As I lay in bed trying to sleep it finally hit me.. My blanket, pillow, this apartment, this town, it has this smell that I know I have smelled before but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Until now. For anyone that knew my great grandma Petrucci; you knew her stuff and her house and even her, had this distinct smell. I can’t even put it into words but if you smelled it, you would know what I was talking about. She was this amazing woman with a beautiful heart and I loved visiting her and when she came to live with my Nana, it made my life because she would only be a few minutes away. She passed away when I was 9 and after she died I would still be able to smell her on some old scarves or in her room at my nana’s. But slowly it started to fade away and I haven’t been able to smell that smell or feel like she was really here for a long time. But this place, it smells like her… It’s amazing.
I never met my great grandpa. He passed away before I was born. He was born in Ortucchio. It is about an hour south of Rome and it’s this cute little town where I still have amazing cugini. While I am on spring break I am going to spend time with them and meet everyone. It will be so cool to see how they live and see the town where my grandpa and his family is from. I also have family in Rimini which is about 45 minutes east of Firenze on the coast. In Rimini the Massani side of my family resides and has this beautiful castle Il Rocca Malatestiana which is now used as a museo and for meetings. Today I contacted the woman in charge and hope she can give me a private tour when I visit for a weekend in March.
On a lighter note. This week was the first week of classes and it went really well. I really like all my classes. I am taking Child Psychology, Human Resources Management, Art History, Social World Renaissance of Italy, Italian Language 2. Im excited to see how these classes differ from the ones in the US because they focus on polices from Italy and how things are done here. Should be good!
On Saturday I am going to Venice for Carnevale which is the original Mardi Grais so that should be even better!
Ciao per adesso!
Erika, what beautiful memories .. brings tears to my eyes.. I had a winter coat of Ma’s that used to have that scent, I didnt wash it for a long time because I knew that scent would be gone. She left you something too, a beautiful heart.. I am veryproud of you.. Love you, Nana
As I was reading this post I smelled it again too, it was crazy, how you described it just made me remember. Im so glad you are able to have this experience! I cant wait to share some of it with you in March!! Have fun, be safe and study hard. (yes your mother is reminding you that you are there for school) even though I already know that you are aware of that) I just had to say it for chuckles.
Love you bunches!!!!!!!!!
Hi Eriika! I am very happy that you are there in Italy,….I have heard it is very beautiful..I have been waiting a lifetime to see it, I think maybe next year we will see. I too am so proud of you and your accomplishments so far….there isn’t anything you cannot do, I truly believe that, and you truly deserve the best things in life, they are free, aren’t they? Lots of love and have fun abondonza!!!