Quote of the Day

I can't help on the 'prego' so much.

But, what I found worked for me as a tourist during that long break, was to use it to a) get to the next place; b) relax. And I find that a LOT of people (at least in my family) actually did come home from the office to the main meal. Then went back, if need be.

You are indeed in my ancestral homeland, right by Caltinessetta. Although the actual town my grandparents came from doesn't have much to see. When we toured, I remarked that everything seemed relatively new. This was met by polite silence on the part of the relatives. Then I realized that the US had bombed it into smithereens to 'soften up' before the invasion of Sicily. They didn't want to bring it up.

I've loved these posts - and really envy you the experience!

I was in Italy with a good friend right after college for a couple of weeks, and it seemed like "prego" was always followed by an enthusiastic, "regazza!!!".

But I think I'm past that stage of life now.

Sigh.

Prego sorta has the connotations of "please" or "be my guest" or "there, go ahead" or "what can I do for you" - many meanings, accordingly.

And that night life eating - just wait for Spain.

As written above, just wait until you hit Barcelona for restaurants to open at 10pm. If they're serving food at 7 or 8pm, look around and see that it is a place geared only for tourists. This is linked to the midday-closings of course. 3 recommendation for the late-sleeper: learn to get up so you can see at least one thing in the morning, do not whine, and luxuriously learn the pleasure of afternoon nap. Food stashed in hotel room is only option for little kids who will feel starved at 6.

BTW, I always thought this whole horarium has something to do with heat. I'm in Italy or Spain about 2 - 3 months a year, and the further south the more solid the midday closures. It used to be my principal frustration in traveling there, until I just decided to nap for 90 minutes after lunch every day.

Like the joke used to be about Jesuits (when I was in one of their high schools), they are so pious they get up at 5, twice every day.

A friend of mine from Costa Rica says it's the same there - the afternoon siesta is due to the heat, when everyone just sort of naps and takes it easy, and they don't eat dinner until late at night, when the sun has gone down and it's cooler.

Having traveled in 2000 with our 4 teens (19, 17, 15, & 13, girls in the middle) I can really relate to your experiences regarding your late riser! Especially since my husband & I are fairly early risers. Quite frustrating at times, to say the least.

Greece has got to be the worst - as far as late dining and night life goes. They don't really get going 'til 11:00 or midnight.

We used to have to go to large group dinners in Italy (the north) where they normally always had the "trittico" - 3 kinds of pasta - including risotto (after the anti-pasti); mixed grill, veggies, bread, many desserts, etc. If you don't select enough, it is often forced upon you. Various waters and vinos. Ending up back in bed at midnight - try to sleep on THAT! No wonder they have the "digestivo" after dinner. It sorta burns through everything!

BTW, taking in a bullfight in Barcelona? (not with the wee ones of course) Did I not see a comparison to Hemingway above somewhere? We happened to catch "Paco Camino" ... and a whole American fleet that was in port! Paco caught the grateful ladies' shoes, drank a little wine from one and tossed it back! We also had a "loco" bull. Wouldn't respond normally to signals so crowd booed it 'til it was removed from the ring. The kiddos might enjoy the regional town mockup - if it's still there after all these years.

Prego is exactly the same as the German "bitte" and the French "je t'en prie": they all mean "I pray, beg,...": It's shortahnd for "Please (come this way)", "Please (accept my hospitality)", "Please (don't mention it)". Just please, if you please!

first person singular present indicative

Ahem. First person singular present indicative active