Altro giorno in Bologna

It's around 6:30 PM, and I am happy to announce that I have found the apostrophe. I think I'm really getting the hang of things over here.

I am also happy to say that I have succesfully gotten a mobile phone, which was no small task, because evidently in order to do so, I needed a "codice fiscale," some kind of identification card.

After taking the bus outside of the city, going to la agenzia delle entrate (government office), and waiting, only to be told I could not get a codice fiscale without a visa, I found that they were able to make me one in two minutes at the Vodafone shop. So now I'm official.

I know, exciting. Also, the pic above is of a statue in front of the Piazza dell'otto d'agosto....8th of August Plaza.

Speaking of dates, today is September 11th, and I would like to take a moment to remember what happened in our country seven years ago this day. I am sure that the mood is somber as many people in the United States reflect on 9/11. I have not spoken with any Italians regarding this topic, but can say that I am proud to be an American and have the freedom to travel anywhere, do anything and make what I want of my life.

A continuare....

What else? I learned that jogging on the streets here is a lot like jogging in Madrid or Tokyo....it's something you just don't do.

So, I went to a park and ran what seemed to be an eighth of a mile loop about 50 times.

Today I joined a gym, which seemed great, and was even able to negotiate without much effort. They must have seen me coming, because pretty much off the bat, they offered me a 50% discount. But it was all very hush hush, under the table, so please keep it on the dl.

Food, you want to know? Okay, fine, but fewer pics this time, sorry :( Last night, I went to a wine bar near my house and had a glass of Cabernet (Italian) for 8 euros, which is not cheap....but, it came with free appetizers, all you can eat. I think they do that a lot here.....mini sandwiches with cured meats, goat cheese and sundried tomatoes (Italian??), crostini with ham mousse (yeah, didn't try that one), rosemary breadsticks, black and green olives, etc. You get the picture. I probably didn't even need dinner after that, but just in case, went to a local place to get some penne all'arrabiata, which was very good.

On my way home, I stopped at a bar near my house, which was filled with university students, and ended up making friends with some siciliani, who were celebrating a 26th birthday. It was a great chance to practice Italian and get to know some of the people. At about 1:30 AM, they were headed off to a disco, but I decided to call it a night....figured there would be plenty of others to go and experience that.

Today, other than getting the codice fiscale, mobile phone and joining the gym, I ate...of course, and walked around the city a bit.

I learned that a doppio macchiato is just too much, a single will do, especially when you end up having a coffee two or three times in a day. I found it interesting that the Italians seem to almost "shoot" the espresso, as opposed to sip it like you see in the movies. They just go "bam" and are done....which, is why I ordered the doppio, but, again, a bit too much to handle. Here is a pic (note the cigarettes aren't mine....)