My mom was right, getting lost is the best way to find your way. I felt my day was all about getting lost, yet, always finding my way back. I walked to two phone stores, because how silly of me to think all my gadgets would have one carrier. After having trouble even finding the store, I discover I have forgotten my passport, uffff... Which is needed to obtain the SIM card for my iPad. Yup, I walk all the way back to my hotel, where Serena greets me with anticipation of my purchase... When I have to tell her I was unsuccessful the first time around. I grab my passport and return to the store... However, it was the most pleasant experience I think I ever had at a cell phone store... Well, two phone stores. I got my phone and iPad working without lifting a finger or raising my voice. Take note, Verizon.
I walk around a while, reminiscing about things I did last year in the same places, smiling because it felt as if I never left... An incredible feeling. Only this time I can understand a lot more Italian. The best part is people think I can't and proceed to talk about me because they assume I have no clue what they are saying. But this is probably a good thing because what they say, is certainly not meant to be heard by the person they are talking about.
I plan to meet Adri and Andrea in the afternoon, however, traffic in Rome is worse than Los Angeles, so we decide it is time I learn to take the bus. Adri gives me directions, and really... How hard could it be? Well, today there was a strike, which meant only 10% of buses were running, so apparently harder than I thought. It was only when I realized I passed the Colosseo three times, I obviously was doing something wrong...
When I was able to finally admit defeat, I had to tell Adri. I felt so bad because my stupidity resulted in her having to pack Andrea up and sit in wonderful Roma traffic to get to me. Of course, she was more than happy to do it... At least that was what she led me to believe. When she arrived, we ran to each other, as if we were in a movie, and hugged and hugged some more. What an inedible woman, we were so happy to see each other... Then there was Andrea, un bambino with cheeks that grandmas all over the world would have a field day with. He is happy and a flirt... Hmm, where in the world does he get that from... Speaking of which... After we fed Andrea, took a coffee and walked while we gossiped; we met Emy. Emy, always gracious and even more entertaining. He is still the same pazzo with a big heart, a lot of love to give and as sleep deprived as I am. It was so incredible to be with them again... I feel fortunate and happy to call them my friends.
We stayed together for a little longer before Andrea was ready to call it a day. They drove me back to the hotel and I changed for my run. As I stepped out to run, my legs instinctually took me to The Villa Borghese. Bellissima.... Different paths, different flowers, but the same amazing feeling. It was like a contact high once I touched the ground, an incredible experience. I decided this year I would challenge myself to run the Spanish Steps a total of 10 times by the end of my stay in Roma. Today, I did twice... And I have to tell you, it is way harder than it looks, especially after running for 45 minutes before. But I did it and I was very happy when it was over.
After a much needed shower, it was late, of course, because I, well, just because, it was. I walked to find what I would have for dinner and remembered a little restaurant I had walked past several times this year as well as last. So, I finally decided to give it a try... I hadn't had pizza yet so I felt it was only right to do so. Alexander, the owner's son was fantastic... Yes, he looked like the cliché Italian restaurant owner, very different from Lorenzo and Rodrigo but even so, he was polite and made me laugh... Or wait, was it the fact I was eating dinner to Shaggy's "Wasn't Me"... Non lo so. But you tell me, do you think there something wrong with that? Of course, I say something to Alex and he is suddenly mesmerized by my bluntness; he tells me this is very "infrequent" of tourists... But understands the moment I say my grandfather is from Sicily.
I walk home with a smile on my face, which is permanently across my face, and a "doggy bag" in hand. As I climb the stairs to my room, I allow the madness of my day play through my head as I giggle. I wash-up, climb into bed and slowly drift to sleep.
Amazing day.
Baci a voi,
Me
