Another week in Roma

Ok, let's talk about my week, shall we? Where should I start? Let's begin with Saturday. I worked all day at school and somehow managed to not have have any children in lab or in a lesson. I wonder how I was so lucky to escape that. After, we were starving. Since we had plans for Sunday afternoon lunch with our old TEFL friends, we decided to switch things up, and our Sunday ritual of going to McDonald's was moved to Saturday. It was somewhat disappointing though. I got the new CBO sandwich. It's a chicken sandwich with bacon and onion. Well, the bread is baked with Bacos. It tasted a bit strange and unexpected. I should've gotten the chicken nuggets instead.

Saturday night was no different than any other night. We drank our 2 euro bottles of wine at the apartment, and then set out to a "discotheque" to meet up with Davide. After drinking 4 Budweiser drafts for 5 euro each, we were having fun. Yes, I really paid 5 euro for a Bud. After this, I awoke on Sunday with a killer headache. But after some Gatorade I felt much better. Then, we set off for Trastevere to meet Genny and Dave for lunch. We had a nice pasta lunch and then strolled the area. We went to Gianicolo where we had a really nice view of the city. I'll post some pics here on the blog from our day.

This week has been marked by some very weird occurrences and some ups and downs. First, I have to admit that I'm completely exhausted. I've been working a lot. I think I need a vacation. Second, I really would like to know where the men in this city get their manners. Let me say that all of the guys I know and actually talk to here are not included in this grouping. They actually are all very sweet, and it's not ALL the men in this city...just some. But anyway, a man (who was only about 35 years old or so) actually pushed me out of the way to beat me to the one empty seat on the bus. Seriously, I'm 5 foot tall, do you really need to push me. Then he refused to let an elderly woman sit in his seat. Idiot. Then I was on the metro. Once again about 5 different men pushed me so they could squeeze onto the train. I wonder sometimes how I've managed to live here for a full year. Later that same day a woman stepped on my foot completely crushing my toes. I didn't even get a "scusa". What is wrong with people here? I really have to wonder sometimes. I was slightly refreshed when a 30 year old man actually asked if I wanted to sit in his seat, and then after I declined he gave his seat to an elderly woman. I guess chivalry in this country isn't dead...just with some people.

Wednesday night we went out for aperitivo. It was actually a really nice time. I was really tired on Thursday though after a long stressful week. Luckily I had the All-Star cast of students on Thursday. Most of the students I've met at school are some of the nicest most genuine people. It really does make going to work every day a lot easier. I also like being able to speak very freely to the Italians and really getting to know the Italian culture and ideals, all while sharing the American culture and ideals with them. I don't think many people who visit this wonderful actually get the chance to do this.

Friday night we had American breakfast for dinner (we used smuggled bacon, pancake mix and syrup that Denise brought us). We had some fruit salad, pancakes, home fries, bacon - American bacon, eggs, bagels (home-made by yours truly) with Philly cream cheese, and of course, our version of the bellini and mimosa. And a little red wine never hurt anyone, right? Sure it's not typical breakfast drink, but it's ok. Red wine is always a good idea. And for dessert - tiramisu from Pompi - thanks Gianluca! Davide brought salad. He said our breakfast was too fattening. Needless to say, we never did eat the salad. We also introduced the Italians to cheddar cheese. That was also smuggled in by Denise :)

Yesterday, Denise, Alison, Dino and I all went for a little stroll in the San Giovanni area. It was such a beautiful day. It seems that spring has definitely sprung here. It's been sunny and beautiful and a constant 60-65 degrees all week. The wet, rainy and damp winter seems to be finally a distant memory. Now we're trying to plan an overnight get-away to Naples, Sorrento and Pompeii.

I'm remembering why I wanted to live here so badly. I truly believe that everything in life happens for a reason. Sure there are times when there are sad days, and tough days, and many personal losses. But that's life, right? Sometimes though, good things still come from the bad...even if it takes a long time for this to happen. For a long time I felt a little regretful that I didn't come here to study in college when I had the opportunity. But I always knew it was something I wanted to do. And so, here I am. Maybe this was meant to be from the beginning. If I had come here in college, maybe I never would have moved here now at this point in my life. Maybe I wouldn't have ever met these people that I now love like a family.

So, that's it for now I guess. The sun is shining again and I'm looking forward to another bright sunny day here. Soon it will be summer and I'll be complaining about the oppressive heat again. So, I'm going to savor this nice weather while it lasts.

Please keep in touch and let me know how things are going for all of you back in the States. I love hearing from all of you. I hope you're all doing well. Happy (early) St. Patty's Day!

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