EVENING IN TERRACINA
Continued from page 11
It was still hot at night, but the evening air was soothing on my sun-soaked skin. Sitting on the patio, I stared out at the crowded street. I felt as if all I had done so far on this trip was witness Italian life. But I wanted to engage in it.
My friends finished their meals and tried to get the waitress’ attention. When she zipped past our table I decided I had had enough. I stopped a young, male waiter and asked in my best Italian accent if we could have our bill and the remaining pieces of pizza to go.
He didn’t scowl or roll his eyes. Instead he simply nodded and headed swiftly toward the register. My friends’ shocked open mouths soon formed wide smiles. They knew I could speak Italian, they were just waiting for me to try.
Without taking action I may have never met the wonderful people I met on that trip, may have never found my way from city to city and I may never have gotten those pizzas to go. With one simple question I had stepped out of my comfort zone, and just like that, my adventure began.