Saw this poster on my way home today

“With Israel, with democracy”

The facade of the Liguria Region building in Piazza De Ferrari lit up this evening as a sign of peace and closeness to the Israeli people

“When we defend Israel, we’re not only defending a state that has the right to protect its citizens, but a foundation of democracy that is precious to all of us. Terror cannot prevail” these are the words of the President of the Liguria Region Giovanni Toti to raise awareness among the Ligurians and the country to the support of the Israeli community, threatened by the Islamic fundamentalists of Hamas on the Gaza Strip

For non-New Yorkers, Citerella is a rather fancy high-end food emporium (as high end grocery stores sometimes tend to be called!). On my way home from pilates and brunch with a friend this morning I stopped there to pick up a few specialty items for out of town company arriving to stay with me this week.

Standing in front of the gourmet cheese counter lost in thought and staring at the vast array of beautiful cheeses on display I was oblivious to the busy Sunday morning shoppers as they wound their way around me.

Perhaps I was looking way too contemplative for someone making a cheese decision, I will never know, but suddenly the department manager appeared in front of me startling me out of my thoughts and asking if he could help me. Believe me, this was a noteworthy event, not only because he had stopped his busy slicing, dicing and wrapping to approach me but because I usually have to wave and wait to get anyone’s attention even when it’s not a crowded Sunday morning. “I wish you could”, I sighed “It’s just that I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for”. At that he dramatically threw up his arms and loudly proclaimed “You sound exactly like my first wife!”. This made me and everyone within hearing distance, including the rest of the counter staff, burst out laughing.

After regaining my composure, and apologizing for bringing up any unpleasant memories (he laughed forgivingly!) I made my choices, worked my way through the crowds, checked out, and walked home chuckling to myself the entire time.