““In order to write about life first you must live it.””
Looking down on the city of Perugia
When all is said and done living in Italy is amazing. That’s not to say that everyday is simple and easy.
It’s an experience, or one could say a mini daily adventure. From the smallest item of learning how to say paper towels, (they use a brand name Scotex, similar to how one in the USA would say Kleenex or Bandaid, did you even realize you were saying a brand and not the actual name of the item?) to the big things like getting your paperwork completed to stay in the country legally.
Last week, I mastered my fear of going out into the world and trying to make photocopies. Yes, you read that correctly, photocopies.
Before leaving, I memorized the phrase on how to ask: “Do you make photocopies here?”.
However as usually happens a few more questions were asked and I began to get lost in the shuffle of the language, similar to a tourist entering the subway system of New York for the first time. Maybe it’s nerves, but I think my mind goes blank when questions happen at rapid speed.
(Oh and did I mention we are all wearing masks, which is sooo not ideal to learn a language. It is incredible how necessary it is to see people’s mouths and hear their words more clearly when learning a second language. With a mask this is not possible. It puts a strain on the brain trying to focus on what is being said. But, regardless, during this time of Covid-19 it is important to wear a mask… so maybe I will have even more amazing skills later. )
Anyway, two nice lovely ladies tried to explain to me that I needed to go to the shop a few doors down to have my copies made. Hmm, okay, no problem. I guess I was mistaken in my understanding that they make copies. Considering my comprehension is that of a three year old it is no surprise.
I left with my little cart and headed a few doors down to the “Computer” shop. I asked the man upon entering if he made copies? The one phrase I had down pat, at least I thought anyway. “No.” This word is always very clear to understand. He pointed outside to the shop I had come from and said “foto” with a strong italian accent, along with a few other sentences I didn’t comprehend.
I was seriously confused now, but knowing I had to have the copies for my documentation visit, in a few days, I patiently thanked him and returned to the “Foto” shop again. The lovely lady once again, probably wondering what in the world was this woman doing here a second time, repeated herself and asked me how she could help.
Having learned my lesson, I pulled out the documents to show her and said my phrase again. “Do you make copies?” Oh, yes, of course. She took me into the side room and started the process for me. This time she only asked me how many copies I needed. I was like the kid whose teacher gave them a gold star for doing their homework. I was so proud, My eyes were beaming via the mask
I told her how many copies I needed and although still not sure what had transpired prior, we proceeded along. She was happy to assist me, and when all the copies were completed, the second woman once again arrived and upon seeing me, they quickly had a brief discussion (in rapid italian) and they began to explain. I had a usb stick in my hand (I realized afterwards) when I came into the shop and they thought I wanted to print something from that.
They apologized over and over but I was so happy to have understood what was finally going on I think my face said it all, even with the mask. Smiling even with the eyes is contagious. They both laughed, as did I. I paid and walked out with a new sense of confidence that I had conquered the photocopying world of Italy.
Leaving the shop, I went on to tackle my next task. Yes, I returned to my friend the Computer guy, as I did after all, still need something printed…
There are things that will always be complicated when you move to a new country. One has to be open to a new culture, be willing to learn a new language and keep in mind it takes time. Even the small things one might take for granted will be huge. But every time you make a little progress you have to pat yourself on the back because you have done it.
You are developing and mastering skills of courage and bravery in a sense. Perhaps at times you may even inspire others to reach out to do something they never thought they could do.
Because when all is said and done, pushing beyond our limits although occasionally scary, is life changing, and almost always for the better.
Comments are always welcome. My email box awaits all of you…if it is in italian though, just a little foreknowledge, it may take me a little bit longer to respond…as I am still tackling my post office and grocery store skills. ;)
Ciao from Italy