A few Italian tidbits...

There always seems to be something going on here...something to keep all the tourists entertained during the summer. In the piazzas at night there are live bands and street performances. There are markets during the day and games out on the beach. A few days ago there was a magic show set up right in the middle of our beach for the children...a "spectacolo" as they say. Sunday afternoon there were adult sack races on the beach next to ours, Bagni Columbo (the party beach).

Sunday night was the big event...Miss Spotorno 2010! Haha, this I couldn't miss. We had guests over for dinner that night, but we made a point of finishing up as soon as we heard the music start. 35 girls between the ages of 14-27 years old (mostly averaging around 16). I am still constantly amazed by the skimpyness of young girls outfits around here and how quickly they try to become adults. I am equally amazed at how this doesn't seem to phase anyone else besides me. But that's another story. Everyone was out to watch this big event which, I must say, was quite entertaining. Some of the girls took it so seriously prancing around and posing, while others just looked like it was the worst moment of their lives. The hardest part for me was having to listen to the two TERRIBLE Italian singers between each of the categories. They covered everything from Michael Jackson to Lionel Richie, Madonna, Maroon 5, Paula Abdul, and Oasis. It was painful. Needless to say, I tried to stay until the end to see the winners announced, but I was exhausted. And just when I thought it was almost over, another song would start. I couldn't take it. It was already midnight. Of course there were still small children running around everywhere. I don't think Italians know what a 'bedtime' is. Little 4 year old children are always outlasting me in this town.

Saturday night I broke down and went to see Robin Hood at the very cool open air theater here. I was sick of missing American entertainment, but of course it was in Italian. Oh well, I at least got the gist of it. One thing of interest, the movie had an intermission, which I came to realize was just an excuse for a smoke break half way through. When you start smoking at the age of 14 like most Italians do, I guess you can't make it without a cigarette long enough to see an entire movie.

One very pleasant thing here in Spotorno is the market. This happens every Tuesday morning and stretches the entire length of the main part of town. Here you can find anything and everything you can possibly desire. Today I was able to obtain a dress, two swimsuits, a very cool umbrella, and some facewash and other various soap supplies all for about 35 euro. Pretty good I'd say!

Lastly...the many holidays. Today is the holiday of the patron saint of our hometown (Alba), Saint Lawrence. Yes, every town in Italy has its own patron saint. August 10th is the day of the feast of Saint Lawrence, and it nicely coincides each year with the Perseid Meteor shower in mid-August. Hence, tonight on my rooftop I will be watching what they refer to as the 'tears of Saint Lawrence'. Looking forward to it!