Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Loud students + 2:00 a.m. + angry neighbors = a bucket of water.

Last night a group of four American college girls were screaming at these Italian students. If someone is bothering me, I would yell "basta", and walk away. Instead they kept screaming, "non capisco Italian", "stop, go away" and "you are disgusting", but then they would chase the boys and hit them. Where I live is a side street, most of the people who live here are Italians, there are families and almost all of these brownstones are condo buildings, in other words it's not an area with a lot of students or high turnover. I get that by living in the Center I will have to put up with some noise esp. on the weekends but it was a Monday night and it was ridiculously obnoxious. They woke me up and I looked out my window to see what was happening. If the girls were really in danger I would have called the cops but like I said why would you chase someone and hit them if you want them to leave you alone.

They were in front of a building a few doors down. All of a sudden I heard a splash. It took me a minute to realize someone had thrown a bucket of water on them. The students stopped.

Regarding the game last night, Che cazzo รจ successo?! That's Italian for WTF happened? I met up with G at a friends. The actress who made the comment about how eating slowly = making love slowly at an earlier dinner was there and it was fun to see her again. However, when I left my apartment the score was 0-0. I got to the apartment and everyone looked like they were at a funeral. G said solemnly, "Italy is down by two goals."

After this horrific game we watched the post game show. I felt so bad for Gianluigi Buffon the goalie. This man is an incredible goalie. Someone translated for me. He basically said it was the worst game he has played in 12 years, he felt ashamed and apologized to the people of Italy.

Okay I don't think he said these things because the publicist for the team said he should. He looked so upset and ashamed. I thought his choice of words were interesting. I don't hear ashamed used a lot in American pro-sports. Upset, embarrassed, sad, yes but shame is such a strong emotion.

Now Italy has to beat Romania on Friday or they are out. Holland's defense was incredible last night. After the game both teams hugged, exchanged shirts but the Italian team was exhausted and the fans were not happy.

Just as G predicted it's very quiet this morning. I went to the market and everyone I spoke to was sad.

18 comments:

glamah16 said...

Those egirls sounded 12. Anyway I had a horrific flight and was rerouted via Schipol in Amsterdam.All I saw was a sea of orange and everyone riveted to the tv's in the bars. I like those jerseys. Even my Swedish friends were routing for the Dutch last night .

Anonymous said...

It is a sad, sad day. I doubt the Azzurri are going to make it to the quarter finals let alone this round. And then who am I going to ogle?!?!?

Anonymous said...

I tip toed around the house last night, my men were not happy campers but they rallied and are pumping themselves up for Friday (I think I'll go out).

Whoever threw that bucket of water should be given a medal. I've had problems in the summer, but they are too far away to splash!

Nancy - Girl in Giro said...

Hi, I have read your entire blog from beginning to end! You're great! I live in Venice, where there is a lack of public bathrooms and an abundance of little tiny alleyways. It is common practice for locals to keep a bucket of water on their window sill to dump on the heads of people that take a leak in the alleyway below. Italians are so "furbo"!

Jen said...

I'm sorry for Italy and the team. And yes, shame is a word we could hear more from Americans.

Glad your neighbors found a way to cool off the American students. And yes, they do sound about 12.

erin said...

HAHA! That is hilarious about the water. Please tell me there is more to the story...

Anonymous said...

HAHA!!! High fives to the neighbour who dumped a bucket of water on the students!! That is so freaking great.

The game yesterday was so heartbreaking...I didn't see the team that I knew would win the World Cup. It was just so sad. I did have some opinions on the starting lineup and I thought the substitutions were a little too late to make any sort of impact. The Italians have come up from the bottom many times...let's hope this time is no exception!! :)

Anonymous said...

That's a fabulous idea. I'm going to pour a bucket of water on my roommate if he says one more word to me about the game against Holland.

dmarie said...

LOL @ the water bucket! That takes guts.

BTW, I just read your new description--so funny!

Anonymous said...

Love the bucket story! I wish I could have used that on my noisy neighbours!

I was a bit sad today about the Italy game yesterday.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

glamah16 - hope the rest of your trip goes more smoothly. I couldn't believe those girls were in college. I know I acted a fool sometimes at that age but come on.

milanese masala - Don't despair. It's not over yet! I am very nervous about Friday though.

joanne - I started laughing once I figured out what was going on. I guess they had it.

girl in giro - thanks for stopping by and the compliments! That is hilarious. I don't blame the Venetians. I would do the same. ha.

jen - I can think of one person who need to use that word of the top of my head, our current commander in chief for lying about WMD.

erin - after the water hit, there was some confusion then everyone started running. I can't really describe how loud they were.

lulu - I know the defense is hurting but I hope they can get it together on Friday. The French team didn't play that well either.

tina - ha!

dmarie - I had to change it because pretty much every person in the States who heard/knew I was moving to Rome would say things like "Oh My God you're like the black Elizabeth Gilbert/Frances Mayes" or "Girl, you are so going to get your groove back". I wish I have some Elizabeth or Frances money. There has been no "grooving" thus far. ha

Leanne was in Italy now in Australia said...

As the other comments have said - good on the locals for throwing the bucket of water. I have never thought of that...but you never know...noisy tourists best watch out next time!

Kataroma said...

Hah - that is hilarious about the bucket of water. I also once saw a well dressed woman in Trastevere come out of her apartment and get into a screaming match with a busker saying he sucked and was too loud and telling all the people sitting outside not to give him any money!

The match last night was so amazing!!! My Dutch husband has been grinning all day. The Dutch team was incredible and they just played so well together.

I like Buffon - he has less of an ego than the other players (can you imagine Cannavaro or Grosso saying "I'm ashamed"?) and seems like a nice bloke. I guess he was just having an off night last night.

Anyway - I hope the Dutch can keep playing like this. I'm definitely barracking for them in the EuroCup (and also the Swedes since I"m half Swedish and they just beat Greece 2-0!!)

Beatriz Macias said...

I am the tail of the comments, but it is only 9 PM here, so I am still on Tuesday. So sad about the game, I wasn't able to watch it, as I haven't figure out the direct TV thing yet. Maybe Friday...

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

leanne - I might start keeping a bucket or two next to my window. ha.

kataroma - that is priceless. I feel like going up to the off key busker in Campo de Fiori and telling him a thing or two. I saw him the other day torturing people in by the Pantheon. He gets around.

Holland played a great game. Greece won the Cup last time right? That is a big upset for them. Wow so far this Cup has been full of drama.

Beatriz - I hope you figure out the direct TV by Friday. We need as much support and good vibes as possible on Friday. :)

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

ms. violetta - I was as well. I felt bad for team but now they know they need to step it up on Friday, esp. the defense.

Anonymous said...

Never underestimate the power of a bucket of water :)
As for the goalie (yes a great one too), his emotional honesty is beautiful.

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

confessions - I agree with you about both things.