Thank You Italy and Goodnight

I am back East for a few weeks of rest and relaxation in this perfect green paradise. The air smells like gladiolas and the birds chirp at midnight. The days are spent on whims; friends and family appear at the door every time there is silence.

The last few day have been spent with our best Italian friends. We have known this crew for about 15 years and they have become our extended family. Lucky for me, my waistline and alcoholic tendencies, they all live very far away.

I am going to say this simply so as to get to the point:

THEY OWN RESTAURANTS AND THEY IMPORT THEIR OWN FOOD.

I have been gorging on prosciutto di parma, smoked buffalo mozzarella and real Neopolitan pizza for a week. I have been drinking wine, yelling and smoking cigarettes. I have rummaged through closets that aren't mine and made sandwiches in other peoples' kitchens. I have kissed mothers on cheeks and hung out with Antonelas, Emilianos, and Enzos until the wee hours. 

Ahh, to be alive.