The Italian Forum (D18)

I think I have just had the perfect pizza. The perfect pizza is a bit like the perfect baguette, but attainable. I can tell you what makes a perfect pizza. I can't yet tell you what makes a perfect baguette. A perfect pizza includes a perfect pizza base, not thick but not crispy. Then it's a basic Margarita plus onions, mushrooms, olives, capers, anchovies and peperoni. Occasionally thin red pepper for colour. A perfect baguette, as those who have been following this blog will know, is a metaphor for happiness. Don't worry I'll let you know when I find one.

I had this perfect pizza for lunch at a pizzeria in the Italian Forum in Leichhart. I had set off on a walk from Vivs, only this time I checked I knew the way. You have to walk through Habberfield to get to Leichhart. This time also I noticed the buses that were passing. The 438 to Abbertsford. On the way out of Five Dock you pass a bronze statue erected by and for Italians who moved to the area. The dates on the plinth show settlement in the late fifties and sixties. There is a roll call of names of the families who settled in Five Dock. According to the last census, there are over a million people who call themselves Italian in this country. They have been migrating for over a century. They came initially as builders and labourers. Mainly of peasant stock , they worked the mines of Western Australia, the sugar plantations of Queensland, and the Gold mines of Victoria. In New South Wales many worked on the Snowy Mountain Scheme and the Warragamba Dam project. They were used to the climate, cheap and willing to work. Their industry caused them to come into conflict with the already established Anglo-Celtic working class, with distinct racist undertones. 'Taking our jobs and women' no doubt. Much was 'chain' migration, where people joined other family or community members who were already in here. People from the same part of Italy naturally settled near each other.

Italian Australians like to celebrate their cultural heritage in festivals held all over the country. The best known include the Lygon Street festival in Carlton, Melbourne, and the Australian Italian Festival held in Ingham, North Queensland. Here Viva Leichhart happens over three weeks in May/June. Their motto is Mangiamo, Beviamo and Cantiamo (Eat, Drink and Celebrate), who can argue with that? As well as social festivals they have religious festivals, which celebrate the patron saints of Italian towns or regions back home. They like to enjoy themselves, and at the same time reaffirm their cultural identity. This seems to be a theme of migrating people. A careful balance between integration with the local population and maintaining identity.

Today both Habberfield and Leichhart are very Italian. The people look Italian and speak Italian. The Italian Forum in Leichhart is built as a courtyard surrounded on four sides by shops, restaurants and apartments. People sit out in the shade drinking and talking. Families come here at night, knowing children will be safe from traffic.

So I had my perfect pizza with a glass of white wine and a green salad. I was on my own. People came and went. The breeze and shade helped with the heat. Time drifted by. I was in no rush. I was enjoying this little bit of Italy.

One thing I've noticed in Australia, they don't seem to have a siesta. The shops stay open throughout, air conditioned, and busy. I wonder if they're missing a trick. The Mediterraneans have had a siesta for thousands of years, there must be a good reason. This weather is very Mediterranean and exhausting.

After another glass of wine I think it's time I had a siesta. I found the 438 and for $3.10 I'm back at Viv's. Soon after that I'm away to the land of siesta.