Friday 23rd. And we’re off to a flying start; the news is that tonight’s gig has been cancelled, and even though I’m disappointed, as with many things in life that don’t work out as planned, every problem comes with a gift in its hand. In this instance the gift is a little more time to rest after yesterday’s lengthy day and late night.
The late night was due to an eagerness on my part to see Giulia’s band–Underfloor–perform. I’d been reliably informed that the gig was to begin at 10 p.m. - “late enough”, I hear you say, and if I have misheard you, or just imagined that I heard you, I’ll tell you, that’s late enough. So, after a beautiful dinner of Paella at Paolo’s I was transported to a rather remote and unpopulated industrial estate that just happened to have a night club in the middle of it.
Once there, I was met by friends Michele (pronounced Mick-el-e) and Dorothea, and was informed that the band would be on stage in ten minutes. Now, if you’ve spent any amount of time in Italy you will know that ‘ten minutes’ quite possibly will not relate too closely to the passage of time that’s normally associated with the period or timespan of ten minutes as one often regards it to be. Here was an occasion that did not contradict this implied stereotype.
The joys of Italian cuisine and good company. Left to right: Paolo, Santino, Giulia, me, Michele. |
When the band did take to the stage - at 11:30 - they impressed with some very solid progressive rock, and good musicianship and energy all round from each of the members: Guido, Alessandro, Lorenzo and Giulia.
On to Friday, and If I’m going to suggest that the Italian approach to timekeeping is not one of the more skilful, I’d also have to say that they make up for it in so many other ways that would put into question even the smallest preoccupation with such matters. I think the most hardened character would struggle not to be moved on the deepest level by the qualities of passion, generosity, warmth and the sheer pride in one’s own culture that is so much a natural part of their psyche. As a guest in such company, and when combined with the aesthetic impact on the senses that such history can have as it comes at you from all angles, for me these are rich moments that somehow make sense of my time on this planet.
The Ponte Vecchio at night. |
On to Friday, and If I’m going to suggest that the Italian approach to timekeeping is not one of the more skilful, I’d also have to say that they make up for it in so many other ways that would put into question even the smallest preoccupation with such matters. I think the most hardened character would struggle not to be moved on the deepest level by the qualities of passion, generosity, warmth and the sheer pride in one’s own culture that is so much a natural part of their psyche. As a guest in such company, and when combined with the aesthetic impact on the senses that such history can have as it comes at you from all angles, for me these are rich moments that somehow make sense of my time on this planet.
Beautiful Tuscany. |