All-American Prophet

Ciao!

There were many fears that a bunch of my classmates, including myself, had upon entering Italy for this coming semester. One of the most common was the fear of being viewed by the locals as the 'dumb American guy/girl.' Regardless of the intense language/culture preparations we all did over the summer online or in classes - we've all pretty much managed to look like idiots in front of the Italians at some point over the past week. Or, like me, at a multitude of points everyday this past week. This is my personal favorite so far:

Me and the bank yesterday. To get to this particular ATM, you had to swipe your debit card in the slot next to the door and walk inside the little vestibule to the machine. Well I did figure that much out...the US has plenty of similar walk-in ATM's...so I went in, got my money, and turned to leave. And couldn't get out. The door was automatic, but wouldn't open when I stepped in front of it. For the next 6-7 minutes, I gently poked the door with my finger, used my hand to try swiping it open, hit it, pressed the sign that was next to it thinking it was a button, and was at the point where I was waving both my arms at the little motion sensor above the door when a little Italian lady swipes her card from outside, opens the door, and walks in on me as I am doing a little jumping-jack dance inside the bank. We pause, look at each other, I say "scusi," and walk out. Too perfect.

As I believe I said in the last blog, I am also having some fun with the Italian language...and the butchering thereof. A few days ago, and sorry I can't remember the context, I managed to say the phrase "piu buono" to a shopkeeper. This is English equivalent of saying "more good." As in good, more good, most good...instead of good, better, best (and yes the Italian language also uses separate words for the three). I just couldn't remember the word for better..the guy stared at me like I was a four year old trapped in a 19 year old.

When more of these come up, and they will, I will be sure to share :)   In the meantime I am relaxing in my room after a day at the beach, which although fun, could have been better. We got ourselves to the Mediterranean but found ourselves on a cloudy/windy/kinda cold day and on a very rocky shore (just a small patch of sand for us). Some kids braved the frigid water, but I hung out with some other friends on the beach - then we basically got lunch (Italian-style pizza today...MUCH better than new york pizza..) and left. Only thing on tomorrow's schedule is Mass, don't know where yet!

Arrivederci :)