Quando a Perugia

Well, Swati and I have done pretty well with our bar/café grab bag. Since we set our goal we have tried (or at least visited) 5.

Shamrock: Like it’s name, it is not quite Italian. Despite Shamrock’s lack of Italian spice it was quite well sprinkled with people from all over the world. I was hoping to see some little green men with fabulous hats and thick black belts--niente. Though we did find the dart room. Bettylou and I played a 501 game. I have improved since high school though I do think I was making some of the guys next to us a tad nervous.

Celebrate: Yuck. Empty. Looked like it wanted to be danced in, it wasn’t. I have a friend who works there so maybe I will go back but it was not a thrilling experience.

Merlin: Haha, we walked in and there were a bunch of men sitting at tables wearing numbers. They all sort of perked up when we walked in—it was date-note night. Apparently this is a version of speed dating. If a person finds another person appealing he or she sends a note to him or her. I really wanted to jump in, what a perfect way to practice my Italian! I am a little sick so I decided to put the note-dating off to another night!

AND Bettylou bought me a flower.

Okay, the next night. . .

Café Morlocchi: I loved it. Café Morlocchi was not busy at all when we went but it is known for having poetry readings, live music, etc. They had a huge variety of different teas and hot chocolates (gross to me, SOO thick). I had a fabulous flute of my favorite thing—dolce vino. I think that café Morlocchi could be my new home away from home. Oh, all Italians.

Loop: Another “I loved you” and all Italians. Loop was wonderful. We went up a little set of stairs into a second floor café/musical venue/art gallery. WHY!!! I LOVE IT! We sat down at a little table, everyone was speaking in Italian. After a few minutes two guys got up on the stage and started singing and playing acoustic guitar. This event was very well done but tickled my giggle. All of the pieces which were performed were American acoustic guitar songs sung in Italian. You all know how I feel about that, but it was very funny figuring out the lyrics.

So, how fun, things are going well.

Classes are pretty much going the same. I am struggling but persevering. Sometimes I hate tenacity. Speaking is still terrifying—don’t laugh. I love going to my contemporary art class because I know the material so well. During the lecture I pretty much understand everything.

All right, a rewarding experience. I have a friend in my stranieri classes who is Japanese; her name is Maheko (I feel very ignorant spelling that, I have NO clue what is right). I was speaking to her the other day, just chatting between classes, etc. I accidentally said something in English and she just looked at me. I realized that we had never spoken in English, she doesn’t speak English. I am so used to everyone knowing English that I just assumed she knew. SO, I inadvertently made a friend with out using ANY English whatsoever!

Well, I am off to Rome on Saturday. Just a quick trip. I am hoping to find some modern art exhibits!!! I must study my competition!!!!

Well, a pleasant weekend to you all!!!!