This week’s momentous ruling from the US Supreme Court reminds us that although Italy has far too many positive qualities to list, it still has plenty of opportunities to improve.
Now that the US constitution guarantees the right to same sex marriage, Italy’s lethargic government is once again proven as having much catching up to do with the rest of the civilised world. In a country where the sole purpose of government seems to provide obstacles; be it to business, transport or education, we are reminded again that happiness and respect are other ambitions it seeks to impede.
Luckily the reactionary attitude of successive legislatures is not reflected in the population. Our experiences are that everyone we meet is always hugely supportive, when we had been here just a few weeks an octogenarian neighbour asked us where our wives or even girlfriends were. Amazed when we replied we had none she asked “But who does your cooking and cleaning?” 10 years on she still waves cheerfully every time we drive past her house. Just like everyone else she is very happy to have us here and accepts us as the people we are.
Tonight our local vineyard Murola has an evening to celebrate its rosé wines, with a naturally pink theme. We shall go, and raise a glass of their delicious sparkling Jole agli Stati Uniti!
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10 Response Comments
Delighted to see that our blog has had such a powerful impact already!
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33611955
Watch the post for your invite!
Goodbye Balzo. I was always wary of dogs until I met you. We have had some lovely holidays together.
Such sad news about lovely, gentle Balzo. It’s been a mere few weeks since our most recent visit to CdF, during which time, one morning, he calmly ambled his way into Leopardi as we were tidying up from breakfast, and then settled in for a bit of a nap. Our hearts and thoughts are with you, Bob and Ian, as we are brought back to a similar parting from our own beloved dog. Your beautiful farmhouse may never quite be the same, but will, nevertheless, carry rich remembrances of times past.
We are so sad at hearing your news about Balzo. Having pets ourselves, we can imagine how heartbroken you both must feel. We have so many fond memories of Balzo and were with you when you first attempted the googles!! He was such a gentle dog and fun to have around. He was a great part of our holiday experiences and memories at Casal. Thinking of you both and Hattie. Love John and Jane
Glad to say that New Zealand, where we are currently living, has also joined the growing list of countries supporting same-sex marriage and let’s hope this continues to spread around the globe! At the end of the day, marriage is all about loving, caring relationships so we’ll definitely raise a toast to that and to you both!
I’ll raise a toast to the US vote. I’ll also raise a toast to that octogenarian neighbour of yours! 😉
Loving the blogs both of you! Makes you seem closer. Roll on September.
“Sometimes Italians surprise you–it may be centuries later, but their hearts usually wind up in the right place. For example, Italy voted “Yes” by POPULAR REFERENDUM to divorce and abortion. And this a very Catholic country. I don’t think they are more or less religious than Americans, bless them, but at least most aren’t fanatics or rednecks. Just a bit misguided. They tend to come to their senses sooner or later, so when the time is right for them, same-sex marriage will come here too. Meanwhile, they are always humanists.”
We too are celebrating this VERY momentous ruling and wish we could still be in Italy with you TWO to share in the Murola toast! We shall do so from half way around the globe – and assure you, we are there, in spirit! Cheers.