naturallypixie | buddy system

so I have traveled all over Naples now... well almost all over Naples, all UNDER Naples to be more precise. The metro here is wonderful. Where else can you be serenaded by gypsies playing the accordion, witness a conversation between italians that resembles a boxing match, watch teenagers 'make out', and pleasantly ignore the female voice over the loudspeaker (which always seems to be near the seat I choose no matter which seat I choose) ALL at the same time. I am very entertained by the particular people that I see on the metro. Often I recognize the commuters. But more and more I am learning the particular trains that the gypsy beggars use and what time they frequent what line. There is one particular boy, probably early 20's that works solo. Enters a the train at the Museo stop, line one toward the Policlinico (where Brandie works) As soon as the doors close he begins his speech about being from Yugoslavia, and how he can't get work... etc. I point him out for several reasons. First he is kinda cute. Second, he is from Yugoslavia, but speaks perfect Italian. And finally he works alone. The last point is the most interesting. All the other beggars work in, at least, pairs. One plays the accordion while the other walks around with a tambourine collecting coins. If not collecting with it, the second person is rattling their tambourine to the beat of the music. If the beggar is young, say... under 10, he or she is always accompanied by a guardian of some sort, often 2. There job is to watch out for the police, or more often, irritated commuters. I have witnessed several altercations between those that beg and those that are commuting to work. I even witnessed a "sting like" operation where one commuter sought out the police and identified the crew of beggars after which the cops waited until the music started and then promptly shut the operation down. (to the delight of most of the passengers) But back to my topic. Everyone works in pairs. Not only the beggars, but the Italians in general. Young girls walk arm and arm, older women walk arm and arm, boys men, everyone walks arm and arm with someone else. If not actually linked "wedding style" through the arms, then holding hands, and finally for the pure rebel, just hanging on to a piece of clothing, like a jacket or scarf. Regardless of how it is carried out, the buddy system is alive and well in Italy. You remember the buddy system from elementary school? Each student is given another student from the same grade to hold hands with, and watch out for while on field trips. If you were lucky, and it was a big field trip with more than one grade level going, you would get an older student as your buddy. That was great! (my last name being Wirth, and everything in school being set up in alphabetical order, I often did not have a buddy of my own grade level)

So I wonder... should I have a buddy while in Italy? Where do I find my buddy? Should someone have already assigned my buddy to me, and I was just absent that day? OR do I have to find my own buddy? Now the obvious answer to my questions, to all my questions is Brandie. She is always my first choice in all situations. But, she is working whilst I travel the metro tunnels. So, as of yet, I am buddy-less. Yet another thing that no one told us we needed before moving to Italy.

-Bart

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When I was in Ecuador, I found a lot of fun people through the British consulate's community center. They had movie nights and all sorts of activities. A lot of people networked through that group to get "grey-market jobs" bartering English lessons for Spanish lessons, museum tours, shopping trips, etc. I don't know what Naples might have, but it's probably worth a shot just to find people to hang out with and learn from.

Off topic -- I don't know if you read my LJ or if you are too busy, but just so ya know -- J and I are getting married October 1. J's "best man" is his friend Kyri, and my "maid of honor" is my best friend Brian. I'm the only one planning to wear a dress, thankfully...

Brandie and I have had good luck in meeting some new friends here. So I am not actually as desperate as my buddy post may have made me sound. :-) As far as the language trade goes, both our landlord and his girlfriend speak english (she better than him) and want to learn more. They have already offered to exchange Italian lessons for English lessons. so that should be great... now all I need to do is find out what a adverb is...*ponder*

And yes, we do subscribe to reedrover live journal and know all about your upcoming ceremony. Since Mrs. Sylfae has already sent a congratulatory email, let me add my happy thoughts now. Best to both of you!! We think you guys make a great couple.

I need to do is find out what a adverb is...*ponder*
If you are serious, then I'll tell you that it is a modifier of either an adjective or a verb, and usually answers the question "how." It's easy to spot 90% of the time, because it usually ends in "ly." Example: "He laughed." How did he laugh? "He laughed merrily."

Best to both of you!!
Thank you! I'll pass it on!

After school is up and my family is gone, I need to get downtown to take some more pics before we leave...

Can I be your buddy? :)

How is the whole family visit going? You didn't loose anyone while taking them on a tour or anything did you?

Sure, as long as I can get some copies of your pictures, I can totally be your buddy escort person!! You don't mind if I bring my tambourine along do you?

They actually havent come yet. they arrive on tues.

Are you guys up for IKEA on Sunday? Either that or Monday are the only days we can do it and I know Brandie works on Monday. If that doesnt work, we can always go after my fam leaves on the 22nd.

Bart - Did the money get posted to your account? And what about your direct deposit?

FYI: You can see my itinerary at

http://ase.tufts.edu/chorale/members/tuftsuniversityMar05.pdf

It looks like we spend most of our time in Sorrento. We have free time:

March 22nd, lunchtime
March 23rd, evening/dinner

Plus there are concerts and stuff, although I don't know how quickly
we'll be whisked away afterwards.

so about this whole adverb thing- the way it is taught it 4th grade is that it is to a verb what an adjective is to a noun. A describing word. An adverb- adds to the verb. Adjectives add to the noun. Don't ask me why they aren't called adnouns!!!

I think you should buddy up with the gypsy without a buddy!!!(ha, ha) maybe he missed his buddy assignment day as well:)

buddy system

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language exchange and stuff

Re: language exchange and stuff

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adverb