Here I am...

So, it has been four days since I landed in Fiumicino. I have to be completely honest: I've been anything but an enthusiastic tourist. I've seen the landmarks of Rome several times by now and frankly I have no desire to elbow my way around near the Fontana di Trevi or Piazza di Spagna. I will see them sooner or later. I'm not planning to leave so very soon, am I?  Until now I've been rather lazy and...well...let's call it adjustment. I've been adjusting to minuscule breakfasts and large late dinners. Of course, after a large dinner at 9.30 pm, who wants breakfast anyways? Being slightly cynical though, I have to say: Been there, done that! I've experienced this before and I have written about it too, I think.

What I haven't done ever in my life, though, is taking part in a protest. From the TV you see riots, policemen, tear gas etc etc. Well, I am sure that there are protests like that too, but the protest I took part in, was a small quiet protest. I can't say I am an expert on the matter, but from what I know, the protest was justified and I am happy that the people who do protest are so persistent. The protest was against RAI (the public TV and radio of Italy) and the people protesting were the citizens of L'Aquila. One year after the devastating earthquake in L'Aquila the situation of the people and of the city is still problematic, to say the least. And RAI, controlled by the government, and thus by Berlusconi, just ignores this information. No news, no problem?
When it comes to press freedom, most European countries, according to the index, have high press freedom. Italy, though, is not one of them. Estonia, for example, ranks fifth while Italy is only 49th...

I cannot even begin to understand what it's like to see your city, your home in ruins. There isn't much one can do against natural catastrophes. But there is much that can be done after something like this happens. I knew things were bad but  yesterday when I saw Draquila, I saw proof about how rotten everything is. I've always tried to distance myself from politics, I need to know what is happening, but I want to stay distant. But I can't but feel solidarity towards the citizens of L'Aquila. I don't know how much the people in oppsition can really affect politics but I admire their will. As little as it may be, at least something is done.

So, what does  Italy mean to me? With every time I come here, it becomes more dear and at the same time less of a paradise and more a bundle of problems. I just have to use the words of Leonard Cohen do descirbe my feelings:

I am sentimental, if you know what I mean
I love the country, but I can't stand the scene 
                                                     -Democracy-

...

PS: I promise, no politics next time I write :)

Venice

So I went to Venice. And to Bologna too, for that matter. This meant hours and hours on the train but the trip was well worth it. I liked Bologna which seemed so calm for me who I am used already to the chaotic life of Rome. I liked meeting my Estonian friend who lives near Bologna and is doing her vet practice there.Also, I met my long-time internet friend who lives close to Venice. He showed us around and the day was indeed perfect, a bit too hot maybe. yeah well, i didn't even let the dog poop and the smell of the canals bother me. As for Venice, it is a picture perfect town. You can see it from the pictures. Fortunately for you you can only see, not smell. Nevertheless, walking there was great and I would really recommend people to go there.
But....There are too many tourists there already.

The earthquake

...still feels like a dream. Three days have passed and I'm still having difficulties in believing this. I have been to L'Aquila. I remember eating porchetta on the main square, I remember visiting the curches and walking on the streets. Now it's all gone. There are only ruins and a countless number of people in distress. In 2009 we are still completely powerless against the forces of nature. Nothing more to say. I just feel unbelievably depressed about this.