Wow, what a day in Aosta! Seriously, where do I even start? I woke up thinking it’d be chill, ya know? Just another day as a Visiting Prof. But nah, Aosta had other plans for me.
First off, I’m staying in this cute little B&B on Via Sant’Anselmo. Super cozy, but the coffee? Ugh, it was like drinking liquid sadness. I mean, c’mon, Italy! You gotta do better! Anyway, I chugged it down and headed out.
So, I’m walking down Via Porta Pretoria, right? This street is like a time machine. You got Roman ruins on one side and trendy cafes on the other. I’m snapping pics like a tourist, feeling all artsy. Then, boom! I trip over a cobblestone. Classic me. Almost face-planted. Great start, huh?
I finally make it to the university. The students are buzzing, all excited. I’m like, “Hey, chill, it’s just me!” But they’re all hyped about my lecture. I mean, I appreciate the love, but it’s just a lecture on medieval architecture. Not exactly rockstar material.
Then, during the lecture, this one kid raises his hand. He’s like, “Prof, what’s the deal with the Arch of Augustus?” I’m thinking, “Dude, it’s a cool arch, chill.” But I go off on this tangent about how it’s the gateway to the city and all that jazz. I get so into it, I forget my notes. I’m just rambling. But hey, they loved it! I felt like a rockstar for a sec.
After class, I’m feeling all pumped. I decide to explore. I hit up Piazza Chanoux. It’s this beautiful square, and there’s this street performer playing the accordion. I’m vibing, feeling the Aosta energy. But then, outta nowhere, this pigeon decides my shoulder is a good landing spot. Like, seriously? I’m not a statue! I freak out, flailing my arms. The crowd laughs. Great, now I’m the pigeon guy.
Next, I wander down Via de la Repubblica. It’s lined with shops, and I spot this cute little gelato place. I mean, I can’t resist, right? I order a scoop of stracciatella. It’s like heaven in a cone. I’m walking, licking my gelato, feeling like a king. But then, I see this old lady struggling with her groceries. I’m like, “I got you, lady!” So, I help her carry her bags.
She starts chatting away in Italian, and I’m just nodding, pretending I understand. She’s probably telling me her life story, and I’m just smiling like an idiot. But hey, it felt good to help.
Then, I decide to check out the Roman Theatre. It’s amazing! I’m standing there, imagining gladiators and all that. But then, I see a group of tourists taking selfies. They’re blocking the view! I’m like, “C’mon, people! This is history, not a photo op!” I mean, I get it, but really?
As the sun starts to set, I head back to my B&B. I’m exhausted but happy. Aosta is wild, man. It’s got this mix of ancient and modern that just works. I plop down on my bed, thinking about the day.
But wait! I forgot to mention the dinner! I hit up this little trattoria on Via Monte Emilius. The pasta? To die for! I’m talking about the kind of pasta that makes you wanna cry. I ordered a glass of local wine, and it was like a warm hug.
So, I’m sitting there, enjoying my meal, when the waiter brings me a dessert on the house. Tiramisu! I’m like, “You guys are trying to make me cry, huh?” It was the cherry on top of an already crazy day.
Finally, I stumble back to my room, full and happy. Aosta, you’ve been a rollercoaster. I’m ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Just, please, no more pigeons.