Today, Friday, 12 June, was my first day out of the 14 day self-quarantine required on my return to Florence and my first day out of the "lockdown" of the last three months. Admittedly, my particular situation was unusual in that during this pandemic, I flew to four states, beginning with a trans-Atlantic flight from Rome to NJ. After a month in NJ in quarantine with a friend, I flew to Florida to be with my mother during her final days, and then to Denver and Chicago to visit with my kids. Traveling during a pandemic is not relaxing, so this first day of true "freedom" required celebration: a hair appointment and lunch at a neighborhood osteria.
At both Wave hair salon and Osteria da Fulvio, I am a regular customer. In both establishments, I knew I would have a warm welcome: a smile, a heartfelt "Buongiorno" and "Com'e stai?" In the hair salon, the stylists know my name, a bit about my decision to live in Florence, and I know a little about their personal lives. At the osteria, though, I am always addressed as "signora", but it is the complimentary Prosecco that signals recognition.
When I finished at the hair salon and we said our good-byes, I took a few photos along the Arno and walked to Osteria da Fulvio. I have eaten lunch here alone and with friends. I hoped that when I walked in the owner would remember me, since I had been away for three months. Once I removed my sunglasses and mask, I received a smile and another "Buongiorno"! After a brief exchange, I was asked, "Vuoi Prosechino?" Would I like a small Prosecco? "Si, grazie." From a tap behind the bar, Fulvio poured a complimentary glass of Prosecco, his offer of thanks for being a regular.
A move to a new city means that for a while, maybe a long while, a person is not known anywhere as a "regular." This situation in which no one knows you, can create a positive "devil may care" attitude, or a negative state of loneliness. When I first arrived in Florence in September 2019, I experienced both feelings. Now, though, I am happier to be recognized with a smile and a complimentary Prosechino. (Note- In this word, the "ch" is pronounced as a "k".)
🥂🍾
