Meeting the East Coast

So far it's been a nice introduction. We're still getting to know each other, but I think it could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The East Coast is pretty rocking. On Thursday I walked over toward the White House, learning how the streets lay themselves out and just enjoying the ambience, which is pretty friendly. Not to mention that this is a stunning city. The avenues are all very open and well designed, with trees and wide sidewalks; jaywalking is rampant, which creates an excellent laid-back feel; and can we say Italian tourists?? I talked to one family on Thursday, after sort of following them for a little while. Fortunately it was fairly crowded, so it wasn't too sketchy - all the same, I figured I either needed to walk away, or actually talking to them. So I did! And they were really nice and friendly, and it felt so wonderful speaking in Italian. You know, I think I have already significantly shaped my future by studying in Italy; much though I'd like to travel everywhere and learn every language, already I feel Italian becoming my focus. I love speaking Italian, I miss speaking it, I miss being surrounded by it and knowing that even if I'm speaking English to my friends I'll be able to speak Italian when I go into a store.

Since then I've tried to exercise restraint, which is difficult but sensible, since there are literally Italians everywhere - it's August, the month of travel. If I tried acting surprised by every Italian family that walked by ("oh, non siete Italiani?"), it'd get a little old, even if I did get to speak to them each a little.

But I'm definitely going back to Italy, and soon.

Labels: Italy, travel

posted by Holly @ 3:22 PM