It's been a hot hot summer in Rome. Thankfully, I was able to escape some of the oppressive heat for beach days, many weeks in the New England summer and some days spent in the hills of the Ciociaria. September rounds the corner, and while the forecast still threatens highs upwards of 30 degrees Celsius, the weather gods have decided that the highs are no longer 20 of 24 hours of the day, but 5 or 6 and then we're rewarded with sweet breezes and lows just under 20 degrees. It's absolutely wonderful.
With the change in heat, the change in month, and the return of Romans to the city, Rome offers a different vibe, a vibe that excites me! It's back to enjoyable cool walks at 8:30 to grab a cappuccino and cornetto in my favorite piazza at my favorite bar. I welcome new people watching; grasping on to every clever phrase that a Roman utters amongst their daily routine interacting with others.
This morning's coffee encounter was just perfect. I was seated at my table sipping on my cappuccino watching the clientele. Someone who appears to be a regular approached the entrance of the bar and quickly a conversation between one of the baristas and this guy ensued. It went a little bit like this:
- "Aho bello, come va?"
- "Bene bene"
- "Cosa ti preparo'?"
- "Mi fai due caffe nella stessa tazza?"
- "Ahah aho, allora ti preparo un caffe doppio?"
- "Eh si, mi pare cosi!"
...
Nothing earth shattering, but to me this down to earth Roman exchange brought the biggest smile to my face. Simplicity, camaraderie and the essences of romanita in 2 minutes :)