A Shrine to Jack Daniels in a Jesi Castle

Jesi, Ancona in the Marche region of Italy

My first visit to Italy in 2019 was filled with many interactions and local fun. The country was new and exciting; the people were very friendly, and I chatted with everyone.

Walking down a quiet cobblestone road in a castle in Jesi (Marche, Italy), we passed two men installing a lamp above a door. Their small van parked on the narrow road made passing by a little tight. "Buongiorno, sono Americana" (hello, I am American), I said as I squeezed through.  

Those simple words, with a big smile, prompted many engaging conversations. Even with people who only spoke Italian, none of which I understood, we would laugh and show affection with a touch, a kiss-kiss, or a hug, as if we were old cousins catching up. (And I am fluent in pantomime, lol!) I've discovered that when people want to communicate, they don't need to speak the same language to understand each other. It helps, but not speaking the same language isn't an excuse not to try.

When I told the guys I was American, one got very excited, grabbed my hand, and pulled me into his shop. My friends were down the cobblestone street, and Cathy happened to glance back and saw me pulled into the building.

There it was – a club dedicated to Jack Daniels and the Rat Pack. American musicians and entertainers from the 50s and 60s adorned the walls. The Jack Daniels displays were a funny sight in an Italian castle, but it felt a bit like home. It brought me back to an era when weekends were a time for partying, and I could drink hard liquor. Whiskey wasn't my 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice of liquor, although I've certainly had my share. Today, I wouldn't do a shot of Jack (or my preferred brandy) for $100. For $1000? Sure, just make sure the TUMS are at hand and a place to nap.

The club was the Golden Cadillac. Stefano, the owner, was clearly passionate about Jack Daniels and the Rat Pack era and so proud of his club. He dreamt of visiting the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, one day.

Unfortunately, the club didn't survive the pandemic, but Stefano had created a wonderful place to reminisce. It took me back to my younger years in California. At night, it turned into a lively spot with dancing and drinks.

I wish Stefano well in his future endeavors and hope that one day, he gets to travel to the birthplace of Jack Daniels.

And needless to say, Cathy was relieved I wasn't abducted!