I lived in Italy. I speak the language. I have a residence permit there and I can enter the country anytime. I am NOT in any way Italian. I am Filipina and I do live in the Netherlands as I have also a residence permit here. I can live and work and perform my profession freely in any of these countries counting the Philippines as well.


Now see that trullo (the term for that kind of house) dating back as 1600-1700 and as big as that used to live at least 15 people. I was inside it and it was so little.. The story behind these trulli (plural of trullo) is actually much more interesting... To see the real size, click the image and click the original image from the source link
The other month, I had to settle in this new country after leaving Italy. I had to duplicate keys of the apartment's doors and from the duplication center, I was asked where I came from. I told, "I came directly from Italy." And the reply? "Oh Italy! Much money in Italy! I bet you have much money! My friend here is Finochio (gay) hahaha... " And the center personnel started muttering anything Italian they know: ciao, buongiorno, spaghetti, etc. That was amusing!

Everytime I engage in a conversation mentioning the country, people just get too engage about it. One more scenario happened the other day. I was in the bank trying to make a deposit and the greetings was in Dutch. "Goeden Dag, Mevrouw".. "Good morning Ms/Mrs" is the meaning and I answered "Ik spreek geen Netherlands" which means I do not speak any Dutch. And the teller told, French? Oh my! I am PURELY ASIAN! I wanted to laugh. "I speak English or if you like, Italiano".. And the next thing I heard was a story about that person's ski vacation in Italy plus a song themed for Italian summer! Interesting!


That was the sun rise from where I lived in Italy. See how the sun rises and its reflection... The same photo was taken from my room's terrace. To see the real size, click the image and click the original image from the source link

I have been wondering why everyone loves that country. Even in blogs, fellow bloggers seem to be more outspoken if it is an Italian vacation. As for me, I have some reasons why I like the country but not that enthusiastic as how others look at it and not on a similar or at least parralles basis as how most people see the country. Is it because Italy is within my reach? That I can live there whenever I want? I still have to discover that within myself.

In short list, one of the best thing I like about the country is not found in its shallow portion of its very popular spots...like Venice (Venezia) or Florence (Firenze) the Duomo or the Scala or piazza this and piazza that that are known to many around the world. I do love the mystery of the country. I have been to buildings that are there even before the Philippines was discovered...and I can almost step on at least one of them on a daily basis! Can you imagine that?

• I never even know I was roaming around where Santa Claus is burried!
• Where most of his treasures are hidden! I did not even have any idea I was staring to the preserved body of a saint! That was cool, right?
• When you are in aroom barely 4 sq. meters big but the things inside is priceless or at least billions of Euros?
• I was not even aware that I was standing in a place that slaves were used to be tied and sold and punished and stuffs!
  
• But I was aware when I was looking at the preserved Roman road... that was tough and strongly founded.
  

The sea and olive and fruit plantation view from my balcony in Italy.. Hope to be back there next month though it is too bad since the weather is much colder by then... To see the real size, click the image and click the original image from the source link

For me, the fashion, the food and the overall ambiance of the country is noting compared to the beauty that many cannot see. Darn! That was where history was born. This happened here and that happened there and that what makes me happy when I go to the place. And Italy? Oh, I miss that country but what country I do love? It is still the Philippines.. where I can wear my backless top all year round! Now please tell me if I am too boring for my age of 23.

Cosenza City is situated in the province of Cosenza too and it is in the Calabria, a south Italian region. I have been to this city at least five times both for official and social functions... and that includes malling! The city is not very big and it is very quiet as per my observation, or maybe this is my impression because the last time I have been there, it was raining and not so much people were on the streets.



Within the city, in the area stretching from the pedestrianized streets of Corso Mazzini until the Piazza Bilotti in the city of Cosenza, there is an open air museum called the MAB or Museo All'aperto Bilotti. This area hosts a wide range or modern day sculptures ready to be viewed and enjoyed by anyone passing by, be it a tourist or a local Italian. I have learned that these sculptures were donated by Carlo Bilotti, an American-Italian art collector. No wonder why the piazza) is named after him. Among the sculptures are Saint George and the Dragon by Salvador Dalì, Hector and Andromaca by Giorgio de Chirico, "the Bronzes" by Sacha Sosno, The Bather by Emilio Greco, The Cardinal by Giacomo Manzù and various marble sculptures by Pietro Consagra.



It was raining (as I have mentioned earlier) and pranzo (lunch) time when I passed by the place and was not able to take photos of all the sculptures. I only happened to take that of Salvador Dali. The next time I go to this place, I'll make sure that my digi cam is loaded and I won't hesitate to take photos. I share some by now but expect to have more in the future. Just try to see the buildings and castle in the hill... it just amaze me so much.

The thing that amazes me here in Italy is the food. There is a very wide variety and all these are tasty and very very yummy! Of course there is no equivalent for a Casa linga (home taste) but sometimes it is needed to stop by a restaurant and have some good time and try some food. One night, we happen to see and eat at La Fonte.




This place is a restaurant - pizzeria about 100 meters aways from the Villapiana Beach along the via Nazionale. This is in the province of Cosenza of Calabria Region. It is really a big place that can cater up to 300 persons and have also a wide parking area for diners who have cars with them. Even it was a bit dark when we dined I see that the ambiance is really good for the fact that it is spacious and there are arc ways from the parking lot towards the entance of the place.The parking area is far from the entance, thus, parked cars don't destroy the tranquil ambiance of the place. Before the entrance there is also an open air place for smiokers.



Inside, the decor is really good and sophisticated. There are framed photos of various famous comedians hanging on the wall. Wines are displayed at various shelves along the walls. A wide flat screen TV near the door is also ready for the diners. When we arrived, there were only two diners occupying a table but when we left, people were starting to come group after group and there were at least eight tables occupied with four persons each.



When it comes tot the food, the specialty is the "La Fonte" but I ordered the Capricciosa because I liked to have a mushroom in my pizza that time. My companions had their Pizza Rucola, (the one with beautiful red tomatoes), a Patatine Fritte (french fries) and Spaghetti Vongole (spag with sea shells). Of course these were coupled with drinks of beer (wine is plenty at home) and later on with desserts of gelato (ice cream). It was really a good dine for fifty euros and we were seated at the nearest table to the fire palce.



In case you visit at the vicinity and try to dine at this place (and I suggest you do), you may also call 0981 56254 for inquiries. It is "La Fonte" Ristorante - Pizzeria Sala Ricevimenti.