“But it’s good for your cholesterol!” she protested before going on the stoop to smoke.
7 Reasons You Might Be Sick, According to Nonna
Being a Pacifist (or How Americans Can Avoid Getting Punched in the Face in Europe)
Despite my best efforts to avoid a fight on the first day of school, I have to flee a brawl.
Being a Newbie (or How to Learn Italian and Make Friends)
My husband has many talents (e.g. making risotto, doing mental math, assembling IKEA furniture), but teaching me his native tongue is not one of them.
Becoming Italian Part 5 (or How to Get Legit in Italy – Permesso di Soggiorno Continued)
“What I did today and yesterday is not arrogant, it’s just proactive,” Renzo explains.
Being the Coddled Daughter (or How to Use Your Privilege in Italy)
I’m looking forward to the day when I don’t feel like a 10-year-old only daughter whose adoption papers were just finalized.
Using a Senior Subway Card (or How to Argue with Italian Transportation Authorities)
“Why did you let me come in then but not out?! Are you going to keep me here as a prisoner?” my father-in-law demands.
Becoming Italian Part 4 (or How to Get Legit in Italy – Marriage Certificate Continued)
Remember the signora with the URGENTISSIMO sarcasm stamp? I was completely wrong about her.
Becoming Italian Part 3 (or How to Get Legit in Italy – Marriage Certificate)
“You and your husband have the exact same birth date?” the Milan city hall employee asks me. "No, no, we don't," I say, showing her my passport while a nice cup of anxiety brews in my belly.
Becoming Italian Part 2 (or How to Get Legit in Italy – Codice Fiscale + Tessera Sanitaria)
We head to Agenzia delle Entrate to get my codice fiscale (more or less an Italian social security number) and tessera sanitaria, a card that will allow me to enroll in the public health system in Italy (suck it, Paul Ryan).
Becoming Italian Part 1 (or How to Get Legit in Italy – Permesso di Soggiorno)
In Italy, of all places, of course government work would be an art form. You see the Statue of David, I see a misshapen gargoyle that will delay the legal process by fourteen months.
