E Molto Freddo!

Winter is upon us here in Roma. My best friend checked the internet for our temperature in fahrenheit and it was 46 degrees without wind, or the fact that I walk everywhere, taken into consideration. Only a week ago I was going to school in a skirt and tee shirt - maybe pants or a long sleeved shirt but not both. Now, a swift cold front moved through and has changed the landscape to what seems to be a quick decline into cold weather. Unfortunately, our heating doesnt come on for two more weeks, and once its on, we arent sure how warm it will actually be. Im convinced that our favorite person, the landlady, will spite us and give us only enough heat to argue that she turned it on. On the other hand, the winter is fabulous here. Im fond of cold air because it is so crisp and refreshing. It makes me want to get some tea in my new cow mug (see previous post) and curl up on my bed with some sudoku for hours. It is the winter when I really appreciate the fact that Im a literature major; there is always something good to read, while tucked into a cozy blanket, and not only that, but Im doing work at the same time! Brilliant.
There is an art festival going on in the main piazza near my apartment and many vendors have set up stands there for the weekend. There are so many neat things, including jewelry made right in front of you, funky rings based on comic books and japanese lettering, Venetian glass, hand-woven bags and so forth. Everyone seems to be freezing (where are those chestnut roasters when you need them?) but it brings some beautiful life to the piazza.
Im looking forward to seeing just how much cold I can endure. Being from Texas, this is a true test of will power - I am determined that I will prevail and somehow force myself to adjust to the cold. One of my roommates is from Bulgaria where it takes 40 minutes to shovel snow from the driveway every morning in the winter (hah!)...she laughs at my Californian roommate and I who were both shaking and chattering our teeth when it was 50 fahrenheit outside...its going to be a long one.