I thought I’d tell you a little about the town I live in. It is a small Tuscan village, just south of Florence. That’s me in the photo…writing from my terrace overlooking the town’s Piazza. I have a forty-two step walk to a little cafe for my morning coffee. In many ways this village is like an Italian adult version of Sesame Street. The baker, the butcher, the pizza maker, coffee barista…etc. Early in the mornings I hear men coming to the cafe for their coffee before they are off to work. Everyday, I hear them talking, laughing – having a good time of it. Before I moved here, seven years ago, I never knew of people having such a good time of it, going off to work A man, Massimo, who picks up the trash and sweeps the piazza, is always humming as he works and happily waving at everybody who passes by. He is respected in the community for his craft as is the lawyer, the baker, the restaurant owner. It’s not all roses, nothing really is…we do have our ‘Beggars’. Not many; but some ‘regulars’. They usually appear on the weekends (Most have full time jobs nin the region)…one is very nice and polite, another is surly and angry in appearance. I usually give them a Euro each. A friend asked me why I give the angry one anything. I think my reasoning is: I feel I was lucky, being born a white male into comfortable circumstances. I don’t know if I would have had the strength of character to endure what they went through to get here. They make a dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean on a raft and then beg for that euro and try to be nice about it at the same time. We also have a man who I will call the ‘Slasher’. He’s an Italian – about 40 years old, who, when he is off his ‘Meds’ is potentially harmful. A few months ago he flashed a knife to the crowd in the cafe. He was subdued and taken away for a month or so. No harm done. Every once in a while he comes up to me and asks for a Euro for some coffee. I always give. Sometimes, I come up to him to offer – and often he say’s ‘No thanks, I’ve had mine already’. Strange world.
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Over the years – in my little cafe, I have met many ‘Expats’ from several different countries. We discuss what we think are the world’s concerns – and lesser matters, and are generally having a good time of it. I am fortunate to receive input & opinions from such divers sources. It is my intention to continue this ‘Memoiresque’, unless my subscriber base insists I do not.
