Signora Sheila

As a child, I remember my father poring over the Daily News, our local newspaper. Every evening, since ours didn’t have a morning edition, he’d sit in his easy chair, newspaper in hand. Slippers on his feet.

For some reason, red flannel plaid slippers come to mind. Although I’m sure he had other kinds over the years. 

I’m more of a newspaper skimmer myself, rarely reading a full article unless it really piques my interest. Maybe I was really just ahead of my time. Preparped for the days of Internet surfing, before it was even invented. Imagine that!

How to read the news in Italy

Still, I like newspapers, and I’m glad they’re still strong here in Italy. Contrary to what I read about the USA, where people mostly read them online. But don’t expect your paper to be delivered over here. That service is not offered.

Read it at the local bar

Most coffee bars have a few copies of the daily papers on tables, so many people read them there. Why buy your own when you’re already stopping for coffee anyway? It’s a bit like one-stop shopping. Read the news while sipping your cappuccino, cornetto in hand. And catch up on the local gossip too. Coffee bars and newspapers just go together in Italy. And the best way to get all the news – local, national, and world!

Or buy your own newspaper

But if you do want your own copy, just stop by a local newsstand. These are often roadside or parking lot kiosks. Like the one, above, with its clever paintings on the window shutters. By day, customers see the merchandise. By night, an art gallery. Cool, right?

These stands sell not only newspapers, but magazines, puzzle books (like the one below), bus tickets, candy, lottery tickets, and gift items! Sometimes they will do home delivery, but usually only as a personal favor. Some of the larger supermarkets also have a kiosk section.

Or you can subscribe

With the advent of online newspapers it is now possible to subscribe directly from the newspaper itself, choosing between a paper copy or a digital edition.

In any case, I’m glad newspapers are still strong here, because some things should last. I like change: new faces, new experiences, and new places. New things to see and do.

But it’s funny how a little word, like newspaper, can bring back thoughts of the past.

Unexpected thoughts that flit in with a warm cozy and feeling that beckons, “Come in and stay a while.”

Like sitting with your dad in his red flannel slippers, reading the daily news. Steaming cup of coffee in hand. Relaxing after a long, hard day’s work. Working to provide a good life for his family while keeping up with the world at large.

I don’t read the paper. I’m still a skimmer, jumping from one thing to another. But I hope there will always be a place in this world for dads in red flannel slippers, newspaper in hand. Bringing help, love, and hope to this needy world. Don’t you?

And what do you think of when you hear the word “newspaper”?

📷 Image credits: cappuccino; newspapers; others are mine