From Us to You

Merry Christmas!

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How to Blend In...Part 2

Well, as you read earlier, it is important to the US government that we blend in. I think I've finally done it.

I went to IKEA yesterday to exchange some chairs and said this in my broken Italian to the guard at the front of the store. He looked at me, and then started talking to me in German! When I looked at him even more like a deer in the headlights, he switched to his broken English and told me that he was German and thought I was too. I guess I'm getting closer.....

Oh, and in line at IKEA, the woman behind me started talking to me in Italian. I told her I only speak poco italiano. She didn't care and just kept talking so I just kept smiling.

Playing Catch Up

Well, its been a while. We've been busy doing everything and nothing all at the same time. First and foremost, please keep the people of San Diego in your thoughts. We turned on CNN one night to hear them talking about evacuating Rancho Bernardo. Then, we started seeing the pictures of our neighborhood. The street that received the most damage was Aguamiel Road, and the house that we had lived in was one of a few remaining. All of our neighbors lost everything, as well as several good friends of ours. It sounds like the community pulled together, and I've been in contact with a few of those affected. Halloween in Italy is starting to catch on. I took the kids to the Navy Base to do their Trick-or-Treating while Patrick stayed home. He did have a couple of treaters, mainly our next door neighbors. Angela, next door, did find a pumpkin (not hollow like we are used to) and put it on her front step with a candle on top. Her son was impressed with Emily and Michael's jack-o-lanterns. We also thought it would be a good time to do the Napoli Sotterranea tour. This is a tour that takes you to the underground area of Naples. Its really just a large system of cisterns that are no longer used, and the last time they were used were as air raid shelters during WWII. Interestingly enough, Neapolitans used the wells to drop their trash in even in ancient times, so the trash issue is certainly not a new one. The part that we were walking on is just paved over 10 meters of trash piles. Part of the tour was also of the old amphitheater where Nero would perform. Archeologists knew that one existed, but in hundreds of years were unable to find it. For a while, it was assumed that the church had torn it down (being evil and all). Six (yes, only six) years ago, an archeologist managed to be inside of a typical, lower class, Neapolitan apartment. These apartments are really one long room, with very little furnishings. Ten people in the tour group made the apartment feel very small. He noticed the archways in the middle of the room and asked if they had been added. The owner replied that they had been there before, and gave permission for the wall to be chipped away. An ancient arch was found. Off to the cellar (having pushed the bed out of the way) that was small, and with a little more digging, found more archways. The amphitheater was found! It was really pretty amazing. Once the theater was closed, people just walled up the entrances/hallways and called it a house. Last Wednesday, Patrick was lucky enough to be at the other base to see one of the Italian RunningMilitary Bands. Pretty impressive-Em and I like the hats!


Today, I went on a tour of Naples cemeteries. Very interesting and some beautiful scupltures, but out of respect, cameras are not allowed. People don't "die" in Naples (well at least the ones in the Catholic cemeteries don't). Their families visit every week and talk to them as if they were still there in body form. Some of the "houses" even had a little cafe table set up as well as a coffee pot in the corner. Flowers are also brought to the older homes (and they are looked upon as homes) that no longer have family to take care of out of pity. One home showed a 1920's type roadcar (think about the Monopoly car piece) crashed into a tree, with its driver slumped over, but held up by an angel, while a skeleton lurked behind the tree. It was all really interesting. I won't get into the details here about how they actually bury their dead, but if you want to know, feel free to email me. Very ecologically sound I think.

We're have reservations for Germany in a couple of weeks. I'll post again after that. In the meantime, if you are wanting to head out this direction, let us know and we can play tourguide and bed & breakfast.

these are the people in your neighborhood....

As all good Italian homes are equipped with window boxes, ours is no exception. However, all of our plants were dead before I could even cause their destruction so we had 4 boxes of dirt. I asked our neighbor Angela where she goes locally for plants. It turns out the green houses next to our driveway is her aunt and uncle's wholesale nursery. Lucky for me! She took me over, we had some translated conversation and I walked away with 40 Euro worth of plants for 24 Euro. On the way over, Angela would point at a house and say "this is my uncle" or "this is my cousin" and introduced me to everyone in the neighborhood, which are mostly all relatives. The land here was her grandfather's, and while the people that live in that house aren't related, the rest of the neighbors are. So, we have now been inducted as part of the extended family and are waved to instead of being looked at suspiciously!

A Room with No View

We spent the Labor Day weekend in Firenze (aka Florence) and I now have a new favorite place. Even the kids were impressed with the sights (and the gelato-go to Corona's Cafe for that) and didn't complain too much through the Uffuzi.

Having seen "A Room With A View", Emily proclaimed upon our arrival (to our room) that we decidedly had no view even though she had specifically requested a view. All this was done in her best Maggie Smith voice, and while we all agreed that there was no view, it didn't really matter because we were in a beautiful city and not back home unpacking more boxes! We then ventured out for the evening as the street vedors were closing up their carts and things were winding down. The good thing about being on an American eating schedule is the ability to get a good seat at the local restaurants recommended by the guide books as needing reservations for the normal 7:30-8:00 crowd. San Carlo's is delicious and we had the specialty that is known throughout-steak. I don't know if it is because our diet over here has been limited to the food court (before we moved) and "instant" things or easily done things (remember, we just got a refrigerator and oven recently) or if it was just because it was really, really good. Absolutely melted in our mouths. Grandma Pattee would have tried to get the recipe from the chef I think! Some gelato afterwards while walking around the various piazzas and watching the street performers. I think we returned to our hotel about 10:00 that night and slept well.

Sunday was buon fortunata. Since we had reservations for a guided tour of the Uffizi gallery at 9:30, we were up early and out the door by 7:45. This gave us plenty of time to see the Duomo (outside at least) with no else on the piazza at all! We felt like we had the city to ourselves and enjoyed all of it on the way to the gallery. And oh! the gallery. To see these art works from inches away instead of printed in books! I don't think I will ever forget that. Even the kids walked out with a couple of favorite pieces. Michael really liked "Medusa" and Emily was all for Botticelli's "Primavera". They were both glad to hit the gift shop and find pens with their favorites on them. We then proceeded to San Lorenzo's chapel and a little shopping.

Monday we were off to Pisa with a light lunch in the shadow of the Baptistry. While most people go to see the Leaning Tower, the Duomo and Baptistry are stunning. We even went to the cemetary where Michael found it wasn't too scary after all-with the exception of the fresco of Hell. That, he decided, was scary!

The kids started school this week and we couldn't be happier with the choice to put them in the Montessori school. Emily is the only American in her class, and therefore answers many questions from her classmates about the States. Michael just loves his teacher and talks about his day and his friends, etc. They have both found their niche!

I started Italian classes this week, and as a result, I can be polite in complete sentences and adjectives are starting to join my nouns. I was even able to have a (somewhat disjointed) conversation with my landlord yesterday. Now if I had only been able to do that in high school French!

Enjoy the pictures!

How to "Blend In"

Before we arrived in Italy, we kept being told two things: Italians DRESS for everyday things and we were to "blend in". When we packed our clothes that should have worked for the summer, Patrick and I thought we were doing pretty well with our "blending in" choices. HA! First of all, the two of us don't blend well anywhere-especially when it seems the average height for a woman is around 5'4". Secondly, although we are presentable enough to go into the churches (pants, no tank tops, I've even been ironing this summer), we still can't figure out the Italian way. Khaki pants/capris are really only worn by the Americans. Strike two for blending in! So if any of you should relocate to Italy or come see us (the door is always open, literally) here are some tips to "blend in".

1. Ladies-always wear the highest heels you can find. Doesn't matter what you wear them with, I have seen very few flats/flip-flops/sandals. Even here in Little America, the nationals wear co-ordinating heels with their swimsuits at the pool. Who says (in reference to beauty pageants) regular women don't wear shoes with a bikini?
2. Gentlemen-find a pair of pink (any shade) pants and wear them with either a polo (any shade) or linen shirt. Make sure the collar is up and you have tassles on your shoes.
3. A cell phone and a gelato (ice cream cone) are other "must have" accessories.
4. Large lens sunglasses. Wear them indoors as well.
5. I don't think I'll ever talk Patrick into one, but many men wear what Jerry Seinfeld would have coined a "man purse". Its like a small satchel about the size of a day planner worn across the body. I think the popularity of them is due to the popularity of "borrowing" other people's wallets on a permanent basis. Coach and Gucci are popular choices. After all, you have to have somewhere to put your cell phone and sunglasses (should you take them off).
6. Back to the ladies...lots of gold jewelry. It isn't done in a Mr. T fashion, but there is a lot of it.

These were just some of my observations at the Jambo (big mall) and the Auchen (another big mall, but the Auchen itself is similar to a Super Wal-Mart) last night. Shopping is a big pastime on Sunday apparently because the place was packed. It was crowded enough that I had a hard time balancing my cell phone and my gelato.

Back Online

After two weeks, we have our computer back! We've been having to take quick checks at the Family Center for our email and not a lot of time to email everyone.

Our house that we picked has passed inspection. It is in Cuma (which the Greeks settled) and is down the road from the beach and the Greek ruins. It has 3 bedrooms, a large balcony off of the kitchen and a great view. The duplex overlooks an orchard and the ocean and not much else with a clear view of the island of Ischia. Our next door neighbors are the landlord's sister and brother-in-law, and he's part of the Carabinieri (Italian military police) which equates to no break ins. A big plus! We sign the contract next week and move in the week after. Farragusto (Italian national holiday-the entire country shuts down for two weeks) has ended up only delaying us by a day.

We managed to make it over to Herculaneum a couple of weekends ago. Nicely preserved and smaller than Pompeii. I still haven't figured out how to get the pictures to where I want them, so sorry! Michael wasn't impressed until he heard that it was from Vesuvius that caused all the destruction to the city. Emily had her heart set on Pompeii, but after a few hours of walking around, she was glad we went for smaller. We're aiming to hit the big archeological museum this weekend. She has declared that seeing the Pompeii artifacts at the museum and in combination with Herculaneum touring that it will be "close enough" to Pompeii.

The kids have made a few friends here at the Navy Lodge. Unfortunately for them (Em and Mike), their families have already found and moved in to houses. We've signed the kids up for the Montessori school that is on the same base Patrick will be at and only 15 minutes from the house. They just answered all of our questions and concerns without us asking them. No basketball for either of them until January or February (through the Boys and Girls Club here on base) and the only other offering in soccer which neither is interested in. Emily is going to try out for the swim team in September. She's in lessons now to learn the butterfly and breast stroke, but the coach said she seemed very "coachable" and has a "swimmers body", just some technique work is needed. Keep your fingers crossed.

I'm still doing the things that need to be done here. It seems that there is something that has to be signed up for, turned in, or found at the exchange everyday. From our room to the housing office and back is almost 2 miles (I bought a pedometer), so even if I don't get to the gym (and yes, I'm going to the gym and actually using the equipment), I've gotten some amount of walking in. My weight training program consists of going to the commissary every three days and lugging the bags back to the room (.25 mile with usually two-three half gallons of milk plus bottles of drinking water).

The fires are down, the trash is picked up, and unfortunately the fireworks have slowed since an explosion there a few weeks ago. My Italian is picking up, although all that time in high school French class is coming back to haunt me. I don't really NEED to remember how to say "I'm going to the beach tomorrow" in French, but it sticks out every once in a while.

Till next time, ciao!

Life in Italy....sorta!

I can't say we have experienced much life in Italy yet. We've done some sightseeing here in Naples, and we've been to Rome, but without a house yet, we're back in "Little America" at the end of each day. I'll see what I can do to give you an impression of Naples.

Driving....oh my gosh! It took some time for me to be comfortable as a passenger before I was ready to drive this past weekend (in our gently used 97 Volvo Wagon). The left lane is for passing only, but at 130KpH. Motorcycles/scooters/Vespas can pass (well not legally, but its done) where and however they want. Throw a couple of people arguing in the middle of the lane (with their cars stopped somewhat on the shoulder) ON THE HIGHWAY and that should give you an idea of driving in this city of 3 million people. In town? You just make a lane where you think one should be and park wherever there is space. We laughed this weekend at the cars that were all parked very neatly halfway on the sidewalk next to the "No Parking" signs. We have even seen cars parked sideways. Although these cars are so tiny, "roller skate" is a more accurate word. Many cars don't have bumpers (since they have bumped too many times) or rear view mirrors (since they were sheered off in passing someone else). Keep your fingers crossed for me, but I know Grandma Pattee would be hitting the door with her hand if she was in the passengers seat. I find myself just holding my breath.

Speaking of holding my breath...the trash problem has gotten better the last week and there aren't as many fires (of burning trash) out in town. We still periodically get a really good whiff, but the day we landed, smoke columns were everywhere. The landfills are full, and while the mafia has "offered" to take care of the problem (which was rejected), the Italian State government has stepped in.

We did find the need to get out of town and went to Rome with the USO. First stop was the Collosseum (you will have to excuse my spelling....I'm starting to have combo Italian and English spellings going through my head). Its much bigger on the outside than appearance on the inside. We didn't get to spend too much time there before we had to meet for the bus. We had a bit of a driving tour, then off to the Trevi Fountain. Absolutely lovely. All of us threw in our coins to guarantee our return to Rome (as long as we don't have to walk according to Michael), drank from the (drinking) fountain there and went off again. It was just a short walk to the Pantheon and I found myself almost paralyzed under the portico. I have always wanted to see the Pantheon and there I was. It was.....I can't find the right words....overwhelming I guess. I stepped inside and tears just rolled out of my eyes it was so beautiful and perfect in its structure. And by the way, they weren't just a couple of little tears, big fat ones that went on for a while. I will always remember that moment of sheer awe.

Interesting note, there is a fireworks factory near the base, so periodically we can go out on our balcony at night and watch a few fireworks.

The kids are getting back from day camp, and I can't be late to pick them up. I'll sign off for now, but will try to post more later this week. Email us please! We're lonely for news of friends and family!

What A Week!

It's the day before we leave and it has been raining to beat the band here in Hico, Texas. But I get ahead of myself.



The kids and I stayed at a local hotel for the last week of school. Emily missed her promotion ceremony due to a 24 hour bug, but was well again for the 5th grade picnic. (And to all of you at Westwood that I couldn't find to say goodbye...Goodbye! I really enjoyed working and knowing all of you. I'll miss you.)



We took the full 2 1/2 days to get here. The most unusual thing about the entire trip was the fact that from El Paso on east, it has been nothing but cool temperatures and green fields. This is not the Texas I'm used to in late June, that is for sure! We were at Dad and Judy's in Austin for the weekend; Cheri had driven in from Tallahassee to say goodbye. Steve had a lesson in Slithers (the snake) feeding, which also provided some entertainment during Judy's birthday party. Several games of Scrabble later and we were off again to Patrick's parent's house.



We sold the car yesterday which was...well...odd. I don't think I have been carless since I was 16. Patrick's car is somewhere enroute to Italy. As far as driving there, apparently a Sherman Tank is really the safest thing to be in. We'll see.



Patrick and PaPaw took the kids fishing in the big pond (which was full enough to go over the spillway today). Michael caught his first fish! A one pounder bass that he touched with one finger and then released after the photo shoot. He was so proud of himself for not giving up! He said he wanted to write down what time it was and what he was wearing so he would remember it always.

So off I go to pack suitcases and get everything ready.

Ciao!

Emily's birthday

Emily took a couple of her friends to the local rock climbing gym for her birthday. I think the girl might be part mountain goat! She is very sure of herself and her footing up there. I only managed to go up about 5 or 6 feet.

She has become quite the young lady. Grandpa gave her a necklace that she is just thrilled with ("Look Mom! It even has a ruby in it"), and has declared that she will wear it every day.

We also decided to make one last trip to LA for Disneyland and Six Flags. At Disney, they gave her a "Happy Birthday" pin with her name on it and many cast members wished her a happy birthday. On the "its a small world" ride, the ride operator finished her safety spiel with "and a happy 11th birthday to Emily!". Her other highlight of the day? Picking up the phone at the Disney City Hall (where she got the pin) as instructed by the woman at the desk only to have Goofy sing "Happy Birthday" to her with her name included! It almost brought happy tears to her eyes and she couldn't stop thinking about how they were able to do that! I love that place for its magic, that is for sure!

One week more...

Well, here we are with one week before the first set of movers come. I thought this blog would be a good idea with the upcoming change in time zones. Now if I keep up with it, that will be amazing.

Patrick's dad is here for the weekend. They went on a charter fishing boat trip Friday night and returned smelling of fish and salt water on Saturday night. Between the two of them only one small fish was caught, but they both enjoyed it and said they would go again. And yes, they are both bright red on their faces, although they claim its wind burn.

I finally remembered to drop off the film from our trip to Yosemite. It is such a beautiful place and if you haven't been put it on your "must do" life list. The sheer size of everything makes one feel Lilliputian.

I'll try and figure out a way to put pictures on here too....wish me luck!