Things We Won't Miss About Roma

Ok, I figured I should take some time to expound on all the things I *won't* be missing about Rome, lest anyone think that living in Italy has been all sunshine and roses. To clarify, there are some things Christopher and I will be happy to leave behind, such as:

*Miniscule breakfasts that leave our stomachs growling all morning

*Not having an oven

*Paying for water(!) at restaurants

*Obnoxious mobs of students and tour groups that clog the sidewalks and stop without warning in the middle of the street to gawk

*Our seats-one kitchen table

*Government-regulated heating that doesn't kick on until mid-November

*Bath towels the size of a hand towel

*Not having four burners on our stovetop

*Grumbling cashiers that complain about getting large bills when IT'S ALL WE HAVE

*Showering in a moldy shower

*Not having a washer/dryer in the apartment and the fact that laundry has become a six-load, all-day affair/workout

*The language barrier

*Inhaling second-hand smoke everywhere, from every angle

*Random businesses closing just because it's Monday, raining, reposo (Italian siesta) or just because they feel like it

*Bus, tram and train strikes and student demonstrations

*Not having a dish washer

*Being practically accosted by street vendors selling purses, pashminas, umbrellas or an assortment of other wares

*Not having a full size refrigerator

*Street beggars (especially the fakes with manicured nails)

*Not being able to watch The Office

*Costly, abbreviated phone dates with family and limited contact with friends (thank you, six hour time difference)

*Not having a separate bedroom, dining room and kitchen

*Aggressive drunks on Ponte Sisto

*Walking fifteen minutes to check our email and post on the blog

*Sleeping in two twin beds pushed together

*Missing out on traditional American holidays like Thanksgiving -- although Italian Catholics do have a knack for Feast Day celebrations

*Not being able to cook meals requiring more than two pots or pans!

*Hanging laundry to dry on lamp shades, chairs and any other open space

*The annoying sound of motorini early in the morning

*Dealing with the Italian perceptions of Americans and the war in Iraq

I'm sure Christopher will have some things to add, but that's all for now...