Sunday, later

We can’t figure out if we have to be at the school at all tomorrow. They changed our morning stuff to Friday, but they made it sound like we had to be there in the afternoon for something…hmm.

Today was my very first free “all me” day. I found the market (closed, of course), and yes, I found it using the map. I also found my way via map from there to the river and across it, where I inexplicably ran into my roommates. Of all the people, eh? It’s still about 90 degrees here, and everyone keeps saying it will cool down, but so far they’re not right. It’s like they’re still just trying to make us happy, which they are in spades. Mom, Dad, Oskar and Clara, Mrs and Mr P, I may not be coming home. Joe, pack your things and arrange for storage. It was so lovely to spend my time all alone. I’m totally enjoying so many of the people here (stay tuned for entries about Val, Marie, Margaret-maybe- and hopefully more Maria-Giulia) but this is the first time I’ve been totally on my own since leaving on Tuesday. Many of the kids need to be in a group so they forget that they’re on their own (which is sweet. Melissa sat on my lap last night and cried because she was being “encouraged” my the program directors and Liz and me not to call home every day) but you all know me. I need alone time. It was awesome.

I found the greatest flea market today. It happens in the Piazza Santo Spirito (again, the plaza of the church where Michelangelo was born and where he went to church) the first Sunday of the month. Michelle, I got your birthday present there! And Oskar and Clara, you got a little something too…and my roommate Liz of the bad stomach got some candied ginger, which she was thrilled to receive. Is there a job where you can just go out and buy gifts for people you like? I’d like to be reimbursed and on salary for it, it’s my favorite thing to do.

Kevin Burke, I have a million window inspirations for you. I have pics, just you wait.