Italy Day 5 & 6 (Modena)
The past two days, I have spent in Modena relaxing and working on my book, more about this later. It feels good not to get up early rushing to a plane or to an office but instead waiting for the birds to sing a good morning song. Actually, it is the noise of the garbage trucks that wake me up in the morning. I guess they haven’t heard about no noise before 8:00 AM here.
Yesterday, I went to the local flee market which is considered to be one of the largest in northern Italy. The market place is known for it great discounts and wide selection. When I arrived, the place was packed with people trying to get a good deal on items. So, on to the pavement I went looking at all the items that are for sale.
As I was walking and looking at the clothing, kitchen wear, and nick knacks, I realized it is the same junk that is found in flee markets of the good old USA. The only difference is the labels on the clothes and the names on the kitchen wear. Yet, as cheap as the stuff was, people were waiting on line to buy up the items. Maybe they haven’t learned yet, that cheap doesn’t mean quality.
Of all the items for sale, the biggest lines were for the individual pairs of women’s underwear. The Italian women huddle in droves sifting through racks of the ugliest pairs of underwear. Just one look at them and it can make one loose their appetite Even the cross dressers of Ft. Lauderdale would be taken back by the selection offered. Yet, they couldn’t sell fast enough. No people, I didn’t buy any, they didn’t have my size (joking).
Now, un be nonce to me, the flee market was circular and I thought it was one long line. So, as I am walking and walking and after an hour, I kept thinking when does it end. Then as I passed one of the booths, I thought to myself, this is the same crap I saw 15 minutes ago and that the sales person looked the same. Then it hit me, I was going in a circle. Hey, some people might say I have been going in circles for years.
Once I realized that all the stuff looked the same and I was going in circles, it was time to leave and go for afternoon coffee at one of the outdoor cafes. My favorite café is the one that over looks the big square (Pizza Centrele). From this location, I can see the various beauties that Italy has to offer. Ah, the joy of sitting down after walking in circles for an hour. As I stated yesterday, I think, it is so peaceful sitting down sipping coffee and looking at the beautiful boys. Cold shower here I come. It is not just the sites, but the feeling of knowing that I don’t have to rush to get some where but instead I can just enjoy the trees, the birds and people watch.
In the main square, like most, there are many pidgins. It is amusing to watch the children, 2 and 3 years olds chasing them. The innocence of the kids and the happiness they emanate as they try to scare them is a beauty to be hold. For one brief moment, they kids are in a state of happiness. Just looking at their smiles as they are chasing the birds put a smile on my face as well.
Night time in the city is more unique then America. Dinner is usually served after 8:00 PM. Prior to eating, the Italians go out for Apertivo which are little café bars offering finger food and drink. It seems that everyone goes out with friends for Apertivo. It is the evening social hour. Unlike the happy hour in the states, the people are actually happy and having a good time. Imagine spending every night after a long day at school or at work hanging with you good friends sharing the moment. The drinking age is 18 here so one can imagine the sites to gaze on. I just look in lust.
Well tomorrow, I go to Capri a small island off the coast of Italy where the Emperor of Rome would spend their summer vacation. Does this mean I could be an Emperor?
Well, it is 5:00 PM and I am of to take a little nap before Apertivo.