I Turned and Faced the Strange

“Personally, I like going places where I don't speak the language, don't know anybody, don't know my way around and don't have any delusions that I'm in control. Disoriented, even frightened, I feel alive, awake in ways I never am at home.” ― Michael Mewshaw

Buonasera! My deepest apologies to my readers, because I know you all sit around waiting, for not having written in a while. Twas a hectic last ten days here in Florence and I only just now have time to craft a full post. So, without further ado, allow me to present you with a well thought out list.

THINGS THAT CONFUSE ME IN ITALY THUS FAR:

1. Why EVERYONE smokes ("No, thirty year old man, I do not want a drag from your cigarette. Thanks, though!")

2. Why no one forms lines while waiting ("I'm just trying to order my cappuccino. Do I push through the crowd? I'm too short for this.")

3. Why you have to ask for the bill at a restaurant ("Is the waiter going to come back over? Is there a gesture we don't know about? What is the protocol here?")

4. Why alcohol is sold literally everywhere ("I only came in for the gelato, but...")

5. Why everyone walks SO DAMN SLOW ("I'm from the East coast. Can you please pick up the pace?")

6. Why there is no such thing as dryers ("These jeans are too wet to wear for three days now...")

Some of the above mentioned still confuses me. America has done really well recently in slashing our number of cigarette smokers. I could live in Europe for the rest of my life and never buy a pack. So yeah, I could do without the second hand smoke in my allergenic face. I also wish Italians would form lines while they're waiting, because my little body has been squished in a crowd just trying to buy a panini.

But other than that, the cultural differences here have fascinated me. In regards to the bills at restaurants and walking leisurely on the street, Italians are just trying to enjoy life. Being here has illustrated how quickly we move through each day back home. I mean, for God's sake, we take right on reds when we're driving. But here, they stay at restaurants as long as they like. They stroll through the city with enough ease to calm a soccer mom on snack duty. The other day, I was powerwalking home from class and got caught behind a slow couple. And it occured to me, why the hell am I rushing? I have no where specific to be. So I decided to take it easy. I went on a solo adventure to find my brother's old apartment.

AND ABOUT THE LACK OF DRYER. I did laundry for the first time on Monday night. It's Thursday and everything is finally dry. It's not ideal, but I can handle it. Gotta stay true to my Italian roots, anyway.

What else has happened, you ask? Ah, yes...classes started last week. My favorite course is Sociology and History of the Italian Mafia. I knew a disturbing amount of answers on the pre-test, but I guess that's what happens when you grow up in a house with The Godfather and Goodfellas posters in the basement. While I'm at it, in my sports film class, I was the only one who had already seen Eight Men Out. Thanks for having me watch the important stuff, Dad. Anyway, all of my teachers have thick accents, but still speak fluent English. Although some of them confuse their translations. Note: my Media Ehtics teacher stating that the means justify the end... haha, so close.

My roommates and I saw (met?) The David recently. We happened to be near the Galleria dell'Accademia and decided to hop in. The statue was taller than I thought it would be and we were allowed to take pictures! I was amazed by how gently it's been restored over the years. Standing in front of something from 1504, I almost felt unworthy. But Dave, with his smooth marble skin, was quite friendly and took a selfie with me.

Within the last few days, I've stopped by the chocolate festival held in Santa Maria Novella for chocolate covered strawberries, as well as the Central Market for fresh mozzarella. I keep walking through the leather markets, too. Do I need a new bag? I probably need a new bag.

Alas, we have reached the end of my latest post. I leave for Rome tomorrow, where I will be reinacting every scene from The Lizzie McGuire Movie and visiting the Vatican like a good Catholic girl. Addio, miei amici.

Lights out,

Britt