Newest Facebook Friend - Gianni

Gianni welcoming all at the door of Caffe Via Roma

As I sorted through pictures of Piegaro I found the greatest irony in the picture of the young men of Caffe Via Roma, that is Gianni holding up my English/Italian translation book.  Gianni and I spoke multiple times in Piegaro, he in Italian me in English never really translating, or even trying.  We spoke as the circumstance dictated.  Laughing with the crowd about my crazy painting purchase of the "Guffo/Gatti" - or as he looked in on the group looking at the Art book for Magnum.  I think we totally got the gist of what one another was saying.  We were all laughing at the painting, with comments flying as we shared amusement over the dubbed "genetic catastrophe".  And when he didn't look as interested as the rest in the book, I asked him to look intelligent for the photo, which he did, now that takes intelligence!
As my newest Facebook friend I enjoyed the latest posting Gianni had of the Italian flag laid out as the worlds most important foods:  basil, garlic (or is it cheese - either top my list), and tomato.  One of the reasons I loved this post is that it so reminded me of my basic cooking lesson with Pasquelina Verdi - "Lisa es garlic, basil, e tomato - most important!" in her delightful broken English.  She encouraged me to go out into the field behind the home I rented from her and pick all the tomatoes, garlic and basil I needed, dinner was always at reach.  Just as I felt at home at Pasquelina's I felt at home in Piegaro with friends like Gianni and his gift to just be himself - Italian, proud of it but open to friendship with this crazy Americana.
Being authentic is a key to life that many of us struggle with.  We really want others to like us, and often become "posers" trying to be all that others want us to be.  Gianni is Gianni, spoke to me in his own language, posts his pride in country and food - such a fun way!!  I look forward to getting to know him better next year and know more about his beloved Italy, it's food, what it is to BE Italian for him.
Likewise, I think that is an essential question for us all at different parts of our own lives, to ask the questions of who we are, what is essential to me, how do I self identify and how do I live confidently in my own skin to take my authentic self out into God's world as I am fully created to be.

The boys - Gianni holding the book we never used to communicate - who needs translations?!?!

The Intelligencia at the Caffe Discussing Art.