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Ciao a tutti
It is with a heavy heart that I write this newsletter to you, as I hear news of a huge aftershock that just hit Haiti, eight days after a major earthquake wrecked the island killing some 200,000 people.
The heart-wrenching pictures from the Caribbean island bring back painful memories of what happened in L'Aquila, in Italy, nearly a year ago. A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Abruzzo capital in April 2009, killing some 300 people, injuring a thousand, and destroying the homes of another 40,000. The tragedy was, thankfully, of smaller proportions than the Haiti disaster but it was enough to change the face of the Italian city and the lives of its residents overnight.
 Initially, relief poured in from every corner of the world, helping immensely - and the Aquilani, aware of this, are scrambling to put together their own aid packages for Haiti - but nine months after the earthquake, recovery seems still very far away. Writer Tara McLaughlin visited Abruzzo in May 2009 and has kept in touch with some earthquake victims since then. In the story L'Aquila after the earthquake she reports that they are still living in precarious accommodation, that people are slowly losing hope and courage, and, worst of all, that the funds required to rebuild the city appear in short supply.
Which is why I would urge you not only to make a donation to the Haity earthquake appeal (Oxfam, runs one, among others), but also to raise awareness and, if possible, reconstruction funds for the people of Abruzzo.
One easy, pleasant way to help is to visit the area, bringing in much needed cash. Visiting L'Aquila itself requires some grit - part of the city is still wrecked, though much is happening to try and revive tourism - but there are many other places you could go to, from the ski resorts of the Gran Sasso mountain range to the beautiful town of Giulianova.
 Before you head for Abruzzo, you may want to whet your appetite with a copy of Lidia Matticchio Bastianich's cookery book, Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy. In it she explores the country's lesser known cuisines, from Trentino Alto Adige to Sardinia, and delves deeply into the frugal, hearty gastronomic gems of Abruzzo. She shares her own experiences in the region, reveals the names of some great local cheese makers and wine producers, and, best of all, provides detailed, delicious Abruzzese recipes such as chestnut and lentil soup, pecorino meatballs, lamb chops with olives and braised leg of lamb. Her book alone is guaranteed to make you want to hop on the first plane to the Abruzzo airport in Pescara - and you won't regret it.
Buona settimana
Carla Passino
Editor
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