Getting Involved - As an expat

In my last entry i was feeling a bit down and lonely due to my language frustration and the fact I dont know anyone here. So to beat those blues, I decided I had to stop living like a visitor and start living like an expat. In Rome there is an enormous expatriate community. My Irish colleague informed be about the American and Irish Clubs of Rome. They plan numerous events and provide support for expats in the area. It is hard to determine who is Italian and who immigrated here for other reasons because it is such and international city.
So to my movement to 'get involved' started Friday night. The ladies in the WHO office arranged a girls night out. So at 6p we went for drinks in the place where Tom Hanks was spotted earlier that day. He is currently in Rome filming for Angels and Demons. After that, we went to Sex and the City in its original version with Italian subtitles. It was a good girls night choice and quite funny yet dramatic. The conclusion of the movie led us to La Gustto which a very modern restaurant in the same area. The ladies had to help me translate the menu, Italians have about 50 words for pasta and 50 more for cheeses! I called it an early night since i didnt know how late the buses ran to my neighborhood. One metro was already closed so i had about a half hour walk to the other which stops at 1am. The walk allowed me to see the sights of the ancient city at night which are all lit up. It was a great night. Then, luckily the bus runs all night so i made it home just fine and met a nice french speaking Tunisian man on the way to boot.
Saturday after chilling all day with a sore throat and ear ache (either the pollution is getting to me or some teeth are coming in) I went out to a typical European saturday outing location. IKEA. My roomie, her boyfriend, and a spent hours there - it was a good thing there are beds in the store = )
I also heard that the Irish club was hosting a picnic this weekend at the Irish College downtown. The college has about 50 students from all over studying to be a priest. The grounds of the college were perfect for a picnic full great foods, sack and egg, races, and table triva! I spent several hours meeting Irish expats who live in Rome for a variety of reasons and who work in diverse areas. It was a lovely day hearing about the many success stories of foreigners moving and loving Italy. The American Club has a big 4th of July celebration planned and I already have a date. Even though my italian is slowly improving, it feels really great to meet new people that i can completely communicate with.
On the way home, I had a run in with the cops. I am technically not a resident here because my stay is less than three months. I have however the metro pass for a resident recommended by my roomate because its cheaper. I was stopped to see my pass in the metro. If they discover foreigners with such passes there is a hefty fine. The policeman eyed me for a good 5 seconds and then asked me for my identity card (well i think thats what he said cuz he didnt have any objections when i then gave it to him). I gave him my university ID for some reason i thought it would be more believable..He studied for a moment, then me a bit more as i thought 'dont talk, dont panic, dont show fear!' and he said ok and let me pass. WHEW! I think what saved me is my Italian last name - the ID clearly has university of WISCONSIN in huge letters. Hurray! I can blend in!