The Little Things #3

1. Having a (short, but sweet) comprehensible conversation with the old man next door. When I first arrived at my flat in October and came across my neighbour, I had to (badly) explain that I didn’t yet speak Italian. But he and his wife seemed so lovely, and straight away I made it my aim to be able to speak with them by the end of the year. Well, 6 months ahead of schedule, I somehow managed it! (To be fair, the failed encounters in the past have been to do with things I wouldn't understand in English. For example, he once started saying 'Thank you for bringing up our letters and post!' I knew what he was saying but I personally hadn't taken up the post; my other flatmates had. But of course I couldn't explain/admit that! So had to just stand and look embarrassed as if I didn't understand what he was saying. Oh the frustration.) 

2. Being recognised in my local bakery. There is a lovely little bakery about three doors down from my flat (dangerous...) and the woman now recognises me... And Tom! When I was at lessons last week, Tom went back to my flat and found that a package had been left at the bakery seeing as I wasn't in. Tom messaged me to let me know, so on the way back I popped in to ask. It took me a while to understand, but she was saying 'You live with the boy? He came to get it!' I'm not sure if she was a bit annoyed with me for not understanding at first or if her irritated expression was an Italian thing... Anyway, she now knows I live on the street and smiles at me every time I go in. Does that mean I'm a local yet?!

3. The short but lovely visit of snow. Yesterday, after coming home from my morning lesson for a few hours before my afternoon one, I sat on my bed and noticed how bright the sun was coming through. The pessimist and winter-lover in me thought 'Oh, that's it then. Summer is coming... I'm not ready!'. Shortly after, huge pale grey clouds covered the sun and I thought 'Great, it's going to pour down as I head out to my lesson'. I thought the same thing when I heard the heavy rain on my window, but looked up to find hailstone instead. Followed after a few minutes by huge, snowflakes. They weren't really laying but I was so happy; I hadn't yet seen snow falling this winter and it was strange to be in Italy to see it. I did change my mind of course as I headed out to my lesson. The wind was extremely strong and it seemed every corner I turned, the wind was around the corner ready to hit my face. Still, it was peaceful and magical for a tiny bit, which made me happy enough!

I wanted to remember 5 things but I feel like these 3 are enough. There are a few things that have recently annoyed/frustrated me too but let's not dwell on those, at least not today! Maybe another day...