Language and Life

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It seems the longer I wait between blog entries the more daunting it becomes, and the more like a chore; but thats odd because really, once I sit down and start writing one its really rather fun. I'm really happy to hear from all of your comments that you are enjoying this blog as much as I am and I hope it continues to entertain. Love to you all!
So, where to start this time... English class! "Why talk about English class, your in Italy?!", you might ask. Because, its fascinating the things a native speaker takes for granted. For example, how often have you thought about which past tense verbs ending in -ed are pronounced like in "talked" (kt) and how many are pronounces like in "played". Or how we never really pronounce the "e" in any of those words. Or how often have you had to write the present, past, future, past perfect, present perfect, etc. of a verb? I didn't... and still don't even really know exactly what the tenses are. Yet, I use them correctly every day. It's fascinating to see languages from both sides of the barrier; watching others learn a language you know and learning a language yourself. The miracle of linguistic communication really is an incredible one.
Another quick note an languages, it's quite amusing how so many things end up rhyming when it all has to match in number and gender. For example, "Questi Palazzi sono eleganti" or "anchora un ora". I't can make one feel slightly silly to say these things, but if you manage with a straight face it's great to see how no one even notices something that sounds odd to you.
FOOD. So, the other night I had another quiche (sorry for spelling that so wrong the first time around), it was fantastic, definitely one of my favorites, right up there with all the cheeses I have tasted =). Now, did I mention the saffron rice with vegetables and little bits of squid and shrimp? DELICIOUS. How about the REAL minestrone soup. I used to think i didn't like minestrone... WRONG. I just never had good minestrone soup with big white beans and Italian parmesan melting on top.
It's finally getting cool here, occasionally it will rain, but pith patches of sun, making that incredible, dreamy lighting. On days like this I like to walk up into the old city and sit on the wall, staring out over what looks like a surrealist painting, red roofs glowing oddly in diffused sunlight. Every time I sit in disbelief, unable to fully comprehend where I am, that what I see and what my brain tells me really do exist. Once in a while I grasp the full picture and it fills me with a giddy joy that tumbles from my smiling lips into the Italian air. In these moments, I realize what being in love must feel like, a complete and utter happiness. I love my mom and dad and family and friends, but I mean to be IN love. In most of these cases the feeling is relatively fleeting, lasting only for a minute or too, but sometimes it stays for longer and I revel in sheer life, feeling it course through my veins and pulsate in the air around me, practically palpable.
I think thats a good note to finish on, I promise to post pictures soon, and if you have and particular questions, please ask and I will do my best to answer.
xoxo

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Comments

[June Hart]

Hi Honey- I am just soooooo loving reading your experiences..... I am so happy that you are having this time in your life. I think of you often and look forward to your blog each time! Love and Best..... June