People often ask why I have a passion for Italy. So, what are the Things that make Italy Special? One actually has to travel to Italy to really understand and most people who have been – know immediately what I am talking about….
Do you have a nostalgia for the past? Then Italy is the place for you. There – century old buildings are not knocked down overnight to make a squillion dollars for the Donald Trumps of the world… No – buildings that are 2000 years are not even knocked down even though nature has tried on many an occasion.
The heritage laws are very strong thank God to prevent the wealthy gold takers from stripping the country of its ruins and historical buildings.
Italy has not allowed genetically modified food to be grown or imported into the country so the fruit and vegetables are still the same as what Grandpa used to grow – heck they may even be his seeds- grandseeds…..!
Talk about nostalgia for the old life – I get nostalgia for the food when I have to return to Australia. The mozzarella di buffalo from behind Napoli is not the same here for many reasons… including the fact that grass that the cows eat is different so the milk is different so the mozzarella is greatly different…. I keep buying it here trying desperately to have that same freshness and taste … I should give up as I just want to cry at the disappointment …..oh no not again- what a waste of money!! I can’t wait to sink my teeth into that creamy ball – omg what ecstasy when it comes straight out of the buffalo that morning!
The tomatoes – oh the tomatoes in Italy! – don’t get me lamenting!! – the tears are already falling!!. “You say tomatoes I say tomatoes – lets call the whole thing off!! You say tomatoes I say “Cardboard”!! In Australia most tomatoes bought at the supermarket taste like cardboard – yes seriously – “Would you like some cardboard with your salad today Madam?”
Coffee – yes well all the best barista courses in the world just don’t teach you how to play the piano like a new Orleans jazz player….!!! It has to be bread into the blood man!! No one makes a coffee like an Italian barista in Napoli!!!
The best macchiato in the world which brings tears to my eyes as I miss it so much and am counting down the days until I see that cup again. I am seriously in love with a macchiato from Napoli. I get the same effects as being in love!! – increased heart rate! Dilated pupils! Shaky hands when imbibing and tears at parting. – I have searched the whole of Australia for a similar macchiato and now have given up!! Seriously just let me weep into my mocha!