When I was a little boy...

Lately I had fun reading in some blogs about the topic "When I was a little girl". I think it was a nice way to remember how we were and share the memories with blogger friends.

So here it is my "When I was a little boy...". Ely will follow with another post in the next days.

• I used to be at the center of the attention of my parents, grandparents and all aunts and uncles, because I was the first born in my family and the 2nd born grandson/nephew. Everybody wanted to cuddle me...how could you blame them?!? Look at this!!!

• I spent most of my summers with my grandparents in Pieve di Bono (a little village in the mountain) in my childhood. I had the best time ever those summers: playing out in the big backyard with my cousins, play with water at the old fountain that my grandparents have in the backyard, make new friends and be free in the nature.

• Once of those summers, I was probably 3, I decided I wanted to break a strict rule and went to play in the laundry room while my mother and the other adults weren't looking after me. In this room my grandmother had stored all the soaps powders and liquids for making laundry and I ended up playing with bleach. Fortunately I didn't drink it, but I just poured it all over the floor and sat down in it. I drove everybody crazy, because they couldn't find me anymore and I didn't answer their calls and yells. I was quietly sat down in the middle of the bleach on the floor. Only after some time, they decided to open the door of the laundry room and found me in that condition. I still remember the red shorts I was wearing: on the back, they turned completely white!!

• My aunt Monica had 3 dolls I couldn't even look at and touch. I wanted to play with them, because they reminded me of my favourite showgirl of my favourite TV show. It was the beginning of the 80's.
  

• Before my brother was born, I used to travel quite a lot with my parents. I loved travelling with them and discover the beauties of my country. They teached me to love art and architecture and take inspiration from them. We also visited some of the most important archeological sites, expecially in southern Italy, and started to love greek and roman history and mythology.

• Until I was 3, I used to take a nap and afterward watch cartoons. My favourite was "Maya the bee".

• When I was in elementary school my favourite cartoon was "the Smurfs" ("I Puffi, in Italian!) and I loved all the cartoons and movies with magical and fantasy elements. On the other hand, I coundn't miss any episode of "Transformers" and "He-man, masters of the universe".
  

• I rememeber the first time my father bought a videotape recorder. That evening we watched all together Disney's "Snowhite and the 7 dwarfs". Loved it.

• I loved when my mother was reading me fantasy stories and tales. I also had records for storytelling with books to follow the story.

• I have always loved playing with water...and made some little disasters at home...ooooops! :)

• I broke a leg in 1st grade during the recess. I had my leg plastered for more than a month!

• When I was 3 I accidentally squeezed my left ring-finger in a closing door. It was so shocking. I only remember the run to the hospital and the fact that I was screaming out loud that I absolutely didn't want surgical sutures. In fact they didn't sew any stitiches...and I still have a visible scar.
  

• I was very skinny and didn't eat very much. Especially I didn't like cheeses, which I had always been forced to eat...I remember hours at the table because I had to finish my cheese...terrible memories!!!! :) Result? I still don't like some cheeses! But growing up I adapted my taste without being forced!

• I was pretty shy, especially at school. But fortunately I have always had good friends anyway.

• I met my best friend Andrea in Pieve di Bono (the village where my grandparents live) when we were about 13. My aunt Monica and Andrea's mother were friends and they planned a meeting at a local videogame penny arcade for us. We played Super Mario for hours and the rest is history. We still are bestfriends and soulmates.

• One of my favourite game was Lego. I had loads!
  

• One of my favourite activity was drawing and painting. And I must admit I was pretty good at it.
  

• I took piano lessons for years. I can't play anymore and now I wished I didn't quit learning piano. The last time I played was in high school.

• When I was little I always needed a light switched on during the night and the company of my mother until I fell asleep because I was frightened by "monsters".

• I always had a passion for old castles. Fortunately here we have many and my parents took me visiting some, when possible. I still like them.

I could go on and on with this list...but I'd better stop here. It's nice to remember...I must admid I had an incredible childhood. I was really spoilt! ;) And the 80's were and incredible time to be a child!