FROM ITALIAN LANGUAGE TO SONGS

We have been through a rough patch. 

The cause was a viral infection and after 6 weeks, Akhila and I hope we have seen the end of it and can get back to greener pastures again!

Confined to home, there were some light moments when Shumita and her boys came to comfort and cheer us. After lunch one day, Shiven and Raghav were talking about their Spanish lessons when Akhila remarked that Shumita had put in so much effort to learn French but it was all going waste as she was not making use of it now. In defence, Shumita said she had been busy with the boys' schooling and once they went to College, she would pursue French again, speak and write it and visit France. 

I butted in and said I shall visit the Italian Cultural Centre and join its language classes. Shumita asked why Italian and not Spanish which the boys are getting good at? I said I'm already familiar with a lot of Italian words and phrases and it would be easier for me to pick up the language.

Shumita and the boys: "Where did you learn the words?"

Me:"In Rome from Italians during my visits."

"For example?"

"Buon giorno."

"Another one?"

"Buona Sera."

"And another?"

"That's it, that's good night."

"No, buona sera is good evening" and they show me on iPhone that good night is "Buona notte."

"Well, for me buona sera is good night and I have a beautiful Italian song to prove it."

I switch on the TV and YouTube and open the 1956 hit song by Louis Prima, 'Buona Sera'. This is what its catchy and unforgettable lyrics say-

"Buona sera signorina buona sera

It is time to say good night to Napoli

Though it's hard for us to whisper buona sera

With that old moon above the Mediterranean Sea

In the morning signorina we'll go walking

Where the mountains help the sun come in to sight

And by the little jewelry shop we'll stop and linger

Where I'll buy a wedding ring for your finger

In the meantime let me tell you that I love you

Buona sera signorina kiss me good night."

Well, for me 'buona sera' will always be 'good night'!

P.S. This song was, of course, also rendered superbly by Dean(o) Martin(o), the maestro of Italian songs who gave us hits after hits in the '50s and the '60s. I simply have to recall perhaps his greatest, "Volare".

"Volare, oh oh

Cantare, oh oh oh oh

Let's fly way up to the clouds

Away from the maddening crowds

We can sing in the glow of a star that I know of where lovers enjoy peace of mind

Let us leave the confusion and all disillusion behind

Just like birds of a feather a rainbow together we'll find

Volare, oh oh

Cantare, oh oh oh oh

No wonder my happy heart sings

Your love has given me wings....

Nel blu dipinto di blu

E che dici di stare lassu...."