Passeggiata People

There's a time-old tradition in Italy known as "Passeggiata".  The word simply translate to "stroll".  The observance of residents, most likely the elders of the community, taking a passeggiata after dinner, was one of those things that tourists found endearing and came home describing. The gents, impeccably dressed, a sweater vest at the minimum, a sports jacket oftentimes their strolling attire. The ladies, well, you might call it a "Passeggiata Uniform". It consists of sensible flat shoes, a slim woolen skirt and a well-ironed blouse. The arm, well, it fits  beautifully into the crook of the spouse's arm. Arm in arm, strolling. Observing the goings-on, discussing quietly whatever was needed to be discussed. Greeting friends and family members along the way. Sometimes, the passeggiata is used as a time for an adult child to stroll with an aging parent, again, arm in arm. I am certain that a lot is accomplished in that scenario. Bits of wisdom exchanged, advice given, secrets shared. In Italy, older people are not sent away from the home. They are accepted as the treasures they are and gently guided as they continue to guide. Of course, it is perfectly acceptable to take a solo passeggiata. 

Without always intending, we take many a passeggiata here in this beautiful town. Not usually after dinner, but during the course of the day. Sometimes that is precisely how we spend the better part of the day. The best part. No, we don't wear wool jackets and don't dress in the uniform. I daresay, we rarely hook arms. But we do walk, and strolling is a very darned good way to walk sometimes.

Each time we return to Assisi, or to the region of Umbria in general, we meet more new people. Everyone has a story, their reason for being here, for however long. We have a host of friends who have lived here all their lives and a growing list of ex-pats who have moved here for various reasons and are over-the-top about their decision. Everyone is happy and rarely does anyone seem in a rush to get somewhere. "Italian time" is something that one adopts soon after arriving in the country. At first, it can be somewhat annoying, especially to programmed Americans who never seem to slow down. But, eventually, if you allow it to happen, it will.

So, our days include the passeggiata and making a loop around town takes a lot of time. It's rare that we don't run into an old or a brand new friend. At the very least, a huge smile, a wave, and a "salve!" forms the greeting. As in the case yesterday, it was a "come on, may I buy you a coffee?" from a sweet woman named Catia who owns a boutique that I love to frequent. Amazing, she just grabbed her wallet and didn't even close her shop doors. A nice espresso, an introduction to the cafe owner, and some conversation practice. Afternoon coffees are not to be lingered over and it was back to the shop for her and on to the rest of my own passigiata.

One of the biggest problems we have encountered as temporary residents of the Palazzo is the disposal of our trash. Italy has rules for recycling that are fairly precise. Different colored plastic trash bags, coordinated with bins that are in the house or just outside. A chart in every kitchen that details the days of the week in which each category will be collected. Trash, in any form, is not to be "displayed" outside until after nine in the evening of the day before. It can be daunting and, to these early bedders, that display piece just doesn't fit. So, we do our bit, we seperate and bag properly. But, we have located some unlocked trash bins in the neighborhood, a few blocks away and guess what......

We take our trash on a passeggiata every couple of days!