Took my first cooking class in Rome and learned a lot. I learned, for example, that people in Rome often view themselves as Romans. It is no different than manhattan folk claiming New Yorker as a title or folks from Paris being Parisians. I feel that deeply. I enjoyed the experience. I enjoyed meeting new people and especially being out with the lady Talis and watching her have a good time. Rome is imperfect; the humidity is tough to handle, but the city offers so much color and nightlife. We intend to leave our walk up (and what a walk UP it is) and explore some of the nightlife offerings this eve.
It is nice to be able to go out and enjoy culture and activities–two things sorely missing from the AZ and often even the Seattle scene (a lot closes very early there). I am hopeful that we can find joy here and carry it through the days we get to be here. I feel like we should be able to do that. Of course, happiness is not a given. Sometimes sadness runs deep and true and supercedes everything good around you. It can be possible to emerge for moments before falling back into it, perhaps deeper than before.
I am worn down, so I am going to stop typing and seek some rejuvenation for the second leg of this late Roman eve.