Italy's elections were yesterday and it seems not much has been resolved.   I don't presume to understand Italian politics at all but this I can say.  People in general are much more politically aware or interested than in the States.  Everyone talks politics and with a lot of passion but much less animosity than in the U.S..  Voting turnout is usually high and people are pretty knowledgeable.  I see much less apathy than at home.  All that said, a lot of politicians here seem to be pretty corrupt or useless.  This is probably why the protest votes for Grillo (the comedian) were so high.  He and the party he represents are the only ones who haven't been ensconced in the government for years benefiting from amazingly high salaries and extras.

What I find funny is that the government could crash and burn, (as it has so many times), and completely close down for a matter of days or even weeks, and it has little to no effect on the day to day doings of Italians.  They are so accustomed to political chaos and drama that they shrug it off like it's no big deal.  Hmmm.

The gardeners are out spring pruning the trees in front of the condos.  I'm taking that as a sign that this period of cold and snow and rain is finally over and that long ago promised early spring is finally coming.  The sun is out and it's about 50 degrees so I'm optimistic. 

xxoo me