Wow, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a Visiting Prof, right? And today, I found myself in this charming little town called San-Martino-in-Rio. Ever heard of it? Probably not. It’s this tiny gem in Italy, like, tucked away in the Emilia-Romagna region.
So, I wake up, and the sun is shining. I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was anything but chill. I step outta my cute little Airbnb on Via Roma, and boom! The streets are alive. I mean, like, people everywhere. Old folks chatting, kids running around, and the smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakery on the corner. I’m like, “Yesss, give me that focaccia!”
I stroll down Via Garibaldi, and I’m just vibing. But then, outta nowhere, I trip over a cobblestone. Like, who even designed these streets? I’m pretty sure they were made for medieval knights, not clumsy profs. I’m on the ground, and this old lady just looks at me like I’m a total idiot. Thanks, lady. Real supportive.
Anyway, I finally get up and head to the local university. It’s a small place, but the energy is electric. I’m supposed to give a lecture on modern Italian literature. Sounds fancy, right? But I’m sweating bullets. I mean, what if no one shows up? Or worse, what if they all show up and hate me?
So, I get to the lecture hall, and it’s packed! Like, where did all these students come from? I’m talking about a full house. I start my spiel, and they’re actually engaged! I’m cracking jokes, and they’re laughing. I’m feeling like a rockstar. But then, I mention Dante, and one kid raises his hand. “Who’s that?” I’m like, “Are you kidding me?” I mean, come on!
After the lecture, I’m feeling pumped. I decide to treat myself to gelato. I head over to this little gelateria on Piazza della Libertà. I order pistachio, my fave. But the guy behind the counter? Total weirdo. He starts talking about how pistachios are the “soul of Italy.” I’m just nodding, like, “Sure, buddy, whatever you say.”
Then, I sit down on a bench, enjoying my gelato, when suddenly, it starts to rain. Like, outta nowhere! I’m scrambling to find cover, and I duck into this cute little café on Via Mazzini. I order a cappuccino, and the barista is super friendly. We start chatting, and he tells me about the local festivals. Apparently, they have this wild festival in August where they throw tomatoes at each other. I’m like, “Sign me up!”
But then, I get a text from my colleague. “Emergency meeting!” Ugh, really? I was just getting into the vibe of San-Martino-in-Rio. So, I rush back to the university, dodging puddles and trying not to slip again.
The meeting is a total snooze-fest. Everyone’s talking about budgets and policies. I’m zoning out, thinking about that gelato and the crazy old lady who judged me. Finally, it wraps up, and I’m free!
I decide to explore a bit more. I wander down to the river, the Rio San Martino. It’s beautiful, honestly. I sit on the bank, watching the water flow. I’m feeling all philosophical, like, “Life is like a river, man.” But then, I see a duck. Just a duck. And I’m like, “What’s your deal, duck?”
As the sun sets, the town lights up. It’s magical. I grab dinner at this little trattoria on Via della Libertà. The pasta? To die for. I’m talking about the best carbonara I’ve ever had. I’m practically in tears.
Finally, I head back to my Airbnb, exhausted but happy. San-Martino-in-Rio, you’ve been a wild ride. I’m gonna miss this place. But seriously, next time, I’m wearing better shoes.