By The Olive Groves: Exploring the Magic of a Calabrian Childhood

A gentle breeze carries the enticing aroma of olives, oranges, and sun-ripened fruit through the air, as the sun sets behind the majestic mountains. Children play and laugh, their carefree spirits filling the Calabrian countryside with joy. This is a scene straight out of a storybook, a memory etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have experienced a childhood in the olive groves of Calabria. Join us on this journey as we delve into the enchanting world of a Calabrian childhood, where nature and tradition blend together to create an unforgettable experience.

Discovering Nature's Bounty

Calabria, located at the southern tip of Italy, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and flourishing agriculture. The region's mild climate, fertile soil, and abundant sunshine make it an ideal location for cultivating olives, citrus fruits, and other Mediterranean delicacies. It is here, amidst lush olive groves and fragrant lemon orchards, that children embark on adventures, discovering nature's bounty one step at a time.

Under the watchful guidance of their elders, children become intimately familiar with the rhythmic tasks of tending to olive trees and harvesting their precious fruit. They learn to distinguish between different olive varieties and always strive for quality. As they carefully pick the olives and place them into baskets, a sense of pride and connection to the land takes root within them. These early memories create a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature's wonders.

By the Olive Groves: A Calabrian Childhood

by Grazia Ietto Gillies(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

FREE

Preserving Ancient Traditions

In Calabria, tradition is an integral part of daily life, and childhood is no exception. Through games, songs, and stories passed down from generation to generation, children immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Calabrian culture. They learn the ancient art of oil extraction, witnessing the transformation of olives into liquid gold.

As children gather around the olive press, their senses awaken to the earthy aroma filling the air. They witness the rhythmic pressing of olives, like a dance between man and machine, as golden oil flows out. The taste of freshly pressed olive oil on warm bread becomes a delicacy that lingers in their memories. These traditions become a part of their identity, shared with pride as they pass them on to future generations.

Exploring Hidden Treasures

Beyond the olive groves, Calabria offers a myriad of hidden treasures for children to explore. From secret coves along the breathtaking coastline to ancient ruins nestled among rolling hills, every corner of this idyllic region holds a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

Children embark on thrilling journeys, venturing into grottos filled with glittering stalactites or climbing ancient castle walls, breathing life into the stories that echo through time. Their young hearts are filled with wonder and awe as they explore caves, splash in crystal-clear streams, or wander through ancient olive groves, their fingers gently grazing the gnarled bark.

A Taste of Calabria

Calabria's culinary delights are as diverse as its landscapes, and children are not exempt from experiencing the region's gastronomic wonders. From hearty pasta dishes simmering with rich flavors to sweet pastries that melt in your mouth, Calabria offers a feast for the senses.

Through hands-on cooking experiences, children learn to master the art of making traditional Calabrian dishes. They joyfully roll dough, sprinkle spices, and savor the anticipation of their culinary creations taking shape. As they sit around the table with their loved ones, breaking bread and sharing laughter, they realize that food is not simply sustenance but a celebration of their heritage.

Forever Cherishing Memories

As the golden sun sets over the olive groves, casting a warm glow on the land, children's laughter fills the air one last time. These cherished memories will forever remain a part of their soul, a reminder of an enchanting childhood spent among the olive trees of Calabria.

So, gather your loved ones, embrace the beauty of nature, and embark on a journey through time in the olive groves of Calabria. Let the magic of this idyllic setting awaken the child within, allowing you to create memories that will last a lifetime.

By the Olive Groves: A Calabrian Childhood

by Grazia Ietto Gillies(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

FREE

In 1939 a girl was born in the Aspromonte mountains of Calabria, a beautiful land steeped in history and suffused with tradition but weighed down by poverty and the 'Ndrangheta - Calabria's Mafia. As the tremors of World War II shake the heart of Calabria, so the little girl's childhood unfolds. Her life is simple, revolving around school, friendship, family. At its heart is the kitchen where the dramas and joys of family life are played out and where her mother, Giulia, creates delicious Mediterranean dishes. In this rich and heartfelt memoir, which includes many of her mother's recipes, Grazia Ietto Gillies, with humour, affection and a critical eye, remembers her youth in Calabria, from childhood sickness and her unusual extended family to the excitement of religious festivals and an incident with the feared 'Ndrangheta. Now, sixty years later, she realises that Calabria has defined everything she has ever done and that she has never really left the mountains of her childhood.