Reminiscences

It feels good to be back! Going to Italy was the best thing I did for myself! No plan and with the intention to get lost. I was indeed lost...lost in Italy's culture, people, history, cathedrals, nostalgia, beer and most of all FOOD!! Seriously, I could't resist. I belonged there!!!!

Not only that, I got to spend lots of time with family. My Aunt has been living in Italy for over ten years now. It made me realize how much I missed her. It made me think of all the good times we had and still have.....

We used to live together in my grandparents home. You must be wondering how many of us were there? Well, my mum's family is not too big...just nice would be the word. She grew up with seven other siblings. Her siblings had their own kids and we all lived together under one roof. 

Monopoly nights, camping trips, beach outings, dancing parties....Partying in a club doesn't come close to our house parties!! We partied like rockstars!!

Fights were inevitable but it made us closer. Housework was shared and eating together was a must.One important lesson our grandparents instilled in us....no matter how upset you are with each other. Be present for important events together as a family. That is something we have followed even after their demise. Not forgetting, we loved with all our heart, sometimes too much! :)

One common thing which connected us as a family was....Food! We loved it! We tried everything once! Don't like it move on to the next. Most times, we end up going for second and third helpings....Hahahahaha!! We could have started a cooking show series or even better be street food junkies exploring new cuisines..Now I'm just getting carried away!

My cousins and I were 'Angels'...Not!!! More like "Gremlins" in my Aunt's words. Four girls and two boys.. It should explain why we got into trouble so often. The four corners of the living room were our punishment stands...We climbed trees, did daredevil stunts, even played soccer with the neighborhood boys. Most times, we ended up fighting with them...I wonder why?! ;p My childhood was fantastic...nuff said!! One might say being the only child would be boring and lonely. Not lonely if you had lived in my grandparents home.It was a House of Rock!

Along the way we lost some members and gained some new ones - sons' & daughters' in laws, more cousins, nieces & nephews, grand kids & great grand kids. That took the fun a notch higher even though we lived in different parts of the world. That didn't stop our bonding!

Today,I am who I am because of my family. I have in me a little bit of everyone and that is something I wouldn't change for the world!