The Stereotypical American

Urgh. So this is my blog of frustration right now. (Warning: It's a rated PG-13!)

It's a beautiful day in Roma, per usual, and I was all set to wake up early and head to Villa Borghese, an amazing park right down the street from campus, to have a picnic and casually drink some beers and wine for St. Patrick's Day! Nothing crazy, just enjoying the day. So this morning after finally leaving campus at 12:30 (much later than I would have liked to) we make out way to the grocery store, where a group of probably twenty St. John's students were surrounding us. Mind you, the group was originally eight tops. Once we reached the store people proceeded to fill shopping carts of beer; and by fill I mean at least ten. I was so embarrassed I refused to be in the same isle and went to pick out my snacks until they filed out to go and get my one beer as planned. The cashiers were looking at the group of us with wide eyes as if they hadn't seen a group of loud Americans prepared to get hammered on St. Patty's day.

So my point is, what was going to be a fun day in the park turned into a potential shit show. Instead of staying with the group Amy, Jill, and I went on our own and had our own picnic as planned enjoying the sun. Now don't get me wrong, I have had my fair share of fun nights, and by fair share I mean quite a few. But I feel like I've definitely had control on my alcohol intake. I love nothing more than going out to dinner, getting a nice bottle of wine to for the table, and then going out to get dessert and a drink! I did that every night with my mom and Ry and those we're some of my favorite memories with them, and same with friends here! I don't see the need to get sloppy drunk to the point people are giving us funny looks, especially in the main park in the middle of Rome in the middle of the afternoon. St. Patrick's Day or not, I don't want that.

I'm just really disappointed because I had a day planned that I was really looking forward to and it was spoiled by the intentions of getting way too drunk way too early. I can only imagine what tonight is going to be like. Some of us girls decided that we are going to go out to dinner and then out for drinks, avoiding the big crowds of drunkies. St. Patrick's day is definitely an Americanized holiday. People were dressed up for the day of Unionization of Italy or for the big rugby game tonight, but barely any green in site.

I'm just frustrated right now! But I know tonight will end up being a great night in the end and have a fun time with the group I go out with!  And tomorrow I will have my own day in the park on the bikes like I was hoping for today!