hungry

The festival is getting into full swing.  There are no stores open to buy any food. There are panini menus everywhere (can't eat gluten or anything that touched gluten) or sit down restaurant style (can't afford).

I have some olives and a cuke, so I am far from starving.  I didn't think to shop yesterday afternoon.

I spent quite a while down at the Tiber river today, on a bench, watching nature.  The sky, the clouds, the dirt, the water, the trees, it was grounding and calm.  I think I might have dozed off for a few minutes as well.

I went home and grabbed my Yeats book (and handy dandy notebook) and headed over to the cafe for my afternoon cappuccino.  I sat inside in a comfy chair. I read for over 2 hrs. Time flies. I took some notes, as usual.

On my way back home there was a puppet show in the piazza.  I saw the last 5 minutes of one of the shows last night and loved it.  I got to watch most of this one.  I found myself laughing, not even understanding what was being said.  At one point the 2 characters are calling for each other, so one shows up in the stage, then he leaves and the other shows up.  This goes on several times, I am almost giggling and then the 2 puppets are on stage but looking to opposite directions, then they hit heads and stop calling for each other.  Then they both repeat the other person's name, but in a weird way as they both hit their heads very hard.

I am laughing so hard that there are tears in my eyes.  I didn't see anyone around me laughing. Oh well.

I walked around to see if anyone was selling cheese  or just salami, but no.

I might as well tell about last night while I am here.

I did dress up, the wool long skirt, a peasant off-the-shoulder white blouse, I used a red and white scarf as a thick belt, and a neutral color big scarf over my shoulders.  I looked pretty good, I surprised myself.

So out I went.  I walked around from place to place, it was getting more and more crowded.  I mean crowded!  I went to one area where there were a lot of college boys drinking vino and were obviously drunk. They weren't out of control/scary, but it wasn't fun watching. I left and went back home.

It was 9:30p.  I sat for a bit, wondering what to do next.  I was feeling good.  I had a great day in Perugia and I was proud of myself for dressing up.  I continue to try new things and remain open.

I went back out and it was REALLY packed. At times you couldn't move.  I didn't care for it.
I did get a chance to see that marching band again, that was fun. I was back before 11p.  I was relieved to be home.

I can't believe how many people were around.  Gosh, it was crazy busy.

Observations:

-Men check you out, but so do women.  The quick once over, no hiding it.  This happens all the time. I am getting better at ignoring it and not assuming they are thinking negative things.

-Shorter Italian women push and stand in front of me when watching music or a show.  This has happened several times.  I would normally consider it rude.  If I were home I would say something or more likely give them 'the look'.  I am assuming it is normal here?  I am tall, 5'8 and I tower over most of the women.

-Men 'adjust' themselves without abandon or shame.  (I realize that they way it is, but in the past I always thought of it as offensive.)

-There is a ban on book reading outside of the home.  (ha ha ha)

-Couples are more affectionate in public, in a good way.

Oh and while we are on the subject I saw the most romantic (and erotic) thing yesterday in Perugia.
I was walking through a park and there were a few couples sitting on benches.  As I walked by I saw a man who was holding his girlfriend's hand on his lap, turn over her hand, lean over, and kiss the inside of her wrist.  Oh my...smelling salts please.  :)

That was something I will never forget and it goes on my list of things I'd like to do before I die, have a man kiss my wrist.  I don't ask for much, eh?  :)

On another note, I am now talking to Belli as though she were the Wilson ball in that movie with Tom Hanks, "Cast Away".  My new friend.  I am wondering if I should carry her on the plane when I go home.  Put her in a bag, she won't be able to breath.  hee hee hee  No, I am not losing it.

I will be glad when tomorrow comes and there is no festivities.  It is getting uncomfortable walking around at night with all these people.  How many times can I loop this place?

Karen is taking me to Spello Thursday, so I have been doing a little reading.  I find it interesting.
I also read Bill Thayers info on Umbria towns.  Foligno looks interesting.(They have an archeological museum!!)  I wonder if I can get there from here?

I dread going back out there tonight.  How many families and people can I see having fun? I sound bitter, but I don't feel that way.  I just don't know what to do anymore.

I hear music so I'll go for a gander.  It is the last night.

When in Umbria...