the fact and enjoy every bite of the most delicious, fresh, homemade food that your taste buds will ever get the chance to experience.

Carmelina and I left for the south early Wednesday morning. It is now Monday night. We have calculated that we spent well over 24 daylight hours on buses, taxis, trains, subways, and cars during the past six days. We are a bit exhausted, a bit fatter, and very happy.