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August 4 - August 11,2002 |
Reflecting on a time well spent
Consul General of Italy Francesco Scarlata bids Toronto addio
By Antonio Maglio
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Toronto Consul General of Italy Francesco Scarlata
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This interview formed the subject for the last "call-up notice" between Francesco Scarlata, Consul General of Italy in Toronto, and this scribe. A few words of explanation: we had the habit of inviting each other for brunch, and called these invitations "call-up notices" like the postcards that informed young Italians of where and how they were supposed to surrender themselves for their compulsory military service. Our phone calls went more or less like this: "A call-up notice has been sent, for the day after tomorrow at 1 p.m. Where shall we meet?"
The brunch was the pretext for spending a couple of hours chatting about the state of the universe. There was no pretence to change the world; after every brunch the sun rose and set as usual, and this did not bother us in the least. However, informally exchanging ideas on the Middle East and the crisis in Eastern Europe, Umberto Eco's latest book and America after 9/11, was pleasant for me and I think also for him. He could at least stay away for some time from incoming e-mail and ringing phones, requests for appointments and invitations to events. Scarlata's analyses were sophisticated, as he adds sensitivity and culture to his professional training, as well as the Neapolitan ability to explain even difficult concepts with a few well-chosen words.
This was our last "call-up notice". We set Eco, the Middle East and Eastern Europe aside, and spoke about him, Francesco Scarlata, who's begun to pack his bags. In a month, in fact, his tour as Consul General in Toronto will be complete. His next post will be as an Ambassador. However, when I asked him where he will go next, he skilfully dodged the question. "If you can tell me where you'll go after Toronto, I'll tell you where I'll go", he said. I will go in the world, I replied. "So shall I. But rest assured that, wherever I'll go, I'll send you my 'call-up notices'."
He did not elaborate further, except for a small note: "If you will not write the interview on a first-name basis, you'll convince me that journalists lie about essential things." To avoid tarnishing the reputation of my profession, I submitted.
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