Just like the, 'People In Your Neighborhood Lyrics' from Sesame Street so are these days in Rome for me. There are many people to meet here in Rome as everyone, I find, is very friendly. On a Friday night the odds of meeting people naturally increase.
There is Angelo who makes his own wine. Terre Rubre, Cesanese di Olevano Romano. He lives outside of Rome where he has a vineyard. He tells me about a wine he has at a nearby wine bar that is two years old and exceptional. It is worth the walk to go there and sample it. I am to meet with Marco when I arrive and tell him Angelo has sent me.
I sampled another wine he had at a nearby restaurant last week (2006). It was strong I tell him but I liked it. He tells me he already knew I made this purchase because Roberto (who owns the restaurant) told him La Americana bionda was in the other day.
Angelo introduces me to GiamPiero who is his avvocato. (Lawyer) GiamPiero tells me how much he loves Coca Cola as if I have something to do with the product's success. I agree it's good and refreshing with lots of ice and/or served really, really cold.
I also meet Frederico who is from Venice and in town for a convention of entrepreneurs. He is in the ceramic business selling products all over the world, including NYC and San Francisco to companies like Crate and Barrel and Pier 1 Imports. He thinks I am Italian and immediately speaks rapidly about his work and travels. I make out about 70% of what is said and enjoy his enthusiasm.
I talk chocolates with Maria. She is from Germania and happens to love chocolate she tells me. She knows many languages and has what another friend of mine, calls 'rossa menapausa.' (bright red hair)
The creator of the phrase 'rossa menapausa' is Alessandro. He is a fiesty 50 something hustler who represents the school in which I study. 'Rossa menapausa' he explains, is his term for a woman who is older who wears bright red hair dye. In addition to being a philosopher and comedian, Alessandro knows a lot of people in the city and is forever in 'sales mode.' We tour around town in his Mercedes as I try my hand at interviewing for internships. He's quick to point out his vehicle is nice but he feels he would prefer a smaller car now. What kind of a car do I drive he asks me. When I tell him it's a Honda he's not familiar with the name. I mention it's similar to the Toyotas I see on the street here. He scoffs at this inferior product. Most italians drive BMW's (pronounced here B, M, Voo) Mercedes, Audi's or motorinos. (vespas/motorcycles)
My first interview goes well and I have molto acqua and cappucini during it. Once in the car I am regretting this decision as traffic is thick and there is no bagno in site. Next stop an interview with two impressive women who are architects. Here we talk skiing and Aspen, mostly, during this meeting. Third stop, hot milk drinks with our next interviewing victim. This gentleman runs a promotions company and appears to heavily promote naked women sitting on limos. I look at Alessandro like... Really?... And send him a telepathic message across the room of - 'Let's finish our latte calda and andiamo.'
Next up, interviewing with an Editor of a magazine. Our day has been long and this interview is taking place at 8pm. The men talk politics while I try to interject questions I have about the magazine. How many writers are on staff? Do they work from home? What is the workload like? How many stories a month, for example, would be required? These questions are answered but each time the conversation goes back to politics and in particular, Signore Berlusconi. Alessandro finally mentions he's ready for bed and I take this as a sign that 'the interview' is over.
Then there is Roberto. He works at a coffee shop near my school. He tells me that he has always wanted to be a barista since he was a small boy. He is good at what he does making it look easy to wait on six or seven persons, getting them sandwiches, coffee, juice, and other assorted drinks all at the same time. He's distingiushed looking with graying hair, slight build, tan skin, glasses. The kind of glasses that make anyone look intelligent. I vow to find out where he bought them and get myself a pair.
Next up...Cesare. Sure I know the name. I'm sure you do as well. But what if it's said to you like this, 'Buon giorno...mio nome e Chesaraaa.' (long emphasis on A at end and 'ch' at beginning.) Would you maybe say, 'Ciao Chesaraaa, tuo nome e interessante. Che e significa?' (Your name is interesting, what is the significance?) To which the reply is, 'Cesare, Cesare, certo Cesare!...cosi la citta!' (Cesare, Cesare, of course Cesare...of the city.) Oh...the light finally goes off in my head. This man's name is Cesare. Yes, I have heard of it I reply.
After these awkward beginnings, I learn that Cesare works in Public Relations in the city. He speaks no English, or so he tells me. Would I like to take a walk to Piazza di Spagna with him? I tell him fine, as I know it's not far and the weather is nice. During our walk Cesare shows me famous restaurants like Due Ladroni. ('Two Thieves') I make a mental note to return. He also shows me some fine antique shops and asks me if I like 'antiquing.' Not so much I reply but add that I enjoy the information he's provided me on the subject. Cesare is older and works here part of the week and commutes to his home in Bologna part of the week. I find him most interesting and think of my grandmother as he resembles Omar Sharif, her favorite.
Then there is Ursula. With wild curly hair she is a tornato spinning thru school halls with fury. I wish I had her hair, I tell her. She wishes she had mine. She prefers straight hair to wild curls. I say...no way...the wild curls are great. She bikes to work and has a slim figure though is probably one of these women who can eat anything and never get heavy regardless of how she commutes. I admire her style. Her fashion sense is great and I memorize her clothing combos, daily.
Hello Fabrizio. Fabrizio was born in Rome. He tells me this is different than just being Italian. It is special. I nod in agreement. Seems true. I heard this in Venice too when the Venetians said this same thing. Fabrizio is hyper active and sharp as a tack. He knows some Chinese, Japanese, English, Spanish, Swedish and Italian and he interchanges these languages when talking with people without hesistation. He has a quick wit and a comment for just about everything. He is in constant observation mode. I laugh and laugh while he reports on everyone around us and gives me tips on trying tiramisu fragola. (strawberry tiramisu) It's much better than the regular kind, he seriously informs, but unfortunately it's only properly made by his sister. So I will have to wait until she makes another one.
Ciao Alessandra, who shows me her new posture enhancing shoes. These are shoes I have seen before and thought they were just 'Euro Weird.' Now I learn they are rounded at the bottom on purpose and are quite popular. They are designed to help with your mosture as you walk or stand. People experiencing back problems or other ailments apparently swear by them. So I find out more...
The shoes are designed for the whole body, from neck to foot. They are based on the Masai Warriors and their ability to walk long distances in bare feet without discomfort. The rounded edges help with strengthening calf and buttocks muscles as an added bonus, I learn. Alessandra is on her feet a lot and has experienced knee problems previously. With her new MBT shoes she's loving the difference. She tells me where I can purchase a pair nearby. I decide to think more on this and pay her 14euros for a small piece of bufalo and five sardine strips, she calls filets, in her sushi like creations. I am getting ripped off I think on the food but the company was worth the experience. I bid Alessandra 'Arrivederci' knowing I will not be returning to her restaurant but may see her again walking briskly through town in her MBT's. (Masai Barefoot Technology)
Ciao tutti! A domani.
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