For me this section of the reading was loaded with little pearls. She began with a lovely deconstruction of her feelings about God/Spirit/Jesus. Her take on spirituality really jives with mine--traditional and literal illustrations fail in my eyes, but a more metaphysical, representative interpretation (as she explores) has merit. Now that I've returned to the Bible belt that personifies a large portion of So Cal, I'm reminded of how fervently much of America wants religion enacted in our political system--which most Europeans have learned (from things like the Dark Ages, the Spanish Inquisition, and periodic witch-burning hysterias) should remain as individual choice, rather than mandated by law. Thus, and I've seen this first-hand, there is a compartmentalization of behavior that could be perceived as duality at best. So in SEXY Rome, we have the Vatican, which Luca tells us is not Rome at all, but virtually another country. The Vatican is entirely another topic--and I'm surprised she didn't tackle it in E,P, L, but I bet she weighed that possible chapter against massive Catholic protest.
So, the food in Italy as described by Gilbert--it's surely another character in this section. I have been lucky enough to have shared her experience during my month in the country, and this woman is not exaggerating. Her tantalizing descriptions in the memoir convinced me to spend $5.99 for a tiny pint of pistachio gelato at Henry's the other day--it was divine, BTW! I remember the fried broccoli flowers, why aren't these an option instead of French fries here, trust me, they are delicious. The food moments make me think of another book I love, Laura Escoval's Like Water for Chocolate, where the connection between appetite and pleasure is pivotal. And in Europe, particularly Italy, people take their time with this eating ritual. It was comical how I would eat as slowly as I thought humanly possible in Italy, and still Aaron and I would arrive last to a restaurant and leave first. I noticed people watching us leave in relative disgust. I can't help it, it's my Lutheran half--although we were on a sabbatical lingering, or interpreting ingestion as an art, wars with my utilitarian framework. Finally on the food, does anyone want to fly to Naples with me next week to find that pizzaria?!? My mouth waters as I recall her description. Randine, don't EVEN let a Neopolitan scare you, the Croatians/Czechs/Slovenians were far more sinister in my book. Italians are like the snappy terriers who bark and fuss and pee all around their property line, but the Eastern Euros are the pit bulls that stare you in the eye and clamp down without a sound.
Has anyone else every been accused of looking like their boyfriends/mates? I have not. No one has ever suggested this to me, and I'm glad. But I've seen it happen. Usually in extremely tight-knit relationships with tons of immersion, but no scope. I'm far too committed to my identity, although I did falter once. Still, thank God I did not ever look like my obsession. I watched a video lecture of Elizabeth Gilbert, and it surprises me that she was this woman. This made me wonder if she viewed herself objectively, which of course reminded me that not only is this impossible, but the theory has been presented that there is no potential for written objectivity.
I realize I'm rambling and making this all my own. I'll offer up some opportunity for discussion questions in addition to the few I buried in the blather above--choose to answer what you feel like answering:
1. Favorite food moment so far.
2. What aspects of their personality do you feel were revealed in their cursing vocabulary at the soccer game?
3. Did you love or disdain the Italian approach to bureaucratic malaise? (i.e. the postal service, strikes)
4. Should we try to start a trend of bakery/espresso bars (no beer) for sports fans? As a side note, after the Italians won the world cup while I was in Rome in 2006, there was plenty of bar activity--and I didn't notice a single open bakery that was overflowing with patronage.
5. I loved the discussion of sadness as a place (in English vernacular), as opposed to sadness being experienced on one's skin (in Italian). How would you describe your sadness (would it be a dog snapping at your heels, or water pouring over your head, etc.)?
6. Liz's sister Catherine sounds like a hoot. I felt she was more like me. Is there a character in the story, aside from Liz, who resonates with you?
There are so many elegant turns of phrase in this book that. I was taken by her description of her mother as "able to cheerfully plant gardens of daisies among the inexplicable stone walls of silence that my dad sometimes builds up around himself." I understand that sort of existence, but I've never been a good gardener. My mother came from that time and place, but she didn't effectively hide her misery (I'm so glad I don't have daughters who could say something like that about me) ... did you feel your mothers were happy in their marriages?
I'll stop here because this just might be the world's longest blog post.
P.S. I'm not going to lie to you, it was a HUGE relief for me to hear Elizabeth Gilbert reveal the "most improved" status of the Italian male. I was 44 when I went there, and almost humiliated when no one grabbed my bottom! ;-)
I had to laugh when Gilbert disclosed that she is a Cancer whose major signs are all Gemini. Who woulda thought??????
ReplyDeleteRe: her depression - I get tired of people defending their decision to take anti-depressants. It's your life. Do what makes you feel better and move along. For God's sake - she was sitting on the floor contemplating slashing her wrists and she feels defensive about taking a drug????? Please.
She cracked me up at the bottom of pg. 49 - "I exposed myself to the uplifting arts and carefully protected myself from sad movies, books and songs (if anybody even mentioned the words 'Leonard' and 'Cohen' in the same sentence, I would have to leave the room.' The day before I read this I paid $11 to watch a documentary of Leonard Cohen in concert. I actually had tears of joy running down my face while I watched it but man, if you were in a depressed state of mind I can see how he could destroy you. Great stuff!!!!!
She described depression very well as the two people, Depression and Loneliness. I've never read anything like it before and she just had every little feeling and move down just right.
One of my favorite discoveries was when she confusedly recognized herself as a friend in the security mirror (page 54). That was very big. That was a neat little trick of the brain that I have never experienced and I think if we could all have this view once in a while we would be so much easier on ourselves.
I have not been to Europe but when Gilbert described Venice, that is exactly what I thought it would be like. A little creepy and creaky and peeling. Pam, did you guys get to Venice? I can't remember. She makes me very, very much want to go to Bologna.
My favorite meal is the simple lunch she made for herself on pg. 64. It was beautiful. It inspired me to put together a similar one yesterday with a small hunk of asiago cheese, some peppered salami, a few boiled new potatoes with dill a glass of red wine and a piece of chocolate with marshmallow. Yes, I have a headache today, compliments of the wine, but that's the power this book is having on me!
I was romanced by the New Years Eve she experienced in India when she arrived. (pg. 130) The chanting and singing, the lull, the rise and explosion of joy ending with 'we finally pull the net of the New Year OVER us, covering both the sky and ourselves with it. ' Very, very beautiful.
I love Richard from Texas - he may become my favorite character although of course I loved Linda with the Dreadlocks. We will see.
We DID get to Venice, and it was one of my favorite places--although Aaron wasn't too keen on it. I thought it was magical, and one of the great moments of my life was arriving after a harrowing (and I'm NOT exaggerating) journey on those awful vaparettos (water buses), and then going back out again just to take a look around our B & B. We walked down the narrowest, quaintest lanes peppered with little shop windows and ELEGANTLY dressed Italian men and women and LOADS of tourists, and aromatic restaurants ... and suddenly emerging out into San Marco Square (St. Mark's)!! I couldn't believe my eyes. It was pretty quiet and the sun was setting and casting a persimmon color on everything, and I turned incredulously to Aaron and said, "I think this is San Marco's square!" (I tried to stay true to culture) It looked like a movie set. Venice IS crumbly and pretty grimy, but the sunlight, colorful shops, heat, throngs of beautiful people and the tips we got from our local B & B proprietress really helped us. We took it slowly each day, and didn't cram too much in. One of the coolest things we stumbled on was a violin museum, with loads of old stringed instruments.
ReplyDeleteI think of Venice more in terms of Jeanette Winterson's The Passion--it felt vibrant and naughty and wholly unique to me.
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ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late response...the other pleasures in my life like making tamales, entertaining and football stole away from my reading time this week.
1. I can relate to and enjoy making a simple meal just for myself...Like on a rare occasion...pancakes, fried eggs, sausage/bacon and toast for dinner; however, as I looked back on the reading section there wasn't much she described that encouraged me to eat Italian. Her comparisons of spinach to algae, tomatoes to cow's organs, and grapes to a leotard didn't inspire me. Although, I think I might have to find some pistachio gelato.
2. The soccer game cursing reminded me of passionate people like me who enjoy a good game. If you asked my kids or husband they'd tell you they warn people that enter our house during a football game.
3. My position on the Post Office is that if I pay for something I should get what I paid for, but I also take comfort in the belief that "things" happen (or dont') for a reason.
4. Bakery & expresso sounds good, but I don't mix it with my sports.
5. To me sadness is an experience that can be a place if it lingers too long. My first word I thought of was DISTANT.
6. I love Maria's boldness and form of communication to her husband. I admire Elizabeth's mother for her strength, commitment, confidence in herself and her willingness to share herself with her daughter.
Section 1, Tale 20
ReplyDeleteA. I perceived Elizabeth a bit elitist, "Not everyone knows" that pickled lampscione is the bulb of the wild hyacith.
B. I personally thought it odd that Luca couldn't imagine Elizabeth having a "yoga side". There are many faucets to me, not always seen without the right light.
Will need to make this two posts as I have too many characters....
ReplyDeleteLike Pam, I had a little difficulty engaging at the beginning. It felt like she was trying a little too hard, putting up bit of a wall, guarding some emotions with jokes and humor. She has grown on me though. I just completed Italy and am looking forward to the rest of her journey.
Places I marked along the way –
Bead 3 – I agree with her notion opposing the idea of one fixed path to God. I’ve always believed this is a personal preference and why I’ve always bristled any kind of organized religion. I am not a joiner that way. If I were ever to follow an organized path it would probably be Buddhism which makes the most sense to me.
I also love her description of her dog. I will from this day forward describe my Charley as a small black dog.
Bead 21 – I appreciate her differentiation between pleasure and entertainment and Americans obsession with keeping ourselves amused at every second. Anyone who has attended a major league sporting event knows what I mean (I think NBA games are the worst!). I hope to someday master “il bel far niente” though I’m sure it will be perceived as laziness by others.
I agree with Randine, my favorite meal is from this bead. Two soft boiled eggs, asparagus, olives, goat cheese, salmon, a peach “warm from the Roman sunlight.” Delightful! I would like to have read more about the food experiences because that is my favorite part of travel. It’s the first thing I ask anyone about when anyone comes back from a trip. Food is the great uniter I think and the best way to get to know people and places.
Bead 30 – I have much compassion for her struggle to identify herself after stepping out of her marriage and all the conventions and continuity that provides. I loved her analysis of where you sit at the family table during different stages of life, and how recognizable that is.
Bead 32 – Loved the realization during her conversation with the young man who was hitting on her that she was in an actual conversation and everyday experience. She was no longer a stranger in a strange land. I remember the exhilaration I felt when I was living in NYC temporarily and was asked for directions while walking down the street. I felt I’d arrived.
Bead 33 – I really liked the idea of a place being a word. It got me thinking about a word for myself at this point in my life. I think right now it would be GRATEFUL or OPTIMISTIC. But a month from now it might be something completely different. What is the word for where you are living now?
I'm not done yet....
ReplyDeleteBead 36 – Since Sicily is the only part of Italy I’ve seen I was delighted she ended there. I didn’t see the “extreme poverty” she described. Certainly not a lot of wealth flaunted like it is here, just a lot of very simple living.
OH MY GOD, the food was the best I’ve ever eaten. My daily indulgence was gondola ride up the mountain to Taormina for a handful of almond cookies. Crunchy exterior lightly dusted with sugar. A soft almondy center of bliss! Seafood dinners that the local fishermen had brought in that morning. Heaven. I would live there in a heartbeat. I felt at home, at ease, content there instantly.
We also visited a Mafia town high on a hillside and felt like I’d gone back in time. The men gathered in the town square smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee, watching us as we walked through town. The women sweeping their doorsteps, doors wide open and the smells of that night’s supper spilling out. Clothes draped on the lines on every rooftop. I felt like I was in a movie.
Other thoughts:
I admire her ability to make friends so easily. Not something I’ve ever mastered and if I was a solo traveler I’d spend 99% of my time alone.
The elements of the book I enjoy the most are the outward moments with the people and the places rather than her contemplative inner moments. Not that I don’t appreciate a good heart to heart, but those moments are most appreciated with someone I have a history with.
Pam had commented on the how elegant the Italian people dress. I was impressed by that as well in Sicily. The families on their evening strolls were DECKED OUT. It was amazing and I thought a lovely tradition.
Pam also asked about our mothers and their marriages. My mother was definitely not happy married to my dad. She was 18 when they married and he was 19. A year later I was born. They were children. In her mid-thirties my mother had the good sense to get out of a marriage that was eating her up. But that was at a time when it much more acceptable to do so. I do remember her talking to me at one point about how ashamed she was to be a divorcee. I know that she stuck it out a lot longer than she wanted to “for the sake of the children.”
I completely agree with Randine’s comments about taking anti-depressants. Just take the damn things! There was a point in my life where depression had taken ahold of me and anti-depressants were prescribed by my shrink. I was resistant because I hate taking medication of any kind, but a good friend said to me sometimes you need to take something you don’t want. It may help. If it doesn’t, you stop. And it doesn’t mean you’ll be taking them forever. She was right – they helped, and I didn’t take them forever.
Onward to India!