Console Generale Natalia Quintavalle and Dr. Aniello Musella
Although I've never been to Italy, for the past few years the
Italian Trade Commission has shown me
la dolce vita. Led by Dr. Aniello Musella since 2005, the Italian Trade Commission office in New York does an excellent job of spreading the word about Italian cuisine, culture, fashion, and wine. Whenever I get an invitation to one of their functions, I do everything I can to be there. But last night's event at the
Consulate General of Italy was a bittersweet one - it was a farewell party for Dr. Musella. He and his wife Susan are returning to Rome where
he will assume his new post on April 1st at the Italian Trade Commission's headquarters as Director of the Office of Industrial
& Institutional Planning. Last night Dr. Musella was presented with a very high honor - the
Onorificenza di Cavaliere
dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana
in recognition of his
contributions and service to the Republic
of Italy as a civil
servant.
An elegant, charming, and humble man, Dr. Musella's presence at an event always made me smile. Forward-thinking, he showed a genuine respect and appreciation for what us serious bloggers do long before other prominent institutions did - and for that I am eternally grateful.
In his remarks last night, Dr. Musella said that he will miss New York, especially the friends that he's made here. As he so eloquently stated, New York City is an exciting place to be but can be a lonely place without good friends. As demonstrated by the crowd gathered together to salute him last night, Dr. Musella's friends and associates will be a little bit lonelier when he leaves for Rome.
Arrivederci Dr. Musella and buona fortuna! I hope to see you again when I finally make it to Italy!
