A Quiet, Sunless Day

It took about a week or so of getting acquainted with my little Italian city before I could bring myself to go out and explore alone. Fear or inhibitions were not holding me back, rather the constant serge of people in my everyday life. Time away, time alone has been rare thus far. Today was my chance to seize some of this precious commodity. The morning saw me waking up slightly later than I had wanted yet I have still managed to do all that I had planned, as I lay in my bed last night waiting to fall asleep. As an aside, I really have come to like my small Italian bed. The sheets are from home and still smell as such so this familiar comfort has made the acclamation easier. The comforter insists on sliding off most nights, much to my disdain, but I have faith that my tiny bed and I can work it out and come to some kind of mutual truce. Perhaps, it just wants to be pushed up against the wall so as to feel more secure and in return the blanket will rest safely against said wall instead of sliding off onto what is currently a shamefully unswept floor. Note, I should brush up the floor today. End aside. A quiet, sunless day continued… The list grew in my mind as I waited for sleep. Things like what would I do for breakfast, when should I do my homework, should I go to the Blitz café to use the Internet or just go to school?? Evidently, I do not believe I succeeded in establishing a set plan before I fell asleep. I can know this because when I awoke this morning I really was lost unto myself and had no mission for the day. All my hard hammered out night contemplation had been spent for not and now I was facing my day without a plan and with very little motivation. Note, lesson learned; stay motivated even when tomorrow does not have its own plan already in place. Truly, I am being a bit dramatic much to my own delight and entertainment. In reality I woke up and almost immediately decided to run to the corner market and purchase a small loaf of fresh Italian bread. Then I committed the next half hour to making and subsequently eating an egg and prosciutto breakfast sandwich. It was a screaming success. Once nourished I felt encouraged from within to wander about the streets of Viterbo, alone. Again time apart from others has not been bountiful so I relished the opportunity.

Stepping out into the street, I immediately sensed a quiet that had I taken the same step out the exact door one day before, would have I think felt very much different. For yesterday unlike today was beautifully sunny and bright. The usual Viterben clouds had gone on a day trip, probably to London cause they knew they would have friends there, and all that was left in the sky was our sole radiant sun. Yesterday was a bright and happy day. Today on the other hand is quiet and it would seem the sun has taken a leave of its own. Indeed, as I walked through the streets I knew it was going to be a somber stroll, but definitely not sad. I am by no means melancholy, simply introverted for an afternoon. Reflection requires an introvert’s company, or so I have observed. I walked. I walked for a very long time. Probably like two hours. The bag slung over my shoulder was heavy and uncomfortable. Yet, my burden did not hinder my journey. I roamed and explored narrow streets and busy intersections. Snapped a couple pics and thoughts more than a couple thoughts. Then I was tired. My thoughts were interrupted my nature, for my body is pesky about its wants and truly is very needy, I am afraid. Body would not allow thoughts their privacy and space until body had a rest and some quality time sitting on a bench. I was in no mood for a grouchy inner battle so I succumbed without so much as tousle. I traveled to grassy green park populated by miniature black lampposts that reach only to my shoulder as well as half a dozen old stone benches. This is where I find myself now. In the little park, parked on a stone benched, and probing the panoramic view before me with scanning eyes. The park is on one side of a valley and part of the town is spread out beneath me. On the other side of the valley, up the hillside, rests the huge papal palace of Viterbo. There is a large clock tower that catches my roaming eyes each time I raise my head up from my computer. It is much taller than everything else and has faded black and white horizontal stripes painted upon all sides. It’s still sunless but not so quiet. There are a couple Italians in the park now. Their chatter has broken the silence. I don’t hate it though. Because I think I have filled my alone time desire and now I think I will go to Blitz café and see what friends I can find. I think there is only so much quiet, sunless, alone time I can stand.