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!
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