Summer nights- oh what a treat!

Summer weather has officially made it to Perugia! The past two days have been in the 90's during the day, but the nights cool off well, that is compared to Texas. I have enjoyed opening the door of my balcony before I go to bed and relaxing with a pretty view and a light breeze. Last night I had a real treat. While I was on my computer and doing a bit of studying, I heard this great music playing outside. It was music I would picture Italians dancing to in the "olden days". At first I thought someone must have their TV turned up really loud, but then I stepped out onto my balcony and could tell it was coming from the building by my bus stop. I am not exactly sure what the building is used for, but it seems to be some kind of community center. There is a place to play bacci ball, another court for basketball and maybe soccer, and a small caffe.
So, for some reason last night they were playing music and several couples were dancing outside. Many other people were just hanging out. It was like a scene in a movie. The Italy you would picture in your dreams. Families outside hanging out with one another and enjoying life to the fullest.
It was a great reminder to me of what I love about the culture and the people. I tried to get a picture, but it was quite dark. I hope you can see it a bit.

Perugia has been a strange place to be in the sense that I am here to learn the Italian language and culture, but I am doing it with international students. The challenge for me is balancing my time between University friends and getting to know Italians. Obviously, it is easier to hang out with people I see everyday and have a natural affinity towards. But too much time with fellow students can make me lose sight of why I am here. In the church there is a mix of people born in Italy and people who have just lived here a long time. To immerse myself in real Italian culture is not always easy because I have to seek it out and then when I do I usually feel like a complete outsider. So last night I was able to forget my lack of language and see a glimpse of a life that one day I can hopefully enjoy.