Back to my Roman routine

Italy (and Rome) are all about personal connections. And I don't mean the kind of connections that land you a good job (although those are mandatory here); I mean developing a rapport with those individuals you deal with on a daily basis. People here have a routine. They go to the same bar for their morning coffee each day; and get to know their barrista (largely due to the custom of standing up at the bar while you drink your coffee). People have a relationship with their own butcher and their own fruit vendors, etc. Italians like to develop these relationships with their local purveyors because it creates accountability. Many have advised me: if you buy your meat from the same butcher every week, he can't sell you a bad cut otherwise you will be back to tell him it wasn't any good. For all that Italy lacks by way of "customer service" it's this personal way of "doing business" that makes up for it. It feels comfortable and builds a sense of community.

As such, if I think about it, I am now part of that community. When I go to the gym, I see the same folks each morning. I've developed a rapport with the staff/trainers .. as it's always the same two or three on duty. I've also made friends with one particular woman who works out at the gym frequently. She's from Sweden, speaks perfect English, has two teenage boys and has been living in Rome for a dozen or more years. She really works out hard, and does some very innovative and difficult exercises which she's helped me try. In any case, its nice to have a conversation at the gym from time to time.

I stopped at the grocery store on my way home to meet Josh for lunch. Again, it's part of my routine, and I know the "parcheggio guy" - it's the same guy each day that I give my car key to, so that he can play a real live version of "Rush Hour" with the 15 cars trying to park in the 6 spaces. I know the "deli" girl that slices the meats I buy. I know the cashiers at the store - and they know me. Ten years in Chicago and I can't say I knew anyone at the stores -- although it's also true that I didn't go 4 or 5 times a week! Living in Italy, even a big international city like Rome, feels more like living in a small town because of the formation of these communities. Plus there is the fact that no one ever leaves or changes jobs, and no one gets fired. So the cashier that's taking my payment today, will still be there in 5, 10 and probably 20 years. I will miss the parcheggio guy with his Romano accent -- he's the best.

Anyway, I digress. It's a Monday, the kids are back in school, and so we are all back to our routines. After going to the gym and the grocery store, I met Josh at home for lunch. Later, an appointment took me to centro. Josh dropped me off and I walked home through the Piazza del Popolo, making a quick stop in Santa Maria del Popolo to see two of my favorite Carravagio paintings: The Cruxifiction of St. Peter and The Conversion of St. Paul. Then I walked home through the Villa Borghese. It had started to sprinkle just as I reached the gate at Michele Mercati.

The girls went to swim practice tonight; I worked on organizing tax information for our accountant; and Avery who had just come home from after-school soccer was watching TV.

While Josh was at Aniene with the girls, he took the time to settle our bills. Actually, in keeping with Aniene's lack of putting any printed information in the hands of the members and athletes (ie. no meet schedule, no results posted, etc. ) we're just expected to check with the desk occasionally to see what we owe. Technically, all the swimmers are on a payment plan where the annual fee is pro-rated and paid every two months. But sometimes that becomes three, or four months, and no one ever really seems to mind. In any case, in the course of discussions Josh inquired about the fee for Charlotte's trip to Riccione last month. Zero! In Italy, if you qualify for the National Championships, the Federation pays your way! Now that's actually a legitimate reason not want foreigners competing. But, I applaud their system. Finally, a real meritocracy. No one asks to see your income statement in order to determine whether you could pay, or should pay. Everyone is treated the same - if your child is fast enough to qualify, they get to go. Brava Italia!

After swimming, Olivia went to a birthday party tonight. I received a text message on my cell phone (4 days notice) asking if Olivia could attend the 7:30pm dinner party (on a school night) for her friend, Matilde's 8th birthday. Sure, why not! Olivia had a great time. She was all smiles when she cam home.