My style. My way. In Italy.

In Italy, I'll talk to anyone who talks to me. Especially if he/she speaks a little English. Because I have yet to learn a decent amount of Italian. And never will. But that doesn't stop me from being curious. Wanting to know virtually everything about the life and ways of Italians. Often, all I have to say is, 'No parlo Italiano. Do you speak English?' Happened the second day after my most recent arrival. On Monday. As I was strolling in the wonderful city of Carbonia. On the island of Sardinia. Two young guys. Didn't at first understand what they were saying. But one raised his hand and spread two fingers a little wider than a pinch. Yes, he spoke a little English. Reached into his brief case. Pulled out a pamphlet. Opened to a page printed in English. He was a bemusing Jehovah Witness. He asked me to read. I did. Aloud. Slowly. A conversation ensued. Ah, a wish come true. Two Italian guys speaking not half-bad English. Some day I may write a story. Maybe a book. About my encounters with English-speaking Italians. My way of educating myself. Despite my severely limited knowledge of the smooth and passionate-sounding Italian language. Anyway, there's a consolation. English comes close to being a universal language. An opportunity to tell Jehovah Witnesses that I'm a spiritual free-thinker. They understood. I became the proselytizer. Suggesting that we cultivate interest in each other. For reasons other than religion. Yes, strangers learning to accept each other. As we are. Without trying to remake or convert each other. Though I wouldn't mind being an Italian citizen some day. I'm in Italy for the remainder of autumn, and winter, and into spring. Living with my Italian true love. She stays with me in Minnesota in the summertime. The two guys are no longer complete strangers. They are Giovanni and Lucas. We chatted. For 20 minutes. Made my day. This chance meeting. Maybe I made their day, too. I'll keep an eye out for them. Might even go to a gathering of Italian Jehovah Witnesses --that is, if some of 'em speak/understand English. They'll learn I'm fully capable of out-talking a Jehovah Witness. And that I treat others the same way they treat me. Especially if they are nice people. Italians, or any nationality. Doesn't matter about their religion. I like 'em all. Even atheists. That's my style. My way. --Jim Broede