A couple of hours more and we conclude our summer vacation in Italy and New York. The best decision we took was to stay at my friend’s resort in Varignana. The location was outstanding. The facilities were to die for. But the best part of the whole resort was the staff.

Incredibly friendly and helpful staff. We are going to miss Vito and his out of the world sense of humor and antics for a long time. Regardless of the work pressure, he always managed to make time for us at the restaurant and take customized requests. A sommelier par excellence, he regaled us with the stories of the different kinds of wines. It was very encouraging to hear about the story of his life that started in England and finally found him in Italy.

We will also miss the ever present smile of Anna from Romania who went out of her way every single time to make sure the kids and the adults were fully taken care of in the restaurant.

Then there was Sauhaib, Carmelia, Carlo and others.

Maybe it is in the culture of Italy but the front desk was another example of impeccable service. Sara, Irian and the rest took unbelievable care of us.

Not sure when we will be back in Bologna next. For sure, we will miss them till then…

After I was done laughing with Sharmila, Sonali and Paromita (see previous blog), I had the last piece of business for the day to take care of. I got to know Paromita when she was Nikita’s age today thru her brother – Partho – who was a year junior to me and we overlapped in two different schools (including our engineering school). Partho and I often played soccer together and practised music together in those days.

While in that engineering school, I had visited his house in Durgapur a couple of times. The last one of them was in 1988. That was the last time I saw his (and Paromita’s) mom – Mrs. Roy. We have talked to each other a couple of times over the phone ever since, but the last time I saw her was twenty seven years back. As it turns out, she is in New York now. So, I made the trek to Paromita’s condo to meet her mom!!

It was simply exhilarating to see Mrs. Roy after such a long time! We talked about some of my friends she knew from the past, some hilarious stories about Kaku (Mr. Roy, who, unfortunately is no more) – especially the one in Howrah station involving the “complaint register”, their old dog and my trusted old Vijay Deluxe!

I was thrilled to find out that she is keeping up with her creativity by writing articles, stories and poems. She was looking for a way to publish them. Unfortunately, it was past midnight when I finished up. But I promised to take an hour next time I am in NYC and help her set up her blogsite!!!

Till next time then, Mrs. Roy!!!