A Politics-Free Vacation

We’re heading out to Grandma’s house on Cape Cod tomorrow. My Dad says, “When you grow up in a large Italian-Irish-Greek working class family there’s a tendency to hold firmly to your views and speak loudly about them.”

That’s what happened last summer when we were visiting Grandma and Grandpa’s house at the beach. I remember several tense moments that I don’t think anyone enjoyed.  So this year we have a new rule. No politics. No Fox News. No CNN. No MSNBC. Not even the BBC. Everyone has promised not to mention the blue states turning red or the red states turning blue.  I’m sure glad my service vest is bright orange.

But even though we’ve decided to make it a politics-free vacation doesn’t mean there won’t be heated discussions. Just ordering pizza can turn into a loud national debate where everyone has very strong opinions. Me and my Dad still think it’s Regina’s in the North End of Boston. But not everyone agrees it’s worth the hour long wait.

And once we’re down the Cape the best place to get fried clams becomes the next Battle of the Titans.  And of course where to get Lobsters Rolls can leave people not speaking to each other for days.

Fortunately, with a large Italian-Irish-Greek family once the food goes into their mouths all grudges are forgotten and political lines dissolve until the next meal. I can’t wait!

5 replies
  1. Doug Erickson
    Doug Erickson says:

    Dan, James & Morgan
    Your post reminds me of what that Old NewEnglander Robert Frost once said,”” Two roads diverged in a wood, and I too the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”. Then my Mother was clear about this, she said too never let politics come between your sisters & brothers, (she never mentioned Aunts & Uncles & inlaws though).
    Now Al & I & Rocky will be anxiously awaiting your return to Northern California .
    Remember no liquids in the carry ons.
    Auf Wiedersehen
    Doug

    Reply
  2. Allyson Scarna
    Allyson Scarna says:

    Ah great story!!❤ I have similar ones too, being married into a family of Calabrese on one side, Siciliano (duck when you say that word Adelene*) on the other … it’s Hatfields vs McCoys down to what shade blue the sky is. Have a wonderful time visiting with your mom & dad & family, and may safe travels be with you two throughout! Think of us all now & then back home in this sweltering heat
    (*can’t say that ‘S’ word without saying what my dear mother-in-law Helen — aka Adelene — heard for over 50 years)

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply