Fetching it in Arona: “Come on, go get it,” a retired man tells his loyal mongrel, with 13th-century castle Rocca Borromeo di Angera in background. Arona is near the south tip of the 40-mile-long lake, which extends into Switzerland.
First you get the power, then you make the money, and then you get the . . . Italian couples in their 40s are well into their mortgage payments if not finished. The Divorce rate is roughly the same as in the USA.
Slide time: A grandfather, center in blue jacket, watches on as his daughter gives a hand to a grandson at an Arona playground. Grandparents often double as baby-sitters from Monday to Friday. Most moms work full time. Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, barely above one per family, and has the world’s second-highest ratio of seniors.
Bottoms up, final call: Having polished off a large bottle of sparkling wine, a group of young Italians wrap up afternoon socializing. Their carefree lives will morph into responsibility upon careers, marriage and mortgage payments. Moms and dads generously help out but expect payback—in the form of care— during their golden age.
On guard at the Church of Santa Maria of Loreto: This husband is dressed in a utilitarian vest. Tan versions are especially popular with retired men.
The graduate: A fresh university alumnus follows tradition via a laurel-wreath crown, as in Grecian and Roman times. Graduation ceremonies take place throughout the year. All-white Nikes and Adidas are in vogue among young Italians.
Bruschetta’s up: Lounge chairs and late-afternoon appetizers are in order for a 70-degree (21 degrees Celsius) day along the shores of Lake Maggiore. Water craft range from jet skis to fully equipped sailboats to large ferries. Italians cultivate friendships through life, spending hours in conversation over a drink or two. However, getting drunk in public is highly frowned upon.
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Easy on the Parmigian: A graduate of the University of Oregon’s journalism school goes for the old reliable of pasta with ragù. Ragù is not a brand. It is a meat sauce.
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