Lost in Rome

Friday the 13th - you’ve done it to me again.

Actually, this one was probably the best joke yet!

After a beautiful evening eating at a very “posh” restaurant in the Piazza di Spagna, I couldn’t imagine how my evening could go wrong. I’m in Italy, everything is always perfect...at least so I thought.

Around 11:30 I headed back to the Metro station to make my journey back into Ostia - to my surprise, the trains for this one particular line had stopped working (Che palle! I knew I should have read the signs).

I asked a few people how to get back to Ostia, but I knew my time was running out - remember, this is Rome, not New York, bus lines don’t run 24/7.

I was filled with a variety of emotions; 

I could cry - but what would that do? I would just look vulnerable and ruin my makeup...

I could freak out - 

again, what would that accomplish? 

Or, I could laugh.

I went with the latter.

I laughed and smiled as I walked down the pebblestone streets in stilettos contemplating what alley I could sleep in for the night. But, I wasn’t afraid, in fact - I felt adventurous. I could either sink or swim in this situation. I needed to get lost, to find my way home, because I am alone - there is no security link for me to latch onto - independence is a must - as well as strength.

With hope diminishing, I decided to text my friend Saso, 

“Saso, OMG, I’m lost - in Rome! Aituo! (help)”

He called me immediately, and I just couldn’t help but laugh. What was he going to be able to do? He lives 8 hours from Rome, in Reggio. Hearing his voice was helpful though - comforting. A familiar voice is always helpful in times of stress. And I was grateful to have someone to talk too ( I didn’t want to look like a complete fool).

He helped me - rescued me in fact! I got to Piazza Venezia in one piece and found the right bus to take my straight back to Ostia. 

I had never felt more relieved to walk into my house and lay down in my little bed then I did Friday evening. 

Friday the 13th - you tried hard to screw with me, 

and you almost won. 

But - just like usual - I beat you again!

I was home - safely and soundly.

And I had discovered a friend I knew I could count on - even if he is 8 hours away!