Auguri a me! Today is another bloghiversario– blog anniversary. It is hard to believe it has already been 8 years since starting Un po’ di pepe. Where did the time go? It feels like just yesterday I had trouble coming up with a blog name. This has been an amazing, rewarding experience and I have ‘met’ so many virtual friends and even reconnected with old ones.
in numerology, the number 8 is associated with compassion, freedom and self-reliance. A 8 on its side is an infinity sign, symbolizing the constant flow of energy and power. We can all use more of these things in our lives!
Last year I only wrote 13 blog posts. Halfway through the pandemic, I kind of lost my energy. Luckily I have plans coming up, so potential inspiration is in the works. Last week, I went to Ottawa for a meeting-my first time on a plane since Aug 2019! Air Canada was strict with mask wearing on the plane, which was a relief! In 6 weeks, I am finally heading back to Italia and am excited to be attending a family wedding at Santa Maria di Siponto. Viva gli sposi!
In late September, I will finally be going to Torino for the AICW (Association of Italian Canadian Writers) Conference. It has been rescheduled 3 times due to the pandemic. I have been waiting a long time to try Bicerin! Venezia for the Biennale is also on my schedule. My last visit to Venezia was in 1994! Plenty of inspiration and material for future blog posts!
While in Puglia, I plan to drink lots of vino. Have you read my 3 part series on Vini di Puglia? Here are the links; Vini di Puglia, Part 2 Aglianico to Zibibbo, and part 3 Il Tuccanese. Here is a link to my first post Perché questo blog?/Why write a blog?
April 25 is also La Festa della Liberazione d’Italia, the anniversary of the liberation of Italia from Fascist occupation in 1945. Viva la libertà. Since it is relevant to what is happening in the world today, I would like to share this 1955ish quote by Piero Calamandrei, an author and protagonist of the Resistenza:
‘La liberta è come l’aria. Ci si accorge di quanto vale quando inizia a mancare. /Freedom is like air. We only realize how much it is worth when it is lacking’
Grazie to all of you for taking the time to read, comment, send messages and especially for giving me an excuse to research and write about things that interest me! If you have any suggestions for future posts or just want to say ‘ciao‘, leave me a comment.
Grazie mille a tutti i lettori di ‘Un po’ di pepe’ per leggere e darmi una scusa per scrivere di cose che mi piacciono. Lasciami un messaggio se hai un idea per un post o semplicemente per dire ‘ciao’. Un abbraccio, Cristina
Un po' di pepe 
Auguri Cristina! Can’t wait to hear and read about your upcoming adventures this year!
Grazie Nella! Wish you were coming to Orsara too!
Auguri Cristina!
Grazie Caroline! Can’t wait to get back to Puglia!
Auguri! Eight years has flown by! Looking forward to the next eight!
Me too Charlene! I still have so many ideas!
My wife and I were in Italy in 2011. I want to go back! And hopefully will.
I want you to go back too! So much to see. Buon viaggio, Cristina
I always love reading your blog – thank upyou for persevering in a time when inspiration is in short supply! The Martini family hasn’t been to Italy since we were there for the Venezia Biennale in August 2019. My best tip is to go in all the little venues here and there open to the public for free! Not only did I see so much wonderful amazing art, but the insides of the different palazzi and the views from the windows were breathtaking and priceless! Best family time ever. We are wishing hoping praying to go back this summer, but we are still cautious. I am looking forward to seeing it through your lens! ♥️🤞🏼🙏🏼‼️
Grazie Signora Martini! I’ll write down those tips. I am quite confident that all will be ok this summer-well except maybe the crowds! Ciao, Cristina
I always look forward to your blogs – it reminds me of Italy, you, Vancouver, etc. I’m going to get back to doing a little writing myself. Haiku is my area of expression. Can’t wait to hear about your travels. Buon viaggio!
Grazie Marianna! Would love to read more of your haikus! A presto, Cristina
Ciao Christina…… congrats from a fellow orsarese….. hope you
Continue writing about the greatest place on earth…. I am green with envy on your going to Italy…… I miss being there
Anyway have fun and continue with your excellent blog
Ciao da Giovanni
Hey Giovà! Nice to hear from you. I hope you are recovering well. I’m sure you will be back in Orsara soon too! Ciao, Cristina
Yes for sure👍🏻
Auguri! Great blog name, btw, and excellent blog! When I started mine, I did 2 posts a month, but now I can barely do one a month, so 13 is a real achievement for someone as busy as yourself. Enjoy your upcoming travels – sounds wonderful! I leave for Italy in 3 weeks!
Grazie Karen! Covid had been a bitch to the inspiration, hasn’t it? I’m leaving June 6. How long are you staying? Buon viaggio, Cristina
Yes, I need an Italian rejuvenation! I’m staying a month – I have my Traditions and Food of Calabria Tour in June!
Congratulations on your Blogiversario!
Grazie Anna! Hope we can see each other soon!
Puglia Festival??
They are having Sapori di Puglia in June while I’m away, but it doesn’t include the big festa. Not sure when those will resume.
Congrats Cristina. This is great enjoy your visit!!!
Sandra
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Grazie Sandra!
Auguri! 8 years is quite the accomplishment. It takes real dedication to stick it out that long. I, too, have been slacking off a bit of late, due mostly to workload issues, but now that I’m about to retire, I plan to re-charge my energies. Enjoy your trip!
Grazie Frank! I think we’ve all had creative difficulties during the pandemic. Glad to hear you are retiring! Can we look forward to more recipes? I hope you are planning your trip to Grumo Appula soon !!!! Ciao, Cristina