Spring Is Here…

…and with it the double entendre.

I went for espresso and a light breakfast at my favorite cafe in the piazza this morning. The sky was grey and overcast but, at least for the moment, the rain had stopped. I sipped my coffee and treat at the bar in silence shoulder to shoulder with a sixtyish gentleman from the neighborhood with whom I usually exchange a “good day,” but the cafe was crowded and noisy because the chilly weather had dissuaded patrons, a mix of locals and international visitors, from sitting outdoors, so any pleasantries went unspoken.

A few minutes later I passed the newsstand on my way to run errands and the gentleman caught me by surprise: “Sì, signora, lei è veramente fortunata perche vive la bella vita.” (”You’re a lucky lady living the good life.”)

Instantaneously and in silence, one version of the good life (X-rated) flashed through my mind and I replied: “Perche? Perche ho appena mangiato un tramezzino con tonno e carciofini”? ( “Why? Because I’ve just eaten a sandwich with tuna and preserved artichokes”?)

The newspaper vendor smiled at my humor and the gentleman replied politely:

“No, signora, perche il tramezzino si è lasciato mangiare da te.” (”No, ma’am, because the sandwich allowed itself to be eaten by you.”)