"After the 2nd Generation, Italian-Americans lose their heritage until one person goes searching for it again." - Dr. Cavallo

People don't believe me when they say I'm Italian, I know it's easy to see why they might think that- the whole blonde hair, blue eyes gives it away that I'm also Norwegian. Actually, I'm part Czech, Irish, and German too. (I know I'm a bit of everything). Ever since I was little, if I ever had a dark haired friend, people would assume she was my mother's daughter and I was the friend. Despite my appearance however, for some reason I've always been closer to my Italian heritage. Maybe because my Grandpa was first generation- and I remember when we would visit Lima (where my nana and grandpa live) and I know the big dinners we would have for Christmas with Spaghetti and the loud family and wine.

Mamma e Papa on the day I left Chicago :)

We were talking about the first generations of Italians that moved to America, about how the first generation hold on to their customs like a security blanket against the imposing culture that is "America" they speak their native dialect of Italian, and many never learn English. But their children 1st generation Italian Americans split the personality, like in the book I'm reading Mount Allegro, the father says to his son, "Your children will be Americani. But you, my son, are half-and-half" A split personality develops; they speak Italian at home, but English at school and with their friends. Philosophies begin to change- from Destino (destiny and fate) to everyone can make their own dream- no matter what "fate" says- a truly American ideal. It's an internal fight, which way is the "right" way to live?

By the time the 1st generation has their children, the customs are still there, but many customs are forgotten. Italian may never be spoken and more american traditions during Christmas and even partake in Halloween, which in the American tradition is something crazy and unheard of in most of Europe. This was my mother's generation.

So I'm even further removed- 3rd generation Italian American. I am horrible at Italian, but I think it is beautiful. When I was little I thought Italy was just the land of pizza and spaghetti and meatballs.(Which Italians do not eat together) But I became more and more interested in my Italian heritage, I even dressed up as my great-grandmother for an Ellis Island day in elementary school. I love Italian food more than any type of cuisine (anyone will tell you, I order pasta at restaurants or I'm always making pasta at home, also I've come to discover, I have an affinity for wine). So it makes sense that I had this need to go to Italy. I wanted to discover all the traditions, food, and culture of my heritage. 

I'm so excited for my mom to come visit me here- so she can also experience part of her own heritage, she is half Italian. I don't think she realizes how much her home was like an Italian home. I think when she just sees Italians interact with each other- she will be able to see herself talking to her sisters like that. There is another part in Mount Allegro when they have to get the author's father to reconcile with his brother in law, it involves a priest a complicated story line filled with little white lies and creative stories. (it's a hilarious story that's too complicated to write here) It just reminds me of when my mom is talking to one sister, and then all of them start calling; on the house phone, her cell, email even. Everyone is in everyone's business whether they like it or not. But absolutely none of the information should be shared with people outside the family. It's like what Dr. Cavallo said, "if you don't want anyone in your family to know- don't tell a soul. Otherwise everyone will know by Sunday dinner." 

So I'm already experiencing this part of my culture. And enjoying every minute of it. My mom has month until she leaves to start her own adventure. I know she'll have an amazing time. We will stop at a bar and grab a cappucino (trust me mom, you'll love them) and un cornetto (con cioccolato) then we should take a siesta during the day, then around 9 till about 11 we'll feast on a full Italian dinner- antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci. Who knows we might add another course. Of course we'll do the touristy things (you have to!) but she is going to get a crash course in living like an Italian- and I think she'll figure out quickly, she will know it instinctually. She is Italian after all.

My goal is to spend time in each country I'm from; I've been to Dublin but I want to go to the city where the Hogans are from. And in the future, I'll head to Norway for the Grovums, Germany for the Motschenbachers , and the Czech Republic for the Kovals. I won't get to every one this time around. But I'll be back. I'll just keep marking them off my list.

I don't have any doubt I'll be back

Ciao Bella