Just when I think I've experienced every event in Davoli, the Ballo del Ciuccio happened. A donkey. Fireworks. What could be better? The Donkey Dance I'm not sure if I asked Davolese what the Ballo del Ciuccio represented they would know. AI tells me it harkens back to when Saracen invaders threatened the Ionian coast. The donkey, ever a symbol of hard work and perseverance in Calabria, becomes a symbol of overcoming these invaders. It's also supposed to scare away evil spirits and bad luck....

After my divorce, I traveled internationally at least once a year (usually to Italy) and took a couple of domestic trips as well. Since moving to Italy four years ago, however, I have traveled a lot less. Sometimes I kick myself for it because I have all of Europe within a few hours by plane. And yet, I realized there's a reason I feel less need to travel. Why I Travel I loved immersing myself in the other of a place. New cultures, new language, new history, new experiences. I've explored...

I realize that it's often the little things about my life as an expat in Italy that interest people. Eating, for example. While we don't think that a meal is a cultural experience, or that it might be different from what we're used to, in fact, the typical Italian meal can be an adventure in and of itself! The Importance of Food in Italian Culture You probably already know that Italian food is amazing. Food here is more than just physical nourishment. It's a sign of love. The mother who...