Chapter 22
Piazza RisorgimentoAfter sleeping through most of his days since coming to Alba, he welcomed the evenings more than ever. Most Italian towns come alive after sunset, the lights of the cafés twinkling back at you from side streets, the sounds of music mingling from opposing corners of the piazze, the clink of plates and glasses at sidewalk tables, and the lively chatter of the people walking by.
Life was something like this back in his country, but stiffer and less friendly. The Italians had a way of making life sparkle. They took misfortune in stride – ever since the heyday of the Roman Empire, they've had their share of misfortune – and they reveled in good fortune. But through it all they laughed, loved, and played, as if enjoying each day was itself a victory.
He relaxed a
