The End of a Chapter

Do you know the disappointment that comes when you finish a really good book? The kind of book in which you fall in love with the characters, live in the setting, and feel as though the plot was your life story. That is the feeling I have now. When a chapter of my life comes to a close. The most exciting and memorable chapter so far.

My future has come to crunch time. I must make a decision on how I actually want it to go, instead of childishly dreaming of endless possibilities (definition would be according to society as opposed to my own definition in which adults still have endless possibilities.) My choices:

1. Stay in West Virginia and pursue my career in education. Live for myself.

2. Go back to Italy, where I created family and friends.  Live for myself.

You see, the most difficult part of the decision, of choosing between two lives, is knowing both were so beautiful. Both did so much for me. Both are more than good.

So the decision is......
After a few months here, I will be moving and meeting my love in New Jersey (Yes people, Italy of America.) This may become my home. I suppose only time will tell.

What I have realized about being home, becoming home, is life sometimes seems less of an adventure. Foreign languages, new foods, and strong coffees make it easy to see adventure. To enjoy every moment. But when that place becomes home the excitement dulls. Life can become a small boring box. And to be honest, I am not a small boring box kind of girl.

I must constantly remind myself to find the adventure in the everyday. Yes, the road rage can be funny, work can be rewarding, family can be hilarious, writing letters can be nostalgic, and going to the same everyday restaurant can be just a enticing as a new one. I need to renew my childish curiosity and find the joy in the ordinary. Because this free spirit will one day settle for the storybook ending that comes with a deep love from Italy (no worries no time soon.) --But as I ran into a life filled with adventure, of places, and cultures, I realize, my favorite was the friends, the family, and the memories.

Here is my final post (the 100th to be exact). After Two continents, 13 countries, countless friends, about 6 languages, a romance like no other, tears, laughs, a wedding, and lots of wine here is my last video. And just to confirm...'I Lived.'

 

This is a tearful farewell, but the adventure is sure to continue.

Updates

Yes, everyone, I am still alive. The plan to write posts about Wales and Paris were put to the way side due to life. Marco did arrive in America, met me parents, and returned to Italy.

I am still in America, teaching preschool once again in attempts to pay off the credit card bill I racked up while traveling. And my American dream life is still that. Now with distance between us, Marco and I have the opportunity to write those love letters seen in movies and great pieces of literature.

I will be returning to Marco soon, but first a few months of holidays with my family. Check back, I may update with Italian recipes or language learning tips.

Ciao for now.

Ciao o A doppo?

I only have one full day left in Italy. A place that has been my home, I must say goodbye to. However, I do not know if this goodbye is a final Ciao, or I will see you after my holiday in America A doppo. This is the hard part. Am I to say to my friends, thank you for being my friend, but I will never see you again, or let's make plans for the fall.

As I try to make plans for my future, I keep running into the same roadblock. It is very unknown. Yes, I am making it unpredictable by deciding to be wherever my love is, but as a constant planner, a resume maker, and a childish dreamer, this is very tough.

Do I shed a tear to be leaving one of the best years of my life, or do I get excited for my trip to the great US of A? This question has been driving me insane for months, but with only one day left here my heart stings to know how I should feel. Yes, I am emotional, but I don't know which emotion is correct.

I must say, I am thankful for both my job here in Italy, and my job back in the US. Both are willing to work with me, and holding there breath to know my decision. For this I am grateful.

As soon as I speak to family on the phone, or see a life event of a friend on facebook, I long to be on American soil. But as soon as I have dinner with friends here, drink some wine, and laugh loudly, I want this year to continue to another. The toughest decisions are the ones where both choices are wonderful.

But to the readers of this blog, please don't stop reading. I am not yet finished. I have a trip to Wales for Elenor's wedding, my very first trip to Paris, and Marco's "meeting of the parents." So as I pack three suitcases, on backpack, and a barely used guitar, I have to say, "Ciao,"....or " A doppo."

Reading Between the Lines...I Mean Jobs

Picture this: You have a summer, in a foreign country, you don't have to work, you get paid a bonus, you are in love, and you are only a ten minute drive from the sea. Sounds perfect, right?

Truth, I'm bored. I miss a routine. Yes, I am in between contracts, or jobs, or contracts (yeah, I still don't know which yet) And I have the entire summer to relax how I want. My wanderlust self could travel Europe, or spend everyday in a new Italian location, but I have come to travel tiredness syndrome and I just want to be still. I miss working. Waking up early. Exercising. Seeing familiar faces everyday.

I need to structure my empty days around a schedule of being better, not only cooking meals. I need some running. Some yoga. Some reading. Some studying. Some friends. Something to stop being bored other than going through TV series. (Yes everyone, I am complaining about doing nothing.) How could I possibly do nothing while living abroad. In one of the most beautiful countries in the world. How? Como?

But I think when you begin to loose the exotic, when you begin to feel normal...anywhere, you can get bored. And being bored is the first sign you are at home. Home. Casa.

So as I stay home, I will set my alarm early and put away the computer. Tomorrow is Monday after all.

Soul Mates

As young girls we spend a lot of time dreaming of the perfect wedding. As young women we spend a lot of time pinning the perfect details. We want to meet our other half, our prince, and as Disney tells us, have the fairy tale ending dressed in white.

But, as adult females we dream, plan, and prepare for the perfect bachelorette weekend. Forget the men, let's be ladies and drink pink sparkling wine.

My friend, Elenor, will be married in less than a month. A perfect wedding in Wales...yes, I'm going. So, my friend, Selene, and I decided to take her away one last time as a single gal. We planned to go south to natural thermal spas near the sea.

 

Dinner with all the girls from work earlier that week.

It was a complete surprise to Elenor. We told her to pack for any condition, grabbed the car and went with 1970's French disco music in the background.

We arrived to a cottage on the sea that smelled as if something died. Something dirty that longer resembled the original freshness.  It made me sick, of course, and I was the one with the weak stomach. But we had great views of literally dozens of kite surfers.

We decided to go to town for dinner and accidently asked a foreigner for restaurant suggestions. He immediately found the single ladies attractive and followed us to the bar. Far to easy for him due to a bright white veil worn by our bride to be.

Shortly after we forgot thanks to cocktails and white wine.  We talked, discovered differences, and learned how well we fit together.

After a night of sleeping in a stinky room, we went to the windy beach, a chilly pool, and a different village.  Dinner we were serenaded. Drinks we were smiling. Photos we were laughing.

The singing

The laughing

We were suggested to go to a party on the beach. We went. Then decided it was for 15 year olds. We even played a game to see if we could find someone older than us. We lost. Quickly we decided, although single, we are far too old for this. So we went home to have a sleepover, giggling until 4 o'clock in the morning...like adults.

The next day was the spa.  We relaxed. We spent time together. I thought and said aloud how I hope we are friends in 10 years. I thought this all the way rushing home. Through perfect countryside to see the final world cup match. More time together to end a strangely perfect weekend.

Hot bath waterfall in the south of Tuscany!

Yes, I love that I have found my man for wedding dreaming and detail pinning. My perfect half. But, I also love that I have girls I can be myself with. Far away from home I have found family. Two sisters I like to call Miranda and Charlotte. (I am Samantha.) And I know, if we are ever to find our Carrie, she would have to fit us perfectly. Because we...we are soul mates.

Us!

La Dolce Vita

The sweet life. I am starting to understand what this means. As I eat the food made for gods, olives, wine, pecorino formaggio, and pomegranate, I slowly take it in and contemplate how happy this makes me.

Italy truly has the best food. La Dolce Vita is eating food made from the best products, chatting with friends, laughing at life's oddities, and most importantly being thankful.

Italy has some of the most amazing art in the world. All of the ninja turtles were named after Italian artists. La Dolce Vita is not only looking at the art, but experiencing it, wondering what the artist was thinking and feeling when it was painted. Was a picture from the biblical stories all they really wanted to paint, or did they sometimes hope to paint life, and what they were experiencing. All the sorrow of loneliness, the joys of drunkenness, the peace of home, the triumph of a win, the hope in a love.

Italy has one of the most beautiful languages in the world. La Dolce Vita is loving every word spoken, whether it is understood or not, because it makes a song.

La Dolce Vita is something acquired slowly, but I think when you achieve it, it will last for a rather long time. When you become thankful for the little creations God has blessed us with, the tiny things that fall into daily routine, get passed by quickly, never get a second glance. When you appreciate those minor details, you experience la docle vita. (I think I could even have this in Morgantown, WV.)

I was told today by someone I knew in the US, they are jealous of my life.  I had a bit of pride, no one has ever been jealous of me before. I, the person who is never content, have so much to be thankful for, yet never noticed before. To me La Dolce Vita is a movie that has Silvia, a woman I want to be. Envy is really a strong emotion, and completely unworth it. I live in Italy, I am surrounded by old art, delicious food, spectacular people, and a fascinating language. Maybe slowly, I can experience La Dolce Vita.

MY Camino

What keeps the sacred sacred. What is it that allows a religion to last thousands of years, through generations of change, yet stay the same. Be a constant. Be a pillar. Be a reason. Be the heart. Be forever. The answer...that is the sacred part.

Last year I made a decision to walk across the country of Spain on a thousand year pilgrimage in pursuit of...well, I don't really know what I was after.

After my contract finished at the English school and I had the time, I took a plane to Madrid, a bus to Astorga and my feet to Santiago. The way of Saint James, something holy for Catholics, magical for the spiritual, and challenging to the health nuts. To me, it was a long walk to find my destination.

What I expected on this trip was much alone time, a lot of deep thoughts, meeting angels along the way in form of others. Lots of crying. Writing a novel. Nobel prize winning novel. Then becoming a millionaire. Not what I got.

I met so many people, it wasn't much alone time at all. My thoughts mainly came to my feet. My aching feet. I met people from around the world, Italians, Spanish, Brazilians, Germans, Americans, and all of them made me think of people I already knew. People that were my home.
I did write everyday, about what I experienced that day, how each day was different, yet I ran into the same people. I didn't discover one overall feeling the entire trip, but many everyday. Really the camino is life, in a short period of time.

The camino is where you meet people you will most likely never see again. For a few days they are your best friends in the world, and days later you struggle to remember their names. It is life a quick pace. People come and go.

It is a place that throws you into the unknown, and makes your motivation utterly painful. I want to learn languages, because I (the loud speaker of the world) craved talking to people.

I didn't find a profound meaning to life. I just found life. I was sad somedays. Sometimes I sang so much I couldn't stop smiling. Sometimes I didn't think of more the huge blister on the back of my foot due to ill-preparation. Stupid me. My back hurt. My skin dried. My hip popped. My feet really hurt. Also, my heart fluttered. My smile widened. My thoughts relaxed.

And while going through life so quickly was wonderful, arriving to Santiago to see people I had met only days before was a real triumph. I was extremely happy to congratulate them. Happiness for others I have only felt a few times in life. But hey this is life quickly.

Santiago was many people's destination. Some went further to the see. But my destination was not there. Not in Spain. Not within a 1000kms. My destination was home. My camino brought me home to Italy. To the food I missed. The make-up I missed wearing. The family I missed talking to. Yes, my camino, MY Camino brought me home.

The Heel of the Boot

I happened to fall in love while in Italy, yes I know, such a cliche, but worth it. So worth it in fact, for his birthday, I suprised him with a trip to Puglia, the heel of the boot.

Puglia is the Florida of Italy, with sea on both sides. So I divided this wonderful trip into three days and three places.

Day 1. Polignano a Mare. I decided to take him to Puglia because of this place. An ancient city on the cliffs by the sea. Excellent views, and an even more excellent restaurant. Ristorante de Grotte. On the sea yes. In a cave yes. Five star meal yes. Five courses yes. I knew this place would be a romantic getaway, but had no idea how much. Listen to the waves, cover yourself with a blanket, eat over dim lighting, watch the sunset.

Day 2. Alberobello. Because I am 'trulli' in love, I took Marco to see Trulli. These are cone shaped white houses that light up the brown land of the countryside. Here we were escorted into tourist soaked houses and asked to by many small model houses, while giving us samples of liquor. Appreciated the liquor, not the aggressiveness. Yet, we gratefully saw the historical side of Puglia.

Day 3. Bari. The capital of Puglia. The city of the visit. This was filled with long walks along the sea, endless seafood meals for Marco, and less than endless vegan options per io. Yet, it was a city lit by the European orange lights, that make romance easy. Who doesn't want to walk through an Italian city in the evening after dinner and wine.

Now that I am finished with work, I can travel during the week. In fact, I will take a long trip to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago. So stay tuned for my summer of travel and my big decision whether or not to stay in Italy for yet another year.

Friends

Today is my final day of work. I have been here for a year, worked in my field, and finished well. As a reward to myself today, I will have a nice lunch near the icon of Pisa, the first thing I thought about when moving here, the Leaning Tower. Go Me!

This week I have watched videos through my year, and I am shocked that I can still feel the same emotion I did the moments in time. My life has completely changed being here. The way I felt when I moved here, or last summer, or when my parents came is different than how I feel now. I haven't decided if it's better, and I don't know that it is important. It is just different.

Although it is the final day of my year contract, I may be back in the fall. The decision is still in the air, and is not only my decision. It also belongs to a very important person I have met on this journey. In fact, I have met quite a few very important people.

When you are far away from family, it becomes extremely important to have special people in your life. We call them friends, but really, we know they are our family. I have learned many things in this year like, portions of a romantic language (small portions,) recipes, history, differences, similarities, but most importantly, friendship.

Here are some of my favorite moments with some of my favorite people.

Stay tuned for my summer of traveling.

An Italian Wedding

Several rules come with having an Italian wedding, I have discovered seven:
1. You must give a good sizable, rather expensive gift.
2. The wedding must be catholic.
3. Because the wedding is catholic, it must last 3 hours.
4. There will be a lot of food.
5. There will be a great amount of alcohol.
6. There will be no dancing.
7. And finally, you must smile, because really, you are just happy.

 

I had the great experience of seeing an Italian wedding. Hints for foreigners, not the same as in the movies. But still quite romantic. The reception has the couple making the first toast, and we followed them to different lawns, into different rooms, for different portions of the mail. You doesn't want candle light on a starry night to say the I do's. (Well, in Italy it's actually "si")

I just so happened to go to this wedding with my own romantic gentleman. The kind that offers you the chair when there is only one, and runs to tell the waiter you are vegan, and cannot eat this food. Yep, I got myself a good. A good one, I told I'd rather stick to the American tradition when it comes to weddings.

An Italian, American, and Welsh girl get on a Boat...

First, unless you can whistle a happy tune while reading this, I recommend you push play to feel the atmosphere of the entire weekend.

(Some countries can view my version with pictures from the island at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfH1PxSwweg)

 

My friend Selene invited me and our friend Elenor for a weekend on her island. Elba. I quickly accepted being someone who loves a good trip, and a crystal sea. Glad I did.

The trip begin with us discussing what song would represent the trip. We road tripped it to the sound of many great hits, including some Michael Jackson, JLo, and a bit of Jason Mraz. We even created games for ourselves, go through a tunnel and when the music comes back on, try to sing the same words. Selene is the winner.

Road trip!

 

The views every place on the island was something to be in awe about. It is one of those places where if you go with the right people, you can feel such contentment, there is no need for anywhere else in the world. Especially when that place has an around the world market, and you go three times in two days. Thai food, German beer, Spanish sangria, Mexican food, French biscuts, Italian olives, Irish beer, Finnish sweaters, English scraves, Native American pan flute, Argentinean steak, and American donuts. We girls can do it right!

Trying on British hats at the market.

Beach shadows...the best views

Add to this island, a road that wraps all the way around, and a grandma's house with a sea view to die for. A place you want to wake up every morning for coffee, smell the thousands of roses, and watch sailboats sail by. Give the island their own sweet perfume.  Throw in a Costa di Sole (Sun Coast.) You have yourself the best place in Italy.

Great Beach!

I love boats, and said this about 50times a day.

Gift to myself...island perfume

 

I just passed the one year anniversary of moving to Europe. It's hard to believe I have been living this dream for a year. Time flies. Next week, actually becomes the last week of my contract at the English school. WOW! So thankful I could be here, meet wonderful people, and see fantastic places.

 

Although the decision of whether to stay another year or return to America is still in the air, I must say, after a weekend of complete contentment, I know, no matter the decision, I will be ok. Don't Worry, Be Happy.

 

Livin' Like a Rich Gal

Past weekend I got to check some more things off my list. The Italian Riveria.

The Italian Riveria is for the ones with money. Think Portofino and you automatically think of millionaire supermodels.  Think of the Yacht Club and you can think of no better place.

So my friend Elenor invited me to go with her to her future-in-laws' flat for the weekend. I said yes immediately and am glad I did. No only could I spend the entire weekend with one of my best friends, I could also pretend to live in style for two whole days.

When we arrived in Portofino we were takin back by the huge white yacht bigger than my house. My house if it were my dream mansion I mean. The name of the boat...ship was Leonardo III. We decided rather quickly it belonged to Leonardo Di Caprio and he would take us away by the end of the day. (Ehhh...didn't exactly happen that way.)

We travelled to about 5 other villages on the Riveria, and spent time exploring the AROUND THE WORLD market in Chiavari. Nice.

We also made our way to Genova, to check out the aquarium. Warning to travelers....not worth it.

Teaching English

My passion for teaching has never been more evident. I have a group of great students. About 450 of them actually. I have decided, when I do return to the US, to study a foreign language, in hopes to teach. Most likely Spanish, but possibly also Italian.

My students have become a big part of my life here. I am friends with some, fell in love with one, and enjoy the laughs I have at one of my favorite jobs.  Intending to travel when moving to a foreign country has become my regular life, in which, I enjoy staying at home, or with my newly acquired Italian family. I like coming to work. I like the culture I have learned about, the recipes I have received, and always correcting chicken vs kitchen or cook vs...

I am entering the last month of my contract in Italy with plans to travel for the summer. Will I stay...? That question is not only one you are asking...me too.

Enjoy this of my students. Should I stay...should I return...?

http://youtu.be/r6-8GTt0SVU

Roam Rome

Marco told me a professor of his said this about language.

“Spanish (and underdeveloped language) you can use to speak to family and friends. German (harsh and commanding) you use to speak to a beast. English is for the rest of the world, while French is for your lover. But Italian, Italian you use to speak to God.”

I went to Rome for Pasqua. And it was a spiritual experience as well as a destination for every wanderlust heart.  My plan had been to see Rome for Easter all along. But then my friends decided to come from America on this special Sunday. I thought all was lost, until we together, decided to spend the holy week in the holy city.

Rome has become my favorite city by far. Layers of history can been seen. The newer layer being the capital building, the Spanish steps, The Trevi Fountain. Under this put the Vatican, a truly holy place. And deep below, put the Roman ruins of the Coliseum and Roman Foram.

The Vatican. I am not catholic. I never intend to be catholic. But I really appreciate the history this place has. The smallest country in the world single-handedly protected the worldest farthest spread religion. Christianity. My religion. I come here with an awe. I can actually see the history of the bible in this city. The Romans that crucified Christ lived in this city. They turned to Christianity in this city.

I saw the Pope. During the Via de Cruxifix I saw the Pope light up the faces of the masses. The people that may not  think of religion on an ordinary day of the week  recited the bible and the mass back to the man that may actually be the ‘president of the planet.’ I saw what belief people have, even when they don’t say it daily. This was refreshing.

Then I saw the beautiful ruins of a coliseum. Brown and pink brick lightend by white mortar. A beautiful sight if you are interested in things older than about 2,676 years. (Just a estimate.) The place where wretched things happened to slaves and prisioners for the entertainment of the wealthy. This same place, thousands of years later was dotted with the colors of all the tourist whose breath had been taken away.

I found this city to be more than I expected. Making me desire to stay in the country with the holy language. I found myself defending the country that I adopted to my Native American friends. I couldn’t help but be in love and be the world’s best traveler.

 

So, enjoy my adventure:

 

A Special Day in Cinque Terre

My American friends have arrived. My best friend, actually. I mean, I will be a bridesmaid at her wedding. Which...brings me to the point.

Months before the arrival, speaking to Kari's boyfriend, I found he was deciding to propose. In Italy. How romantic. So, I helped him plan the unexpected, yet completely memorable proposal in Cinque Terre.

And...she said yes. Here is a short video made especially for them. Congratulations, Kari and Dustin!

And to all my travel loving readers...tomorrow, I will go to Rome. To Rome, for the first time.

A Straniero in Alghero

Last weekend I had a great adventure. I was able to go to the island everyone has talked about...Sardegna.

After being escorted to the airport by my favorite man, I flew to Alghero. Here I caught a bus, found my hostel, and called the owner to let me in. He is on the bike, so I will take a lunch first. A lunch on the beach!

Yes the beach!!! The American 20-something tradition of a spring break has made it's way to Italy. I was able to see the best sea in Italy.

Although my plan was to see many sights, I ended up spending four days on the beach, reading/sleeping. What was I reading you ask? Well, Robinson Crusoe, of course. He was on an island, I was on an island.

The sea in Sardegna is green, blue, and clear. With the deep relaxation and peace comes wonderful thoughts. Like:

Hmm...I think I was made to live on a beach.

Oh, that cute kid playing in the sand. I remember when that was fun. It wasn't THAT long ago. I am not yet old.

Man, those waves are pretty constant. They change, but they are the same. I may have moved to Italy, but I am me, and will always be.

With such a perfect setting, I think everything will be ok. Marco will get a job on a beach, and we will live happily ever after. :) (Obviously...)

Then I decide to see the Grotto de Neptuno. I ask the man for a boat ride (in Italian, because I am improving..) nope, closed until next week.

So I will take a bike ride in the national park. I go to rent a bike. Nope, closed on Sundays.

Grotto seen from Alghero

What I spent the weekend doing

Different shades of blue in the water!

 

I learned how well I do on my own speaking in the native language. My Italian really has improved. I have learned how absolutely necessary spring break is. It really does ease the mind, and tan the skin.

I also learned how much I miss the man when he is far away. (More than I thought.)

 

Final opinion of Sardegna....GO PEOPLE! (But maybe not in the low season when nothing is open.)



An Apology

Yes, I know. Recently, I have been a very poor blogger. I have not exactly kept up with it. Haven't posted every week. But I do have an excuse. No internet in my apartment. But I do have some news. I may move into my old apartment in short time. There the internet worked well, I had the house to myself, and I had a fantastic reliable landlord. Fingers crossed everyone.

So, I have to be honest, I do not have much to update on currently. My life has been: teach English in the day, help my boyfriend apply for jobs in America in the night, and much sleep deprivation. Today, on a windy  Sunday, I have had the much needed relaxation complete with sleeping in, cuddly under a leopard print blanket, and watching Finding Nemo, (The closest thing I have to the beach at the moment.) And I must admit, this eventless day spent with my favorite man, has been my favorite in a long time. Life happens to quickly for me to keep up sometimes, which leads to long emails to my mother on work time, crying to my friends, crankiness with my wonderful boyfriend, and extreme laziness. But as Dorey says, "Keep Swimming."

Italy is my second home, and to be able to have a lazy day like this and be completely satisfied, just confirms in. In eleven months time I have went from fresh from University with a new job, no friends, and no family in my new country, to being asked to stay at a job I am good at, great fun friends, and a fantastic new family.

But don't worry my traveling readers, I will be at in again next weekend, when I take my spring break to Sardinia. An island/beach that I am in desperate need of. First trip alone since November. A much needed holiday. So stay tuned!

Bologna vs Book

One thing happens when you are in a relationship with a person you adore. You just want to be with the other person. I took a trip alone. A quick trip to Bologna. I was taken to the train, switched twice, and ended up in yet another beautiful city.

But, I took a book. My weakness. So instead of adoring the wonderful scenery, I read an entire book. And that was my Saturday.

 

I came home to a smiling face, and plans for the beach the next day. My life is simple and pleasurable. That is all I can ask for.

Ummm A Weekend

Saturday: Festa della donna

International Women’s Day. A holiday observed in many countries, for equality, nondiscrimination, progress, and solidarity.  The U.N. recognizes this holiday, often tying it to peace.  This year, 2014, the official theme is: Equality for Women, Progress for All.

The holiday began during WWII when proganda announced the death of over a 100 women in a factory in the US, (though the holiday is not observed in the US.) The holiday has political beginnings, but is not always celebrated that way.

Some countries have activist, parades, others promote education, while others have women only dinners (complete with strippers.)

In Italy, however, they celebrate best. This is no longer political, no day of partying. It is a day, however, when men, show how much they appreciate the women in their lives. It is a day with great respect. Of adoration. Of what Italian women deserve.

I must say, Italian women are some of my favorite. They are hospitable, able to cry with you, willing to share knowledge, stylish, intelligent, can eat a whole pizza, cook with both grace and divine ability, buy your lunch, love their men, kind of women, that also giggle when you talk about sex. They deserve this day!

I have a fantastic Italian boyfriend, and I get this day every day.

Sunday: To Grandma’s (San Quirico)

I was invited to Marco’s grandmother’s house, along with all the family. We took an hour roadtrip to a small mideval village high in the hills. Here we arrived to his grandmother’s house, complete with rose bush, olive trees, fantastic views, and a family meal. When we went in the house, I walked into a kitchen out of ‘Under the Tuscan Sun.’ Exactly what you think of when you think the ‘real’ Italy. Exactly what I expected my entire experience in Italy to be. We ate, all talked (in Italian), I understood about 60%. Especially when I was told, ummm…vegan, in Italy…why? I quickly love being with his family, (and his wonderful grandmother, afraid she wouldn’t satisfy a vegan.)

We walked through the vespa sized streets of the village San Quirico, we followed a band in which Marco’s brother played the drums. I smelled the sagra, the food festival of Necci.

I realized as we were walking back to his grandma’s house, how discontentment can be at ease here. Yes, I am the type of person that wants to be known by all. My name will go into the history books, I want to be special. But when it comes to thinking of when I retire, where I would like to spend the last years…a quiet village, a place no one knows. Being annonymous could be quite blissful.

San Quirico

Tuscan hills

Walking in San Quirico

View from Marco's Nonna's terrace.

 

We felt the heat of the sun, and the chill of the wind as we made our way back to the car. On the way home, Marco asked me, “Is there any song you wish you would have written?” My list is long, but the first that comes to mind is U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.’ As we drove away from the quiet town, and back to reality, my discontentment again sank in. The weekend is coming to an end, and thus is life. Hmmm…

Pancake Day!

Ever wonder what I do for work? What must I do to live in such beautiful country. Well here is a peak of just and ordinary day.

 

Ok, let's get serious. I live in the land that has the pope. Guided by religion. It takes two years to get a divorce. So, I have decided to participate in a religious tradition. Lent. This is the forty days before Easter, in which you give up something. Better yourself.

 

Now usually, what is given up is food. But I am already vegan, and cannot cut out much more. I need the fruits and veggies. So I have decided to give up a combo of activities. One: Excuses. I shall not make excuses for myself, and my laziness. If I really want to learn Italian, if I want to communicate with my boyfriend, family, and friends in their native language, I must study.

 

Two: Sleeping in. My o my how Italy's Mediterranean  lifestyle has ruined me of this. I was speaking to my friend, Elenor, about this. Yes, It is Italy that does this. She is Welsh...from Wales. And in Wales, she does not sleep in. I am American...from America. In America I do not do this.  I remember well, when I first moved here, I would wake at 6:30 every morning for a run. Oh, how I felt the days were long, and filled with more than work. So again, I must wake up. Not at 6:30, let's not fool ourselves, but at 7....30. Better.

 

 

So with all this extra time, I should be able to study Italian like crazy. We will see. Happy Pancake Day. And good luck with you Lent! (...does that sound like a dryer problem?)

Una Domenica Italiana

Let me give you a run through of an ordinary Sunday in Italy. I just experienced this with my boyfriend's family, and it was quite a relaxing and enjoyable day. The way Sundays are supposed to be.

I come into a home filled with homemade pasta laid out. Very authentic Italian. I was offered to be taught how to do this. Yes, of course, I want to learn. I am in Italy after all. Dinner is being prepared and family is arriving. I meet Marco's grandmother for the first time, and understand when she calls me bella. Score. We watch cooking shows together. I am at ease.

Marco's brother's arrive. One with a tiny niece, only three months old, the other with a tinier puppy. Also three months old. 4 generations eat together. I am called the foreign aunt, which may sound as an insult, but is actually quite a compliment. Happy to be in a great family!

I quickly realize that grandmother's everywhere act the same. The speak to babies with high pitched tones, they fill the need to kiss and hug, they love being around family, and most importantly, they are cherished by all.

Marco and I watch a movie that reminds me of my home, but for today, I do not feel homesick. I feel happy to have a family here too. Before we leave I am given sauce to take home. (In the US I am often given food before I leave, as well.)

Lunch last three courses, and several laughs. Sunday was the way it was meant to be. Sunday is a day for dinner. A day for family. A day for wine. A day for laughing.

*Next weekend I meet the other side of the family. A full immersion of the Italian experience with someone I love. Fantastic.

Carnival # 2: Venice

Venice Carnival. One of the oldest and most well known carnivals in the world. People dressed in extravagant costumes, ride gondolas to masquerade balls, drink champagne, and hide their sins of the night behind mysterious masks.

...Or so I thought...

Going to Venice with my best friend, and fellow English teacher was a bit different.

We arrived at the station in Pisa 40 minutes early, due to excitement, and thankful our boyfriends didn't mind waking up at six.  The train to Venice was splendid and first class.  I read my Italian Cosmo, and Elenor did her mind blowing, second language, word puzzles.

We arrived, and within five minutes we were in our excellent, grand canal, four star, well worth it room.  The plan then, was to go explore, return and change for dinner and bars.

Well, we took a while to find anything, but enjoyed the way. Took videos that we expected to be staged but ended up being candid. I mean, who stops directly in front of the actor. (In video)

Elenor was asked many times if she was Italian, because she speaks so well. I was told many times I must be American. Most likely because I am loud and smile far to often.

Finally to San Marco, we are shocked by the amount of non-Venetians dressed up. Fake and not expected. We wanted the extravagant from the experts that live there, not the Germans on holiday.

We decided to walk back now, change and grab dinner. Cheap dinner since we ate a way too expensive lunch--also worth it! We got lost. Then found a quiet place to eat and make sure the tiramisu covered in too much coco wouldn't make us choke. (In video)

When we got back to the hotel we dressed our best, put on our masks, and high heels, headed for a ball. We got on the wrong water taxi, and 3 hours later arrived in an empty San Marco. What? Elenor walked and I hobbled...due to tachi, for about 10 minutes.  Decided to go back to the hotel, as sober as one could get. We missed carnival. (In video)

The next morning we took a quick trip down the grand canal after a nice cappuccino. Today we would go to Murano, known for glass, and Burano, known for lace. Hop on a taxi again, and quickly realize it's the wrong one. End up where we started, and an hour and a half later in Murano.

We shop for glass. We go to Burano. We shop for lace.  We go back to Venice. Convinced we should have a glass of vino in San Marco we attempt to find the square.  Get lost. Follow a couple men dressed as bananas to our destination. Check the time. Freak out. Run to get our bags. Run to get the train. Collapse. Weekend over. Memories made. Better than expected.

Italian Chef: The Ultimate!!!

Well, let's face it Americans. If asked what our favorite food is, most of us will say Italian. For good reason. Italian food is the best. Italian food in Italy...better! So, on my year adventure, I have decided to become an expert chef.

Not an easy task, but with Italian friends for guidance, I have been able to make excellent dishes.

Usually I provide everyone with a simple recipe, this time, a cooking video. But wine got in the way. So understand what you will about my friends and I. This bilingual video is perfect to have fun the Italian way.

Special note: I am a vegan that gave it up for one excellent meal. (It's difficult to be vegan in Italia.)
And, yes this song is Spanish, but we danced all night to it...so perfection!

Carnival #1: Carnavale di Viareggio

Carnival. Celebrated around the world. A festival with Catholic origins. The last big 'HooRay!' before giving up something for lent.

When you think of carnival you probably think of Rio. Maybe Venice. Possibly New Orleans. Italians think of Italian cities. So for my first carnival experience I went to one very famous in Tuscany, Viareggio. (The beach town I have been to many times.)

Now let me tell you, when I came to Italy and thought of carnival, I thought of parties, dancing, and lots of alcohol. When I went this past weekend with Marco, I expected to drink many beers. Not what I got. Carnival in Italy is family friendly (and politically impolite.) It really is just a month long Halloween.

Every one is dressed in a character they would rather be, as they gather in the streets to see an amazing parade of floats.

 

Around five Marco said we needed to go to the bar. I thought, finally beer for the party in the street. Nope, he just wanted a coffee. Huh? I have to remind myself, Italy is not Spain. Carnival is not Mardi Gras. (Actually it is, but the way it is celebrated in Tuscany...different.)

A good lookin' couple, indeed

 





We walked and talked, and I explored a new culture. We stared at all the customs, and found the best one. Some flies were chasing around this man dressed as a pile of...well you figure it out.

 

Now, I am calling this Carnival #1 because this weekend I get to go to Venice for Carnival with one of my best friends, Elenor. Thrilled. This is one thing I definitely wanted to see when I came here. Stay tuned to see the difference.