The Ambrosian Rite

Being Catholic-Italian raised; we certainly felt compelled to attend church with Carla. In the middle of the piazza, just a few feet from her apartment is the church where we know our great grandparents attended.

Those years of going to church, had created that learned second nature behavior we had counted on as the mass was in Italian. We were surprised when the order of the liturgy was different. We looked at each other as if the DVD made a skip. The liturgy is slightly different from what we knew. It was subtle changes.
Carla explained it later and I have since researched the Ambrosian Rite. It is also called the Milanese Rite, a Catholic liturgical. The rite is named after Saint Ambrose, a bishop of Milan in the fourth century. The Ambrosian Rite, differs from the Roman Rite. It is based on the ancient Ambrosian liturgical tradition, and contains in particular, a special rite of light ("lucernarium") and proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus, for use before the Saturday-evening celebration of the Mass of the Sunday, seen as the weekly Easter.
Still confused, us too. Obviously we are not theologians.

We did visit the church, saw the baptismal font where probably my grandfather was baptised. We lit some realcandles (no fake battery operated like some churches). Tina lit at least 10, a true shopaholic!!!

some final words

Up and about this morning, unpacking, enjoying a Nepresso (Birthday present from parents;thanks mom &dad).

A few things come to mind;

We have returned from Italy and all 3 of us are still on speaking terms. This is amazing, sweet,loving and how lucky we are! Not all people,sisters, families, friends etc are this fortunate. This fortune must be attributed to our loving and supportive parents that laid the groundwork over the 55 years of their marriage. That we all have again the fortune to pass this grace onto our children, would be a blessing.

We 3 sisters are also lucky we have respectively, husbands and children that allowed us to do this emotionally and financially without very little burden.

Of course I must mention my cousin Carla Zanzi, but for her, none of this would of even been foreseeable. She is the keeper of our Italian family heritage

Lastly, I have quite enjoyed this blog and am delighted that so many others 'followed' and looked forward to my postings. The bandwidth/wifi in VB was limited and there are a few more stories I plan to add over the next few days/weeks. I will import some pictures as well
You certainly are welcome to enjoy them them, I promise they won't be sappy.

finally pushed backed at ATL

Tina texted to me say her "so called earlier flight' had a mechanical and they were taxing back to the gate for an equipment swap. She finally left the same time to SJC as we left for SFO. She arrived a little earlier but not nearly as earlier as we had first imagined. Oh well.
Vicky and I arrived at 11:08pm SFO, exhausted but at least no flu relapse.

Back in ATL

We left MXP in a light snow about one hour late. Our plane had to be de iced. Carla was unable to come to the airport; she had a relapse of the flu which made me a little nervous that I might as well.
The flight was way too long. This is when you think next time you will fly at least business class
We finally arrive in ATL to find our flight 2 hours late making arrival to SFO @11:30. You are kidding me!!. I quickly glance at the board & see a flight SJC leaving close to when we were suppose to & quickly hit the Delta couinter to see if we can stand by. A lovely agent reviewed our options and found only 1 seat available. Since Tina has to work tomorrow we decided she would take that flight & we would wait for ours
.

the final day

Still feeling a little punk but optimistic about the flight tomorrow. Carla has given us an extra suitcase for the still untold story of the fur coats
Tina went to Mass, the same church most likely our great grandparents attended and grandfather was baptized.
We had our final lunch a La Cigna, the restaurant frequented by the locals of VB. We have eaten there at least 4 times. Those family members that visited here prior will recall. The service is ways the best, food outstanding yet nonpretenious in a comfortable way.
The official goodbye's began areound 6pm. Cousins Alessandro & Morena stopped by then Alberto & little Rebecca Alessandra his wife who is early pregnant stayed home but called on the phone. Vicky had her last espresso at the bar. My stomach is not ready for that yet

another flu victim

Luisa, GCarcarlo's 71 yars sister has taken ill I hope they keep an eye
This flu is virlent

bad news Terri has flu now

I woke up at 6am vomiting and every half hour. Of particular interest is that my vomiting sessions are timed to the church bells. I hope this does not result in a behavior mod pattern. Taking the same meds as the girls that are better by the way. Carla is also sick. She started about the same time. I knew there was something up when the cat came in to our side &jumped on the table and stared me down. CAT-ATTUDE!!
We keep thinking how many people he have kissed in VB since our arrival.
The town might have to be quarantined!!!!!

Missoni Vasconi

While the girls recupped Carla & I went to the Missoni outlet nearby. Very clean good lightening and decent choice of items. I tried on a few items that were incredible. The bodyguards (Mimi, Gcarlo) &carla feel I was made to wear Missoni. They gasped when I walked out of the dressing room. Those Italian men! Missoni sport is phasing & there were some reasonable items. Lot of fun
When I returned back to Carla's one of her old 84 year old friend was there. He was retired head of the textile unios so spoke about the indusrty. He insisted I try on my new Missoni for him His comment Mamma Mia. I guess it is a good investment

the next 12 hours

Vicky & Tina became fairly stable by 3am. They had RX'd us Reglan/immodium &Vicky has some hycosomine to help everyone's symptoms. Tina improved first with Vicky about 5 hours. The MD recommended risotto for any food. I thought that little rich but I guess he would know. Carla had went to a restaurant and ordered it take away. I must admit it was good but didn't sit well with Vicky& she had a small relapse of vomiting
I convenience Carla to let me fix pasta penne with a little bit of butter for dinner & this stayed down for both

Home from Gallarate

With Vicky on the floor, Tina slouched in her seat and myself looking notable nervous, the train conductor asks if he should call an ambulance.  Finally we get the help we need although a bit overkill.  Vicky cry's no I need a bathroom.  The conductor assists Vicky to the back of the train.  Vicky spends another train trip in the bathroom and is planning on a hep A vacine when she returns to the US.  Tina is sitting fairly dignified with two young Italian women who act as if nothing  strange is going on.  I am running back in forth between Vicky in the toilet, Tina and our luggage.   Prior to our arrival I call Carla to give her specific instructions on where to meet so that Gcarlo and Memo can get Tina and Vicky off the train.  I also told Carla to bring towels.  We pull into Gallarate station the doors open and our gallant body guards, Memo to Vicky's side along with the conductor and Gcarlo to Tina.  The conductor looks at Memo and says in perfect English, good luck.

Train part three. Feeling like it will never end

We are going to get to VB come hell, highwater, orambulance.  (it was already hell and I prefered a cab at any cost.  Although in hindsight the cabby would have thrown us out on the side of the road...Tina). Around my neck is Tina's purse, vicky's purse and my purse, and three scarves, pulling the one suitcase.  We are at platform 15 and the board comes up with platform 1 for our departure.  I am coaching Tina to keep from fainting, head up breathe deep eyes open.  Tina is coaching Vicky saying we can do it.  Where is the bloody cart guy when you need them.  Btw time to get to the train is running short.  As we arrive to platform 1 we see that the local trains sits back at the end of the station another 150 yards.  I say give up we can't do this.  Tina and Vicky rally and keep moving.  With visions of the train pulling away as we approach the first car.  I throw myself onto the doorway to keep the train from closing the door.  Vicky rolls in and collapses on the floor.  Tina arrives trying to hold onto a thread of dignity finds a seat amoung the crowed train.

Train part two

     Vicky admittedly did not feel the afternoon we left Florence. They both decided to hang around the Hotel while went to the Uffizi alone. I was quite content to view one of the greatest collection of Renaisannce art in the world, totally 'unmolested'
I returned to the hotel and we grabbed a cab towards the train station. We were early so Iwe could visit Santa Maria Novella Farmacia/perfumery.

The history of the pharmacy dates back to the 13th century. In 1221, Dominican friars began to mix and sell their essences, tonics and elixirs from their monastery. Shortly thereafter, the friars gained recognition as world class perfumers. I knew it was one of those unknown finds in Florence.
Vicky continued to be irritable. First hint, she snapped at me for speaking italian to the female cab driver. She said to me"I am getting tired of you speaking Italian". My reply " are you kidding me?"
As we sat in our first class train  seats and the train pulled out of the station Vicky commented the her stomach was beginning to hurt & quickly got up to use the toilet. After about 4-5 trips to the toilet, the last 2 included vomiting., I knew we had a big problem. Let me say this is just a 2.5 hour trip but we had 2 additional legs on the trip. I called Carla
& asked her to pick us up @/Gallarate rather than make the transfer there. I let her knew Vicky had mal d stomaco con vomitus. She understood. About the last 20minutes of the Milano trip Tina begins to feel sick, more nausea and intestinal spasms. We arrive in Milano & begin to wait for the next train which is in
1/2 hour. I must determine which platform it leaves from,  Tina has to sit down as she feels sweaty and near faint; Vicky has to use the bathroom, which is 1 euro coin only and located at the other end of the train station Mamma Mia, luggage, purses, passports, foreign language, find the platform it is also rush hour. Tina is crying wanting to just a hotel in Milan and Vicky is in the "bowels" of the train station leaving her bowels. I must make an executive decision

Buca del orafo

Definitely a 5/5 dinner last. It was so close to our hotel no coat needed and Tina wore slippers. All the traditional Firenze items. I had originally wanted bistecca alla fiorentina. This is a special cut of meat and preparation done in a florentine style. The cow is taken to slaughter when it is older than veal age but less than beef age. I was told once, they slaughter at the teenage stage of a cow.(I bet some parents with teens can see why this might happen) Anyways--it was 65. euros. Yikes, forget that. I am not that big of a meat eater. We had seen on a few other menus around Florence and that it was listed as a euro per etto (ounce) and pricey all over

Well,I decided on trippa which made Vicky a little queasy thinking about it. This is another typical meal of the area. Tina had chicken (translated as rooster)but explained as chicken that runs alot in the yard compared to others that just sit in a cage(pollo). Free range I bet. We also had strawberries picked from the forest (alpine) for dessert. Vicky seemed to think they went to a lot of trouble getting food to the table. It was quite the real local " hang out" for local Florentines with customers arriving as late as10:00 for dinner. A nice way to end our trip to Florence.

to our husbands

The rationalization of all of our purchases while in Italy: they all have the most interesting stories
Hope this works and we love and miss you
Tre Sorellas

Firenze Galleria dell' Accademia

Looking at Michelangelo' David in its unbelievable glory
Best butt ever

Bibo

We had a nice dinner @ Bibos after the walk out drama. Vicky had Pasta Fagoli (soup), I knew she would like. It's very tuscan, simple. For lunch I had Ribolita, another simple tuscan soup. The dessert we shared was stewed prunes in wine, yummie. This how you now we are old ladies

Resturant rating Ramsey's kitchen nightmares

This evenings wandering resulted in an interesting choice of resturants followed by an exit stage left.Bread on the table, frizante aqua contained in a cracked glass pitcher and the two left behind an Indian waiter and Long Shoreman cook. We took our dinner at Ristorante Bibo, cucina tipica fiorentina located in a well lit Piaza along with a few other guests.

spoons

Tina decided to collect espresso spoons by stealing them.
Every time one of us has espresso or cappuccino we (dependent on the situation such as is Carla watching, really small cute place) we put it our purse, pocket or shirt. FYI- We would never steal a fancy spoon

finally hungry

We arrived in Florence unscathed. and decided to cab it the hotel. This is the first time since arriving that Vicky & Tina actually become hungry big time bad mood. Remember I rarely get hungry. Found a restaurant rated 2/5 stars. More fur coat drama at which point Vicky choked on bread near hemlich; the movie script only gets better

On our way to Firenze

We were accompanied by our body guards (Gcarlo & Mimmo) to the Gallarate train station which will take us to Milan. We will then take the italian Euro star to Florence.
They waited on the freezing cold binero (platform) until our train came. We have very specific instructions on how to get our train in Milan. We also MUST phone or text when we are on the Milan train & again in Florence. If we forget they will hunt us down.

Venturi, Carla Sessa

The area around VB is known for making fabric; wool, linen, cotton and leather. Thus the seat of the fashion industry in Milan. On monday we had the opportunity to visit a factory that makes fabric in the Missoni design This lady, a widow is a friend of Mimmo and their 80 year old neighbor Luciana. It is very close to VB.
We were shown the process that begins with individual colored threads that are all arranged in a pattern that then create a larger yarn and the process is repeated again and again dependent on the desired fabric texture and color. Each process is initially arranged by hand onto the machine. The machine is electric but not computer driven. It most likely takes a few days to complete the fabric. They currently were working on next years designs.
There are 2 employees; her nephew and his wife.
It was truly amazing. We were able to purchase a few items. Some scarves a poncho like sweater. Very reasonable in price for the quality. The owner was delighted that we took so much interest.
Best field trip ever

the little fireplace

In the apartment Carla discovered a little fireplace that had been covered in plaster. They restored it, added a screen for efficiency of heat. It is about 36 inches. Every morning Vicky, the early riser, makes a little fireplace with the wood from the chestnut trees that Carlo chopped last summer. The aroma is lovely even nicer than peet from Ireland. Every afternoon when we return to the apartment to"make repose" (a nap) the aroma still lingers in the room

the fur coats

It was a total melt down. Way too many tears. Carla continues to be lovingly generous. Otherwise, not to be discussed on the internet. We are currently working on the movie script for Hollywood (a comedy of course)

carla's control

On saturdays and sundays in America you wake up and think what do I feel like doing today. In VB you wake up and think what will Carla want us to do today. You never know her program. It could be lunch could be mercato might be the cemetary. For some reason she thinks all 3 of us can't be in the back of her thus when we go place we have 2 cars. A nonsmoking and smoking car. Vicky gets stuck with Mimmo who knows no english. Gcarlos' bestfriend also retired. Carla is not crazy about walking I guess. The cemetary is only about 7 blocks. She really does not like us to venture out alone. Mamma Mia this is just a 2 street town of 2000 what could happen

the mouse

Carla's fluffy white cat has some mouse toys. They are field mice size & often on the floor. Vicky & I decided to scare Tina with one. We placed it perfectly against the wall waited until she walked by it; screamed & pointed. She of course screamed we all laughed. Carla & Gcarlo laughed even harder that we would still play a prank at this age
Tonight as I pulled down my bed sheet. There was that Damm little mouse that now Tina put there. Scared me now we are even
Carla's white cat is long hair and sheds. We all mostly brought black clothes!!! Thank God I remembered a lint brush

The food

Tina has decided to take pictures of every plate of food we eat. There is interesting german influence in the winter food Carla has never heard of Martha Stewart. We were looking at her magazine together. Carla does not really cook which she says is more and more common Her 80 year old neighbor is visiting tonight A very lively lady. Carla told me that in VB there are 100 women between 80-100 years living there and 50 men within those age
Tonight Carla pulled out her old penpal letters she saved from Vicky. It was so cute
It has been very cold here, however when you just go from apartment to the car then car to the resturant it is pretty tolerable. We
We can exercise when we leave for Florence Tuesday

Win for life

The bar for coffee or alcohol is so close you really don't need a coat even when it's 32•F Vicky and I decided to get a lotto for1€ they have 2 games. One is numbers picked (10) almost every hour from 8-8 They post it on the TV. The other is super lotto three times a week. Vicky won 2€ So she replayed them for tomorrow
We will let you know. When we were collecting the winning Carla saw a friend who works at the Missioni factory/outlet. He is going to arrange for us to have his discount. Now their neighbor will arrange for a tour of where they make the wool. Vicky knows nothing of Missioni she says Missioni Vasconi are we related

Tina learns about toilets

She saw for the first time the hole in the floor, no commode. She decided she didn't have to go anymore. She asked Carla what do you do if you have to poop, Carla said you have to go home

The bells VA

I just love that every 1/2 hour the bells ring the time and a little song. The song varies, a religious variation of some kind. Growing up and attending Catholic school, we would call it the Angelus.
Here in VA, you hear it in the morning but then during the day you don't notice it. If the time of day is near noon or a traditional mass attendance time, the chime starts earlier to call you to mass. As I slowly awake every morning, the bells are calling, so wonderfully small town. I wonder how late they chime; they don't seem to awaken me.

Rebecca in America

Rebecca is 3 years old. Awfully cute. I guess Alexandera arranges it so she spends time with Carla. We had brought her a color book and Tina has an Iphone so she is pretty entertained by us. Rebecca told her mother she wants to go to America. As we said Ciao last night to all Rebecaa asked if she could go to America again tomorrrow night. I guess she thinks we are America

MIA

Been swamped eating all day. We had lunch at the little place by the lake Comobabbio.The lake is frozen by the way,the edges. This is where they always eat, mostly lunch. Big favorite. Then we had to have Carla buy us pj's. She continues to be grossly generous.
Here is the update on the VB family gossip
Carla's health-She has pretty sever GERD that has created some sort of respiratory distress She had to go the ER for cortisone it's all complicated in an Italian/English language skills/drama. Thus she really does not venture out very far and no Florence. I would imagine this is all very scary when you can't breathe. I can't blame her for not wanting to go very far.
All of this has created some reconciliation with her sister Luisa and her sons on Xmas. At dinner tonight Alberto came with Alexandra (now pregnant 11 weeks) and Rebecca, now 3 years old. Dinner was the new pizza place and Nicholas came with Giancarlo 's sister Luisa(same name as Carla's sister). We also went to church yet another Church that was in the oddest place. I can't figure out why she does not go to the church in the piazza that is about 20 feet away. The liturgy is Ambrosial Catholic not Roman Catholic. Will blog again in the am. Also will explain the difference in then liturgy soon.

Cafe already

You can tell Carla is from a small town. They couldn't find their car (2 cars, their friend Memo came) in the parking lot. Jetlagged suitcases Vicky needing a cig trapsing around an underground parking lot
As soon as we arrived we went straight the cafe for espresso Most of the town men were outside smoking &watching. No parade yet

landed

Uneventful flight. Although the flight attendnats kept saying we looked familiar. I think it is because we look so alike. Vicky keeps saying they recognize us from American TV. That's pretty funny
We took a picture of Tina's hair after sleeping. It was all over the place
Off to get luggage

in ATL

We find the gate &there are at least 100 military personnel in army fatigues waiting to board. We are thinking what the heck they all have transfer through MXP. Oh my god just looking at how young they all are makes me cry I much prefer the war from a newspaper view. Well we asked &they were all waiting for a special plane for they deployment
Well on the plane for some reason it is hot no air yet & we are peeling off clothes
Vicky's cig smoking & her special smoke rooms last minute makes me nuts
Later

suitcase packed

My suitcase was downstairs zipped up by 7pm. Easy for me, I am always ready for a trip.
We had decided to each bring 1 suitcase to check. Carla's car is small. Tina thought this was unrealistic and would simply hire a cab for her luggage. Carla sent an email this morning with her plan of 2 cars, hers and Nicholas'.

Vicky decided on a conference call with all 3 of us to go over what each of us were bringing. This resulted in an anxiety attack for Tina; she had not even begun packing. I will be rested at least and as Mom said; at least you have traveled with kids!! ha

During all of this Jerry asked me to help cut his hair. What were we thinking!! Be sure to look at the back of his head. I was not listening to him (surprise) and there was no guard on the clippers and I buzzed the back of his head Army style short. I gouged out a big hole. Lucky for me he loves me so much and the champ he is --took it quite well.

Dad got a facebook invite from Renzo Odalini. He is the former mayor of Varono Borgi (VB)and town's richest man and coincidentally town mortician. Very popular among dead Vasconi's
The invite mentioned he would be tracking the 3 sorella's in VB on facebook. Okay get ready for a parade and photo op "key of the city" ceremony. Just kidding but when there are only 2000 inhabitants in your town I bet we will get noticed.

Off to bed, we leave at 5am picking up the sisters for a 8:30am flight.

Will write soon
Love to all
T