Who knew getting coffee could be so stressful??

Not me. You think Starbucks is stressful? Way too many options just so each person can have exactly what they want from the proportion of milk to foam to cream to pumps of chocolate syrup (that is assuming the barrista actually makes it right). Yeah it's obnoxious, and I hate it too, and can happily say I haven't seen a Starbucks since setting foot in this country. BUT try sitting down in one of the ever-romanticized streetside cafes in a neighborhood in Rome only to have the waiter respond to your order with, "Are you sure?"

"Si." I nod confidently.

"Freddo. It's with ice," he responds, questioning my knowledge and judgement.

"Si, si."

He's still frowning at me, looking doubtful, as I mumble something in English about it being warm outside.

Thanks a lot Brunswick Maine for making me think 60 degrees qualified as warm and was acceptable iced coffee weather. Yes, it was the last day of January, but in those conditions I would've been wearing a sundress and sandals in good ol' Brunswick.

Alas, I'm still learning...

Classes started yesterday and seem like they'll be great. I have my first walking tour this afternoon for Art Conservation which should be exciting. It will also be my first encounter with Rome's public transportation system....wish me luck!