Unification of Italy

Today is a bank holiday in Italy as they celebrate 150 years of unification. There is lots being written here about whether Italy is in fact, united or not. Talk of the North and South divide and the kinds of things that I read about most other countries too. But all I can say is that I celebrate the diverse differences within each region; the landscape; the food; the wine; the local culture and celebrations. All this makes Italy a fabulous, rich and diverse country to live in, despite who's in charge. Who cares? Well, I've never been very political as some of you will know, so I don't claim to know what I'm talking about!


What is quite amazing is the fact the Italian language as we know it is fairly young as this wasn't unified until much later. Even today, many of the older people speak with their traditional regional dialects. Which makes it a little hard for us learning the language!


Anyway, Buon Compleanno Italy! For me this is where I have felt most at home, where I can be who I want to be and a place which inspires me to fulfill my passion - living to write.


Don't Think Just Write

International Womens Day

Our Mimosa (before the rain and the snow :)

Today is International Womens Day, 8th March. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, women were suppressed and treated unequally as compared to their male counterparts. This caused instability and fuelled the desires and debates amongst women who wanted and fought for change. Today, the celebration has less of a political message, with men in many countries using it as an opportunity to express their love for their women. However, the origins of the day remain and it is still used to raise awareness about the struggles of women throughout the world. I've written an article about here on Suite 101 about its celebration here in Italy.


For me it has another importance, two of my granddaughters were born on this day to two different families. What are the chances of that happening? I hope that they contribute something to the equality of women and that they don't suffer the struggles of many that instigated the celebration of such a day. Of course without struggles like this I suppose things would never change. And of course such a rich source of writing to be had.


Oh, and I'm not a feminist as such, far from it. I believe in the equality of all for their individual talents and expertise, we all have something to offer. So International Mens Day is in November. Watch out for it...