(To start at the beginning: Adventures in Italy Part 1)
Supper in Bordighera – August 2016
As I mentioned before, restaurants in Italy don’t even open for supper business until 7:30. We found one a few blocks from our hotel called “La Diavolina,” and once again found that our Italian skills were put to the test since our waitress did not speak English. It’s been good for us! Of course, when most of the communication involves pointing at an item on the menu and trying to pronounce the words correctly, it’s not too difficult. We’ve also discovered that Italians don’t give you ice with your water unless you ask, so I’ve learned to ask for “ghiacci.” Kris ordered some wine and when she inquired about the size, offering the word “mezzo?” Kris agreed to it. This turned out to be a LOT of wine and I was afraid I’d have to carry him home, but when you stretch it out over a couple hours and are eating as you go, it all balanced out. While we were eating, a man came over holding a bunch of roses and asked Kris if he would like to buy a rose for me (in Italian, but what he was saying was pretty clear – it’s all in the context). Kris bought me a single rose – very romantic! I almost expected waiters to start crooning that song from “The Lady and the Tramp” – “It’s Amore,” and give us some spaghetti to eat so we could end up chewing on the same piece and meeting in the middle.
Speaking of music, I have observed that most of the background music we hear when we go places is American pop music from 20 years ago. Or, Italian versions of the same. Just thought I’d mention that.
We have now learned that a waiter will not bring you the check unless you ask for it. Our working theory about this is that it is part of Italian gracious hospitality. They do not want you to feel that they are trying to hurry you along, which is actually rather nice. We’re just used to American restaurants, where almost as soon as you finish eating a meal, the check is placed on the table. Americans are always in a hurry, so it’s something we expect and appreciate. Here, eating is much more of a luxurious experience; you are meant to take your time and enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance for as long as you want. We strolled home around 9:30 and although there is no air conditioning in our room, it was very pleasant and we had no trouble sleeping. As it turns out, air conditioning in Italy is not common.
And now for something completely different to entertain you – a couple of my weird dreams over the last few nights. This is akin to Annette’s parrot story, so by all means, skip to the “ciao” at the end if you have a “train to catch.” :-). One night I dreamed that Kris and I were planning to buy a second home in Switzerland. It was a very nice home, but I couldn’t figure out how we were going to pay for it and was working out elaborate schemes in which we would rent it out to friends and family to use when we weren’t there. It all seemed very plausible, like dreams do. Last night I dreamed that I had agreed to do some sort of bungee cord drop from the top of the IDS tower to raise money. As soon as I started dropping, I knew the whole thing was a huge mistake. “In the name of all that is sweet in heaven, why am I doing this?” went through my panicked mind. I dropped nearly to the sidewalk and then started up again and it was horrifying to look up as I went, seeing various office windows and people in them. I couldn’t even figure out how this was ever going to end – I’d just be springing back and forth forever. Fortunately, in the way that characterizes dreams, the bungee drop ended and here’s the best part that came next: I was with Billy Joel telling him all about the experience! I told you it was weird. If you’re in to analyzing dreams, have at it. Don’t tell me what you come up with unless it’s a good thing.
Ciao!
Love, Lynn/Mom
Next installment: Adventures in Italy Part 15
I’m catching that Train of Deleting in the morning…
Lynniebeemuseoday 