La
Notte d’Argento
The International
School of Crystallography at Erice marked another 25th milestone in
grand style, best characterized as a mixture of fantasy, humour and great fun,
and promoted by the formidable duo of Suzanne Fortier (Course Director, 1997
and 1999) and Paola Spadon (Secretary of the School). Following the example of
the 25th course, held in May 1997, and commemorated with the Bal
Masqué, the 25th year of crystallographic activity in Erice was
celebrated on May 15, 1999, with a series of events called "La Notte d’Argento".
The 200 participants
in the Crystal Engineering and Data Mining courses assembled at 19:00 in the S.
Rocco Court displaying a variety of "argento" ornaments from long
dresses, bow ties, scarves and silver beards as well as silver colour shoes.. Accompanied
by a local brass marching band, they walked through the millenarian streets of
Erice, cheered by the local residents who recorded on film this most unusual
procession of scientists.
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After their long walk, they
were greeted in the S. Francesco court with refreshing sparkling wine and
typical Italian folksongs. Attempts to toast and roast Lodovico by S. Fortier,
J. Howard, P. Beurskens, L. Nassimbeni and H. Schenk, participants in the 1974
inaugural crystallographic course, were cut short; indeed, due to his
"religious" attention to punctuality, he could not tolerate having
the guests arrive late at dinner and be faced with cold pasta. The dinner was
indeed a most special event with all participants seated at tables, something
that had happened within the S. Francesco premises only once before and on the
occasion of the Pope’s visit to Erice. It was also a cheerful event with
members of the well-known Sicilian folk group engaging the crowd in song and
dance. This led the way to a highly participated dance in the court of S.
Francesco, which lasted through the night.
Suzanne and Paola,
for their wonderful idea, all of Paola’s tireless helpers, for their work in
the preparation of the events, and the Goddesses of Erice, for providing mild
temperature and plenty of silver stars, are to be thanked for this
unforgettable night.
Lodovico Riva di Sanseverino