Calabrian Womens Summit – 2008
Posted on: May 21, 2008It is that time of year again when the birds serenade us with their songs, children play outdoors, and the American girls in Calabria get together to discuss the state of our unions. We moved the Calabrian Womens Summit back two months this year from March to May, and while we weren’t able to celebrate in conjunction with International Women’s Day, we did shed our jackets and stroll along the Catanzaro lungomare.
And it was nice!
Participating summit members this year were none other than our very own Michelle of Bleeding Espresso, from Pennsylvania/Badolato, still blogless Dawn from West Virginia/Bovalino, and yours truly. The latest addition to the American gals in Calabria lineup, Carla from Boston/Catanzaro, was called away at the last minute and was unable to attend the summit.
Here’s a quick recap of lessons learned throughout the weekend.
>> You don’t get ripped off when you know the owner! One of the highlights of the event is Girls’ Lunch Out. I know, I know… this may seem odd to those of you in North America or in larger areas in Italy. However, it IS an event for us. There are few, if any, restaurants open for lunch in Badolato or Bovalino, and just a handful here in Catanzaro. Although we know they took us for a giro last year, we returned to the same pizzeria because the quality is just too good to pass. However, this year, instead of coughing up 15 euro a piece, we paid 10 each for, more or less, the same meal. They recognized me this year!
>> When a store clerk says something “doesn’t cost much,” he really means it. After years of loyal service, Dawn’s faithful shoes bid us a sad farewell. Since you have to take out a second mortgage on your home to afford high quality shoes in Italy, we hit the Chinese stores. Dawn quickly found a pair she liked and hurried to find her size.
“How much do these cost?” I asked the store clerk.
“Uhm, uhm… those don’t cost much!” He said decisively.
I looked at Michelle who was standing near a flip flop display, raised my eyebrow, and waited for him to continue.
Impatiently, Michelle demanded, “HOW much?”
“Uh, uh… six euro.”
Alrighty then!
>> Don’t assume the train will be on time. The CWS was scheduled to end Sunday evening, with Michelle and Dawn taking the last train of the night (at 6:45 PM mind you) home. We arrived at the station with plenty of time to spare (ok, it was really only three minutes) and the girls quickly purchased their tickets. We were suddenly thrown behind schedule when the man was reluctant to give Michelle change for her 20 euro bill. We quickly counted up our change and her ticket was purchased. The girls validated their tickets and ran for track three with a minute to spare. Just as Dawn hit the top step… the train pulled away – a full one minute early!
We quickly returned to the change-less ticket vendor to review options. There were no more trains and no more buses until Monday morning. There was quick exchange between us and the ticket vendor regarding “WHY on earth the girls would VALIDATE their tickets,” before he stamped each ticket a few (dozen) times and told them they could use them the next day.
Yipee!
The summit was extended.
We returned to Il Cedro quickly before heading to the new movie theater in Lamezia to see Notte Brava a Las Vegas, or What Happens in Vegas.
We felt like we were in America! We bought over-sized popcorn tubs and big gulps. We hid candy in our purses. We sat in stadium seats and saw movie-style decorations in the restrooms. It was great!
Then, Bugs Bunny came on the screen to tell us to turn off our cell phones and throw away our trash, or at least that is what I think he said. We weren’t in America anymore.
But then something happened to make us question fate and contemplate our destiny. We now understood why the girls missed their train. It was, quite possibly, the BEST part of the weekend.
We saw a trailer for the Sex and the City movie.
Coming… May 30.
The girls will be back!
What is the last thing you did with the girls (or guys)? Are any of you planning to see the Sex and the City movie? Do you think it will translate well into Italian?
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I am so bummed that I missed this weekend. It sounds like you girls had so much fun, especially the movie theater.
I am planning on seeing the Sex and the City movie here, but I was planning on seeing it there too!
Miss ya,
Carla
We missed you too, Carla. Hurry back, ok??
Ah such fun reliving the weekend…can’t wait to hook up with Carrie and the girls soon!
Carla, can’t wait to meet you! I second Cherrye’s “hurry back!”
Sounds like you guys had a ton of fun!
I may be spoiled and see it in English if one of the theaters here does it (we got lucky for Harry Potter 5). Not sure I want to hear Samantha’s insults in Italian.
wow! I can’t get over how BLUE that water is! I had a girls-nite-out last week at the movies here too
We saw The Last Boylen Girl…amazing!
I once asked the cashier at a drive-thru at Burger King how much something cost, and she told me, “Not much.” I asked her again how much and she told me again that it doesn’t cost much. She for some reason wouldn’t tell me the exact amount. You’re right that it wasn’t much, but it made me laugh.
Looks like y’all had a great time. I’m so jealous!
Hey, what fun. How nice that you guys can all meet up. I can’t wait to see the Sex and the City movie but I think I’ll give the Italian version a miss (can’t wait to see The Last Boylen Girl either).
I have a group of UK girlie friends coming over for the weekend soon and I just can’t wait. Marito has promised to be our slave! – LOL – Amanda
Sounds like a fantastic time with the girls!! YAY!!!
can’t believe ‘what happens in vegas’ came out so soon over there! its still in theaters here. I CANT WAIT for the STC movie! gonna find a midnight showing on the 29th!
So was the movie any good? I can decide whether I want to go see it or not. Maybe that’s something we can do on our next girl’s night!!
Sounds like you ladies had a great time – food, shoping, movies – what more could you ask for?
My girlfriends and I are planning a Girl’s Night Out to see the Sex in the City movie. Can’t wait!!
Linda
Awwwww…you guys! So fun!
I have a girls night planned for the opening night of Sex and the City, but would love for my second viewing to be in Italy. I’m missing it. Good news though…My P is coming to visit on May 31st.
As for it translating well…um…I’ve yet to meet an Italian woman quite like Samantha…
Me either, Michelle. It is getting close!
Oh, Sara. If I could see it in English, I would. I am going to miss Carrie’s voice!
I haven’t heard of that one, Erin. Did you like it?
That is hilarious, Britni. I mean, how do THEY know how much you have?!?
Don’t be jealous, AO. Just come next time.
Nice, Amanda. Pep drove us to the movies, and made lunch!
It was, Lulu. We dont do it often enough.
K, I was surprised Sex comes out the same day here as in America. Go ITaly!
Brooke – It was a really cute movie. Ashton ain’t ugly, either!
I hear you, Linda. We also had margaritas! Ole’!
I hope you are here next time, too, Maggie! We’ll have to plan another one when you get back. And, no. I’ve never met ANYONE like Samantha – in Italy or America!
What a fun Women’s Summit.
yes I think the movie is going to be a hugh hit. The series was/is very popular here in Italy.
I have a ladies night every month. A little club we affectionately call the * Hungry Heifer Club* We go to a different restaurant once a month for dinner, wine and fun!!! Would love to be part of your summit!
At the risk of being banned from your blog, I am the only one that won’t be seeing the Sex and the City Movie, IMHO, the TV show was bad enough, but at least it was free. I sure wouldn’t pay for it. My brother called it *Porn for Women*!! Not a fan
I agree NYC Gal. DOn’t read Robin’s comment below! :-O
Robin, I love girls nights, too. I wish we did them more often here. I will let you slide this go around with the Sex comment.
You have been warned.
[...] Cherrye gives a great rundown of this year’s Summit with photos here, so do head over and check it out. We had a blast! [...]