Conversations con Mimo

Today Mimo decided he did not like us. We have no idea why, but when this happens, its best to zip your lip and let Mimo talk about us super fast so that he thinks we don't understand. It really toasted his hazlenuts today that Liz didn't want to eat the two cups of raw ground beef (its an albanese specialty, and of course I manage to eat the entire thing whenever it's served) that he had as our first course but then, he happily cleared both of our plates.

He is a very perplexing person, that Mimo. ANYWAYS, after we had worked for about two hours in the vineyards, I ran back to the winery – eager to use the restroom. I opened the door to find Mimo zipping up his pants. VA FANCULO! Which basically meants “f*** off” in Italian. I was so stunned I didn’t even say I was sorry and simply closed the door and walked into the other room to share this unfortunate experience with Liz. Mimo walked in, and in broken English said to us “In Italy, we knock before we enter. I don’t know how it is in America…” and then continued walking away from us and shaking his head veeeeeery dramatically.

Okay. I understand that there are certain customs that one must follow in countries other than their own. But honestly? WHY NOT JUST LOCK THE DOOR IN THE FIRST PLACE! This would alleviate the possibilty of akward situations such as this.

I was explaining what happened to this adorable wine maker from Australia, who is here with his wife and 4 year old daughter Lilly. His name is Lance, but no one in the cellar can pronounce his name, so they simply call him Laurence.

A: I dont think Mimo likes me

L: Why's that?

A: Well, I just accidentally walked in on him in the bathroom...

L: Are you kidding? He probably planned for that to happen!

It's nice to know that Liz and I are not the only ones who think he's a big of a pig. Or maybe even a Donken, which is our new name for him.