Il Dolce di Firenze

Il Dolce Far Niente. So far, I have not really explained this phrase which has so much meaning not only in Italy, but in my own personal life as well. In english, this phrase translates to: the sweetness of doing nothing. It is in some ways a way of life which many Italians follow in some form or manner. Despite the "hustle-and-bustle" of central Florence, il dolce far niente can be found in little ways. Early mornings in Florence are taken slowly. Unlike New York City, Florence doesn't really wake up until 8 or 9 am. Breakfast, which usually consists of a croissant and cappuccino, is never eaten "on-the-go", but rather Florentines slowly sip their caffe' at the bar counter and usually enjoy their small meal with a friend. Lunch and dinner are also eaten with care. Italians take their meals seriously, savoring both the taste of the food and the good company of a friend.

I didn't have to travel far to discover this little taste of sweetness this weekend. Friday night I was invited into the home of a true Italian family. My boyfriend, John, is living with a host family this semester and so I had the honors of joining them for dinner. They are a small family of three, with three-year-old Giaccomo ruling the house. Walking into their small apartment, I was surprised at how real they were. They did not try to make a fancy impression or put on any airs. No, I was immediately greeted with "Ciao! Ciao!" and offered a place at the small kitchen table with a plastic cup of wine. Giaccomo was watching The Land Before Time (in Italian, of course) and even he would not break his gaze on the TV to stop and say hello to me.

The dinner was of course delicious. Il Primo was a sort of ravioli shaped like little purses and stuffed with a spinach and ricotta filling. There was no sauce, but it didn't need it--the parmesan cheese sprinkled on top was enough. Giaccomo stole most of the coversation of the first course and by the time we were ready for il Secondo, he has throwing a fit, insisting that he be allowed to watch more Land Before Time. Babbo and Mamma conceded because, like I said before, Giaccomo rules the house.

Il Secondo was just as delicious as il Primo: grilled zucchine, roasted peppers, and sliced tomatoes with melted Tomino cheese (similar to Brie). Strangely enough, we talked mostly about le zanzare, or mosquitos. Italians don't have window screens so mosquitos are a huge problem in the house. I myself have been eaten alive by mosquitoes since I have been here. Towards the end of the meal, la Mamma was up on her feet, jumping and determined to swat a giant zanzara with a rolled up magazine. Of course, we talked about other things than just mosquitoes. We spoke mostly in Italian which was a little bit difficult for me, but it didn't seem to matter to them how bad my Italian was. The meal ended with a bowl of gelato and grilled peaches. Giaccomo, who does not like gelato (!), ate a few wads of proscuitto crudo for his dessert. Then it was off to bed for him, and time to say good night.