Miscellaneous

The weather has been getting warmer. It's very pleasant. I bimbi are still all bundled up in their parkas and wool hats, though. At home, I'd almost be wandering around in a t-shirt (okay, maybe a sweater) in weather like this, but here I don't dare even get out my spring-y-ish trench coat for fear that it would be an irreperable faux pas. One of my colleagues started wearing shoes without stockings again a few days ago (gasp!) but she has a better accent than I do, so somehow that makes it okay... um... in my head, anyway. What do you want to bet that the second spring starts "officially" (the 21st) everbody's beige trench coats come out all at once? It's like synchronized swimming but with fashion over here.

In the meantime... visited Piacenza the other day. This is significant (in my head) because it's the end of the regionale line. Although, actually, I think you can take the regionale all the way to Milan. But maybe it's a different one or something. In any case, it was exciting. They have several exceedingly creepy churches in that town. Also some excellent gelato. And some very impressive horse statues. And a lot more gente per strada then we have in Reggio.

Took a walk along the river Crostolo this afternoon. Pleasant weather, but my coat was bothersome. The river Crostolo is not very impressive. It's more of a trickle, really. Still. Will give it another try when lighter attire is permissible.

Taught in a scuola media yesterday. Four identical lessons in a row. I liked the kids better than I thought I would, though. Let's face it: 11/12/13 are not particularly lovely ages, but they were actually really sweet. I have now taught children of all ages from 2 to 13, and also 17-ish. (I don't know, actually: quarta superiore - how old are they?). In any case, I feel quite accomplished. Pity that I don't actually plan to go into teaching for the long term.

Also tried the potato/leek/onion/pancetta business again the other day, this time in the oven. There was a bit of the false start when it turned out that someone had left a bit of tupperware in the oven (why?) and it started to melt, but I rescued it and then resumed cooking my stuff. It still tasted like crap. Am not cut out to be a chef. Will stick to eating taralli and pasta-practically-in-bianco for the time being. Although I bought some sundried tomatoes the other day because they were on sale in Esselunga and I was inspired, but, upon reflection, I have no idea what one actually does with sundried tomatoes. I suppose I could always just put them on toast. If I had a toaster...

Anyway, off to bed. Scuola materna bright and early tomorrow, followed by some business people... some factory people... a random thirteen-year-old... and a few more business people. Sigh. I kind of preferred when it was still the weekend.