What a day! This morning was our first day of class. I love that I get to audit them. I know it will make me appreciate Rome so much more.
We started with culture class with Larry. We have all heard the phrase, "Culture isn't right or wrong, it's just different." But Larry taught us that all cultures are broken from sin and need to be redeemed.
Then Lorenza came in for Italian class and she is already my favorite. She has short red hair and she wears these fabulous dresses and her earrings were mismatched and bright red lipstick. She comes in smiling and jumps up and down as she greets us with, "Buonasera Ragazzi!!" I can't help but love her.
And then we all felt like we jumped in the deep end as she continued only speaking in Italian. Definitely the reason this is called survival Italian. It's sink or swim and we were thrown into the deep end of the pool. She made us go around the room and introduce ourselves in Italian and greet one another. I could not have written her as a character in a story better if I tried.
This afternoon after class was such a crazy adventure. All I wanted to do was walk down cute streets in Rome, practice my Italian and write in my journal. And it sounded so romantic to hop on the metro and get off at a random stop and explore the area. Well, the reality was that I spent the majority of the day on the metro. And my goal was to try and find a non tourist area on some back streets. But I got off at the stop and had no idea where I was. I decided that I would start walking towards the ruins and bigger buildings thinking that the area would have more restaurants and coffee shops. And all of the sudden I am at the colloseum in the middle of all the tourists. I get this feeling that Rome has a power to suck you in. Even when I am trying to go the opposite direction, it still pulls me toward the heart. But I appreciate seeing it from the opposite side. At least now I know where the metro stop is since I was there the other day. I hop back on and try another neighborhood. It's dirty and a highway. I'm walking in circles and take a picture of the pyramid in the middle. It seems like the only thing worth remembering.
I'm remembering Larry's class and the steps of cultural intelligence. I'm getting frustrated and it's no longer fun. I realize how much I need a plan, and all I want in this moment is a place to sit, drink coffee and write in my journal. And I could probably do that back in Pigneto.
I get back on the train and think, "How would I write this scene with my character?"
My character would go to the coffee shop, order a decaffeinato and journal and come up with a plan for next time. I failed, failed miserably. But I had fun and learned from it and will do better next time. Rome - 1 Lindsey - 0.
But now the scene is ending so well. I couldnt have written it better. I found the cute coffee shop on the side street. Two hours later and it's in my neighborhood. I talk with Jen on the phone while people watching and telling her about my day. Then I am able to order a decaf coffee, ask for the bathroom and introduce myself to the barista. All in Italian! Her name is Maya.
Thank you Lorenza!
Now I sit with my empty cup and open journal. Everyone is coming home and I am here to welcome them to the neighborhood. Some sit with me with a glass of wine or espresso. Two friends next to me are laughing and looking at pictures on their phone. The other couple sits in silence as they watch people go by.
Couples old and young are sitting down for dinner. I am feeling a little buzz from my decaf, way stronger than home!
I'm ready to go home and have my "Eat, pray, love" dinner. Boiled eggs, veggies and a peach that sets off fireworks in my mouth.
Watching couples here I have this theory that people are more in love in Rome. I know that's cliche but I watch the couple kiss across from me, or the couple walking arms wrapped around each other. Or the woman rubbing her husband's arms on the scooter. I think they are more in love.
I am also proud of myself for ordering. I knew she spoke English to the guy in front of me, but I really wanted to try. And I did! I felt so proud. And it made me willing to try more.
"Bagne?" (Bathroom?) She says something in Italian and points around the corner. Does she think I speak Italian? Probably not but I can wish.
I tell her I am practicing my Italian. But I really want to ask her name. I love asking people's names to get to know them. Even strangers. I butcher it completely but she corrects me and her name is Maya. That gives me the drive to learn more.
Oh and I made two other friends today. I must have looked like I knew what I was doing, or the smile. I remembered how universal it was and after I smiled at them they asked me if I speak English. (I told them I was flattered that they thought I didn't.) Maybe I don't look so lost.
I helped them with directions on the metro and we ended up going together and talking the whole way. A mother and daughter from Scotland and they are here for four days. I'm so glad I am here for longer.
Today may have felt like a waste, but I have time to waste. Time to get to know Rome. Even the entrances to metro stops I don't like. It's like dating Rome. I'm getting to know you. Time to savor parts I love, like sitting here with the wind.
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