The Mystery of Italy

I thought last year that people in Italy were old fashioned and ridiculous, but let me tell you.. I had no idea. It’s one thing to be here and be just a young girl, but a young girl with a baby? You’ll get advice and worries from anyone and everyone on things you never thought one could worry about. For example, earlier I was downstairs in the apartment building, waiting for Paolo to come down, and the landlord told me to be careful with Ale, because there was some wind coming through the door. I mean, WHAT? Do babies die from wind these days? Actually, it’s super hot here; probably the poor, sweaty child would like a little wind. I mean, really. Just really. And have mercy, I could write a Part 2 to my previous air-conditioning post. They literally think air-conditioning will make you sick. Personally, I think laying in a pool of sweat, trying to sleep can’t be terribly healthy, but that’s just me.


    That stuff aside, all is well here. Ale is growing up so much; just since we’ve been in Italy, he’s started sitting up, sleeping in his own bed (mostly), quasi-crawling, and even supported walking!! He’s so very sweet and curious. Beach time with him has been interesting; it’s no more relaxing to go to the beach. In fact, we don’t even go every day just because it’s kind of a hassle. We do go on lotsssss of walks though. I now know why Europeans spend $500+ on strollers; it’s like a car for them.
    I have a new business idea that I’ve been exploring. I still want to do the tea shop, but I just don’t have the capital for it now, so I’m going to start smaller by making cakes to order from my home.  Italian cakes, to be exact. So I’ve started learning and practicing, which has been both delicious and frustrating. I’ve pretty much got crostatas down at this point, which is like an jam tart, but very versatile. Today I tried a profiterole cake, which was nothing short of a disaster. That one is going to take a bit more work. So Cullmanites, get ready. When I return, I’m going to be a baking machine. I’m also looking for a nannying job, so let me know if you know someone who needs one, please!

    One thing I’ve always wondered about Italians is how they manage to stay so thin. They have such great food, I just don’t get it. The obesity rate here is 10%, while America’s is about 35%. What are they doing here?? I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that I’ve lost about 5 pounds since I got here, which brings me to my pre-pregnancy weight. At home, I was working out almost every day, with little to no results. But then I come here, feast on pizza, pasta, and so many cakes, and I lose weight. What is this phenomenon? For sure I walk a lot, and I’ve also been swimming, but I just don’t know. I would say it was the quality of food, but I eat pretty well at home too, so I’m not sure that it’s terribly different. However, I would recommend an extended vacation in Italy if you just can’t get rid of those last few pounds.

Ciao for now,

Kathleen