Lasting Impressions

The sound of the crowd wasn't deafening. It was subdued, respectful of what they were watching. The clapping followed us down the wide, cobbled street. There were several of us that day -- I remained at the back of the procession with my mother and aunt. Like the locals we were spectators.

I watched my cousin Jen and her husband Mike walk arm in arm at the front. Her wedding gown trailed at her feet and I could tell she was trying not to trip over. Mike looked the epitome of a soldier with his navy blue uniform and black beret. I wondered if they felt like royalty with all the attention.

The people of Sorrento cheered when we stopped so the wedding planners could take photos. I could see Italian children jumping up and down; bright eyed and full of energy. One man helped a boy onto his shoulders so both of them could witness the happy couple.

An elderly woman approached my mother and spoke in Italian. Although I didn't understand I heard the lilt and good fortune in her voice. My mother seemed to find the words funny and politely shook her head.

When I asked her what the woman said my mother told me she'd asked if Jen was Italian. My mother told the woman she was half right.

I felt humbled by the experience. For a brief moment it was magic, as if the locals had looked past our Englishness and accepted us as their own. I realised it felt like a home coming, that the Italian side of my heritage could be allowed to blossom.

When the photos were done we arrived at the beach for the reception. I saw the island of Capri in the distance. I recalled a lesson from my Ancient History class - how Roman Emperors had used the island for a paradise getaway. To stand in the shadow of culture was a wonderful sensation.

I joined my family on the sand. The people who had followed us formed a ring on the outside. To me they looked like sentinels; a vanguard of smiling faces keeping watch over a holy event. Their vigil was part of the celebration.

By the time the reception was over the sun was setting. The crowd dwindled to a handful, but their good cheer remained in memory. I hugged Jen and shook Mike's hand. We toasted with cheap champagne and welcomed the future with open arms.

I awakened in my hotel room thoroughly hung over the next morning. But I remembered the faces of Sorrento and her people. They created an Arcadia inside my head and I've never looked back.