A New High
The past few days collectively upped the anty for my Italian experience. Since I will be traveling for each of the remaining weekends, I made a point of pushing my boundaries during this one. Good decision, I must say, although I’m finding it difficult to keep track of all the things I do!
The bus can actually be a great place to meet people. Interestingly enough, I’ve managed to use other people’s poor behavior to my benefit. Case in point: while on my way across town Friday night, I overheard the conversation of a strikingly attractive girl in front of me and her companion. The man turned out to be an unwelcome tag-along from a previous club so I politely interrupted their conversation, managed to supplant myself in the seat previously occupied by said offender, and found myself in the delightful situation of making a new Swedish friend.
Speaking of, I really enjoy the variety of people in Rome. Just this weekend I’ve had drinks with people from Senegal, the UK, Brazil, Spain, and all parts of Italy and even the good ‘ol US of A. Erica, a friend of the family, invited me to a party on Thursday where I met several persons involved in the Italian film industry, including a certain famous director that I am familiar with. We ate shawarma’s (one of my favorite foods), talked film and culture, and basically hob-knobbed the night away. I love it!
Most that I meet consider those from Texas to be exciting and almost exotic. Italians certainly light up when they learn that I’m from the Lone Star State and one even wanted me to sing Deep in the Heart of Texas for her! American might not be the most desired nationality in Europe, but Texan sure is. Even at the massive open-air markets, vendors will haggle a little less with me when I say that I’m Texan. The narcissist in me enjoys being the import.
From bars made fully of ice and being on set with Tom Hanks–did I forget to mention that? haha–to nargilah and absinthe, Rome never ceases to entertain. There’s nothing like finishing the night by sharing a bottle of wine and watching the sun rise on La Fontana di Trevi. Jealous Sound lyrics keep playing in the background: The sun’s coming up, as we’re coming down… For once in your life.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I discovered a new level of Texas pride when I lived in NY. My Tibetan friends nicknamed me ‘Texas’ (not Tex) and once in a while I’d even sport a button-down cowboy shirt.
It sounds like you’re representing us well!
June 17th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Haha I’m having much the same experience!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
kick ass man. when you get back I’m gonna buy you a beer and you can tell me the less than savory stories hah. Cool about texans in Italy I had no idea. If I ever get back there I’m either gonna claim canadian or texan haha. Well after this november hopefully that won’t be a problem anymore.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Love the Jealous Sound. What a great way to end the day.
June 19th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
beautiful will. i love it. keep it up man. love reading this
June 20th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Jeez, I say I’m going to stay with this story, post twice, then I’m gone. Anyhoo, I’m starting to get jealous. And surprised. That most people there are getting so surprised that your from Texas. Seems like Italy is going to keep delivering, the world is amazing once you just go somewhere else! Well, keep discovering, see you later.