The Changing of the Seasons

Recently I mentioned that fall was arriving in Perugia.  Since I’ve been crossing hemispheres lately, I haven’t had fall since May of 2008.   Obviously, at the time, I was in Argentina.  After the winter, which was June/July/August 2008, I went on to pass the spring and summer there, before heading up to Seattle for another spring and summer.  While not intentional, I must say that this was very enjoyable.  I’m not a cold weather person.

When I arrived in Italy a month ago, it was the end of summer.  I’m having my first fall in a long time.  I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle it, but I’m actually finding out how nice it is to go with the change of seasons, particularly in Italy.  Fall here is exceptional.

I forgot how wonderful it is to enjoy food that is in season, and they really take it to heart here.  The street vendors selling roasted chestnuts are appearing now, and there are numerous festivals in surrounding towns to celebrate things such as the truffle and the new olive oil.  Sandri, my favorite bar in Perugia, is making their hot chocolate that I love so much, so thick you need a spoon to enjoy it.  I always get it spiced with peperoncino – chili pepper.

To top off this beautiful fall experience, I’ve discovered my “place” for an aperitivo.  There is a bar near me that I have often passed, and wanted to enter.  Nobody ever seemed interested in going with me until I went with a friend who was visiting from Modena.  It was serendipitous.  It turns out the owners are wine producers – and we wound up tasting some of the best sagrantino I’ve had in a long time, while we nibbled on a beautifully prepared plate of salumi.  I think I’ve officially started a love affair with finocchiona – a gorgeous salame with fennel seeds.

Perugia is getting a little foggy at night, and the air is beginning to smell like olives and burning wood.  I fall in love every time I walk out the door.  I’m grateful to be experiencing the change of seasons in Perugia.

How do they welcome the seasons where you live?

*This post was written for AffordableCallingCards.net, the expat community site where you can also buy calling cards to Italy. You can click here to read more posts about expat life written by myself and other bloggers.