Thank you Fred, I really appreciate that, I honestly believe that lives would be saved if there was a booth on Waterloo bridge with a one way ticket to Italy for those with a broken soul. La Dolce Vita is alive and kicking, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I really, really hope you have got out of your soul sucker?
It's funny to say this but I'm almost scared to talk about how much I enjoy my life here in Italy because of all the "intellectual takedown" here on Substack. I believe, without intending to, the "intellectuals" of Substack are also glorifying the miserable immigrant stereotype as the acceptable one when they pushback against people narrating their positive experiences.
Hi Sema, thank you, I see nothing 'intellectual' in the takedown. I myself never suffer fools gladly nor indulge burning martyrs. It's all a bit 'Emperor's clothes' to me, instead I find myself saying...really???
I totally but totally love Italy, warts and all, and defend her and the Italians against the Miserati (my new word to encompass the professionally miserable with their misery approach to joy). As for the Miserati, for myself, if an Italian has something to moan about, fair enough there are valid issues and it's their country, but if a foreigner who choses to live in Italy decides to put in a sly boot then my first reaction is to defend Italy, my second to suggest that if they don't like Italy - to do everyone, Italy and themselves a favour -and leave.
I am disappointed as there does seem to be a grappling for superiority amongst substackers which is entirely unnecessary. It is here, in the attacks which seem specifically against Italy (I don't seem attacks against Joie di vivre but only against La Dolce Vita) but also in entirely unfounded intellectual snobbery against the Instagramati. Creativity is expressed in many ways, art is democratic, writers have no superiority compared to anyone else however their creativity is expressed. (Arguably less, since visuals are perceived through a primary sense, a photo can capture something and be seen without the incumbrance of necessity of knowing a particular language. Whatever words we write will always be less than something seen, tasted, touched etc directly.)
I'd love to hear about how much you enjoy life in Italy (or anywhere:-) ) Me, I'm going to keep on shouting it from the rooftops.
Wonderful to read. It bathed my heart and spirit and with your very articulate words, you brought the very essence of that “sense of wonder, and a sense of conscious appreciation….a state of mind… appreciation (sic) of flashes of happiness in the joy of every day life” to this space and connected us, “the ones with wonder, and appreciation and – joie de vivre” for the joys of Italy. 🇮🇹
I would say you are the most insider “outsider” there is! That being said, I think being an outsider enhances your wonder and appreciation of a place and gives a clearer view of its everyday magic. As for me, living and working in Chicago most of my life, did I embrace its architecture, history, beauty? Not really even though I saw it every day. But later I became a “step-on” guide for tour bus groups passing through Chicago. That’s when I really started to study and learn about its incredible history. Showing it off to visitors and seeing their reactions brought me a new love, appreciation and pride that I had never known before! So yay for being an outsider! (But my true La Dolce Vita is found in Italy - Wish I realized that sooner!)
That is very kind of you to say so- thank you, Francine. How wonderful to have grown up in Rome, honestly, as I said to another lady, chunks of my heart remain in that beautiful city. Thank you for subscribing, I do hope you will enjoy my other bloglets- ‘the defence’ is unusual but I had to rise in defence of Italy. Most are tongue in cheek silliness but have in common a love of all things Italian (and England to) with no verbal incontinence manifested in rants or swearing (I am not referring to anyone in particular here); I look for peace in a febrile world, and the crafting rather than spewing of words. Have a lovely weekend in baking hot England :-)
This is a wonderful reflection on ‘ Italianness’ and the classic essence of 'La Dolce Vita.'
I’ve thought a lot about the phrase over the years, and I’d concluded that Fellini might have irreparably splintered its meaning. In fact, I rarely say 'La Dolce Vita' — whether in English or Italian — without at least mentally adding air quotes.
There’s the ironic meaning implied by the film’s dark decadence and emptiness; the newer and flashier consumerist jet-set/influencer/Bezos interpretation; and the hollowed-out version used as a marketing slogan.
But this essay makes me hopeful that the phrase might come full circle: returning to a meaning tied to a more reflective, soulful appreciation of small pleasures. That’s not too, too far from its pre-Fellini roots.
Pia, I don't know you, but as an Italian from Italy and not New Jersey, I'm qualified to say that you totally hit the nail on la dolce effin' vita: it's not what's marketed around by travel bloggers, it's not something that you can buy -- and if you manage to buy it, then I'm afraid they sold you a "tarocco", by which I don't mean the orange, nor the tarot card, but a counterfeit idea.
Yes, it feels perhaps as if there are two La Dolce Vitas. The original appreciation of simple pleasures which cannot be bought and the corrupt/decadent, bastardised irony of the film La Dolce Vita. One, an abstract noun, the other available on Amex. But thank you for your kinds. I have to ask - where are from in Italy?
I LOVE Rome. I lived in Trastevere, Santa Maria Maggiore, Laurentina and finally Via Fiorenella. Absolutely wonderful decade. My daughter was born there (and just graduated from La Sapienza)
Honestly, I reckon the dust that bakes in the sun and blows around the cobbles, or pietrasanti, is made of the DNA of people who had to leave but left chunks of their heart behind.
We live near Lucca now. Pisa has that rough Roman edge but…. it is just not the same.
I think I read the other article you are talking about.
Despite never having been to Italy, I feel a connection to it. My biological father is from Sicily. My name is Catania. My husband lived there for a few years during college.
I want to believe in the idea of La Dolce Vita for the precise reason you stated: It is not just about whose reality is right. Attempting to explode myths, stamping on a wonder for the simple sweet things in life drains the world of hope.
It reminds me of what one of my favorite poets (Jack Gilbert) wrote, "We must risk delight."
How lovely and what an act of fidelity and love that every time your name is called, the air resounds not just with a father’s love for a daughter but for Catania and Sicily. What a wonderful way to connect with your heritage.
We haven’t spent much time in Sicily (yet) - we’ve been to the islands, Lipari, Stromboli and Volcano but never quite made it there, although even writing about exploring there makes me feel excited. We’ll go in spring, when it is cooler and all the wild flowers in bloom.
But as a wine lover I cannot recommend Italy to you enough. I am complete philistine when it comes to wine but you have the big B wines- Barolo, Barbers, Brunello, Barbaresco, Sassicia of course, then the Tuscan hill tops- Montalcino, the Nobiles….Hugo’s favourite wine atm is a Santonella which I understand is a Mandrarossa wine. Me, I am a fan of our local vineyard, Segreto which does biological wines. I swear they don’t give you a headache.
‘We must risk delight’ I love that line of poetry! Absolutely
Catania, come to Italy- risk delight. Take a couple of months and do a wine tour from top to bottom and when you land in Pisa environs, we will drink bottles of Segreto while the sun sets on the lake and you can tell me your fathers stories, your husbands stories, your Italian adventures and whether La Dolce Vita is alive and kicking.
I am actually a complete newbie when it comes to wine. (I'm more of a Zero than a Vino!) And I'm taking the next few months to learn more about wine, learn more about my Italian heritage - which is why La Dolce Vita and La Bella Figura have been on my mind lately!
I will have to check out that wine you suggested. Thanks!
Having spent decades in a soul sucking job, it is gratifying to know that you made it out. Thank you for sharing your joy so that we can experience the sweet life vicariously.
Thank you Fred, I really appreciate that, I honestly believe that lives would be saved if there was a booth on Waterloo bridge with a one way ticket to Italy for those with a broken soul. La Dolce Vita is alive and kicking, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I really, really hope you have got out of your soul sucker?
I loved this! Simple pleasures really can’t be bought.
Thank you :-)
It's funny to say this but I'm almost scared to talk about how much I enjoy my life here in Italy because of all the "intellectual takedown" here on Substack. I believe, without intending to, the "intellectuals" of Substack are also glorifying the miserable immigrant stereotype as the acceptable one when they pushback against people narrating their positive experiences.
Hi Sema, thank you, I see nothing 'intellectual' in the takedown. I myself never suffer fools gladly nor indulge burning martyrs. It's all a bit 'Emperor's clothes' to me, instead I find myself saying...really???
I totally but totally love Italy, warts and all, and defend her and the Italians against the Miserati (my new word to encompass the professionally miserable with their misery approach to joy). As for the Miserati, for myself, if an Italian has something to moan about, fair enough there are valid issues and it's their country, but if a foreigner who choses to live in Italy decides to put in a sly boot then my first reaction is to defend Italy, my second to suggest that if they don't like Italy - to do everyone, Italy and themselves a favour -and leave.
I am disappointed as there does seem to be a grappling for superiority amongst substackers which is entirely unnecessary. It is here, in the attacks which seem specifically against Italy (I don't seem attacks against Joie di vivre but only against La Dolce Vita) but also in entirely unfounded intellectual snobbery against the Instagramati. Creativity is expressed in many ways, art is democratic, writers have no superiority compared to anyone else however their creativity is expressed. (Arguably less, since visuals are perceived through a primary sense, a photo can capture something and be seen without the incumbrance of necessity of knowing a particular language. Whatever words we write will always be less than something seen, tasted, touched etc directly.)
I'd love to hear about how much you enjoy life in Italy (or anywhere:-) ) Me, I'm going to keep on shouting it from the rooftops.
VIVA ITALIA!
Wonderful to read. It bathed my heart and spirit and with your very articulate words, you brought the very essence of that “sense of wonder, and a sense of conscious appreciation….a state of mind… appreciation (sic) of flashes of happiness in the joy of every day life” to this space and connected us, “the ones with wonder, and appreciation and – joie de vivre” for the joys of Italy. 🇮🇹
Thank you so,so much! X
I would say you are the most insider “outsider” there is! That being said, I think being an outsider enhances your wonder and appreciation of a place and gives a clearer view of its everyday magic. As for me, living and working in Chicago most of my life, did I embrace its architecture, history, beauty? Not really even though I saw it every day. But later I became a “step-on” guide for tour bus groups passing through Chicago. That’s when I really started to study and learn about its incredible history. Showing it off to visitors and seeing their reactions brought me a new love, appreciation and pride that I had never known before! So yay for being an outsider! (But my true La Dolce Vita is found in Italy - Wish I realized that sooner!)
It’s never too late to come to Italy!
As a British person who grew up in Rome I enjoyed your well argued, balanced rebuttal to a somewhat mean-spirited rant.
That is very kind of you to say so- thank you, Francine. How wonderful to have grown up in Rome, honestly, as I said to another lady, chunks of my heart remain in that beautiful city. Thank you for subscribing, I do hope you will enjoy my other bloglets- ‘the defence’ is unusual but I had to rise in defence of Italy. Most are tongue in cheek silliness but have in common a love of all things Italian (and England to) with no verbal incontinence manifested in rants or swearing (I am not referring to anyone in particular here); I look for peace in a febrile world, and the crafting rather than spewing of words. Have a lovely weekend in baking hot England :-)
This is a wonderful reflection on ‘ Italianness’ and the classic essence of 'La Dolce Vita.'
I’ve thought a lot about the phrase over the years, and I’d concluded that Fellini might have irreparably splintered its meaning. In fact, I rarely say 'La Dolce Vita' — whether in English or Italian — without at least mentally adding air quotes.
There’s the ironic meaning implied by the film’s dark decadence and emptiness; the newer and flashier consumerist jet-set/influencer/Bezos interpretation; and the hollowed-out version used as a marketing slogan.
But this essay makes me hopeful that the phrase might come full circle: returning to a meaning tied to a more reflective, soulful appreciation of small pleasures. That’s not too, too far from its pre-Fellini roots.
I'm glad to have stumbled across this. Thanks.
Pia, I don't know you, but as an Italian from Italy and not New Jersey, I'm qualified to say that you totally hit the nail on la dolce effin' vita: it's not what's marketed around by travel bloggers, it's not something that you can buy -- and if you manage to buy it, then I'm afraid they sold you a "tarocco", by which I don't mean the orange, nor the tarot card, but a counterfeit idea.
Yes, it feels perhaps as if there are two La Dolce Vitas. The original appreciation of simple pleasures which cannot be bought and the corrupt/decadent, bastardised irony of the film La Dolce Vita. One, an abstract noun, the other available on Amex. But thank you for your kinds. I have to ask - where are from in Italy?
I’m in Rome, the OG “dolce vita” location, as per Federico Fellini’s movie…
I LOVE Rome. I lived in Trastevere, Santa Maria Maggiore, Laurentina and finally Via Fiorenella. Absolutely wonderful decade. My daughter was born there (and just graduated from La Sapienza)
Honestly, I reckon the dust that bakes in the sun and blows around the cobbles, or pietrasanti, is made of the DNA of people who had to leave but left chunks of their heart behind.
We live near Lucca now. Pisa has that rough Roman edge but…. it is just not the same.
Sampietrini, you mean? ;)
Slaps forehead, senior moment. Yes! Pietrasanta is a town near Lucca
I think I read the other article you are talking about.
Despite never having been to Italy, I feel a connection to it. My biological father is from Sicily. My name is Catania. My husband lived there for a few years during college.
I want to believe in the idea of La Dolce Vita for the precise reason you stated: It is not just about whose reality is right. Attempting to explode myths, stamping on a wonder for the simple sweet things in life drains the world of hope.
It reminds me of what one of my favorite poets (Jack Gilbert) wrote, "We must risk delight."
How lovely and what an act of fidelity and love that every time your name is called, the air resounds not just with a father’s love for a daughter but for Catania and Sicily. What a wonderful way to connect with your heritage.
We haven’t spent much time in Sicily (yet) - we’ve been to the islands, Lipari, Stromboli and Volcano but never quite made it there, although even writing about exploring there makes me feel excited. We’ll go in spring, when it is cooler and all the wild flowers in bloom.
But as a wine lover I cannot recommend Italy to you enough. I am complete philistine when it comes to wine but you have the big B wines- Barolo, Barbers, Brunello, Barbaresco, Sassicia of course, then the Tuscan hill tops- Montalcino, the Nobiles….Hugo’s favourite wine atm is a Santonella which I understand is a Mandrarossa wine. Me, I am a fan of our local vineyard, Segreto which does biological wines. I swear they don’t give you a headache.
‘We must risk delight’ I love that line of poetry! Absolutely
Catania, come to Italy- risk delight. Take a couple of months and do a wine tour from top to bottom and when you land in Pisa environs, we will drink bottles of Segreto while the sun sets on the lake and you can tell me your fathers stories, your husbands stories, your Italian adventures and whether La Dolce Vita is alive and kicking.
https://www.mandrarossa.it/en
Thank you! I hope to go there soon.
I am actually a complete newbie when it comes to wine. (I'm more of a Zero than a Vino!) And I'm taking the next few months to learn more about wine, learn more about my Italian heritage - which is why La Dolce Vita and La Bella Figura have been on my mind lately!
I will have to check out that wine you suggested. Thanks!
Having spent decades in a soul sucking job, it is gratifying to know that you made it out. Thank you for sharing your joy so that we can experience the sweet life vicariously.