Italy Journal
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Finally Arrived!
Today was a red - letter day for me! TWO people mentioned that I was speaking Italian “very well!” I’m hanging onto those words today, ignoring the fact that I only said, “due” (DOO ay) when I handed Peter’s TWO shirts to the dry cleaner. But, I did remind her before leaving, “Non carte?” (known CAR tay?) to let her know that she had not given me the check out card that I had to have on Saturday to retrieve the shirts. That’s progress, don’t you think? The other compliment came from the car washing lady after I told her the car was “bellissimo” and that it was “caldissimo” outside today. Anyway, I’ve learned that most of the Italians in Bra love to speak with Americans. Most of them want the Americans to speak English with them, but they like for us to throw in some Italian words when we can. It makes them giggle!
The pictures you see are of Pidge! I’ve decided that there is one pigeon in our condo complex that has adopted me…or at least my pan that is full of water when I overflow the plant that sits in it. She watched me every day from the rooftop until I went back inside. Then I could see her hopping around on our balcony and sneaking a drink now and then.
Next, Pidge took to watching from our balcony railing for the right time for her drink. Then, the day came when Monica and I replanted Peter’s herbs and put them right outside the balcony door. I wondered what Pidge would do. So, today, I watered the flowers, including HER herbs, then sat at the table just inside the balcony door to “become invisible” to Pidge. As I worked at my computer, I was aware that Pidge was casing the joint to see if she were safe to drink the cool water of the morning. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her come closer and closer to the open balcony door next to me. I quietly got up to get my camera. I couldn’t resist, and I’m sure you are SO glad I did! After several seconds of looking at each other, I lifted the camera and took a picture. Pidge flinched at the tiny squeak the camera made, but she decided all was well. She moved in position to drink, then looked back at me, just to make sure. I was as still as I could be as she put her beak into the water. I saw her throat accept the cool water. After several sips, she looked back at me and lifted her head as if to say, “Grazie!” Then she hopped away and flew off. It was a special moment with a special friend. Peter asked me if I were sure that it is the same pigeon every day. Yes, I’m sure it’s Pidge. You can recognize close friends after you have had close moments with them!!!
Professor Piorini decided to invite Peter’s cohort on another foraging/aperitivo excursion this afternoon to say goodbye until vacation is over in September. Fortunately for me I was invited because it was an after school event. Unfortunately, they were depending on the students purchasing bread and fruits and vegetables to go with the spoils of foraging, but the Pollenzo street market was closed for vacation today. So, I went to Giolito and got lots of cheese, then to the food stand at Piazza Roma and get lots of tomatoes, then brought all that and basil and olive oil and balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper and serving plates and a knife together. And, the event was delayed until evening and the location was changed to Bra’s Gastronomic Society Center., We all had a wonderful time together, and I got an opportunity to speak with Professor Piorini about how much these students are getting out of the course, and how special it was for him to organize yet another occasion for this group to get together. He seemed very pleased that I thought that way.
I forgot my camera tonight, but I may be able to get some photos from some of the other students….”We’ll see!” It was a great evening.
Buona Notte, Pidge!
Colleen
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