The big summer holiday, Ferragosto (the Day of the
Assumption) has arrived and Campomarino Lido is pieno (full). There is hardly
any parking in town today as the perfect storm of a long weekend, day trippers,
and the usual people vacationing here has brought this town alive. Last night
on my passagiatta (walk), I could barely move through the streets. 
The past few days have been full of sunshine. Today, though,
is the first without strong winds. For the past couple of days, I would go to
the beach and all of the umbrellas would be closed thanks to the wind, but
today the umbrellas are up and everything is perfect for the holiday. On the
way to the beach each day, I pass the traveling circus that still has a few
shows left in town. They house their animals really close to the road this
year, and not a kid seems to pass by, either on foot, bike, or in a car, that
doesn’t stop and take a peek. The elephant is the closest to the road and the
kids seem amazed. It’s advertised as the animals of the movie “Madagascar” on
tour together for the first time. Doubtful, but let them go with it.
This weekend we hosted an American dinner on Saturday with
some good friends. Zia came down, and we all partook in some roasted hot n
honey wings, ribs, roasted potatoes, butternut squash, and a summer salad of tomatoes,
cucumbers and avocado. The meal and the company were great.
To celebrate the holiday today, Zia came over for lunch. I
made the primo and second (first and second plates), and she made the contorni
(side dishes). With the sun shining, not a cloud in sight, and a slight breeze
rolling through, it has turned out to be a beautiful and blessed holiday.
