We had a great block party for our neighborhood the other night and something struck me about it that has been true at the various festas and gatherings that I've attended here in Italy. Always there's such diversity of ages in any get together, from babies and young children up to elderly men and women and all ages in between. Makes me realize how age segregated we've become in the states and how the young don't get the chance to hang out with the old and vice versa. Here, all age groups are present and the folks at any age get to see examples of what to expect for themselves at the next age phase as well as enjoy one another. The socializing, singing, dancing or celebrations of local produce, saints, history or customs so prevalent all summer long brings everyone together in a rich way. It's fun having teenagers singing along with elders and children line dancing with parents and grandparents. Our block party was a blast! Even the evening passegiata brings out the whole community to stroll and greet one another and just be together. It feels good. From my perspective at 63 it is nice to be valued.
although this is not so common with all of trinidad....i love that our life brings people of all ages, races, interests, etc that kahlil & kamala get to interact with...it opens so many worlds to them!
ReplyDeleteit's good!
ReplyDeleteI love that you've seen the difference and called it out. Kelly's absolutely right about how much it expands the worlds of everyone. Diversity, even of age, makes an impact - a positive one!
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