Mamma

It's been a long day and I am walking home from school. I take the back roads like a confident native. A car pulls up next to me and two gentlemen stop to say, 'complementi a tua mamma,' (compliments to your mom) then they continue on their way. Ciao Mamma, the Italiani here are thinking of you.

On the subject of Mamma, I am finding that I am acutally using the term 'Mamma Mia,' in sentences and it's not even sounding odd to me. I have carefully calculated when this expression seems to want to escape from my mouth. It appears to be most often when food is being enjoyed. Yes, the food here is as devine as anyone has ever said. The spoons are rich with delights and I am eager to always try another sample of this or that. Ciao, Mamma.

Hand gestures are also beginning to flow naturally for me while I inhabit this gorgeous part of the world. It surprises me, but again doesn't feel odd, when I sport the 'closed fingers gesture' (like holding a peeble on the tips) with my hand simutaneously going up and down waving in the air to imply, in my case, again great pleasure in food. This has been known to happen when struggling with class homework as well...with a Mamma Mia or two also slipping out. Ciao Mamma.

Caprese with buffalo mozzarella...forgetaboutit. It's just my most favorite! Hand gestures running amuck. Don't even get me started with my reaction to cannoli! 'Mamma mia' races out before I can silence myself with this filled dream. Ciao Mamma

Today I go jogging in my neighborhood. I head a different way and get lost within minutes. Every corner literally looks the same as every other corner. I walk around until something looks familiar. "Hello Tiber, grazie...si, sono molte felice a vederti. (I am very happy to see you.) Hello Peter, anch' io." (I am also glad to see you, Peter, there in your Basilica key. Now I know where I am and I have wondered far from home.

I reroute myself and when I am nearing the Colosseo I know I have almost reached, home sweet home. The most increbily large man (he reminds me of an even larger Fabio) decked out in Roman attire stands near the Coliseum and beckons me to take a photo with him. I may have been recently lost, I think, but now I am found and I am no first timer to the old, 'photo with the hunky Roman who will grasp your 'ars' trick' hoping for the surprise reaction that will forever be your photo with him. Dopo (later) he'll then tell you how much you owe him for this experience.

When in Rome...

(insert hand gesture here and add a 'Mamma Mia' for good measure)

Ciao Mamma. Mi manchi! (I miss you)