The Portugal Papers

First, I would hear that iconic music, tinny and loud. Then, I would see the truck, white with bright signage on the side. I would race indoors, begging parents or grandparents, and anxiously wait for them to find a dollar or some change. Why did it always take so long?? By the time I made it back outside, there he was. The Ice Cream Man. A quick transfer of cash, and this girl had her favorite Summer treat – usually a bomb pop.

Tonight, I had the pleasure of enjoying an updated version of that memory. In Braga, the Ice Cream Man sells gelato! The Bella DiMarco Gelati truck stopped at our building a couple of hours ago. Lisa and I were watching an episode of The Agency, (great show, by the way – highly recommend!), when we heard the familiar plinks of Turkey in the Straw from outside. This time, I didn’t have to ask – I told Lisa to hit pause on our show, scrambled to find my wallet, and hurried outside. Soft serve gelato was offered in two flavors or a twist. The sign on the truck had no words, only pictures, and the driver spoke no English. No words needed, I pointed at the twist cone and gave him €2.20 and a big smile. It was delicious.

Happy Monday.🍦