The "restricted access" rules that prevail in Rome (no cars allowed in the centro until after 6pm, unless you have a special permit), work very well for pedestrians and cyclists. It was truly enjoyable riding a bike through town despite the many cobble-stoned streets. But, we were on a mission. Our goal today was to secure Charlotte's Italian language text books. Her teacher had provided the name of the book store carrying this particular set of books. Once inside Feltrinelli, a super nice book shop on the Via Balduino, we were informed that they did not have the text, but perhaps the other location would have it. Josh politely asked if they might contact the other location on our behalf to inquire before we made the trip over there. They were happy to comply. The problem, however, was that once they were connected to the proper department at their other store, no one answered. We weren't in any hurry so we browsed the books and waited. Perhaps they could try again a bit later? Which they did. Same scenario. Eventually, we received confirmation that the other location did indeed have said text books.
So off we went. Unfortunately, the Piazza della Republica lies outside the "restriced access" zone. The traffic, not to mention the exhaust fumes from the motorinos (scooters) were ghastly. Josh chivalrously offered to pick up the book at Feltrinelli, allowing me to cycle back to the charming streets of the centro. We agreed he would call me once the books were in hand, I would tell him where I was, and we would meet for lunch. Great plan.
I had fun biking around, looking at the churchs and the little piazzas and the shops and the tourists. I made my way to Piazza Navona and took a seat on the square. At this point I figured I had given Josh enough time to get the books - even by Roman standards, so I tried calling him. Voicemail.
Okay, so I decided where I wanted to go for lunch - a little sandwich shop that had been recommended. I figured out where it was (Josh had the map). I grabbed the last table outside and tried calling Josh again (a few times). Voicemail. Was it me or was it Josh?
I was starving. So, I ordered my lunch, conversed with the Finnish couple seated next to me (almost on top of me since the tables were touching), ate my lunch, and paid the bill - all the while trying to reach Josh and thinking: shit, now I have to find my way home alone! Biking around the centro (think: valley floor) is one thing, but then making your way out onto the streets and finding the right entrance in to the park (think: big hills) was another.
Just as I was leaving the cafe, Josh called from home. Needless to say, he was not too happy about his cell phone malfunction and the fact that his afternoon was cut short. And I had thought this was all a test to see if I could find my way around town with out a map! Alas, no. It was just another example of something in Italy that didn't work quite right.
Later in the afternoon, we had a meeting at RIS to meet the teachers and discuss the curriculum for Charlotte's grade . It was interesting to see and hear the teachers (and their accents - British, Canadian, Indian, Italian) that Charlotte had described so vividly. It was even more interesting to meet the other parents and listen to them complain about the same issues that we've had ie. still no delivery of books. I had many questions and was immediately recognized as the American (not because of my questions but because of my English!) We are the only American family in Grade 8. The other parents were so happy to have Americans at the school that they wanted to nominate me for the position of class representative. I demurred. The last thing I need is to get involved in School politics.
Several women approached me and Josh after the meeting to introduce themselves and welcome us to the school, and it was very nice to make these connections. It was also nice to see Charlotte with all her new friends (who impressed us as very polite and well-spoken ). It was hard to believe she was the same kid who was crying just a week ago.
By this time, all the kids were getting antsy. They'd been waiting for us for over an hour and so it was time to go.
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