Good night, little flower

I was in the bread shop buying bread. After a long day of meetings in Jerusalem I was now back in Tel Aviv. As I was standing at the counter, placing my order, I heard the song. Playing softly in the background. For a moment I thought I was mistaken. But then no. There it was. And even before realising it, there I was, softly singing along with it, suddenly remembering all the words I didn't know I knew.

It is the Italian song of singer songwriter Francesco De Gregori, "Bounanotte Fiorellino". Goodnight flower. About someone who wishes goodnight to his love/wife who is far away. I had forgotten about the song. I don't think I've heard it since I left Italy, at the age of 18.

But suddenly I was awash with memories. Teenagers sitting around the bonfire with a guitar, humming along to this song, boys and girls hugging to keep warm in the cool Italian night. He wasn't even my favorite artist. It was just a song I loved and forgot about. Until today.

So here is the link to the song on You Tube. I looked it up when I came home and I've been listening to it ever since. Just so you can hear what I listened to many years ago and heard again today. Goodnight to all of you. I hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIkosxIvEQw&feature=related

Photo credit: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00676/teenagers-newquay_676811c.jpg

Grazie Mille, Mr Giorgio Armani

Reminiscing about my son MB's Bar Mitzvah, (see the previous two posts), has brought back fond memories of the preparations towards that big day and also a story about the dress I chose to wear at the dancing party we held for family and friends after the synagogue.

So here's the story.

I needed a dress. A party dress. A happy dress. And whenever I need a happy dress the person I think of is Giorgio. Yes. Giorgio. Giorgio Armani. The Italiano.