(Non-)Dating Advice.

It's funny who one meets just walking down the streets of Firenze.
Yesterday, I met Mohammed Ali. Yes, Mohammed Ali. That's what it says on his IDs.
This one's a boxer, too, but he's from Tunisia and is now studying cintematography.
"Firenze è una città bellissima."
"Si!" I smiled and nodded. This apparently gave him the go-ahead.
We talked about the documentary festival being shown at the local theater, Firenze, his family, my studies, my Italian. And then he asked for the number.
So, I'm terrible with this stuff. Horrible. It's so hard for me to turn someone down, even if I'm not interested.
Being aware of my people-pleaser mentality, I've come up with a few good excuses to have on the tip of your tongue at all times. I am the worst liar in the world, so I've ingrained these in my brain so I can avoid situations that will lead no where. Some of these are hand-me-downs from friends. I hope you can put these in your back pocket as well...just in case.:
"I have to put my focus on my studies now, and I barely have any free time. I'm flattered you asked, but it is just not possible for me."
"I'm busy now but maybe another time." (And then never answer your phone again.)
"Just got a new phone/different number because I'm out of the country. I don't remember my number! So sorry."
"Ooops, left my phone at home."
And my personal favorite: "I just started dating someone, but I'm flattered that you asked!" This is one guaranteed way that the unwanted male will stop pestering you. Men are territorial. If you're taken, you're no longer on their radar. Done.
Maybe Georgia boys have no balls (excuse me, American men in general), but it is a rare occasion when one is intentional about pursuing a girl or honest about his feelings. Why do they put so much pressure on a single date? If a man would just ask a female he's interested out for a drink or lunch, the woman would most likely be 1) impressed and 2) more than willing. I'll be honest, it's been quite a self-esteem booster to come to a different country where men ask me on dates regularly.
Yesterday Mohammed Ali asked me out, and I gave him the "I'm busy but maybe later" approach. Annoying thing is that he still has my number and the "block call" option does not seem to work. He's a really nice-seeming, lively person, but "I'm just not that into him."
This morning, I donned by black-and-white-striped shirt, vintage black and gold belt, black skirt, leggings, and my boots. I had to wake up early to go to the "Permit To Stay" meeting, where, four days before I leave, I will FINALLY receive a card allowing me to stay in the country...after a four month process. Italian bureaucracy. Enough said.
After that was the ISA tour of the Accademia, i.e., the home of the most magnificent sculpture ever created, Michaelangelo's David. The tour portion solely for David lasted almost an hour. It was fasccccinating.
While walking to the museum, a creepy Italian man looked at my boots and made some vulgar gesture. I flipped! I still don't know what it means but have been trying to find it on the internet. Maybe it's best not to know...
On my way home, I stopped by a huge outdoor market being held in Piazza della Repubblica. It's olive harvesting and crushing season, so I HAD to buy a small bottle of the nuovo extra-virgin olio. I also bought some roasted nuts, my FAVE. Checked off my Firenze bucket list.
Then, I went home, heated up leftover pasta, and watched an episode of 30 Rock. Dopo, I went to the Oltrarno, which is quickly becoming my favorite section of Florence. It's the less-touristy, artsy side of town. Oh, and it's cheaper. I found the Pasticeria Americana, Mama's Bakery. I bought a chocolate-chip cookie (IT'S BEEN MONTHS), a bagel for the morning, and sipped un cafe, American style.
I read a bit then decided to attend this conference on Emigration, Migration, and Immigration at our school. I was late to the meeting, but it's just a conference, right? Sono un idiota. I came into the room during the middle of a lecture, confused the speaker, and had to sit on the stairs. Ohhhhh well. The lectures were really interesting and I tried to be very attentive to make up for my earlier lack of respect.
I slipped right out afterwards, and two doors down there was this fascinating exhibit in a free art gallery. Perche no? I went in, and looked at the first piece of art. I made eye contact with a man passing by and recognized him from the conference. He turned around, came in the door, and introduced himself. He was actually one of the speakers, but I missed the lecture because I was late...I congratulated him anyways. He was funny, kind, and direct, which I especially enjoy in a person. He asked if we could have a drink, and I told him I had plans (I really do, Leyla and Jess and I have planned to try out a famous gelateria tonight!). We'll see each other tomorrow at the next set of lectures, though. My classmates should be there tomorrow, too, so that will help to give me a bit of security, haha. Yes, I really think this way.
I'm aware that I encouraged the male race to ask girls on dates, then gave a list of ways to reject guys. Well, use with caution. If you'll be in the same country as the other for more than two months, he does not seem like a criminal, and he could be someone you're interested in, then HELL YES ACCEPT THE INVITATION/DATE/FREE DINNER. The experience is worth it, and you'll make a new friend. It's easier to know who the quality ones are in your home country, so use your judgement and woman's intuition.
I'll get off my soapbox now. Ciao!