Basta cosi.

The italians are trying to make me fat. I've realized that I need to say "basta cosi" (that's enough, or stop there), at least one handful/spoonful before I actually want them to stop serving out food. I have more broccoli in my fridge than I could eat in a week if I were to eat it at every meal, because after I said, "basta cosi," the market vendor grabbed another handful (larger than any of the preceding handfuls) right after she looked at me, asking "basta?". At dinner with my italian parents, it is the same. "Prendi, prendi," (take, take), they tell me after I've already had seconds of everything. Again, that sneaky additional ultra-large spoonful. The father told me, in so many words, that it is not believable that I actually like the food unless I eat more. So I had to have another spoonful. Mama mia.

On another note, what is it with the italians and litter? Honestly, everywhere there is so much trash. On the college campus! I just don't understand how people can drop trash on the ground and not think twice.

After dinner last night, my mama italiana showed me where to dump my biodegradables. Ascoli must have some kind of municipal composting system, because there are standardized containers for this everywhere. I haven't been able to find more info about it, but it's cool that they are doing something like that. She exclaimed in annoyance at the sight of garbage bags dumped carelessly near the dumpsters (but not in), pronouncing these people "incivili" (uncivilized), and went on to grumble about their ignorance and her inability to understand this behavior. Amen, sister. I just don't get it. In America, she remarked, they are civilized, in Italy, uncivilized. Eh, I responded doubtfully, and we laughed at the mystery of thoughtless people. I suppose every place has its vices.

Photo: The river bank strewn with litter.