DAY 4: April 5, 024

Yesterday was a long day. After class I went to lunch with a couple classmates to a Sicilian restaurant in San Polo — Bacarretto Bistrot — that Alessandro, our teacher’s assistant, recommended. It was pretty good but unfortunately I misordered. Great eggplant caponata for a starter, but my main… meh. Involtini di manzo, basically fried beef rolls with raisins, pine nuts, and breadcrumbs. I had never tried it and I don’t think I will try it again.  My classmate ordered the grilled orata fish with agrodolce, my other first choice, and it looked MUCH better.  Maybe I go back to try that one another day.

We all took the vaporetto together — I just loving having an official transportation card. I just feel so local with it even though I am far from the reality. I said my good-byes and exited at the Accademia stop, then strolled the Zattere in Dorsoduro. The sun was shining and life was good for everyone out enjoying it. I considered stopping for a glass of wine alongside the canal but decided to just stroll all the way around Santa Maria della Salute and then make my way to the Peggy Guggenheim museum. I’ve been there several times but it is always a nice place to pass some time viewing her art collection and imagining her colorful life here.

I’m feeling frustrated with my Italian. I want to understand it but it is still very difficult. Several classmates seem to understand our teacher much better than me. It just doesn’t come easy to me. I have to remind myself that most of them already speak several languages which in my mind must open up something that allows you to understand the next language easier. Who knows but I am frustrated because I can understand written Italian must easier than spoken and I really really really want to understand the spoken language. I spoke to the school to add on private tutoring in the afternoons and they hope to accommodate me but they are fairly booked at the moment. I may also ask Giovanni’s son who is 17 if I could pay him to spend 30-60 minutes with me after his school just to speak and listen Italian. Honestly, I have a SUCH a respect for all the people who can speak another language. I already appreciated it but knowing truly how difficult it is, at least for moi, gives me  a completely different perspective.

While walking to school I was stopped by a woman who wanted directions to a church. In my basically three-year-old level, I did my best to explain the way and then apologized for my bad Italian. She graciously told me it was bellissima which we both knew it wasn’t but she was kind nevertheless.

I enjoyed lunch with classmates today at a wine bar, Cantina Arnaldi, that Jamie and I have been to in the past. They have cicchetti which is basically the Venetian equivalent to tapas in Spain. Small bites. Lovely piccolo panino with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto.

My favorite dog breed can be found EVERYWHERE in this gorgeous city. At least 5-10 sightings per day which helps un po’ with homesickness. Still can’t help but miss Jamie and the boys but they are staying in touch often which helps so much. And all of you who have reached out… I really appreciate it.

 

Tomorrow I will visit some nearby islands with classmates and enjoy lunch with them as well. The forecast calls for sun and high 60s this weekend. La dolce vida!

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