“Buon Ferie”
Happy HOT!! Vacation! And TipZ for Cooling Off Italian Style!
August is HERE! – we’re half way into summer (a record breaking HOT summer!) and now the “Ferie” and “Chiuso per Ferie” (Closed for Vacation!) signs have started to appear!
Yes, it’s vacation time for many in Italy (and elsewhere in Europe). Although Italy doesn’t completely shut down for the entire month, you will find that, on an official level (e.g., government, administration, etc.) not much will get done and many smaller businesses (especially in small towns and villages) will close – some for the month, some for a week or two.
Ferragosto on August 15th is a public holiday and a Catholic feast celebrating the Assumption of Mary. It is a day for family picnic and trips to the beach, countryside or the mountains.
While the Italians flee, the tourists still flock to Italy – especially Europeans /families who are on vacation. All too often you see them trudging through the streets with water bottles and maps in hand (dragging the kids along who just want a pool or a beach!). And, there are still groups arriving – (too) large groups mostly from cruise shore excursions, often arriving in the heat of the day – yikes!
For myself, I will be doing what I’ve been doing since this unprecedented heat started in late May…going out in the VERY early morning on my walk and/or shopping for provisions and then hunkering down in my apartment taking cool showers and hydrating, with fans whirling, occasional AC, windows and shutters shut until late evening in an effort to stay comfortable…a time for reading, reruns and digging into some projects (stay tuned)!
Hoping for a break as we approach September and I’m looking forward to a wonderful weekend getaway (more later!) and resuming my museum visits as well as reconnecting with local friends here and, in October, welcoming wonderful clients/friends!
What are YOU doing this summer?!
~ ♦ ~
In the meantime, if you must be out and about, there are definitely some delish options for cooling off while you take a break!
♥ Cooling Off Italian Style! ♥
Yes, there’s always that Spritz but sometimes you want something refreshing but a bit more “dolce” and non-alcoholic? Well, I have two suggestions for you!
◊ Shakerato and Affogato! ◊
Never heard of them? Well, let me introduce you!
Shakerato is prepared by shaking together a shot of espresso with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and simple syrup/sugar. Once it’s nice and frothy it is strained into a glass – typically a martini glass.
Sip and enjoy!
And then there’s an Affogato al Caffe! It means “drowned in coffee” which is a hint about how it is prepared!
A perfect dessert or “just because” – it is a scoop of gelato (usually fiordilatte or vanilla), topped with espresso. (A variation could be with as shot of liqueur such as amaretto or Kahlua).
Oh, buonissimo, don’t you agree?!
Stay cool and stay in touch! I ALWAYS look forward to connecting with YOU!
Grazie di cuore for being here! Heartfelt gratitude!
♥ From YOUR Boston the Ground in the Boot ♥
