Devoted readers of my blog will remember the last time I left Ascoli, how mature and calm I was about it. I recall writing that I did not cry because I knew I would be back, and how I was even somewhat excited to get back to the States. I wish I could say the same about this time... but first, let's go over the last week in Ascoli.
Last Sunday there was a festival and a show in Piazza Arringo. I went to Murphy's and did some homework over a bowl of Mozzerelline and a Passerina. The show began and I was lucky enough to score a seat right outside of Murphy's to see what I can only describe as the most incredible thing I have ever seen in my life. The show was sort of a Cirque-di-Soliel meets videomapping storytelling of finding God and avoiding the devil, temptation, etc. Here's a video of it that I encourage watching. Video was projected onto the walls of the church of St. Emidio and it was truly breathtaking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW_hLKZTzso
That was honestly one of the most copacetic nights I had in Ascoli. The definition of good food, good company, good art, and even good weather.
Videomapping is my new favorite art form
I made one last trip to the river with Faby which was so much fun. More good times had during the week as I slowly made my rounds to all my different favorite spots to say my goodbyes. We went to La Nicchia for one more black crust pizza by Guido, and I am officially putting that pizza down as the Best Pizza I Have Ever Had In My Life. The black crust is a vegetable based bread and it compliments the pizza so well. Do we think shipping pizza from Ascoli to St. Louis is an option?
Finishing up at Piceno Tour was sad but I'm really proud of the work we did! We put together a whole theater tour of Europe that I would go on in a heartbeat. Even though I was the only Sant'Emidio-er in that office, the Piceno Tour crew could not have been nicer to me.
My last lunch at Cavallino's was perfect. They were actually closed for siesta but my mom and dad kind of like me so they let me have lunch with them. Two pieces of margherita and some pineapple for a dessert! I'm so happy to have a set of parents in Ascoli. They look out for me, scold me when I don't eat enough, and always greet me with the biggest smile.
Christmas Card 2015
The last day in Ascoli was bittersweet. The weather was dreary but beautiful. At that point I was calm and at peace with the inevitable bus ride to Rome I had the next morning. I got my last drink at Meletti's, said goodbye to my grocery store friends, and even got to pet Local Stray Cat goodbye.
Shannon, Jane, and I finished out Ascoli the only way we knew how - Pub Murphy's. First place I ran to when I got off the bus and last place I went to before leaving. Perfect bookends. I think I spent more time there than my own apartment. There were Passerinas, Mozz Balls, and good times about. Toph played our favorite playlists with Eminem and even played Cheerleader twice in a row when we begged him to.
Getting this was like Christmas but 100 times better.
The night was truly perfect including all of the weird adventures it held. What made it more perfect was the parting gift from Toph. A Pub Murphy's shirt from the Fritto Murphy's event and it's just the best. We stayed until 3 AM I had exactly three hours of sleep before I got up to finish packing and ran to get my last Nutella Cornetto from Bar Lori.
Back to the beginning of the blog. Leaving was so different this time. Why? Was it because I was only here for a month as opposed to three? Or maybe it's because last time I left I was about to be a junior and knew I had the opportunity to come back. Now I have my senior year ahead of me which is terrifying. Being on the trip with a bunch of new people, I was asked a lot about what I plan to do after I graduate. Every time I had a plethora of answers. Grad school, if I get in, preferably out east. Teach for America in New Orleans. Working on a cruise ship. Teaching English to bambinos in Italy. Scary. And next time I go to Ascoli I know it'll be different. I won't be a student for one thing. Who knows who will be there or who won't. But the one thing that every single person who said bye to me was "When are you coming back?". And I guess that is a valid question. I've been to Ascoli three times in the past year. It's a pretty central part of me now.
I don't know the answer to the "When are you coming back?" question, but I know there will be an answer at one point. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Hopefully for longer than a month. Ascoli Piceno is my favorite town in the world so we all know I'll do anything it takes to get back.
Thanks to everyone and anyone who has ever read Sono Maria Rosa. I'm so happy that I kept this blog and will be able to re-read these entries from both of my times studying in Ascoli. That town has brought me so much happiness and I hope I was able to do the same for the town and the people there.
Grazie Ascoli. M'arusta furia.
