Addio 2010!

On the very last day of the year, one cannot go about like it is just any other day. One must be reflective on the previous 364 days and full of hope and dreams for the next. Plus, you need to be celebratory, even if especially if your previous 364 days were difficult, arduous, stressful and exhausting--like mine. If this last year was not amongst your finest, December 31^st is a particularly fantastic day! It signifies that all the muck of the year is finally over and tomorrow starts everything fresh. For my husband and I, we were filled with a sense of relief and optimism that we haven’t felt in a while. We were so happy to see 2010 come to an end, that we started off the day by celebrating! Illy cappuccini and fresh berry cornetti at Pasticceria da Sylvana on corso Cavour was the perfect start to this final day of 2010. I hope you enjoyed your final day as well.

Norway+Italy=Polar Opposites

I have to say how very impressed I am with Norwegian people. Their culture, their mentality, and their hyper state of logic is so refreshing. On the outside, Norwegians can seem a bit curt and maybe not quite warm (and they will be the first to tell you about that). But when you talk with someone, or know them personally, they are the most honest, warm, caring, jovial and straightforward people I have ever known. Time after time, from strangers in grocery stores, to paramedics, Norwegians prove themselves to be stand-up, caring people. When you make a friendship, you are brought in and the honesty and openness of their lives, feelings and life events just blows me away.

Norwegians have no need to show a façade or be passive-aggressive. They tell you what they think and what is on their mind, and you always know where you stand with them. They may seem abrupt or even rude by American standards, but it is fantastic! There is no subtext, no treachery, no hiding behind lame stories or excuses. They are honest, man! And when you are injured and in need of help, they are caring, supportive, and light-hearted all at the same time.