The Italian Wedding

Tiffany asked me, her mother, to post to her blog a short update on her travels. She is still in Puglia at the beach with Caterina, her Italian roommate from UGA. They do not have internet access at the villa, and the nearest seaside town has no internet cafe....

Today the girls attended the wedding of Caterina's friend. Italians wed in the morning for two reasons: (1) the beauty of the cathedrals in the morning light and (2) the extended opportunity to eat and drink all day. The appertif at the wedding party included a whole roasted pig with lots of spirits to wash it down. There was also a cheese concoction: hot, stringy mozzarella cheese, tied in a knot, and dipped in icy brine. Salty and cold outside, hot and creamy inside. Then there were the flash fried potato balls with mozzarella centers. Yum. Fried sage is served between eating forays to settle the stomach and clean the palate.

The many-coursed, hours-long meal was about to begin when Tif called this morning, so I know no more than that about the feast. I do know, however, that the wedding party was held on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea with beautiful waterfalls and gardens as a backdrop. Tif borrowed a black silk gown from Caterina for the event, for she surely took nothing appropriate for such a party with her in the little suitcase she packed.

It seems that the Italians wanted Tif to taste every dish since this was her first Italian wedding and especially since Caterina told them that she is from Hollywood, California. I do not know if she is actually impersonating some movie star, but Caterina is having a great time with the hoax.

Caterina's father is a mountain climber, and he is taking the girls on a hike near his home in Modena when Tif and Caterina leave the beach tomorrow. When Cat visited us at Lake Sinclair, we taught her to water ski. Apparently, they will return the favor with mountain climbing.

By August 20, Tif will join her UGA sorority sister, Andi, in her home in Denmark. (She married a great Dane--no pun intended-- and has moved to his hometown.) They will have lots of girl time and plan to travel to Norway and Sweden. By April 27, Tif will be in Paris to reunite with her old friends from LeMans where she lived and taught English for one year before entering law school. She returns home on August 31.

Tif asked that I tell all of you that she is having a wonderful time but that she misses the people she loves and enjoys most back here in the US.

Tif, I hope this posting suits you. Be safe and continue to call regularly. We love you!!
Mom