La Bella Figura

I'm feeling more and more at home in this city. I guess it's probably because most of the Italians are on vacation at the moment and aren't here to completely intimidate me. Although I took a stroll for a few hours yesterday afternoon by Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi fountain. I just walked around and took it all in while the tourists were looking very confused while trying to rein in their children. One of the things about living in Rome that I have mastered is crossing the street. There is definitely an art to it. Because none of the cars or vespas actually follow any uniform set of driving rules a pedestrian has to ignore the walk/don't walk symbols and use their own good judgement and a rather large set of kahones.... otherwise it will take you ages to get anywhere. In the more touristy areas when I cross the street I get odd looks that seem to say, 'Is she crazy? We're not allowed to walk!' But when having the green dude symbol light up to indicate that it is 'safe' to cross it really does not mean that you are safe. Around the Romans though I can blend in - in terms of my street crossing capabilities. And for that I am a little proud!

As we've been learning, here in Rome people have a very high regard for how one presents themselves. Not specifically appearance wise, though that does play a part in it, but mostly having to do with manners and social cues. This is what the Romans refer to as 'la bella figura,' which literally translates to 'the beautiful face/form' but really means something more like making a good impression. There are things one is expected to do - like greet people who work in the building or place of business you are entering or like asking a friend you haven't seen in a while out to coffee (and both saying 'of course we'll meet up! next week?' when in actuality both parties know that they don't mean to pursue the endeavor further.)  

I'm learning a lot about what it means to be a Roman, but until they all come back from vacation I can feel like I've got the gist of it.