Friday 2 May 2008

Busy times ahead

I seem to be quite busy at the moment! I am working through the Labour Day 'long weekend' and then on Monday the bel ragazzo and I are heading off to Malito so I can visit il Dottore and get some blood/urine tests done. I don't think it is anything serious, but my poor twin who is over in Australia has been a little under the weather so thought it best I get some tests done too.



While we are there bel ragazzo's mamma can prepare a food parcel (or small suitcase) for me to bring home full of lovely Calabrian goodies! Bel ragazzo will stay longer then me in Malito as he is off to London next Sunday to start his 10 day intensive training course for his new job!

I on the other hand will not be in Malito for long as have to come back to Rome as my parents will be arriving soon for a holiday. While bel ragazzo is in London, my parents will be arriving into Rome. This is the first time my dad has returned to Italy since he migrated 50 odd years ago. Most of his brothers and sisters have returned to the 'mother land' and seen their little village in Calabria, but my dad has never been back. I think it will be a shock for him. He had never been much outside of Calabria as a boy, never saw the likes of Rome for example and now has grown accustomed to living in Melbourne where everything is nice, easy, clean and big - big houses, big roads, big buildings...big! It will be interesting to see his thoughts in particular when he returns to his home village which is inhabited by 150 people and is literally nestled right up in the Calabrian mountains away from civilisation (ok, I am being a little dramatic...but it is a tiny town with not much close by.) He migrated years ago, just after the second world war with his entire family as they sailed to the other side of the world in hope of finding a better life...

I will find out all of his stories and share them with you on the blog so stay tuned.

4 comments:

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

How awesome that your dad is coming! Can't wait to read about the visit :)

And best of luck with the medical stuff.

Leanne was in Italy now in Australia said...

Hi Michelle,
I am sure you can imagine what it's going to be like for my dad going from a big city to a small Calabrian village :) Will keep you all posted.

Piccola said...

I'm sure it will be an emotional visit for your Dad. I remember when my Mom first went home to her country after not having gone for so long. She and her cousin hugged for the longest time and cried tears of joy. I look forward to hearing your Dad's stories!

Leanne was in Italy now in Australia said...

Hi Piccola,
I am sure it will be very strange for him going back, especially since he left at a young age.