What a crazy week. Yesterday I tried to recover from Rome and today I was busy preparing for this weekend. This morning at 9 Anna came over for our weekly lesson and we took the tram downtown. We went to the Egyptian Museum. Wow, I loved it. It is the third largest collection outside of Ciaro and the Louvre in Paris. There was a whole room of mummies and one of Kha the architect and his wife. Both their bodies plus, food (yeah actual food like meat, fruit and bread) and animals where mummified in the tomb. The museum had a huge collection of papyrus writings. The thing that impressed me the most was the rooms of statues. There were two rooms full of actual statues, some over 20' tall, from tombs, and most of them were entirely intact. The museum is also in the building that was orginally the King of Torino's palace growing up as a boy and later turned into a Jesuit School. I loved the building too. After the museum we window shopped and then went to a store that was so expensive I stopped looking at the tags because I was becoming depressed. But upstairs there were a few shops so we looked around. When I got home at a little after 12 I fixed a simple lunch of pasta and grissini and an apple. At 4 I took Ruggie to the park to play and I met another Au Pair from Chec (I know the spelling is wrong) Republic. She is a year older than me and really nice. She was an au pair in CA last year so she speaks very good English plus her family she lives with is very international and the girls are fluent in English, French, Italian and they are only 7 and 9!!! Unfortunately she is leaving for Madrid tomorrow for family vacation and wont be back until the 13 of July. But I hope to meet up with her then. In fact her "mom" is living with is an architect and I have a possible phone interview with her tomorrow!!--Don't worry I'll keep you updated.
We stayed at the park for 2 hours and then went home to get ready for our dinner guests. Filippo is in Boy Scouts and they invited his troop leader and two girl leaders over for dinner. The guy was 25 and the girls were 24 and 18 . They were very nice and could speak a little English which was nice. I found out that our scouts and Italian scouts are a little different...for example the girls don's sell cookies and both boys and girls hold meetings together. The meal was delish as always. A quick run down on Italian meals for you
You start with bread, meat and/or cheese, then the primi which is usually rice or a pasta dish (tonight it was pasta) secondi which is meat or fish and veggies (we had meat roll with potatoes) dessert (icecream and fresh fruit tonight) and then coffee. Most meals take 2-3 hours.
Tomorrow we are going to the Alps---on the Italian side not Swiss--to the tallest mt in Europe, Mt. Bianco. We will spend 4 days there and then on Monday Pat, the boys and I will go to the sea for one week. I will try to keep updating my blog but not sure what the computer situation will be like. I am looking forward to both places but one of my dreams since I was little was to visit the Alps so tomorrow should be awsome
Have a wonderful weekend and I will blog soon--Buona Notte
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
My Roman Holiday
My Roman Holiday started very early in the morning on Saturday. My friend from Spain, Cesar, came to Torino on Thursday night and after hanging out with him on Friday afternoon, we took the "Midnight Train to Rome". I felt like a character in "North by Northwest" riding in our private sleeper car. We slept the whole way to Rome and arrived at 8 in the morning. When we went to our hostel no one answered the door so we took our luggage on a small tour of Rome. We headed to the Trevi Fountain to meet my friend from Tech, Jessica and her new husband, Jeff.(they were on their honeymoon). It was so great to see them and to speak English at a normal speed. The fountain was absolutely breathtaking. It was a good place to start this great trip. We decided to go back to the hostel and clean up a little before meeting up with them again for lunch. At 1 we met with them at the Spanish Steps and had lunch at a local restaurant. They had a few more places they wanted to see before they left on Sunday, so we decided to say goodbye and part ways. Cesar and I took out the map and just started walking because we knew we would run into some great places. Before seeing the most famous sites in the city, we walked down Via del Corso (one of the main streets) and saw P. Colonna and the amazing pilar in the center. The pilar is carved with battle scenes and is the tallest point in the palazzo. We then decided to go to the Pantheon before it closed. WOW. For all you ID and Architecture students the dome was amazing. A perfect half sphere and still to this day they have no idea how it was constructed cause it is not supported with any trusses. There is a hole in the top and allows beautiful streams of light in on the walls. Because it is a church I was expecting grand altars inside but the walls are stripped and gray concrete. The only decoration are the tombs of Victorio Emanuele II and his Son Umberto and wife. We bought gelato across the street and then ate it on the Pantheon wall. From there we walked to S. Ignazio di Loyola church. But when we entered there was a wedding in progress. We stayed a few minutes but didn't want to be wedding crashers so we left early. We ran into the Largo di Torre Argentina, which are ancient ruins that now serve as the largest cat shelter in the world...one word...gross. We walked past the monument for Victorio Emanuel II that is referred to as Musolini's Typwriter....on Capital Hill. Being with a Spaniard, we went back to the hostel and took a siesta. For dinner we walked around looking for a good pizzeria (Cesar is in love with the pizza) and finally asked a women who happens to be an English Professor at the Univeristy. She gave us a couple of locations and headed in that direction. We finally found a place close to the Colosseum. After dinner we went there to see it at night and walked back to our hostel where we slept like babies.
When in Rome....
We started the day a little more relaxed than Sat. but not as relaxed as Cesar is use to. Since being in Italy I have slowed down to Italy pace but being on vacation in Rome I was definately an American tourist on American time. We walked to the Colosseum and the ancient ruins. Jess and Jeff told us about a place we could get tickets without waiting in line so we headed up the hill and bought tickets for both sites. The Roman Forum, used early as a marketplace and then became the main place for civic buildings. It is located in the middle of Capital Hill and Palatine hill. The spot also use to be a burial ground for Rome during Romulus' rule. Next to the ruins is Palatine hill, during the Republic was most fashionable residence quarter, with house of Marc Antony. Eventually it became the place for just the Cesar and the palace took up almost the entire hill. From the top you can see the Circus Maximus(chariot racetrack where they filmed Ben Hur)-even though most of the track and stadium are gone. After a big lunch Cesar decided to take a siesta and I continued touring the city. I went to the place where Peter was imprisioned before being crucified in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Then I was on my way to see Piazza Bocca Della Verita (the fountain in Roman Holiday that Gregory Peck pretends to lose his hand) but on my way a met an Italian who told me that its not really that great and only Japanese tourists go....but i was going to go anyways but could not find it and finally gave up and went to the church Santa Maria Maggiore and S. Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) named after Peter's chains that are under the altar, also in the church the Moses by Michelangelo. Santa Maria Maggiore holds the great architect, Bernini's tomb. I finally met up with Cesar and we went to the Spanish Steps to eat gelato (like Audrey does in Roman Holiday) and then to Piazza Navona to see Bernini's Fontane dei Quattro Flumi ((Fountain of four rivers) Even though the middle fountain was under construction it was still amazing. The piazza was filled with musicians and vendors so we walked around for awhile before we called Steph to wish her a happy 24th!! birthday. I think Cesar was happy because he finally got to have en entire conversation in Spanish. We found a quaint restaurant near the Pantheon and I decided to try my Italian language skills. I ordered the whole meal and talked to the waiter entirely in Italian!! I rewarded myself with Tirimisu dessert.
On Monday we started early and headed to the Vatican. When we got there we decided to take an English tour to skip the HUGE line. Our guide was a girl from Canada and happened to speak Spanish so she translated for Cesar. She told us that Rome is the number one destination in the world and 35,000 people visit the Vatican A DAY!! I felt right at home though being in the English tour group and met a couple from Flowermound. The museum was incredible. I saw many works I studied at Tech and couldn't believe I was really seeing them. Then we headed into the Sistine Chapel.....round 'em up Rawhide!! I felt like cattle being herded but it was totally worth it. There are no words to describe the ceiling and the last judgement. It was truely incredible to gape at the ceiling and think, "how in the world did this man do this for 4 years of his life" We left the chapel and headed to the Basilica....the moment I was waiting for. The number one thing on my list to do was to see Michelangelo's Pieta. I know it sounds funny but I literally got tears in my eyes when I saw it. It was just as beautiful as I had hoped. How he did that at only the age of 25 is beyond me....a true master. The church itself was also breathtaking. By far my favorite church I have ever been in. You could just feel the history as you walked the corridors. We spent the day at the Vatican but no signs of the Pope....maybe next time. We headed to the hostel to get our bags and then to the train station to check our 6 hour ride back home. We arrived in Torino at 11:30 and even though I loved visiting Rome I was really glad to be home. Alberto met me at the station and gave me kisses and told me they all misses me. This morning at breakfast I was greeted with hugs from the boys....nothing like something sweet to start the day. For the rest of the day I am relaxing and then taking the boys to a birthday party downtown.
I have updated pictures so be sure and check out Rome....have a great day!!
When in Rome....
We started the day a little more relaxed than Sat. but not as relaxed as Cesar is use to. Since being in Italy I have slowed down to Italy pace but being on vacation in Rome I was definately an American tourist on American time. We walked to the Colosseum and the ancient ruins. Jess and Jeff told us about a place we could get tickets without waiting in line so we headed up the hill and bought tickets for both sites. The Roman Forum, used early as a marketplace and then became the main place for civic buildings. It is located in the middle of Capital Hill and Palatine hill. The spot also use to be a burial ground for Rome during Romulus' rule. Next to the ruins is Palatine hill, during the Republic was most fashionable residence quarter, with house of Marc Antony. Eventually it became the place for just the Cesar and the palace took up almost the entire hill. From the top you can see the Circus Maximus(chariot racetrack where they filmed Ben Hur)-even though most of the track and stadium are gone. After a big lunch Cesar decided to take a siesta and I continued touring the city. I went to the place where Peter was imprisioned before being crucified in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Then I was on my way to see Piazza Bocca Della Verita (the fountain in Roman Holiday that Gregory Peck pretends to lose his hand) but on my way a met an Italian who told me that its not really that great and only Japanese tourists go....but i was going to go anyways but could not find it and finally gave up and went to the church Santa Maria Maggiore and S. Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) named after Peter's chains that are under the altar, also in the church the Moses by Michelangelo. Santa Maria Maggiore holds the great architect, Bernini's tomb. I finally met up with Cesar and we went to the Spanish Steps to eat gelato (like Audrey does in Roman Holiday) and then to Piazza Navona to see Bernini's Fontane dei Quattro Flumi ((Fountain of four rivers) Even though the middle fountain was under construction it was still amazing. The piazza was filled with musicians and vendors so we walked around for awhile before we called Steph to wish her a happy 24th!! birthday. I think Cesar was happy because he finally got to have en entire conversation in Spanish. We found a quaint restaurant near the Pantheon and I decided to try my Italian language skills. I ordered the whole meal and talked to the waiter entirely in Italian!! I rewarded myself with Tirimisu dessert.
On Monday we started early and headed to the Vatican. When we got there we decided to take an English tour to skip the HUGE line. Our guide was a girl from Canada and happened to speak Spanish so she translated for Cesar. She told us that Rome is the number one destination in the world and 35,000 people visit the Vatican A DAY!! I felt right at home though being in the English tour group and met a couple from Flowermound. The museum was incredible. I saw many works I studied at Tech and couldn't believe I was really seeing them. Then we headed into the Sistine Chapel.....round 'em up Rawhide!! I felt like cattle being herded but it was totally worth it. There are no words to describe the ceiling and the last judgement. It was truely incredible to gape at the ceiling and think, "how in the world did this man do this for 4 years of his life" We left the chapel and headed to the Basilica....the moment I was waiting for. The number one thing on my list to do was to see Michelangelo's Pieta. I know it sounds funny but I literally got tears in my eyes when I saw it. It was just as beautiful as I had hoped. How he did that at only the age of 25 is beyond me....a true master. The church itself was also breathtaking. By far my favorite church I have ever been in. You could just feel the history as you walked the corridors. We spent the day at the Vatican but no signs of the Pope....maybe next time. We headed to the hostel to get our bags and then to the train station to check our 6 hour ride back home. We arrived in Torino at 11:30 and even though I loved visiting Rome I was really glad to be home. Alberto met me at the station and gave me kisses and told me they all misses me. This morning at breakfast I was greeted with hugs from the boys....nothing like something sweet to start the day. For the rest of the day I am relaxing and then taking the boys to a birthday party downtown.
I have updated pictures so be sure and check out Rome....have a great day!!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
it's Five O'Clock?!!?
This morning was a typical morning except for the fact that I was so busy getting the boys dressed and ready that I didn't have time to eat breakfast (colazione). So when I dropped Ruggie off at school I stopped at a bakery and bought breakfast. When I got home I did my daily chores and fixed lunch. I decided to take a nap at 1:30 but I set my alarm for 3:15. It was a very normal day...AND THEN....When my alarm went off I hit snooze but made sure I got up at 3:45. So I thought. I was getting ready to walk out the door, proud that I was twenty minutes early when the phone rang. It was Ruggie's teacher asking if I was going to pick him up...I thought well yeah hang on it's not time. Then I looked at the clock and it was 4:45 not 3:45!!! My heart skipped a beat and i flew down the stairs to his school. Apparently some kids stay until five cause their parents work so teachers were there. Whe I saw the teacher she said I should call next time he stays till five. I said I was very sorry and lost track of time (at least that's what I think I said in Italian). After we got home I collected my self and played with Ruggie. I had both boys tonight but it was okay. I fixed dinner for them (a new kind of pasta with a new sauce, I burned it a little but they seemed to like it so that's what matters) and then we watched a Buster Keaton movie they love because it has cowboys in it. I really enjoyed it too.
Tomorrow night at midnight I am leaving on a train to Rome!! I will be in Rome until Monday so I won't be posting anything until I get back. I hope everyone has a great weekend!! I will "blog" to you soon
Tomorrow night at midnight I am leaving on a train to Rome!! I will be in Rome until Monday so I won't be posting anything until I get back. I hope everyone has a great weekend!! I will "blog" to you soon
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Brain Triatholon
Today was a relaxing yet interesting day. Pat had to go to Milan this morning so I was in charge of getting the boys dressed and ready for the day. Alberto and Ruggie left for school at 8:30 and I sent Fil off to camp with a mother carpool. So the rest of the morning was mine. I went back upstairs and scrambled some eggs and made some coffee. A good way to start the morning. I decided to go the another open air market near my home. This one is much larger than the one by Ruggie's school and full of interesting things. I love looking at all the products and interesting people. I found three pair of shoes I really wanted but like always they didnt have my size. (good for my pocketbook) After the market I went to a dollar store I found the other day (okay its really a 99 cent store but you get the idea) I bought Ruggie a new coloring book and crayons because I am tired of coloring Teenage Mutan Nija Turtles in his old book. The crayons turned out to be worth less than 99 but you get what you pay for I guess. After my shopping stint I went back home to prepare lunch. I tried a new concuction today-sautade green beans, red and yellow peppers and pasta with parmesean. Yum it turned out okay, I was a little suprised. At four I picked Ruggie up and we colored in his new book until 5:30. Around that time it began to rain and then hail. Pat said she had never seen ice fall from the sky and she was a little worried (the hail was pea size so I wasn't really concerned). At 7:45 Louisa, Pat's sister came and picked me up because I was going to her house to help her with her English for a job interview she has next Tuesday. We stopped and got some pizza take away and studied for several hours. My brain is really hurting after this lesson because I was required to speak slowly, write many hard words (and we all know how great my spalling is ;-) and make it sound professional. Towards the end of the lesson, my friend from Spain called and talked with me for 20 min. His English is fairly good but I still have to explain a lot and speak slow. So I'm calling it a night after the triatholon of language practice. Until Tomorrow...Buona Notte Amici
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
GROM
Today started early but turned out to be great. I went to the outdoor market with Pat to buy fresh fruits and veggies at 8:30 in the morning!! I really enjoyed picking out the fresh produce and liked the lady that helped us. Apparently Pat goes to the same lady everytime so they are friends. She showed us pictures of her kids and we met her husband. This outing is trying for when I have to go by myself to buy the food....buts it's okay cause they know I am American so they will help me. When I got back Anna came over for our weekly lesson. I am getting to the point where I get really excited for the lessons cause I never know where we are going to go. She takes me to the neatest places and always have good stories to tell about each place. I keep forgetting she is only 14!! Today we took a bus downtown and walked to the first metro stop. The metro is only a year old and not very big. It was made for the Olymics and they are continuing to work on more stops.. Right now there are 10 stops. We went to the very last stop which is a small town outside of Torino. We literally walked up the stairs to outside stood on the street corner for 5 minutes and then to the metro back to downtown! :-) When we got back to town we went to the official Olymic museum. I found out later that the building it is in was shaped after a special chocolate made in Torino. The museum was fantastico!! (and free) Right as you walk in the time line starts with each day broken down in its events. A list of the medal winners are posted for each event for each day. All the posters are in both Italian and English, which is nice. There are two theaters that play both the closing and opening ceremonies and small tvs throughtout the museum playing some of the record breaking finishes or disappointments. There are several bobsleds, luges, and sports uniformns. on display as well. Up stairs there are elaborate outfits from the ceremonies (dresses shaped like mountains complete with houses, trees and skiers) At the very front of the museum there is the timeline of the torch and pictures of each runner (the torch is also on display) After the museum we went back to the apartment and Anna went home. I still had time left on my bus ticket so I decided to go downtown again for lunch. I am not afraid of the buses anymore so I feel like an old pro getting on one. Downtown I went to McDonals. American food sounded really good and man how I missed chicken nuggets. After lunch I was walking around and past this place called GROM. It is the most famous gelato store in Tornio and there is always a line 20 ppl long. But today there were only 6 ppl so I jumped on the chance to taste this special stuff. I wasn't sure what to order so I took a chance on Crema Di Grom (sounded like the house speciality) Good choice. It was amazing. I'm not sure what was in it but I think cookies and chocolate. I am definately going back even if I have to wait in line. I found a bench to savor my flavor and then went shopping in some of my new favorite stores. I was just dream buying but my new pretend wardrobe is awesome. When I got back at two I decided to take a nap before I picked Ruggie up from school. After four we went to the park and then picked Filippo up. I fixed dinner for them cause the parents went out for the night. My least favorite part of the job is bedtime its like pulling teeth. But to my surprise it wasnt too bad. It has been so much worse so I'm counting my blessings. Well its off to bed for some sweet GROM dreams and I wish you a good night as well....Bouna Notte
Monday, June 18, 2007
A NICE Weekend
Pardon the pun but we had a nice weekend in NICE, France. At 4 in the afternoon of Friday we loaded the car and picked up Alberto from work. At half past five with the 70’s music (Genesis and Supertramp) blaring we headed for the French Riviera. We arrived in Nice a little after 8 and checked into our Bed and Breakfast. The house was tucked away from the coast and is exactly what I had imagined a French B and B looking like. Our room (me and the boys) had antique furniture and a fireplace. We decided to take a walk along the coast and watch the sunset. My first impression of Nice, was an ugly dirty city but the closer we got the coast I changed my mind. Che Bella! Fantastico!!
On Saturday we had a traditional French breakfast at the B&B. We had coffee and croissants with marmalade (oh don’t forget the butter, French people LOVE butter). After breakfast we headed to the beach. The morning was beautiful for a swim. I laid on the beach to try and tan but eventually cooled off in the Mediterinian. The water was so clear and while I was snorkeling I saw three fish swimming along with me. For lunch we went to a café where I had true French fries and a sirloin steak. Definitely not Texas meat but it was the first steak I’ve had in months. After lunch Alberto took Ruggie to the hotel for a nap and we stayed on the beach. At 6:30 we had an aperitivo before dinner. We talked with a lady who was also staying at the B&B. She was painting a lovely picture of a court gesture. She asked me where I was from and I found out she was from a small town outside Paris. After our wonderful conversation we went to dinner in a small town above Nice. The old city within the walls (since Medieval Times) is still standing, so we walked around but unfortunately everything but restaurants were closed. We ate at a very fancy restaurant in the old city. French cuisine is very elaborate and used many ingredients so I was a little worried about what I ordered. I had some kind of white fish with mixed veggies and for an appetizer I had crab stuffed ravioli that was out of this world. After dinner we walked some more and saw the old castle ruins. After a long day at the beach we all slept very well.
On Sunday we slept in until 9:30 and then had another great breakfast with French cheese. Pat wanted to go back to the beach while the four of us walked the cape. It was absolutely beautiful. The day was cloudy and made for a good day to walk. Which is a good thing cause we walked for two hours. When we stopped for lunch I was so tired I just wanted to take a nap. It started to rain right as we sat down for lunch. We moved to a dryer place to eat and had sandwiches. After lunch we decided to get in the car and head for home because we wanted to beat traffic. We drove through Monaco and stopped just for a minute to look around because Ruggie was asleep. We also drove through Monte Carlo. Beautiful! We took the long way home through the mountains but it was totally worth it. They were the coolest mountains I had ever seen, rough and jagged but beautiful. Four hours we finally returned home. I really enjoyed the time in France but was so happy to be back in Italy. The people are nicer here and I am accustomed to their way of life and language.
On Saturday we had a traditional French breakfast at the B&B. We had coffee and croissants with marmalade (oh don’t forget the butter, French people LOVE butter). After breakfast we headed to the beach. The morning was beautiful for a swim. I laid on the beach to try and tan but eventually cooled off in the Mediterinian. The water was so clear and while I was snorkeling I saw three fish swimming along with me. For lunch we went to a café where I had true French fries and a sirloin steak. Definitely not Texas meat but it was the first steak I’ve had in months. After lunch Alberto took Ruggie to the hotel for a nap and we stayed on the beach. At 6:30 we had an aperitivo before dinner. We talked with a lady who was also staying at the B&B. She was painting a lovely picture of a court gesture. She asked me where I was from and I found out she was from a small town outside Paris. After our wonderful conversation we went to dinner in a small town above Nice. The old city within the walls (since Medieval Times) is still standing, so we walked around but unfortunately everything but restaurants were closed. We ate at a very fancy restaurant in the old city. French cuisine is very elaborate and used many ingredients so I was a little worried about what I ordered. I had some kind of white fish with mixed veggies and for an appetizer I had crab stuffed ravioli that was out of this world. After dinner we walked some more and saw the old castle ruins. After a long day at the beach we all slept very well.
On Sunday we slept in until 9:30 and then had another great breakfast with French cheese. Pat wanted to go back to the beach while the four of us walked the cape. It was absolutely beautiful. The day was cloudy and made for a good day to walk. Which is a good thing cause we walked for two hours. When we stopped for lunch I was so tired I just wanted to take a nap. It started to rain right as we sat down for lunch. We moved to a dryer place to eat and had sandwiches. After lunch we decided to get in the car and head for home because we wanted to beat traffic. We drove through Monaco and stopped just for a minute to look around because Ruggie was asleep. We also drove through Monte Carlo. Beautiful! We took the long way home through the mountains but it was totally worth it. They were the coolest mountains I had ever seen, rough and jagged but beautiful. Four hours we finally returned home. I really enjoyed the time in France but was so happy to be back in Italy. The people are nicer here and I am accustomed to their way of life and language.
My Kind of Lesson
Today before we let for France, Anna, Alberto's nice came over to practice English/Italian. At 9 she came over and said she wanted to go to the Cinema Museum (okay twist my arm). So we took the tram downtown because it was another foggy rainy day (did I move to London or Italy?) The museum was fantastic. It is the largest collection of international film memorabilia and is the tallest museum in the world. Ferrari is celebrating over 50 years so they had a huge display of movies that feature the ports car (Ferris Beuler’s Day Off and Steve McQueen movies to name a few). Around the main room there are different movie sets you can enter and watch a particular clip from several movies dealing with a related topic. For example there is a huge fridge you can enter and watch movies dealing with eating. The seats inside the fridge are toilet bowls and the fridge door is completely stocked with food bigger than my head. There was a room for cartoons where you can watch Looney Tunes on TV screen set inside a bomb. “Fiffel Goes West” was shown on a screen set inside a vault filled with fake coins. The museum walks you through the evolution of film starting in the early 1800’s. At the end of our tour we took the central elevator to the very top. From there you could see the whole city (on a day that is clear). I am definitely going back to this awesome museum!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I'm ready for my close up
Today was a very relaxing day compared to the marathon I walked yesterday. Filippo went to his other grandma’s house this morning so I was childfree until two. But when I went to pick him up, he wanted to stay so I walked back home and hung around until I went back for him at 5. I have only been around Alberto’s mother twice but both times I sensed that she had money just by the way she dressed, so I was anxious to see her apartment. WOW. I was right she definitely has money. The apartment is three bedrooms and a room for a maid and has three bathrooms (which is almost unheard of here). All the furniture is classic in style and the place is scattered with antiques. The house was also filled with architectural details which I haven’t seen much of in other apartments here.
On Monday night we had new, temporary neighbors move in. Down the street a film crew moved into the first floor of an apartment. I love walking past and seeing the costumes hanging on rods outside trailers, the craft service table in the living room, and the actors’ trailers lining the street. Yesterday I walked past and one actor was in the hair and makeup trailer getting the works. Each time I walk by I tried to put on my “I would make a good extra” face. But to my dismay they moved locations so I will have to wait for the next film to roll in or meet George Clooney in the supermarket (he has a villa not far from Milan).
Tomorrow afternoon the family and I are leaving for the French Riviera for the weekend. We are going to Monaco and Nice and some smaller towns along the coast. I am really looking forward to my first big trip and my first time in France. I won’t be blogging anything until Monday but I then I will have a lot to say I’m sure. So until then have a great weekend and Happy Father’s Day to all those great dads out there (including my dad, love ya pops)
On Monday night we had new, temporary neighbors move in. Down the street a film crew moved into the first floor of an apartment. I love walking past and seeing the costumes hanging on rods outside trailers, the craft service table in the living room, and the actors’ trailers lining the street. Yesterday I walked past and one actor was in the hair and makeup trailer getting the works. Each time I walk by I tried to put on my “I would make a good extra” face. But to my dismay they moved locations so I will have to wait for the next film to roll in or meet George Clooney in the supermarket (he has a villa not far from Milan).
Tomorrow afternoon the family and I are leaving for the French Riviera for the weekend. We are going to Monaco and Nice and some smaller towns along the coast. I am really looking forward to my first big trip and my first time in France. I won’t be blogging anything until Monday but I then I will have a lot to say I’m sure. So until then have a great weekend and Happy Father’s Day to all those great dads out there (including my dad, love ya pops)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
These are the Days of Our Lives
Today was my first lesson with Anna, Alberto’s niece. We took a bus to the center of town at around 9:00. For the first hour we decided to talk in English only. I’m glad I put on my walking shoes because we did some hard core walking, and I might add she walks so fast I thought I was jogging at times. She took me to Palazzo Madame, the queen’s palace during Savoy rule. The are 200 plaster flowers on the ceiling and everyone is different. Under the palace there is a Roman theatre mostly still intact. From there we walked the entire downtown waiting for a certain store to open. At ten we started speaking in Italian. I listened mostly, which is good; because she is little miss chatty Cathy. She is 14 and loves to talk about boys and clothes. I really enjoyed hanging out with her though and found myself thinking I was probably just like this when I was her age. We came back to the house at 12…so a recap that is three hours of non-stop walking, I really thought I might die, but luckily was just overreacting.
Pat’s mom came over to fix lunch and Anna stayed so we had a good meal and I had a translator, which was very nice. After lunch I took a nap, which I desperately needed because I didn’t go to bed until three because it was so hot in my room….plus my pillow is a brick. After the nap Filippo went with his grandma and I went to pick up Ruggie. We stopped at a Galateria (ice cream shop) and both got a cone. When we got back to the house I let him watch cartoons for a while until we left for dinner. Louisa, Pat’s sister, invited us to her house for dinner at 8. She came and picked us up and her mother was there preparing the meal. We had fried chicken and fried potatoes but it wasn’t like good ‘ol Southern cooking. Their meat, regardless of the type, is as thick as a paper towel. Even though it wasn’t as good as what we have in the states I still enjoyed it. After dinner we watched Nonna Deana’s favorite soap opera, Al parta di sole (a place or section close to the sun). I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation because it reminded me of all the time I have watched “The Young and the Restless” with Grandma Ruby. Nonna Deana would say, “Oh here’s that horrible woman, or that man is married to the woman with the deformed face.” So far that is the best television program I have seen while here (that’s not saying very much). At 10 we came home to an empty house so it was up to me to get the boys ready for bed. I hate this part of my job. It is very hard and usually results in hitting, crying, throwing objects, and screaming (and no I’m just talking about what I do). But I have observed that it is very hard for the parents when they do it together, so I have just stepped up to the plate and have tried my best not getting upset when they throw a fit. Tonight actually went half way smooth. Yes there were problems but I didn’t get upset or flustered, I kept my cool. I’m not sure what tomorrow holds as far as events but I am looking forward to watching them fall into place like sands through an hour glass, these are the days of my life….sorry couldn’t resist being sappy.
Pat’s mom came over to fix lunch and Anna stayed so we had a good meal and I had a translator, which was very nice. After lunch I took a nap, which I desperately needed because I didn’t go to bed until three because it was so hot in my room….plus my pillow is a brick. After the nap Filippo went with his grandma and I went to pick up Ruggie. We stopped at a Galateria (ice cream shop) and both got a cone. When we got back to the house I let him watch cartoons for a while until we left for dinner. Louisa, Pat’s sister, invited us to her house for dinner at 8. She came and picked us up and her mother was there preparing the meal. We had fried chicken and fried potatoes but it wasn’t like good ‘ol Southern cooking. Their meat, regardless of the type, is as thick as a paper towel. Even though it wasn’t as good as what we have in the states I still enjoyed it. After dinner we watched Nonna Deana’s favorite soap opera, Al parta di sole (a place or section close to the sun). I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation because it reminded me of all the time I have watched “The Young and the Restless” with Grandma Ruby. Nonna Deana would say, “Oh here’s that horrible woman, or that man is married to the woman with the deformed face.” So far that is the best television program I have seen while here (that’s not saying very much). At 10 we came home to an empty house so it was up to me to get the boys ready for bed. I hate this part of my job. It is very hard and usually results in hitting, crying, throwing objects, and screaming (and no I’m just talking about what I do). But I have observed that it is very hard for the parents when they do it together, so I have just stepped up to the plate and have tried my best not getting upset when they throw a fit. Tonight actually went half way smooth. Yes there were problems but I didn’t get upset or flustered, I kept my cool. I’m not sure what tomorrow holds as far as events but I am looking forward to watching them fall into place like sands through an hour glass, these are the days of my life….sorry couldn’t resist being sappy.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Battle Scars
Today was a beautiful summer day. It was breezy in the morning but heated up in the afternoon. I decided to skip the gym since the new medicine I’m taking is making it hard to breath through my nose, plus I didn’t want to push it. So instead I went for a walk in the park and did some sketching. I took Filippo over to his grandmother’s (nonna) apartment for lunch. Luckily she lives close so we walked. She prepared a wonderful meal of gnocchi pomodoro (tomatoes) and some meat stuffed with spinach. For desert we had fresh fruit and fragola torta (strawberry tart or cake). After lunch I came back home and took a nap before picking Ruggie up from school. We all went to the garden after school and stayed two hours!! When we got back the parents were home and fixing dinner. We ate outside on the patio and had a light meal. Today was uneventful except for the fact that I have added to my battle wounds (those being the ones inflicted by the boys, a bite mark and scab where Ruggie hit me with a stick). I hit my ankle with a door and the big one, I was trying to open my medicine in the glass jar when it slipped and I cut my finger. Tomorrow’s resolution it to stop all bloodshed!!
Here are some more things to add to my list of things I love about Italy
The way my clean clothes smell (really they have never smelt so good)
Fresh green olives (I didn’t even like green olive until now)
Doors (buildings have the coolest doors I have ever seen)
Smart Cars (I would never own one because they are too small but they are cute and piccolo-small)
Here are some more things to add to my list of things I love about Italy
The way my clean clothes smell (really they have never smelt so good)
Fresh green olives (I didn’t even like green olive until now)
Doors (buildings have the coolest doors I have ever seen)
Smart Cars (I would never own one because they are too small but they are cute and piccolo-small)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Emergency Room Visit
I forgot to post this in yesterday’s blog, but last night I found out an interesting fact. I asked Pat and Ablerto if they make Alfredo sauce with their pasta sometimes and they gave me the weirdest look. They said, “Alfredo is a person not a sauce”. They didn’t know anywhere in Italy that makes Alfredo sauce!! The Olive Garden has been lying to us all these years, claiming to make authentic Italian dishes. I don’t know about you but I feel taken advantage of.
On a lighter note, I hate to jinx myself, but I had a great day with the boys. Hardly any tears (I didn’t say perfect). I had both of them from 4-7:30. After I picked Ruggie up from school we went to park across the street and played for almost 2 hours. This morning I went to the gym that Pat goes to every week. Her personal trainer gave me a free pass for a week so I decided to visit an Italian gym. I was smaller than American gyms but it reminded me of the Rec center at Tech. After running for 15 minutes (and not dieing) I celebrated by going to the grocery store to pick up a few things Pat needed. Right before lunch I got another really bad nosebleed, so I decided to text Pat to see if she could set up an appointment with her doctor. She called to make sure I was doing okay and told me not to worry they were going to take care of me (ahhh). After dinner Alberto took me to one emergency room but the waiting line was very long so we went to the main Hospital of Torino where they have an ear, nose and throat doctor working nights. The hospital was ugly and very old. I could not believe how different they are from hospitals in America….night and day. We didn’t have to wait very long and the doctor was very nice. She spoke a little English but Alberto was there to translate. She wore an old fashioned doctor’s headband with a light in the front and used medal forceps to look in my nose. She said that I had some damaged capillaries and she prescribed a gel and oral medicine that comes in glass tubes you have to break open. It was very interesting to see inside a hospital even though they give me the creeps. I am feeling much better than I did this afternoon and I’m sure with this medicine I will be fine in a few days. I used the gel tonight before bed so we’ll see how it works.
On a lighter note, I hate to jinx myself, but I had a great day with the boys. Hardly any tears (I didn’t say perfect). I had both of them from 4-7:30. After I picked Ruggie up from school we went to park across the street and played for almost 2 hours. This morning I went to the gym that Pat goes to every week. Her personal trainer gave me a free pass for a week so I decided to visit an Italian gym. I was smaller than American gyms but it reminded me of the Rec center at Tech. After running for 15 minutes (and not dieing) I celebrated by going to the grocery store to pick up a few things Pat needed. Right before lunch I got another really bad nosebleed, so I decided to text Pat to see if she could set up an appointment with her doctor. She called to make sure I was doing okay and told me not to worry they were going to take care of me (ahhh). After dinner Alberto took me to one emergency room but the waiting line was very long so we went to the main Hospital of Torino where they have an ear, nose and throat doctor working nights. The hospital was ugly and very old. I could not believe how different they are from hospitals in America….night and day. We didn’t have to wait very long and the doctor was very nice. She spoke a little English but Alberto was there to translate. She wore an old fashioned doctor’s headband with a light in the front and used medal forceps to look in my nose. She said that I had some damaged capillaries and she prescribed a gel and oral medicine that comes in glass tubes you have to break open. It was very interesting to see inside a hospital even though they give me the creeps. I am feeling much better than I did this afternoon and I’m sure with this medicine I will be fine in a few days. I used the gel tonight before bed so we’ll see how it works.
The Saving Grace
Weekends are the saving grace of this job. Even though I don’t usually get off until 2 in the afternoons on Saturday and have to work at nights on Sunday, I still love having the weekends off. Last week was a very hard week with the children’s behavior and when the clock struck 2 I was out the door like flash lighting.
Saturday was terrific. I really just wanted alone time so I walked downtown to the center. I went into several clothing stores and even tried on some things, dreaming as I went along ☺ from there I walked to Carlos Alberto Square and did some people watching for a while. Then I went to the Royal Palace in the center of Piazza Real. I didn’t want to spend to much money because I am saving up for Rome in two weeks, so I went to the courtyard and walked around inside without buying a ticket to see the rooms. (Eventually I will go on the tour though). Then I walked to the Duomo church (the Savoy’s official church when they were in power). This was a fantastic little church that is still in operation. The neatest thing about this building is it is the home to the Turin Shroud (supposable the garment Jesus was wrapped in when he was buried) Even if it has been proven that the man imprinted on the cloth is not Jesus, it was still a wonderful thing to see, plus information was written in English so that helped. I went back to Piazza Castello (Plaza of the Castle) and took pictures of the castle standing in the middle. By this time it was late afternoon so I decided to head towards home. I bought some gelato and listened to a street performer play his guitar. On the walk back I stopped off at a Deli and bought a homemade pizza for dinner. That night I baked my pizza and watched two movies I had rented at Blockbuster. The night was very relaxing and most importantly, CHILD FREE.
Watch out Martha Stewart
On Sunday I went to the international church again. The talk was on the prodigal son but there was a twist I had never heard. We focused more on the father in the story and not on the selfish acts of the youngest, and at times the oldest, son(s). After the service I went with my Ghana friends to their Aunt’s house for lunch. The meal was okay but African food kinda weirds me out so I didn’t eat very much. Emmanuel took me home in the afternoon and I relaxed. About 5 I decided to do some baking. I made some banana bread but this was my first time to ever make it so I was nervous it would turn out horrible. I am what you call a HAM cook; hit and miss. But this time I HIT it right out of the park (after all it is baseball season ☺) After dinner the family tried it and the parents liked it. Fil only liked it with jam on it but hey I can’t please everyone. After dinner I helped Pat call hotels in America for their trip in August. What a relief it is to speak with another America. I have friends here that speak English but it’s not the same. You can talk at regular pace and use more slang. This coming week is going to be very trying because I have Fil everyday and both boys every night with no time off. So wish me luck that I don’t cause physical harm to them.
PS. I have updated my pictures so be sure and check out the website
Saturday was terrific. I really just wanted alone time so I walked downtown to the center. I went into several clothing stores and even tried on some things, dreaming as I went along ☺ from there I walked to Carlos Alberto Square and did some people watching for a while. Then I went to the Royal Palace in the center of Piazza Real. I didn’t want to spend to much money because I am saving up for Rome in two weeks, so I went to the courtyard and walked around inside without buying a ticket to see the rooms. (Eventually I will go on the tour though). Then I walked to the Duomo church (the Savoy’s official church when they were in power). This was a fantastic little church that is still in operation. The neatest thing about this building is it is the home to the Turin Shroud (supposable the garment Jesus was wrapped in when he was buried) Even if it has been proven that the man imprinted on the cloth is not Jesus, it was still a wonderful thing to see, plus information was written in English so that helped. I went back to Piazza Castello (Plaza of the Castle) and took pictures of the castle standing in the middle. By this time it was late afternoon so I decided to head towards home. I bought some gelato and listened to a street performer play his guitar. On the walk back I stopped off at a Deli and bought a homemade pizza for dinner. That night I baked my pizza and watched two movies I had rented at Blockbuster. The night was very relaxing and most importantly, CHILD FREE.
Watch out Martha Stewart
On Sunday I went to the international church again. The talk was on the prodigal son but there was a twist I had never heard. We focused more on the father in the story and not on the selfish acts of the youngest, and at times the oldest, son(s). After the service I went with my Ghana friends to their Aunt’s house for lunch. The meal was okay but African food kinda weirds me out so I didn’t eat very much. Emmanuel took me home in the afternoon and I relaxed. About 5 I decided to do some baking. I made some banana bread but this was my first time to ever make it so I was nervous it would turn out horrible. I am what you call a HAM cook; hit and miss. But this time I HIT it right out of the park (after all it is baseball season ☺) After dinner the family tried it and the parents liked it. Fil only liked it with jam on it but hey I can’t please everyone. After dinner I helped Pat call hotels in America for their trip in August. What a relief it is to speak with another America. I have friends here that speak English but it’s not the same. You can talk at regular pace and use more slang. This coming week is going to be very trying because I have Fil everyday and both boys every night with no time off. So wish me luck that I don’t cause physical harm to them.
PS. I have updated my pictures so be sure and check out the website
Friday, June 8, 2007
TGIF
Sorry I didn’t post yesterday but there was nothing exciting or positive to say. “Cool Cat” is not going as smoothly as I would like right now. Filippo is pushing all my buttons so please pray that I continue to have patience (I’m running out, especially after he bit me).
Today was a great day. In the morning I walked downtown just to get out of the house. Today was the first day of sunshine in a week. I went to an Interior Design firm and looked at their showroom. They have some amazing things but aren’t very friendly. They said good morning but didn’t ask me if I needed anything (this could be because I look like I’m 18 and can’t afford anything in the store….well that is true….I felt a little like that scene in Pretty Woman. I spent the rest of the time walking in Carlos Ablerto Square and window shopping….the clothes here are so amazing and the window displays are very interesting to say the least. I also visited my favorite store, Blockbuster. I picked up some movies for my off time this weekend. For lunch I fixed a chicken fillet with fresh rosemary and gnocchi with a pesto sauce. I have to say it wasn’t half bad; I just might be able to cook when I get back.
At two I took a nap with Ruggie and then played until Pat and Fil got home from his last day of school. He is now out for the summer and I am kinda dreating this but his sports camp starts in two weeks. At 7 we all went to a track meet. It was an international meeting in an old stadium. Pat fixed sandwiches and we ate outside under the stars. The weather was perfect so it was hard to believe I was at a meet because there was no wind or snow. Several world records were broken, so that was neat to witness. An Italian woman high jumped 6’6” and a guy from Africa (I think) jumped 7’5” AMAZING!! At the end of the meet there was a fireworks show that reviled Simpson/Hoover displays. It was really a good performance set to opera. So happy early Fourth of July.
As for the weekend I half to work in the morning and then I think I’m going with my friends from Ghana somewhere.
PS I need your help. If anyone has any simple receipts (that don’t have two many ingredients) I would love to make the family something “America”, also if anyone has any digitals pictures of Booker, Texas, or Cowboys could you please email them to me at lindsey32@gmail.com Grazie Mille
Today was a great day. In the morning I walked downtown just to get out of the house. Today was the first day of sunshine in a week. I went to an Interior Design firm and looked at their showroom. They have some amazing things but aren’t very friendly. They said good morning but didn’t ask me if I needed anything (this could be because I look like I’m 18 and can’t afford anything in the store….well that is true….I felt a little like that scene in Pretty Woman. I spent the rest of the time walking in Carlos Ablerto Square and window shopping….the clothes here are so amazing and the window displays are very interesting to say the least. I also visited my favorite store, Blockbuster. I picked up some movies for my off time this weekend. For lunch I fixed a chicken fillet with fresh rosemary and gnocchi with a pesto sauce. I have to say it wasn’t half bad; I just might be able to cook when I get back.
At two I took a nap with Ruggie and then played until Pat and Fil got home from his last day of school. He is now out for the summer and I am kinda dreating this but his sports camp starts in two weeks. At 7 we all went to a track meet. It was an international meeting in an old stadium. Pat fixed sandwiches and we ate outside under the stars. The weather was perfect so it was hard to believe I was at a meet because there was no wind or snow. Several world records were broken, so that was neat to witness. An Italian woman high jumped 6’6” and a guy from Africa (I think) jumped 7’5” AMAZING!! At the end of the meet there was a fireworks show that reviled Simpson/Hoover displays. It was really a good performance set to opera. So happy early Fourth of July.
As for the weekend I half to work in the morning and then I think I’m going with my friends from Ghana somewhere.
PS I need your help. If anyone has any simple receipts (that don’t have two many ingredients) I would love to make the family something “America”, also if anyone has any digitals pictures of Booker, Texas, or Cowboys could you please email them to me at lindsey32@gmail.com Grazie Mille
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Fabrizio!!
Last night Pat called her doctor and told her about my nosebleeds. She figured out that I am probably allergic to some aspirin Pat gave me to get over my cold. So today I nursed my nose back to better health. I’m not a 100% yet but not one bleed today so that is a step in the right direction.
The most exciting part of my day was when Fabrizio came to our house. (relax girls) He is a computer repair guy and he came to hook my computer up to the wireless router. It worked!! I now have wireless internet in my room!! I am now writing my blog from the comfort of my own bed.
Today I went to a musical performance for Filippo’s class at his school. His school is so amazing. It is over 80 years old and the rooms were very antique looking. I was fascinated to see inside a real Italian elementary school. The performance was cute and Filippo had a solo, lets just say he didn’t get singing ability from me. When we got home I taught the boys a few games I made up with couch cushions and a mini basketball. We sat on the floor for an hour playing and listening to Disney songs (they are in Italian but I sing the words in English, the boys think this is pretty neat). I am trying these new games and singing as tactics to win their affection, I am calling this new plan Operation Cool Cat. I will keep you posted on the success of this mission.
For dinner tonight the woman from upstairs came and ate with us. We had a wonderful meal with meat, fresh veggies, grissini!!, and torta (cake). Christiana is a lawyer and a young single professional. I sometimes go and talk with her upstairs and on Sunday we had a good conversation outside. She invited me to hang out with her friends one night next week.
Just one side note before I call it a night, I have seen more birthday clowns here than I have ever seen in America, for some strange reason they are very popular here. The clown from yesterday was much better than the one with purple hair. I guess I am becoming an expert on birthday entertainment. So if this au pair thing doesn’t work out I will start a career as a birthday clown…..better start practicing my balloon animal making skills.
Bouna notte!!
The most exciting part of my day was when Fabrizio came to our house. (relax girls) He is a computer repair guy and he came to hook my computer up to the wireless router. It worked!! I now have wireless internet in my room!! I am now writing my blog from the comfort of my own bed.
Today I went to a musical performance for Filippo’s class at his school. His school is so amazing. It is over 80 years old and the rooms were very antique looking. I was fascinated to see inside a real Italian elementary school. The performance was cute and Filippo had a solo, lets just say he didn’t get singing ability from me. When we got home I taught the boys a few games I made up with couch cushions and a mini basketball. We sat on the floor for an hour playing and listening to Disney songs (they are in Italian but I sing the words in English, the boys think this is pretty neat). I am trying these new games and singing as tactics to win their affection, I am calling this new plan Operation Cool Cat. I will keep you posted on the success of this mission.
For dinner tonight the woman from upstairs came and ate with us. We had a wonderful meal with meat, fresh veggies, grissini!!, and torta (cake). Christiana is a lawyer and a young single professional. I sometimes go and talk with her upstairs and on Sunday we had a good conversation outside. She invited me to hang out with her friends one night next week.
Just one side note before I call it a night, I have seen more birthday clowns here than I have ever seen in America, for some strange reason they are very popular here. The clown from yesterday was much better than the one with purple hair. I guess I am becoming an expert on birthday entertainment. So if this au pair thing doesn’t work out I will start a career as a birthday clown…..better start practicing my balloon animal making skills.
Bouna notte!!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
It’s the Hard-Knock Life
Well today was a very tough day in paradise. For some reason the boys are being really big punks. Needless to say today was not fun at all. On top of all that I am still sick. But that’s enough negativity…
Today was the last day of language school, however I am still going to meet with my teacher and practice. I am also going to meet with Alberto’s niece next Tuesday to practice Italian. I spent the rest of the day playing with Ruggero because he is still home with Chicken pox.
Tuesday
Today has been great so far because I stayed home with Ruggie and his nonna (grandma) She is a sweet lady and we have a good time even though we don’t understand half of our conversations. Today she fixed us pasta, meatballs, salad, and of course desert. (Makes me miss my grandmas even more but it is nice to have a nonna over here). At lunch it began to hail so I decided not to go to the train station like I planned earlier. Ruggero is now taking a nap with his grandma and I think I might as well because I still have an awful sinus infection. At 4, Filippo and I are going to a birthday party for a little girl in the neighborhood. I am looking forward to this cause I know the mother and she speaks English so I won’t just be sitting there like the last party. After the party we will come back home and eat dinner with the whole family and then go to bed….Not that exciting lately but hopefully I will begin traveling soon so I will have more to report. Some of you have been asking for my address so because not everyone has an email I will post it here:
Carpenato Family
Corso Galileo Ferraris, 67
10128 Torino, Italy
Today was the last day of language school, however I am still going to meet with my teacher and practice. I am also going to meet with Alberto’s niece next Tuesday to practice Italian. I spent the rest of the day playing with Ruggero because he is still home with Chicken pox.
Tuesday
Today has been great so far because I stayed home with Ruggie and his nonna (grandma) She is a sweet lady and we have a good time even though we don’t understand half of our conversations. Today she fixed us pasta, meatballs, salad, and of course desert. (Makes me miss my grandmas even more but it is nice to have a nonna over here). At lunch it began to hail so I decided not to go to the train station like I planned earlier. Ruggero is now taking a nap with his grandma and I think I might as well because I still have an awful sinus infection. At 4, Filippo and I are going to a birthday party for a little girl in the neighborhood. I am looking forward to this cause I know the mother and she speaks English so I won’t just be sitting there like the last party. After the party we will come back home and eat dinner with the whole family and then go to bed….Not that exciting lately but hopefully I will begin traveling soon so I will have more to report. Some of you have been asking for my address so because not everyone has an email I will post it here:
Carpenato Family
Corso Galileo Ferraris, 67
10128 Torino, Italy
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Weekend
Saturday I woke up still feeling sick but I was on duty so I had to put on a happy face. The morning was not much different from the states. For example when I woke up the boys were watching cartoons (why is anime so popular?) and coco puffs were strung all over the table. Pat wanted to go for a bike ride so I got the boys dressed and took them to the park across the street. I let them play for an hour and a half before going back for lunch. While we were at the park I met a couple that are friends of Pat and Alberto’s. The speak English well and I had a good conversation about how the states are different. It is really hard to explain how the states are different because if you compare NY with Turin it’s almost the same way of life but if you compare Texas with Turin it’s a whole new ballgame. Anyways, after lunch we got Filippo ready for his first all night sleep-over/camp out with Boy Scouts. The rest of the day I spent relaxing and trying to get over my cold. I turned in early to watch a movie on my computer and had to stop due to another nosebleed. Hopefully this will not be an everyday occurrence.
Sunday was AMAZING. On Thursday last week I went out with some new Italian friends. One of the guys asked me to come out to the country on Sunday. Pat’s youngest sister, Louisa, and her boyfriend picked me up at 11:30 and we headed and hour outside to Ricardo’s family house in the country. The drive was absolutely amazing. We past corn, wheat, and rice fields. Come to find out that area is the number one producer of rice in Europe and is the best in quality you can buy on the rice market. The house was tucked away behind a vineyard and stood next to a barely field. The backyard was surrounded by fresh produce; apple trees, peach trees, cherry trees, pear trees, fig trees, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and fresh spices. The house was around eighty years old and complete with barn and wine cellar attached. The whole experience was just like a movie. When we arrived there were around 25-30 people all hugging, kissing cheeks, and talking loudly with hand gestures. The meal consisted of five different fresh cheeses, sliced bread, zucchini, grilled ribs, grilled chicken, rice salad, grissini, and homemade red and white wines. After eating lunch we just sat in the sun and talked and then ate dessert. For the rest of the afternoon we laid around outside talking or sleeping or taking walks through the vineyard. Ricardo’s father took me to the cherry orchard and we picked cherries for everyone. We had a great conversation in English/Italian. After our talk he wants to meet once a week so we can practice both languages, so I’ll let you know how that goes. Finally we said our goodbyes and went back to Torino. But this was by far the best weekend I have had here. I had the best sweet wine of my life, met some incredible people, and was awed by God’s artwork surrounding me.
Sunday was AMAZING. On Thursday last week I went out with some new Italian friends. One of the guys asked me to come out to the country on Sunday. Pat’s youngest sister, Louisa, and her boyfriend picked me up at 11:30 and we headed and hour outside to Ricardo’s family house in the country. The drive was absolutely amazing. We past corn, wheat, and rice fields. Come to find out that area is the number one producer of rice in Europe and is the best in quality you can buy on the rice market. The house was tucked away behind a vineyard and stood next to a barely field. The backyard was surrounded by fresh produce; apple trees, peach trees, cherry trees, pear trees, fig trees, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and fresh spices. The house was around eighty years old and complete with barn and wine cellar attached. The whole experience was just like a movie. When we arrived there were around 25-30 people all hugging, kissing cheeks, and talking loudly with hand gestures. The meal consisted of five different fresh cheeses, sliced bread, zucchini, grilled ribs, grilled chicken, rice salad, grissini, and homemade red and white wines. After eating lunch we just sat in the sun and talked and then ate dessert. For the rest of the afternoon we laid around outside talking or sleeping or taking walks through the vineyard. Ricardo’s father took me to the cherry orchard and we picked cherries for everyone. We had a great conversation in English/Italian. After our talk he wants to meet once a week so we can practice both languages, so I’ll let you know how that goes. Finally we said our goodbyes and went back to Torino. But this was by far the best weekend I have had here. I had the best sweet wine of my life, met some incredible people, and was awed by God’s artwork surrounding me.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
You sunk my battleship
Friday!! Today in language school was the last day for most of the students. I have my last lesson on Monday and then I will be done. It was very relaxed and for the most of class we just talked about the newspaper and what we are going to do for the weekend. Towards the end we met with the other class (advanced students) to play a game of battleship (language style). On the left side column there were verbs and along the top of the page there were verb endings. You had to guess where the ships were located by saying the verb using the right tense (past, present, future, etc.) Apparently Battleship is not that well know across the globe, making me the only one that knew how to play. It was quite amusing trying to explain the game in my broken Italian. Once everyone figured out how to play it was really fun. My team won! ☺
I wish I could say the rest of the day was that fun. I woke up with a head cold and didn’t feel good at all. I had to pick Ruggie up from school at 1 and we came back to the house. Around 2 he laid down for his nap and I joined him. Oh why did naptime pass away with elementary school, we should bring this back to the daily routine. We slept for an hour and half and then watched Shrek 2 in Italian of course. Pat came home early from work and ran some errands with her. Even though I didn’t feel well I needed to get out of the house. At 8 we had a simple meal of rice, veggies and Rabbit. It was not my first time to have rabbit but it was the first time to have it at a house. Alberto was like, “oh you should like it cause don’t you eat wild animals in Texas?” To which I replied, “In my house turkeys are as wild as my family gets.”
Right after dinner I got an intense nose bleed so I am calling it an early night and heading to bed before the sun even goes down (that’s about 9:30 here). As Scarlett says, “Tomorrow is another day” and with that the possibility of feeling better.
I wish I could say the rest of the day was that fun. I woke up with a head cold and didn’t feel good at all. I had to pick Ruggie up from school at 1 and we came back to the house. Around 2 he laid down for his nap and I joined him. Oh why did naptime pass away with elementary school, we should bring this back to the daily routine. We slept for an hour and half and then watched Shrek 2 in Italian of course. Pat came home early from work and ran some errands with her. Even though I didn’t feel well I needed to get out of the house. At 8 we had a simple meal of rice, veggies and Rabbit. It was not my first time to have rabbit but it was the first time to have it at a house. Alberto was like, “oh you should like it cause don’t you eat wild animals in Texas?” To which I replied, “In my house turkeys are as wild as my family gets.”
Right after dinner I got an intense nose bleed so I am calling it an early night and heading to bed before the sun even goes down (that’s about 9:30 here). As Scarlett says, “Tomorrow is another day” and with that the possibility of feeling better.
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