Toscane Days 6

I poured myself a cup of Italian coffee and sat by dad, slowly waking up.

"So, what do you think E? Is it that bad?"

"I guess not as bad as I thought, this country is kind of relaxing…"

"Lily and I took a walk around the garden a few minutes ago, it's amazing… there's all kind of fruit trees around it, I think it's quite charming myself, picking your own food…" dad said in a dreamily tone.

"Yeah…" I said in a teasing tone and looked at him smiling.

"Hey, don't laugh at me for appreciating the small things in life…" dad defended himself. I just made an innocent face and kept sipping my coffee.

Just a few seconds later, Lily and Grace came in the kitchen.

"Morning E" Grace greeted.

"Morning Grace" I finished my coffee.

"Ready to go?"

"Sure" Grace answered.

"Than let's go."


"Where exactly did Ron said the store was dad?"

"Just follow the road for two and a half miles, than take a left towards the village, I think it's called "Panzano"."

"O.k. see you later, enjoy your walk…" Grace told them.

 "Bye".

We got into the van and drove by the directions dad gave us. We were silent at the beginning, both of us taking in our surroundings and admiring the landscape.

"It's really beautiful here" Grace suddenly said.

"Yeah" I agreed.

"I didn't really want to go on this trip at the beginning…" Grace continued.

"Actually, I didn't want to too… but I think I'm beginning to change my mind. I mean except for missing my band practices, it's nice to have some time off without my Mom and Dad always nagging me about finding a job and going to college."

"Yes, I've seen what you mean, I guess they've been on you pretty hard lately…"

"You don't know how much… my mom is even worse than dad. They just don't seem to understand that I like music and that I really want to make a living through it, some people do… you know… and even if I won't make it and be a huge success, I have to at least give it a try, or else I'll never forget myself for missing the chance to be one."

"I think you should stand up for yourself, it's the most important thing in my opinion, to always try and do what you like to do, if you have a choice… only after you give it a chance you should compromise."

"Thanks, it's nice to know I have at least one supporter" I said with a smile. "Maybe you can make my dad see that too… you can be pretty convincing."

Two minutes after we took the turn left a small village appeared in front of us.

"I can't believe people still live like that these days, it looks so peaceful…" Grace said. There were a few houses on each side of the main street, which was actually the only street, each colored in another shade of brown, with a green roof on top and open wooden blinds. On each one of the windowsills there were blooming flowerpots and the general picture looked like a postcard.

In the middle of the street was a little "town square" which included a few little shops, a grocery store, a bakery and another one I couldn't see inside. "I guess we found the store" I parked the car and we walked into the half market half grocery store.

"Buongiorno, felice di conoscerla, Felice di conoscerti" th e owner of the store greeted us with a warm smile

"Grazie Mille" Grace answered and surprised me even more as she continued.

"Mi piacerebbe comprare alimento"

"Prego" the owner answered and Grace took me by the hand and turned towards the groceries shelves.

"What was that? I wasn't aware of you being able to speak Italian…"

"I'm not" Grace answered.

"Than how did you know what he said and how did you know how to answer him?" I wondered.

"I just did a little background check before the trip and memorized a few basic phrases… nothing much… don't be so amazed that's about all I know" Grace said dismissively.

"You sounded like a native to me" I smiled at her.

"What did he said after good morning? That much I know…"

"He said nice to meet you, and than I said thank you very much, we came to buy some food, that's all and he said you're welcome…".

"Come on let's take a bag, we have a lot of things to buy." Grace reminded me. 

We gathered the long list of items, and than paid to the nice store owner.

"Ciao"

"Addio"

***************

Hey to anyone who reads my story, I know this story's rhythm is a little slower, but I like it that way, so forgive me if I'll get a little carried away with the landscapes or the nature descriptions or other small details, cause I want to make it a little different… hope you'll like it anyway, 

As always thank you so much for the great reviews!

Drop me a line and make me smile ;D

LitJunkie