According to Ugo, a native of Bologna and also one of our
Italian teacher/tutors at home, Bologna
e` il centro di tutto il mondo (Bologna is the center of the entire world). In 2011
we traveled with Ugo for four weeks spending two of those weeks in Bologna.
During our time there, we had a unique opportunity to experience Italian life
and friendship that touched us in ways that I am sure none of us will ever
forgot.
I Amici (The Friends): left-right Giuseppe, Vitorio, Franco, Gianni Badaloni, Gianni il Saggio
Since 1950 (sixty-five years), Ugo and eight of his
childhood friends have remained in close contact. Together they have rented a stone
farmhouse located in the countryside twenty minutes from Bologna. There in
Crespellano these men have met every Friday for over 40 years to share
dinner, conversation and friendship. Just the men; seldom are any of the wives
or girlfriends included. But we, three women, have had the honor of being
invited out to Crespellano - not just once but three times.
When it was learned that we were returning to Italy, we were
again extended an invitation to dinner at Crespellano. Following a 3 hour train ride to Bologna,
Giuseppe met us at our hotel to drive us to Crespellano. (I will tell you about
that adventure at a later point.) The quaint two story farmhouse is situated
back off the road between farmland and fruit orchards. The men were waiting
outside to greet us - giving each of us the traditional Italian embrace. We
were soon ushered into the dining room, a large rectangular room resembling a
man’s hunting lodge with a long dining table running down the center and a
stone fireplace at the far end. A very small kitchen, which I am certain has
produced a lot of amazing food over the years, is situated to the left.
Two large frames on the wall hold old black and white photos
of them as young boys, grown into young men and now older ones. The strong bond between
these men is evident. The recent loss of two is still a tender spot in their
hearts.
Talking with Ugo: Ugo talks with I Suoi Amici every Friday. Before by phone- now on Skype
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