First Day of School

I keep saying this but I am really proud of the way I have been able to navigate. I have my parents to thank for making me travel and teaching me how. So thanks! Today was an adventure, but a really good one. I woke up about 6:30 this morning to get ready to go to school (I haven't said that in two years!). My host family left me the name of the square where I could catch my bus, the bus number, and where to get off. So, I left about 7am walked to the nearest bar and bought my bus ticket. Then I found Piazza Zama, boarded my bus 360 and headed to the Termini. Once I was sitting on the bus I had one of those "oh my god" moments. Like "here I am Liz Barrett, sitting on a bus in Rome, and I had no problem getting here." It was pretty cool.

I also found my school easily once I got off the bus at the Termini (train station). I was a few minutes late, but "no problema" and they gave me my written test. It was mostly over verb conjugations and articles. Thankfully I had review my articles heavily over the last few days. But all of my past tense conjugations.... iffy to say the least. But no matter. Then I had to talk with a teacher so they could see where I fit in. After talking with him I was told to go to classroom B on the second floor with Suzanna. I was really nervous because I had no idea what to expect. All the other students arrived and it become clear very quickly that no english was allowed in the classroom at all. There are 8 of us from all over the world. One guy from Denmark, a girl from Germany, a woman from Switzerland (Auntie Anna, I told her my uncle was from Switzerland and we were instant friends!), and another guy from the Philippines. I am the only American or native english speaker, so really the only language we all have in common is Italian.

I can't say how amazing my teacher is. She is funny, warm, outgoing, clear, concise and very very kind. She sort of looks like a Fran Drescher, the actress on "The Nanny". It is all italian all the time, but everyone is so encouraging and understanding. At first I was embarrassed at my poor italian but all the students were so friendly and it became obvious that I had to say something so I might as well try! It was fun not being allowed to use english because there was no out, I had to try to think of something. We did a really difficult listening exercise, a reading exercise, and broke off into to groups to discuss. I am so happy about everything I can't even begin to explain! Suffice to say, it was amazing and I love this school. Especially our pausa, break, when everyone goes down to the coffee shop/bar for un caffe.

Afterwards, I felt really sure of myself. I went to the Termini and got my cell phone working, using only italian to speak to the phone guy. Made a call to my parents which was very early for them but I loved finally getting to talk to them! Then I bought a pocket sized dictionary and finally, I bought my month long bus/metro pass. Whew. I then found my bus 360 and rode 'home'. I am now planning my afternoon. I have class from 9-1 everyday, so my afternoons are wide open. I need to start planning my weekends away because I know time will fly by.

I'll be honest, I am daydreaming about buying an apartment here in Rome someday when I make my millions (ha). I really love this city! I am not ready to even think about coming home yet, although I know from the time I lived in D.C. I will eventually get homesick... at least for my family and friends, tacos, margaritas, and the ranch! But for now, I don't want my adventure in Rome and Italy to end!