Cream

They are MAD about cream in this country. The restaurant desserts are very rich, often with whipped cream. Then they are apt to bring out a pitcher of cream, and pour more on top! It's wild. Why isn't everyone here overweight? I see very few who are, far fewer than at home.

There are practically NO green vegetables served in restaurants. Salad, at most, and the occasional piece of broccoli. Carrots and potatoes are the stock veg. served with the usual meat and potatoes. Even in Italian restaurants there is very little green. They do eat a lot of fruit. My carb intake has been over the top...

The bakeries here are really fantastic. Every town has tea rooms and bakeries. Wendy, you would love it. You can get all manner of yummy treats with your tea, or if you prefer, coffee, since even in the most rural areas they tend to have Italian coffee beans. (Fair trade? What's that?) There are next to no health food stores. Actually I have seen exactly two in my entire travels. Of course I am mostly in rural areas, but still, there is nothing like our wonderful food co-ops. Oh, they have co-ops but they are run of the mill supermarkets.

Love to all. -- A.