As I find my feet in my new home town, I thought it was time that I started to deviate from the main route that I take as I go about my day to day business.
Although my town is relatively small, I find myself being constantly surprised by the new streets that I come across, or indeed, whole new parts of the town that I find myself discovering! I’m very much a creature of habit and so I do tend to take the path most trodden when I’m going to and fro. I have set myself a challenge recently though as I realise that I do need to branch out.
Most recently I went on an exploratory visit to the old town. Wow, it’s so much more than I had initially realised. It’s an obvious warren of beautiful medieval houses, courtyards and small alleyways. In amongst it all are lovely little bars, cafes and speciality food providers (think porchetta).
To my surprise, I discovered that there was until 1989 a highly-esteemed British journalist that lived in the Centro Storico. For 30 years, Peter Nichols was the Times Newspaper (UK) Rome correspondent. He lived in Bracciano until 1989, when he passed. I, it seems, am not alone in finding the magic of this beautiful lakeside town. Indeed, it appears that some other writers have also moved to the lakeside (Trevignano Romano) in recent years. The added beauty of Bracciano, of course, is the direct train link with Rome, delivering a 40 minute comfortable ride into the centre of Rome. It’s actually quicker to reach the Vatican from Bracciano than it is some parts of southern Rome.
As time has gone on, I have encountered the occasion English native speaker and been pleased to be able to spend a few minutes conversing in my mother tongue, without altering my speed, accent or vocabulary.
I have also been lucky to find a good friend in Canadian born Nadia. Raised by two Italian parents in Canada, she, like many other North Americans has made her way back to Italy and settled. She forms part of my small but lovely group of friends that I have.
Fortunately, despite being a bubbly and sunny character, I’m also very happy to amuse myself and spend time contemplating life. I can’t tell you the difference it makes walking through the town and seeing the local bar (café) owners out and about and having them say hello to me with a warm smile. Going to many cafes in the town for breakfast, a coffee or aperitivo has paid dividends. I feel welcomed and very much part of the community. My colleagues have also been extremely welcoming, many making the effort to try out their English on me.
The days are becoming shorter and the nights are certainly drawing in. As I go for my wander around the old town this evening, with the smell of log fires in the air, I realise that Halloween will soon be here. This is hands down my favourite time of year. I’m looking forward to running some halloween activities with my students but I think I might miss the excitement that exists in the UK for halloween…
Are there any hidden gems in your new town? Share them with me below!