Fear and Curiosity in Venice
Limoncello is a liqueur tasting like lemon meringue pie, but at 30% alcohol, it’s more potent than the average liquor. The first I heard of it was from two friends who had returned from Italy with a gift and a disturbing story.
Renée was studying drama in a small hill town, near where they make limoncello. Michel had gone to visit her before returning to Canada. One night they went out for dinner and drank a bottle of the local specialty. The next day they awoke to find him covered with cuts and bruises, without any recollection of events after the restaurant. While wandering around town they met a fellow who, in a very concerned tone, inquired into his health. It turned out Michel had fallen down a flight of stairs and this fellow had carried him to their hotel. They recalled none of this.
A bottle of limoncello was then gifted to our mutual friend, Danny, along with this story. It sat on top of his fridge for many months. I would frequently look up at the tall tapering bottle with fear and curiosity. Danny said he was saving it for a special occasion, but I think he may have been afraid of it too. It may sit there to this day.