Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 2 – A Paid Holiday
“Well, do you know I had the very same idea?” exclaims the director. All the other editors sitting around the table nod convincingly.
“I was just thinking of something of that kind,” the director continues, “It could be very interesting. Perhaps we could even think of a more in-depth study, a… a…”
“A report, I think that’s the word,” intervenes Gianni. “We could do it like this: during the week I could go around the various slowfood fairs, checking if what they’re offering really is slowfood. And then on Saturday we could publish a good article based on what I’ve found out that week.”
“A column in the Saturday supplement!” nods the director, “Exactly what I had in mind…”
Gianni smiles. The director is always doing this, taking other people’s ideas and selling them as his. He means no harm, it’s simply that he never has any ideas of his own. But on this occasion Gianni says nothing and even compliments the director.
And so, at the end of the meeting, Gianni is given the go ahead. He’ll have his expenses paid and even a bit more.
“And all without having to attend the daily editorial meeting,” he thinks, “A paid holiday!”
At home Gianni sits in his kitchen preparing the itinerary for his research trip. Like a true gastronome, he first chooses the most interesting food fairs in Northern Italy and only then plans where he will stay.
“A really good trip. What do you think, useless dog?” he says, turning to look for his pet. Nebo is nowhere to be seen, but there’s some noise from the bedroom.
