a thirty sixth story...'ice cream and happiness'

Here’s a short story about an Italian woman who moved to Glasgow, and earns a living running an ice-cream van.

Ding-a-ling!

Her name is Vanessa.  She hails from Padova, or Padua, the oldest city in Nothern Italy.  She is five feet tall, dark haired, sallow skinned, rotund and cheerful.

You have to be cheerful if you’re selling stuff to kids.

Even in Glasgow.

Or at least smile like you mean it.

~

Vanessa’s ice-cream van has five different jingles.  She uses them according to the neighbourhood she is driving through, or the day of the week.  None of the jingles have anything to do with ice-cream, but they are all familiar to you and I. 

Vanessa’s personal favourite is a plinky, plonky version of the Proclaimers hit, ‘I’m Gonna Be’.

Dum diddle, dum diddle, dum diddle, do da day!

~

Back in Padova, Vanessa’s father was a Gelatarian.  Throughout her childhood Vanessa was always to be found dipping her finger into various tubs and bowls, tasting her father’s new recipes.  Her father would ask her how they were, and Vanessa would lick her lips, nod her head vigorously and gurgle appreciatively.

As might not be expected of a Gelatarian, Vanessa’s father was in fact a very slight man.  But he had the most delicate hands capable of sculpting his ice-cream into the most beautiful and appetising shapes and swirls.

After school Vanessa’s classmates would come by and press their noses against the frosted glass of father’s Gelataria just to see for themselves. 

Being the daughter of a Gelatarian and living above an ice-cream shop, Vanessa soon realised bought her a certain cache with boys - in return for a Stracciatella with chocolate shavings, Vanessa could woo pretty much any boy she fancied.

~

The ice-cream van Vanessa runs today is, in some ways, a far cry from her father’s Gelataria.  Nevertheless, Vanessa is very proud of it, and isn’t given over to romanticism. 

Just as well since she lives in Glasgow!

Vanessa is also a business woman.  She is happy to sell Feasts and Magnums because she knows Glaswegians like them, and she receives their Scottish pounds gladly.  Vanessa is probably the only owner of an ice cream van who can make a stack of money when the sun isn’t shining.

Again, Just as well..since she works in Glasgow!     

~

Recently, something happened to Vanessa she couldn’t believe.  On Maundy Thursday of this year she received an envelope from the Royal Mint.  The Queen of the British Isles had recognised her achievement in contributing towards the well-being and happiness of the people of Glasgow.  When Vanessa told her father over the telephone, they both cried – they were so happy!

Milk, sugar and free range egg yolks: the recipe for a satisfied and stable community.

And don’t forget about the chocolate shavings!