Monday, February 11, 2013

Apparently Adjusting

The thing I love most about the hula-hooping community is its networking aspect. Wherever you may travel, a hooping friend awaits you. When I got to Rome, I joined the Italian Hooper group on a social networking site designed specifically for those of us who practice this art. I was able to link up with my new friend, Drew, who has lived in Rome (among other places) for many years. And as such, I have been able to learn Rome from an "Italian," though I put that into quotations, because he hates such labels :)



The first time Drew and I met, he took me on a ride on his scooter throughout the Monteverde and Trastevere neighborhoods, near my apartment. I was at first scared, for I am so usually inclined to avoid any possible danger. But, when in Rome, you must do as the Romans do, and so I did. It was exhilarating. Whenever I am riding around Rome on the scooter, I cannot wipe the smile off of my face. It must look like I slept with a hanger in my mouth.



The first time, Drew took me to a lovely little cafe where we discussed feminism and other mutual interests, followed by a short walk to a beautiful villa with an astounding view of the city. Then, a couple of days ago, he took me to a chocolate factory near San Lorenzo (a student district) that I'm sure I never would have found otherwise, and even if I had, communication would have been near impossible. He asked the lovely waitress to select five sweets she preferred, plus the one I wanted, and then we ate them off of a chic chocolate-drizzled plate at our table over drinks.



We also walked by a center of Roman ruins near the Argentina station in Trastevere, and he took me into a secret room that is essentially underground. In the room were dozens of kitties! Apparently, it's like a humane society, and you can go in and pet the cats (or a least the healthy ones) at any time. Many of the cats are allowed to wander out into the ruins, while humans are denied this privilege, and so Drew made the interesting point that this forum essentially belongs to the cats. I quite like that idea, and I quite like having an "Italian" friend, too.



When not privileged enough to explore the city with someone so experienced, I've enjoyed the solitary life. There is a restaurant only a few minutes walking distance from my apartment at which I've made friends with the waiters and the adorable grandfather who tends to the cash register. Whenever I walk in, he greets me with the informal "ciao" and a kiss on each cheek. I love to sit there for hours, slowly enjoying a glass of chianti classico, and scribbling poems onto napkins when I am suddenly hit with a burst of inspiration, as is so usual for me when in Rome.



My other favorite place to be alone is on public transport. Now that I've mostly gotten the system down, I am not afraid to hop on the tram or a bus for no reason other than to ride, to people watch, and perhaps to get off at a stop that appears an unexplored area. I must confess, however, that from time to time I must be more relaxed on public transport; I've jumped in fear of being pick-pocketed multiple times, when really I was just harmlessly nudged. There's really no need for paranoia at this time of year. Apparently it's too cold for the Romans, and all the pickpockets are inside, waiting for summer.



My favorite ancient site will forever be the Pantheon, which is also my favorite hooping destination. A couple of days ago, I threw down a solid jam sesh directly in front of it, and caught a decent audience. A lovely French teenager nervously walked up to me inside the Pantheon some twenty minutes later and said tu es tres forte, which means you are very strong. Fortunately, I was with a roommate who is fluent in French, so I could thank her properly. Then, upon exiting the great dome, one of the Roman "soldiers" in costume gave me the exact same compliment. I thought it was interesting that here I apparently seem "strong," since in America, I usually hear things like "awesome" or "skilled," but never strong. I prefer the European style of complimenting. I think I may try busking during tourist season and see if I can bring in a few euro, since I've certainly spent a bit more than budgeted, already, and of this I must be cautious.



Classes have been going quite well. My religion class took a tour through some of the churches and basilicas throughout the city, and I went to four on my own -- Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica di Santa Prassede, Santa Maria della Vittoria, and San Pietro in Vincoli. They are breathtakingly formidable, ornately adorned, grandiose and enrapturing. You’re probably wondering at this point where the pictures are. I’m only somewhat pleased to say that I don’t have any! Well, at least none that I personally have taken. I’d hate to be looking through a lens, but not quite seeing. I will, however, end with a roommate’s photo, which succinctly captures my time in Rome thus far:

 
Ciao!