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!