un'estone in Veneto: where I come from the things are different

Monday, 15 September 2008

where I come from the things are different

Things are getting stranger.

A few weeks ago in Bremen:
A: No wonder the Germans look ill, see what they have on the menus here!
me: Yeah, but it's not only Germany that's like this, we have something similar going on...
A: No, that's not true! OK, the gnocchi is not the most healthy, but pasta is alright, don't you think?
me: Sure, except I meant we in Estonia...

Somehow the people I know don't seem to register my saying "da noi" or "at our place" as talking about Estonia any more, but about Veneto. Am I finally being taken as domesticated?

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A SMALL ENCYCLOPEDIA

E

Estonia - a state in North-East Europe, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea. 1,3 million inhabitants. Capital: Tallinn. Member of EU since 2004. Language: Estonian, Fenno-Ugric (Uralic language, not related to Indo-European languages). Religion: passive lutheranism. No mountains. Summer questionable, snow not questionable. No reindeer. Longest day: 19+ hours; shortest day: less than 6 hours.

EVS - short for European Voluntary Service. A part of the European Commission's non-formal learning programmes YOUTH (2000-2006) and Youth in Action (2007-2013). Involves funding for projects that allow a 18-30 year old European to work abroad (generally in another EU country) in a non-profit organisation, for a period of 6 - 12 months.

I

Italy - a state in South Europe, mainly on the Apennine peninsula. Population 58 million. Capital: Rome. A highly-developed country: 7th-highest GDP, 17th-highest Human Development Index rating. Member of the G8 and a founding member of the EU. Language: Italian, Romance language. Religion: catholicism. Highly mountainous. Summer considerable, winter questionable. No reindeer.

V

Veneto - a region in the North-East of the Republic of Italy. Capital: Venice. Population 4 million. Language: Italian; traditionally/ informally Venetian. Historically existed as a commercial empire from the 6th to the end of the 18th century. Nowadays receives most tourists among all other regions of Italy and includes some of the most industrial areas of North Italy. Summer considerable, winter as well.

An encyclopedia of small things

B

Biancorosso - the pride and joy of all aperitivo-lovers of Valdagno. made only in one ancient bar and brewery, Carlotto. One glass of the 15% burgundy-coloured drink is served for 1.20. The recipe is classified and has won several awards. The roughly 10 square-meter bar is generally full to bursting and excess body contact with fellow customers is a part of the ultimate Biancorosso experience.

P

polenta - a type of corn-porridge that is considered to be characteristic to North Italy. Tradionally eaten with codfish, baccala' alla vicentina, and considered a food of poor farmers. Generally rated inedible on first try. Gives a nickname to all North-Italians - polentoni.

S

spritz - the most beloved of Venetian aperitivi. The orange drink consists of Aperol or Campari, white (sparkling) wine and sparkling mineral water. Campari makes a bitter spritz, Aperol a lighter one and is thus usually preferred.

V

Valdagno - a town of 28 000 inhabitants in the province of Vicenza, region of Venice, Northeast Italy. Nearest town (Vicenza) 70 min away by bus, 40 min away by car. Population includes 20+ various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The majority consider themselves Veneti.

Vicenza - a town of 120 000 inhabitants in the region of Venice. The town is known for its industry (textile, gold, bicycles, fashion), but also Andrea Palladio's villas that are only too well known for the lovers of fine architecture.

un'estone in Veneto

Monday, 15 September 2008

where I come from the things are different

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A SMALL ENCYCLOPEDIA

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