“Summer Attractions May Be the Heart… But it’s People are the Soul”
It started like so many other mornings. A robust cup of Italian coffee savored lazily on our terrace as the morning sun crept over the local mountains painting the Eastern sky with vibrant colors that would foreshadow an exciting new day.
I felt gratitude that I lived in a place where I could walk virtually anywhere within a pleasant twenty-minute stroll.
Today I felt “special joy” since this day was a “mini mission” to deliver invitations for my 73rd birthday party to some shop-owner friends on my walk to the sea.
In my previous article, I listed the reasons that led me to choose San Vincenzo as my new home (here’s the article >>> “Introduction to “Ralph’s Corner” – Coming to San Vincenzo”).
I always enjoyed the challenge of speaking Italian to my friends. I put on one of my favorite linen shirts, donned my hat and said “bye” to my wife.
There is a bridge I must cross, over a small highway, that feels like a portal into a new world. That’s because upon reaching the other side, after I duck under a few bushes, a magnificent view of our quaint “paese” (town) is revealed.
Often it’s accented with the sparkling rich blue of the Sea peeking through the buildings at the end of the street. I smiled as usual. Immediately, I was welcomed by the wonderful familiar scent of jasmine, from the many flowers lining the street. I reflected on the fact that I didn’t know a single person two years ago and didn’t speak a word of Italian. What was I thinking then? How could I expect any small community to quickly accept me as a resident?
“Ciao Raffaella,” I said as I entered the Pescheria (fish shop). After some small talk, I told her of my party. She beamed with a broad, warm smile and said she’d try to make it, warning that she often worked late. I mentioned I would stop to pick up some fish on the walk home. “A dopo,” (later), I cheerfully said.
Next, it was the wine store. This is a really “figo” (“cool”) place because they offer many very inexpensive wines “on draft,” that people use to refill jugs. The store also offers bottled water, the finest bottled wines, liquors and even olive oil. Prices are excellent!
“Ciao Giacomo!” I said to the young shop owner. He always shares a friendly smile and is patient with my broken dialogue. Giacomo was very happy to be asked to the party and indicated that he and his twin brother would come.
Next… my favorite little corner store, (like a convenience store, but with only the BEST items, and totally Italian–NOT some awful, commercialized store like USA chains). I regularly purchase “Formaggio con Tartufo,” (cheese with truffles). It is so incredibly good!!! And it’s perfect with the fantastic Tuscan wines we drink! They also sell amazing jams. “Lampone” (raspberry), is my favorite. Diego and Anastasia, two of the owners, are so nice. It is such a joy to chat with them when I come.
And so it went… I passed our hardware store, “odds and ends” store, and stopped at our dentist, who expected tomake the party.
I also passed our fabulous Insurance agent Fabio, who had already accepted the invitation with his wife, Sabrina. Fabio is a large, strong man–a true “man’s man,” who quickly became one of my close friends. When I did have the unfortunate experience of a car crashing into the back of our car, he was on the scene within minutes and handled everything with professionalism.
Down by the Sea is the office of Nama Real Estate. The owners are certainly some of my closest, most special friends. It was Mary’s ad that drew us to San Vincenzo originally. Antonio, her husband, is one of my favorite people ever! Not only do we have a bond in real estate, but many other things as well. As a company they skillfully handled our purchase of a new, unfinished home, while we were still living in California. Obviously it involved a multitude of necessary actions including paperwork, managing the builder, and even things after we arrived. They are among our best friends, and we get together frequently.
Also at Nama, is a most enjoyable assistant, Martina, who has a captivating smile, and is eager to help withanything. She and her fiancé were thrilled to accept my party invitation, and I was so happy they did! Next door is my favorite gelateria, Petra, where I invited the attractive young sisters Giulia and Georgia, that run it. I was so glad they came!
It was such a fun day; and I witnessed San Vincenzo exploding into Summer–when it’s transformed from a small quaint town into a seaside resort filled with attractions, that supports up to 70,000 visitors.
The party was at Casotto Pub, owned by my best friend, Stefano. He and his girlfriend, Andrea have been like “family” since the day we arrived. The first year, not only did we spend all of Christmas Eve with them and his family at the Pub, but we spent Christmas morning at my home, and the rest of the day together as well.
The Pub is an outstanding place for food, drinks, games, watching sports, karaoke… or a party! By now, we had a guest list of 48 people, and Stefano decided to close the pub for the event. I was truly in awe! How could this happen? What town of only 7,000 would actually welcome a Californian, that couldn’t even speak the language, and then choose to spend their time at his 73rd birthday party?!
Answer: San Vincenzo!!!
The party was an incredible success!
Forty-eight guests showed up, mostly less than half my age and didn’t speak English!
Tasty dishes were served. Beer, fine wine, and drinks were enjoyed. We sang. Then sang some more. We danced. And then danced some more. Then we sang AND danced…! It went on and on with a crescendo of laughter, smiles and shouts of joy!
Finally four different custom cakes filled with chocolates and delicious fruits arrived, Limoncello was served, people sang “Happy Birthday” for a third time.
Then the dancing, jubilation and karaoke continued. Radiant sparklers were handed out and waved. More songs were sung. Cheerful, young, interlocking “partyers” snaked through the Pub as dancing got faster… and the singing and laughter got louder… and louder! They cheered. They hugged. They kissed… Never before have I been hugged and kissed so often! Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with emotion towards the wonderful people of the area, and felt uncontrollable tears forming in my eyes…
It was at that moment, when I fully and completely realized… that this was exactly what I left a comfortable home in California for… the heart and soul of a small, seaside Italian town… San Vincenzo…
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