People Watching

“Into your checking, right?”, the bank teller really clocked me there. I had $10 total between my savings and checking this morning and I could see it in face that she knew that. Usually they ask if I want to deposit that kind of money in my savings. It was a little over a grand, what I had made so far this week serving tourists overpriced lobster rolls. 

In a week my mom and I’s plane will be landing in Rome, my favorite city on earth and I’ll be having the best pasta in the world. Hopefully my mom and I won’t be arguing after a sleepless overnight flight, riddled with heat exhaustion after a day of being in the city. 90 something and sunny Every. Day. Is insane. But that’s okay. 

We don’t have anything booked but our first night there out of 10. After the 10 first days, she leaves and I’ll be traveling until September 25th. I miss writing and feel like blogging might be a good way to document this as I always say I’ll bring my journal and write in it but never do. I prefer paper and pen but sometimes my thoughts are too quick and my hand can’t keep up. 

I’m writing this from a coffee shop that’s wifi doesn't work. A man who races bikes is gathering a crowd about it, bike knowers. Wifi was the whole reason I came but now I’m using a hotspot I didn’t know I had. I love watching people so it’s okay. I love the little conversations with people you’ll never run into again and watching someone else's experience with that. 

I’m not religious but the last time I was in Rome, I was asked to go to Saint Peters and pray for someone I know who had passed. I did it the only way I knew how, thought good thoughts, spoke to her, I guess to someone else, but I was so focused on the other people there. The people who were struggling. A little boy standing and praying almost out loud. The people who really believed someone was listening and would help. I didn’t know what to do but tried to send them good energy. “Prayed” that they would get whatever it is they’re asking for. 

I appreciate a beautiful place and you can't deny that they’re stunning there so from then on I would go into all the ones I passed by, take it in, and send good energy to the people in there or the person who looked like they needed it the most. Not the people just passing through admiring but the people really there. My grandparents are catholic and my mom grew up christian science so for easter or christmas eve sometimes we would go to church. I appreciate the sense of community. There is certainly something about a church. It’s so interesting to watch people be people. 

I’ve lost the plot. My bad. 

Watching people is just something I’ve always enjoyed. Synchronized moments with strangers who may or may not be doing something you connect with. It’s grounding I guess.

Anyway, I recommend it, people watching. In a church (is that invasive of me?), at your coffee shop with no wifi. Wherever. It’s good for the soul to know you’re not the only person being a person.