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Catastrophe., an upset in a battle of Nations… World Cup?, No, but in other news there was an upset in the Old World…. Paris, and Rome weep. Pakistan and China grumble, we were here before all of you. For what reason you ask? A summer reprieve… You scream, I scream, we all scream for… Agnes Marshall, ‘Queen of Ices’ please hand over your frosted tiara. Officially, summer isn’t here but the heat is on in Bucharest, both in temperature and frozen dessert, as I just had the finest artic treat that I’ve ever known. Ais Kacang, Gelato, Dondurma, to Kulfi… Even Halo-halo throw down that snow cone and sharpen your Popsicle stick, them’s fighting words.
The ice cream truck music you heard in the distance and gave chase to on your 10-speed Schwinn, to no avail, possibly disappeared to the hinterlands of Romania. More specifically, Old Bucharest. Now, if I could only find where the sock go (but I digress)? This ice cream truck in particular has bells (ancient cow bells) but no whistles and it has magicians at the helm. The magic goes beyond chilled confections, as they are the Houdini’s of making your Ice Cream disappear. They are funny bullies, waving a three foot long ice cream scooper or wand as the case may be. One second, your double scoop is firmly in hand, the next you have an empty cone. They have a series of tricks, taunting if you will. Advanced notice, wear a shirt with a chest pocket, it makes the spectacle that much better, but that’s all I shall give on the inside-scoop (wahh-wahh), a magician never reveals their tricks.
Hold a second, Berthillon on I’lle St. Louis is ringing my mobile…. Uh oh, call waiting, another incoming call… Mamma Mia!! It’s the Vatican reminding me about Gelateria dei Gracchi. Forgive me Father, for I have sinned, but the best way to numb your tongue is in Old Bucharest. What are my qualifications you ask? My belt as my witness, the ‘10,000-Hour Rule’ has been practiced, and there are few things I truly believe I can speak to with great authority but this is probably one. On that note… “That was the best ice-cream soda I ever tasted. (Last words.)”
-Lou Costello