European ambiance
there are several things that distinguish Europe from the
United States. one of the most striking
to me at least is the existence of the
town square or piazza or campo.
Vernazza, where we are staying in the Cinque Terre region on
the northwest coast of Italy, is an excellent example of a European town
square.
relatively small in scale, it has a real human feel to it. about the size of two, maybe three tennis
courts.
surrounded on three sides by buildings, each of which is no
taller than five stories. the square
opens up to a view of the harbor with its small boats and lapping waves of the
Mediterranean Sea.
a very few
stores. more importantly, eating and
drinking establishments flourish. most
of the restaurants have the majority, if not all, of their tables outside on
the square. all the tables are
protected with beautifully colored umbrellas.
the colors excite the spirit. all
the tables and chairs are wooden and collapsible. the sounds of glasses clinking are only
overwhelmed by the din of individual conversations. the table talk is lively. the entire square is alive with a muted,
reserved, almost contemplative, yet definite hum.
most tables are being used to eat, at all hours of the
day. but, in between meal times, some
tables become local card games that occur every day. other tables become the center of a
roundtable of six or seven chairs which are filled by three generations of the
same family, all discussing a variety of topics. other tables are filled with just two young
people lingering over their dinner wine, every so often leaning over the table
to exchange a sweet, soft kiss on the lips.
some tables are filled with the older ladies of the community discussing
whatever topics i don't know, but in earnest conversation to be sure. some tables are filled with visitors who are
experiencing something they are not used to -- namely, a town square that is
alive, with people and conversation, and with different generations. at least one table is filled by a gentleman
who is typing on his laptop computer a blog to send to his friends across the
pond.
the ambiance is infectious.
it is so pleasant. so
relaxing. so contemplative. yet, so alive.
in addition the square has at least 50% of its area
open. with no chairs or tables. this allows people to just walk and
connect. it allows for kids to play with
their balloons. it also allows for
special events to occur.
last night, for example, they had a table or two set up for
a bake sale to raise funds to help the victims of the earthquake in central
Italy . the night before, they had a performer
displaying his acrobatic antics to the delight of all, and especially the
younger crowd. the night before that
they had music which encouraged all kinds of lyrical, free form dancing. tonight, Sunday night, the open space has no
special activity. it is just open and
quiet. it feels wonderful.
i asked PJ and Tom tonight where in America do we have this
same feel, this same experience, or at least, something close to it. the best
they could come up with was Starbucks.
and, yes, often Starbucks has that feel within its stores. however, the thing that is different about
this town plaza/square experience is that it is not just within one store. it is outside, and it is a community
experience. and you are invited to hang
around. to talk, to play cards, to let
the kids play, to talk, to see friends.
maybe one of you reading this can share where you think
there is a comparable experience in the States.
we are stumped. we can't think of
any.
of course one other significant factor in making this
experience what it is is the lack of any autos.
no cars are within miles of this town square. no parking issues. no traffic lights. no emergency vehicles. only people walking.
everything in the square is alive, but at the same time
muted. for example, there are no
overhead bright street lights. it is
not all concrete. there are four trees.
bottom line. I could get used to this.
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