I was first introduced to Italian gelato while traveling around Europe on a Eurail pass many years ago. My friends and I were having a difficult time finding lodging in Florence as we had arrived unknowingly on an extremely popular Italian holiday, All Saint’s Day. As we walked along the River Arno, admiring the stunning architecture of the city, I read a poem written by Longfellow that captured the essence of this magnificent place:
The Old Bridge at Florence
Taddeo Gaddi built me. I am old,
Five centuries old. I plant my foot of stone
Upon the Arno, as St. Michael’s own
Was planted on the dragon. fold by fold
Beneath me as it struggles. I behold
Its glistening scales. Twice it hath overthrown
My kindred and companions. Me alone
It moveth not, but is by me controlled.
I can remember when the Medici
Were driven from Florence; longer still ago
The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf.
Florence adorns me with her jewelry;
And when I think that Michael Angelo
Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.
We turned up the Via de’ Benci, turned left at the Piazza San Croce and happened upon Vivoli gelateria. I tried several different flavors and I can assure you that it was love at first bite. Having grown up eating ice cream, I never knew what I was missing.
All of this came to mind as I was reading an article in the L.A. Times entitled “The Inside Scoop on Making Gelato.” Gelato has less fat than ice cream and is much creamier. If you haven’t tried it before, I recommend that you do so when given the chance.
If there is one thing that constrains to an experience of staleness, it is the unwillingness to try new things. Author Roger von Oech offered the following advice: “Everyone has a ‘risk muscle.’ You keep it in shape by trying new things. If you don’t, it atrophies. Make a point of using it at least once a day.”
Step out of your normal routine, your well-trodden preferences and your predictable habits every now and again. Your taste buds will thank you and more than that, you will live a dynamic and interesting life!
Gregory Hake 
risk muscle, where would one find one of those for sale? I think i lost mine years and years ago. š
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I know this guy in Chicago…
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Love Gelato! I first had it in Europe as well. My two “finds” that have thankfully made their way to America are Gelato and Nutella. Now if we could only find “house” wines as fine as in France.
I loved Longfellow’s poem, it was new to me. I spent a splendid afternoon on the beautiful bridge. Wonderful post it made me remember how lovely travel is and how it does present the opportunity to try many new things. Thanks!
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We sent them Dr. House…and no “house” wine in return. What gives?
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I have found this to be challenging in seeking to inspire someone close to me out of rigidity and the “I don’t like that’s”
I am seeking new idea’s as to how to approach this limiting aspect of consciousness that allows nothing to be new?
Any suggestions?????
Thanks Gregg for bringing this to point, for me it needs to be met and overcome!
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Mmmmm…..gelato! is exactly what I posted on facebook last night as I was enjoying a yummy treat! And I also remember my first taste of gelato in Florence many, many years ago.
I was just thinking the other day how that uncomfortable feeling of being out of your element is really a feeling of celebration. If we don’t step out of our comfort zone, if we don’t test our ‘risk muslces’ every now and again than we can’t grow as individuals. And if we can’t grow, well then, where is the fun that?
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Exactly my point. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for the fun post. Hope you are feeling better!
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Thoughtful post.
My kind of tasty treat, too… š
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Mmmmmmmmm…. yummy post!
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That’s what I said when I read the LA Times article…
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When you look back at the previous part of your life, I don’t think you often hear, “I wish I hadn’t tried so many new things.” It’s usually just the opposite.
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How true! Thanks for you comment today.
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I love the idea of a “risk muscle”. I didn’t need to worry about it so much when I was younger, but it is really pretty easy to get complacent when you get a little older. It keeps life interesting, and you’ll never get so predictable that you gave to go to extremes and have a mid life crisis. I think this is equally important with “Learn something new every day”, and I think they might just go hand in hand. Thanks!
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Complacency needn’t be a side-effect of advancing age and taking proactive measures early on is the best form of prevention. Thanks for your comment!
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