It all started with an obsession. You know, those little challenges that keep thwarting you and that keep niggling away until you get control.
Yesterday's challenge was to find an Italian newspaper for my aged Uncle Dino. He speaks no English and just likes to immerse himself with a newspaper when all around him becomes incomprehensible. Living with Jan, I know how he feels (you're a dead man - Ed).
Anyway I was racking my brains as to where to look. We'd tried the obvious, like W H Smiths and we'd even visited Manchester airport last Sunday (what a dump that was), then I had a brainwave. What about the airport in Leeds or better still there was bound to be Italians working at Salvo's restaurant, fairly near to the airport, and they would know.
Nada at the airport (the young Asian girl looked at me as if I was stupid), so it was off to Salvo's where we could get the information and some decent nosh as well. The place was packed.
First the food. I've been visiting this place on and off since they first opened in 1976. It had a good reputation from day one and appears to have maintained it ever since.
We shared a fritto misto to start with which was excellent and then we both had a pizza, which we both really enjoyed. The best pizza base I've had since eating pizza in Italy.
All washed down with a bottle of Falanghina. Recommended.
Now for the information. I asked Bartek our server (that was the first clue) if I could speak to an Italian.
'There is only one Italian working here,' he said, 'because the boss is on holiday. He makes the coffee and I'll get him.'
After a quick chat I got a little further with my quest for a newspaper.
So there you have it, if you want an Italian newspaper in England, forget it and if you would like an Italian waiter in an Italian restaurant. Forget that as well. Things have changed since we've been away.
I think the availability of foreign newspapers to read on the web sort of killed the print versions, which were always pretty hard to find anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe reverse of course isn't true as Brits abroad like to get their hot little hands on a UK rag no matter where they are. I think you need to buy him a netbook. I was going to say i-Pad but thought better of it.
You're right of course and we'd even thought of downloading some stuff for him but getting him to use a computer is a bit like asking a child to drive a car. It just isn't going to happen. Love your comment about the ipad!
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