Thursday the 12th
At twelve I had my second interview with an architecture firm located on my street. All I knew about this firm is they were younger and they have done some important projects with the most famous Italian achitect, Renzo Piano (he is responsible for the Nasher Sculpture Garden in Dallas and a museum in Houston). When I arrived, Marco-the principle-met me at the door and introduced me to everyone that worked there. There are 10 people in all, so a much smaller firm than the one I visited on Tuesday. We went into the conference room and I showed him my portfolio. I said he like my work and ask me a couple of questions. He took me to a computer and showed me some projects they are currently working on. About a year ago they started doing product design and he showed me a few items. My favorite is a cheese-grater that fits into the palm of your hand and the grater part is in the shape of a thumb print. He also showed me a pen design called cocoon. It looks like a regular pen but when you take of the top there is a little abstract person inside. You can take him out and clip him on the outside of the pen, where he can hang out while you write a letter. I told him that my boys would love that and he laughed. He said he would contact me by the end of the next week to let me know if I got the internship. When I left I was a little confused because the interview was really laid back and I couldn't judge how well it went but I was excited by their work and know it would be a great place to get some experience.
I left a little early to get the boys and started to read my book for the first part of the trip. When I looked out the window I saw the familiar buildings and then all of a sudden we turned on a new street and I had no idea where we were. I got off at the next stop and got out me map. I found my location but couldn't figure out how to get the park with the boys. There was a lady walking her dog so I asked her if she could help me. She didn't speak Englsih but I was suprised that I could understand her-for the most part) She told me she would walk with me part way but not too far cause her dog was getting tired. I asked what the dog's name was and she said Chloe. It was a mut of a dog with bulging eyes and thinning hair but oddly enough kinda cute. She walked me in the right direction and I found the park and was on time to get the boys. We walked to our bus stop and found that it was closed. The street was being worked on and the whole block was shut down....it was all making sense now why I ended up in ten buck too. We walked a few blocks to the next open stop and took a bus close to their grandma's house. I left Ruggero with her (after we ate our snack she had prepared for us-of course) and Fil and I came home to do English homework. We ended up just speaking English for one hour!! He is really improving and I am so proud of him. At 7:30 we met Nonna D and Ruggie on a street corner and walked to her favorite pizzaeria. After dinner we parted ways and I took the boys to the park for 30 mins to let them use up the rest of their energy. They were in bed by 9:25-oh yeah.
I have to apologize for the lack of consisting blogging lately but I was still in the beach mode and really lazy. But now I'm adjusted to reality again so my blogs should be back to a regular daily occurance.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Purple Velet Sofa
July 11
Wednesday I had my first official job interview at an Architectural and Urban planning firm downtown. Alberto dropped me off on his way to work and wished me good luck. Both parents are really supportive and get really excited for me when I have interviews. The office was AMAZING. It use to be an old garage and was converted into their studio last year. When I arrived I walked into a big open area where most of the architects work in group stations. So I was on display in that awkward "who is the new girl" kind of way. The receptionist led me to the coolest waiting room I have ever seen. I was a little room (7-1/2' by 13' as far as I could tell) and two walls were glass that looked out into the studio. The other two were bright red and purple. The red wall had silver birds painted on it. The furniture consisted of two red velvet arm chairs and the tackiest (yet hip) purple velvet sofa. I opted to relax on this fashion faux pa (spelling I'm not sure). The light fixutre was 5' in diameter with three huge glass lightbulbs....but the neatest thing about it were the fake birds perched on wires on the inside. The whole time I was waiting for the interview I was figuring out in what store in the states I could buy these fake birds to make my own light fixture.
Matteo finally took me into his office and we started the interview. I told him that I loved his office (and like a kid showing off a new toy) he told me all the steps they went through to make it a great new office. He said they have an in house chef that cooks everyday and a rooftop garden. Yeah that would be so cool to work in an environment like that. The interview was really relaxed and he asked me few questions, mainly just looked at my portfolio. He told me that they really couldn't use my talents because they do mainly urban planning and landscape architecture, but he gave me four other contacts and wished me the best of luck. From the four contacts I may possibly have two more interviews next week. I spent the rest of my afternoon walking around downtown and window shopping (this is becoming a new habit)
At four I picked up the boys and took the bus as usual. When we were getting off at our stop I got Ruggie off and turned around to grab Filippo. The bus doors closed with Filippo still inside. He calmly waved goodbye and we watched the bus leave the stop. I calmly walked down the street with Ruggie to the next stop where Fil was waiting. He thought it was very funny and was hoping that I was upset. To his dismay I gave him a high-five for getting off at the next stop. When we got home I helped Fil with English homework and then made a sword and shield for each of us out of paper. We had a wonderful (and safe) duel in the living room. Oh if these fun times and happy attitudes could last all day. By the end of the fight the sugar from their gelato kicked in and they turned into little hyper monsters. I waited out the storm with a cool head and then helped Pat fix dinner. I had her ask the boys at the dinner table how the afternoon went and waited to hear their stories. At first they said it was great fun and no problems but then they grew consciences and confessed. When Alberto came home we sat in the kitchen sipping wine and talking about places I should travel on my time off. Minus the bi-polar episode of the boys this was a good day. I went to bed with dreams of velvet and fake birds in my head.
Wednesday I had my first official job interview at an Architectural and Urban planning firm downtown. Alberto dropped me off on his way to work and wished me good luck. Both parents are really supportive and get really excited for me when I have interviews. The office was AMAZING. It use to be an old garage and was converted into their studio last year. When I arrived I walked into a big open area where most of the architects work in group stations. So I was on display in that awkward "who is the new girl" kind of way. The receptionist led me to the coolest waiting room I have ever seen. I was a little room (7-1/2' by 13' as far as I could tell) and two walls were glass that looked out into the studio. The other two were bright red and purple. The red wall had silver birds painted on it. The furniture consisted of two red velvet arm chairs and the tackiest (yet hip) purple velvet sofa. I opted to relax on this fashion faux pa (spelling I'm not sure). The light fixutre was 5' in diameter with three huge glass lightbulbs....but the neatest thing about it were the fake birds perched on wires on the inside. The whole time I was waiting for the interview I was figuring out in what store in the states I could buy these fake birds to make my own light fixture.
Matteo finally took me into his office and we started the interview. I told him that I loved his office (and like a kid showing off a new toy) he told me all the steps they went through to make it a great new office. He said they have an in house chef that cooks everyday and a rooftop garden. Yeah that would be so cool to work in an environment like that. The interview was really relaxed and he asked me few questions, mainly just looked at my portfolio. He told me that they really couldn't use my talents because they do mainly urban planning and landscape architecture, but he gave me four other contacts and wished me the best of luck. From the four contacts I may possibly have two more interviews next week. I spent the rest of my afternoon walking around downtown and window shopping (this is becoming a new habit)
At four I picked up the boys and took the bus as usual. When we were getting off at our stop I got Ruggie off and turned around to grab Filippo. The bus doors closed with Filippo still inside. He calmly waved goodbye and we watched the bus leave the stop. I calmly walked down the street with Ruggie to the next stop where Fil was waiting. He thought it was very funny and was hoping that I was upset. To his dismay I gave him a high-five for getting off at the next stop. When we got home I helped Fil with English homework and then made a sword and shield for each of us out of paper. We had a wonderful (and safe) duel in the living room. Oh if these fun times and happy attitudes could last all day. By the end of the fight the sugar from their gelato kicked in and they turned into little hyper monsters. I waited out the storm with a cool head and then helped Pat fix dinner. I had her ask the boys at the dinner table how the afternoon went and waited to hear their stories. At first they said it was great fun and no problems but then they grew consciences and confessed. When Alberto came home we sat in the kitchen sipping wine and talking about places I should travel on my time off. Minus the bi-polar episode of the boys this was a good day. I went to bed with dreams of velvet and fake birds in my head.
Monday, July 9, 2007
An Aggie and a Raider walk into a bar...
On Saturday Pat drove me to the train station and I boarded a train headed to Torino. It only took 2 hours and cost 8 euros. I love riding on trains too because I always image I'm a character in an old classic movie. Once I arrived in the city I went unloaded my stuff and went to my favorite place in the city-Blockbuster (okay it's not really my FAVORITE place but I do enjoy what they offer). I bought two fozen pizzas (they come two in a box), coca light, a pint of Haggen Daas icecream, and three movies---walah instant date.
On Sunday I went to church and was happy to find that the English church got a new pastor. They had been looking for sometime and he and his wife arrived two weeks ago. They are from Scotland and I couldn't help but think during his sermon, "man he sounds just like Mrs. Doubtfire" (I know Mrs. D wasn't from Scotland but they sounded the same) The sermon was very entertaining and I really enjoyed the singing. Before the service started a new couple walked in and sat behind me. They asked me if this was my first time and I replied, no. Turns out they just got married 2 weeks ago and went to Rome for their honeymoon and Umbria. They are now in Torino for three weeks doing research for their PHD's in History. They live Santa Barbara but she is from Missouri and he is from Texas (Houston). They had to leave early but we exchanged numbers so we could meet. After church I enjoyed my freedom at home.
Today I went to Piazza Castello to meet John and Lindsey (the couple from church) for lunch. We went to a cafe downtown and had a nice visit. John went to ATM for his undergraduate so we had a lot to talk about in that area. After lunch we decided to walk around the city and I showed them a few of my favorite places and pointed out some interesting facts (you can take the girl out of tourguiding but you can't take tourguiding out of the girl). I had a great conversation with them and am looking forward to hanging out with them more in the future. At three I left them and headed to the other side of town to pick up the boys from camp. They wanted to play in the park for awhile so we stayed for an hour and then came home (which takes 30 minutes by bus). At home, luckily they were tired so I didn't have too many problems with them. Filippo built a really cool fort in the living room complete with lights and ac. I'm pretty sure he's going to grow up to be an engineer because he is always building things and making puzzles. While I was fixing dinner Ruggie took a bath and when I went to check on him I found Filippo in there with him. I didn't mind until they decided to try and "sink" the bathroom. Water was everywhere including on the nanny. But I calmly got Ruggero dressed and fed him supper. I figure Fil would come out in his own time. When I went back to see if he was done, I nearly fell over with shock, he was cleaning up all the water...I mean every last bit and then he got dressed and ate dinner (is this one of my kids?). The rest of the night went very smooth. Still haven't heard on the job interviews yet but will keep you posted.
(Oh and about the title of the blog, all cafes here are called bars so don't worry I wasn't boozing it up at 12 in the afternoon)
On Sunday I went to church and was happy to find that the English church got a new pastor. They had been looking for sometime and he and his wife arrived two weeks ago. They are from Scotland and I couldn't help but think during his sermon, "man he sounds just like Mrs. Doubtfire" (I know Mrs. D wasn't from Scotland but they sounded the same) The sermon was very entertaining and I really enjoyed the singing. Before the service started a new couple walked in and sat behind me. They asked me if this was my first time and I replied, no. Turns out they just got married 2 weeks ago and went to Rome for their honeymoon and Umbria. They are now in Torino for three weeks doing research for their PHD's in History. They live Santa Barbara but she is from Missouri and he is from Texas (Houston). They had to leave early but we exchanged numbers so we could meet. After church I enjoyed my freedom at home.
Today I went to Piazza Castello to meet John and Lindsey (the couple from church) for lunch. We went to a cafe downtown and had a nice visit. John went to ATM for his undergraduate so we had a lot to talk about in that area. After lunch we decided to walk around the city and I showed them a few of my favorite places and pointed out some interesting facts (you can take the girl out of tourguiding but you can't take tourguiding out of the girl). I had a great conversation with them and am looking forward to hanging out with them more in the future. At three I left them and headed to the other side of town to pick up the boys from camp. They wanted to play in the park for awhile so we stayed for an hour and then came home (which takes 30 minutes by bus). At home, luckily they were tired so I didn't have too many problems with them. Filippo built a really cool fort in the living room complete with lights and ac. I'm pretty sure he's going to grow up to be an engineer because he is always building things and making puzzles. While I was fixing dinner Ruggie took a bath and when I went to check on him I found Filippo in there with him. I didn't mind until they decided to try and "sink" the bathroom. Water was everywhere including on the nanny. But I calmly got Ruggero dressed and fed him supper. I figure Fil would come out in his own time. When I went back to see if he was done, I nearly fell over with shock, he was cleaning up all the water...I mean every last bit and then he got dressed and ate dinner (is this one of my kids?). The rest of the night went very smooth. Still haven't heard on the job interviews yet but will keep you posted.
(Oh and about the title of the blog, all cafes here are called bars so don't worry I wasn't boozing it up at 12 in the afternoon)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
The Italian Riviera in a Nut Shell
July 2-6
Pat, the boys, Anna and I headed for the seaside on Monday mid-morning. The drive only took about 2 hours so we arrived just in time for lunch. The town was deserted because it was time for “siesta” so we had a little café all to ourselves. I was really glad that Anna came along because it gave me another girl to talk to. However, the first night we went out to find people after the boys went to sleep and we hung out with about 15 teenage boys and girls. Did I really act like that? I sure hope not, because even though they were all talking really fast (and really loud) Italian I could still tell they were immature. This was the only time I was glad I had a curfew and watched the clock closely. Anna met a boy and I talked to a few people in English. I tried to speak Italian but when anyone found out that I was an American they wanted to practice their English. On Tuesday we spent the morning at the beach and had a simple lunch at our rented apartment. The apartment is so close to the beach you can see it from most of the windows. It has two bedrooms and a living room with a bed (my new room). I don’t mind sleeping here though cause it makes it feel more like vacation. After lunch Pat and Ruggie took a nap while we played several card games. I taught them both how to shuffle and do a bridge with the cards (I also taught them how to always deal to the left). After the mid-day snack (Miranda) we all went to the beach. Anna and I came back early and watched Grey’s Anatomy (her favorite show-it was in English). We prepared dinner at home and then went for gelato before bedtime. I opted not to hang out with the teenyboppers; instead I went to bed early (11). The next day (Happy 4th of July everybody!!) we hung out at the beach, ate at home for lunch, played cards and then around 7:30 went to a town close to where we are staying. We had a happy hour at an American Wine Bar (The only thing American about the bar was the music) while we waited for our table at another restaurant. We had another great meal (I know I haven’t had one bad meal here yet-seven weeks and counting). Thursday was a new experience for me. Pat, Anna, and Ruggie left for Torino around 8 am because Pat had to go to Rome for business. She left Filippo and me here. My first true test as a mom. Thursday morning we slept in and had breakfast and watched cartoons (why are all cartoons these days Anime?). We went to the beach for the morning and then had lunch at a café. We came home and did some homework (Italian kids have homework they have to do in the summer-for all ages) and played cards. At 5 we went back to the beach and stayed until almost 8. I finished my book (A Farewell to Arms) and I am never reading another Hemmingway book again, I was so depressed and angry about how it ended. We came home and I fixed a pasta dinner and then went out for a walk and gelato. I have to say I was worried about the day but we had a good time and he acted good (what a wonderful change from the Mountains).
Friday was also a good day. I changed my method of punishment (thanks to my genius mother’s advice). Instead of giving strikes and then getting in trouble, I give Filippo stars (stella). If he gets ten stars a day he will get rewarded. Thursday he didn’t make his quota but today he reached for the stars! So tomorrow he will get his reward-carmello (candy). He slept in today until 10 so we didn’t get to the beach until 11. We stayed until almost 1:30 and then headed to Lilo (our favorite restaurant) for pranzo. During the afternoon we played cards, did homework, and watched cartoons. At 5 we went back to the beach until 7:30. The Italian Riviera is not as pretty as the French but it is nice. The beach is clean, however both Rivieras have rocks instead of sand. This makes for easy clean up but really hurts the feet. The water is so clear and three different shades of blue. I love swimming in the sea because for some reason it seems more exotic to me than our oceans at home. I have never been so tan in my life and I hope it stays until I get home in August. After we left the beach I came home and prepared the meal while Fil took a shower. I was really proud of my cooking skills. I fixed spiral pasta with pomodoro sauce, a plate of proscutto crudo and colto (raw and cooked ham), cantaloupe, mozzarella, and grissini. Fil was in bed by 10 and he was a happy camper after making his goal of 10 stars. Like they say, “When Filippo is happy I’m happy” Tomorrow I am going to take a train back to Torino because the weekends are my time off and I need a little time away from the beach.
PS. the picture website is now up to date
Pat, the boys, Anna and I headed for the seaside on Monday mid-morning. The drive only took about 2 hours so we arrived just in time for lunch. The town was deserted because it was time for “siesta” so we had a little café all to ourselves. I was really glad that Anna came along because it gave me another girl to talk to. However, the first night we went out to find people after the boys went to sleep and we hung out with about 15 teenage boys and girls. Did I really act like that? I sure hope not, because even though they were all talking really fast (and really loud) Italian I could still tell they were immature. This was the only time I was glad I had a curfew and watched the clock closely. Anna met a boy and I talked to a few people in English. I tried to speak Italian but when anyone found out that I was an American they wanted to practice their English. On Tuesday we spent the morning at the beach and had a simple lunch at our rented apartment. The apartment is so close to the beach you can see it from most of the windows. It has two bedrooms and a living room with a bed (my new room). I don’t mind sleeping here though cause it makes it feel more like vacation. After lunch Pat and Ruggie took a nap while we played several card games. I taught them both how to shuffle and do a bridge with the cards (I also taught them how to always deal to the left). After the mid-day snack (Miranda) we all went to the beach. Anna and I came back early and watched Grey’s Anatomy (her favorite show-it was in English). We prepared dinner at home and then went for gelato before bedtime. I opted not to hang out with the teenyboppers; instead I went to bed early (11). The next day (Happy 4th of July everybody!!) we hung out at the beach, ate at home for lunch, played cards and then around 7:30 went to a town close to where we are staying. We had a happy hour at an American Wine Bar (The only thing American about the bar was the music) while we waited for our table at another restaurant. We had another great meal (I know I haven’t had one bad meal here yet-seven weeks and counting). Thursday was a new experience for me. Pat, Anna, and Ruggie left for Torino around 8 am because Pat had to go to Rome for business. She left Filippo and me here. My first true test as a mom. Thursday morning we slept in and had breakfast and watched cartoons (why are all cartoons these days Anime?). We went to the beach for the morning and then had lunch at a café. We came home and did some homework (Italian kids have homework they have to do in the summer-for all ages) and played cards. At 5 we went back to the beach and stayed until almost 8. I finished my book (A Farewell to Arms) and I am never reading another Hemmingway book again, I was so depressed and angry about how it ended. We came home and I fixed a pasta dinner and then went out for a walk and gelato. I have to say I was worried about the day but we had a good time and he acted good (what a wonderful change from the Mountains).
Friday was also a good day. I changed my method of punishment (thanks to my genius mother’s advice). Instead of giving strikes and then getting in trouble, I give Filippo stars (stella). If he gets ten stars a day he will get rewarded. Thursday he didn’t make his quota but today he reached for the stars! So tomorrow he will get his reward-carmello (candy). He slept in today until 10 so we didn’t get to the beach until 11. We stayed until almost 1:30 and then headed to Lilo (our favorite restaurant) for pranzo. During the afternoon we played cards, did homework, and watched cartoons. At 5 we went back to the beach until 7:30. The Italian Riviera is not as pretty as the French but it is nice. The beach is clean, however both Rivieras have rocks instead of sand. This makes for easy clean up but really hurts the feet. The water is so clear and three different shades of blue. I love swimming in the sea because for some reason it seems more exotic to me than our oceans at home. I have never been so tan in my life and I hope it stays until I get home in August. After we left the beach I came home and prepared the meal while Fil took a shower. I was really proud of my cooking skills. I fixed spiral pasta with pomodoro sauce, a plate of proscutto crudo and colto (raw and cooked ham), cantaloupe, mozzarella, and grissini. Fil was in bed by 10 and he was a happy camper after making his goal of 10 stars. Like they say, “When Filippo is happy I’m happy” Tomorrow I am going to take a train back to Torino because the weekends are my time off and I need a little time away from the beach.
PS. the picture website is now up to date
"The Hill are Alive With the Sound of....Panting"
June 30, 2007
I was hoping with the new sun a new and improved attitude for the boys would follow. They slept until 8:30, which is really rare and then went to breakfast with Pat. After the meal I got the boys ready for the day and while we were waiting on Pat, Filippo hit me and stuck his tongue out at me. Great another crappy day I thought. I took his MP3 player he was listening to and this proved very effective. Shortly after my mini victory of discipline we left for the base of Mt. Bianco and some beside it. I found out we were going to hike up the Alp facing Mt. Bianco. Um so I know the Sound of Music didn’t take place in Italy but it looked like the opening scene from the film. The hike (over 3 miles uphill) was amazing but very hard for this out of shape American. We stopped at a refuge at the top of the Mountain and had a typical Aosta lunch (we were in the Aosta Valley). After lunch we talked for a while before the climb down. I met a professional photographer from Milan. He told me he use to do fashion photography but changed to portraits because it was very stressful and exactly like the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”. I think the climb down was harder because it was so steep. My knees were aching afterwards but I was proud that I made the trek. When we got back we went to the pool and then to the room. They were being really good so I let them watch 15 minutes of TV before dinner. We all went together for our last dinner in this amazing hotel. I enjoyed it again but unfortunately had to leave before dessert because the boys were ready to go to bed. That’s okay cause I figured I would have plenty of gelato in the future.
The next day we loaded the car and I took the boys to the park until we met the parents a little before two. While we were waiting, we went to the pool where two ruby players were laying out (the Italian National Ruby team was staying at the hotel too). When they left for lunch one of them walked past me and said hi. I replied with something very intelligent like ummm. But I can say I talked to a professional athlete. After lunch we headed back to home sweet home (and I truly mean that cause I was off for the rest of the afternoon!!) Tomorrow (the 2nd) we go to the Italian Riviera for a week.
I was hoping with the new sun a new and improved attitude for the boys would follow. They slept until 8:30, which is really rare and then went to breakfast with Pat. After the meal I got the boys ready for the day and while we were waiting on Pat, Filippo hit me and stuck his tongue out at me. Great another crappy day I thought. I took his MP3 player he was listening to and this proved very effective. Shortly after my mini victory of discipline we left for the base of Mt. Bianco and some beside it. I found out we were going to hike up the Alp facing Mt. Bianco. Um so I know the Sound of Music didn’t take place in Italy but it looked like the opening scene from the film. The hike (over 3 miles uphill) was amazing but very hard for this out of shape American. We stopped at a refuge at the top of the Mountain and had a typical Aosta lunch (we were in the Aosta Valley). After lunch we talked for a while before the climb down. I met a professional photographer from Milan. He told me he use to do fashion photography but changed to portraits because it was very stressful and exactly like the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”. I think the climb down was harder because it was so steep. My knees were aching afterwards but I was proud that I made the trek. When we got back we went to the pool and then to the room. They were being really good so I let them watch 15 minutes of TV before dinner. We all went together for our last dinner in this amazing hotel. I enjoyed it again but unfortunately had to leave before dessert because the boys were ready to go to bed. That’s okay cause I figured I would have plenty of gelato in the future.
The next day we loaded the car and I took the boys to the park until we met the parents a little before two. While we were waiting, we went to the pool where two ruby players were laying out (the Italian National Ruby team was staying at the hotel too). When they left for lunch one of them walked past me and said hi. I replied with something very intelligent like ummm. But I can say I talked to a professional athlete. After lunch we headed back to home sweet home (and I truly mean that cause I was off for the rest of the afternoon!!) Tomorrow (the 2nd) we go to the Italian Riviera for a week.
"No One Puts Lindsey in a Corner"
June 29, 2007
Today stared our fairly early. Ruggie had a nightmare and woke me up at 5. But I laid down with him and he went to sleep. At 7:45 we woke up as usual (kind of hoping to sleep in). For breakfast there was a buffet of everything you could imagine. I had cereal, pastry and a cappuccino. After breakfast we all went to a rope course in the mountains (there were 50+ people and seven kids). I wanted to try the course but opted to stay on the ground with Ruggie. For lunch we had meat kabobs and grilled veggies. It was so nice to sit in the mts and eat while admiring God’s amazing work. However the afternoon was stressful. When we arrived at the hotel (at 4:00) the parents went to the meeting and I stayed with the boys. There is one word that describes this afternoon but is not very PG so I will simply say it was a nightmare. To give you an idea-I was slapped in the face, kicked and hit. The boys went out onto the patio and ran away using the outside stairs. I had to chase them down in the hotel. I finally got them dressed for dinner and we were early so we walked around. They went straight for the hot tub and splashed around in their dress clothes. When we arrived at the restaurant, only one other nanny and bambino were there. The matre D was so nice and helped my when I couldn’t get the boys to eat. Ruggero threw his pasta all over the floor and Michelangelo got on to him for it. I was praying for the parents to hurry up and around 8:30 Pat finally showed up. I was so upset by this time that when Pat said “ciao Lindsey” I burst into tears. I hated to cry in front of the boys but couldn’t hold it in any longer. Pat took the boys while I waited at our table. Michelangelo and asked my why I was crying and I told him and said “at least my eyes are really green when I cry.” He replied, “they look like the Italian flag, red, white and green. “I’m just patriotic,” I said. He brought me a Kleenex and said to breath, look in my eyes (but don’ fall in love) and breath. I laughed and started to calm down. I hadn’t had time to eat with the boys so he set my table (which happened to be in the corner) and as he walked away he said don’t worry we will set your table even though no one puts Lindsey in a corner and smiled (these Italian men sure know how to turn on the charm). Pat came back and told me the boys confessed they were trying to make my crazy (yeah I’m glad they admitted it!!). Then Alberto came and apologized and invited me to eat at their table- it wasn’t quite at dramatic scene from Dirty Dancing, but I left the corner. The dinner was once again amazing. Even though the day was horrible it ended on a positive note and I made a new friend-Michelangelo.
Today stared our fairly early. Ruggie had a nightmare and woke me up at 5. But I laid down with him and he went to sleep. At 7:45 we woke up as usual (kind of hoping to sleep in). For breakfast there was a buffet of everything you could imagine. I had cereal, pastry and a cappuccino. After breakfast we all went to a rope course in the mountains (there were 50+ people and seven kids). I wanted to try the course but opted to stay on the ground with Ruggie. For lunch we had meat kabobs and grilled veggies. It was so nice to sit in the mts and eat while admiring God’s amazing work. However the afternoon was stressful. When we arrived at the hotel (at 4:00) the parents went to the meeting and I stayed with the boys. There is one word that describes this afternoon but is not very PG so I will simply say it was a nightmare. To give you an idea-I was slapped in the face, kicked and hit. The boys went out onto the patio and ran away using the outside stairs. I had to chase them down in the hotel. I finally got them dressed for dinner and we were early so we walked around. They went straight for the hot tub and splashed around in their dress clothes. When we arrived at the restaurant, only one other nanny and bambino were there. The matre D was so nice and helped my when I couldn’t get the boys to eat. Ruggero threw his pasta all over the floor and Michelangelo got on to him for it. I was praying for the parents to hurry up and around 8:30 Pat finally showed up. I was so upset by this time that when Pat said “ciao Lindsey” I burst into tears. I hated to cry in front of the boys but couldn’t hold it in any longer. Pat took the boys while I waited at our table. Michelangelo and asked my why I was crying and I told him and said “at least my eyes are really green when I cry.” He replied, “they look like the Italian flag, red, white and green. “I’m just patriotic,” I said. He brought me a Kleenex and said to breath, look in my eyes (but don’ fall in love) and breath. I laughed and started to calm down. I hadn’t had time to eat with the boys so he set my table (which happened to be in the corner) and as he walked away he said don’t worry we will set your table even though no one puts Lindsey in a corner and smiled (these Italian men sure know how to turn on the charm). Pat came back and told me the boys confessed they were trying to make my crazy (yeah I’m glad they admitted it!!). Then Alberto came and apologized and invited me to eat at their table- it wasn’t quite at dramatic scene from Dirty Dancing, but I left the corner. The dinner was once again amazing. Even though the day was horrible it ended on a positive note and I made a new friend-Michelangelo.
Mount Blanc Hotel
June 28, 2007
At 2:30 Alberto, the boys and I left Torino for a small town, La Salle, in the valley of Mt. Bianco (the tallest mt. in Europe). The drive only took 2 hours and we saw an old fortress where Napoleon hid in while in Italy. Then we arrived….WOW Che Bella!! Just what I had imagined, this is my dream hotel. Our room was splendid. We had a view of Mt. Bianco and our own private patio. There were his/her robes and towels and (the best part) I had my own full size bed separate from the boys. We were in the same room but there was a sliding partition I used at night. After we got settled we (the boys and I) went for a walk. We stopped to get some gelato (of course, I made a resolution not to eat ice cream for a week but come on we’re in the Alps!!) Then we went to the park. There were several nannies and kids already there. However, only one of the women spoke English. I had a nice conversation with her though. She was from the Philippines and couldn’t understand why I would want to come to Italy because her dream is to live in America. She is trying to get her papers so hopefully her dream can come true. We went back to the hotel and I took the boys to the hot tub. This was very stressful for me at first but then I reminded myself where I was and what I was looking at around me. The boys don’t listen that well to their own parents so I try to tell myself don’t get too upset just roll with it and enjoy your time in the Alps.
For dinner we met up with Alberto and went to the restaurant. I felt had cause we were the only nanny-kid group. The meal was out of this world. We started with a plate of ham and salami. Then the primi course was spiral pasta with fresh veggies. The waiter told us the pasta is all made here at the hotel. The secondi was wild game from the mountains and potatoes. Finally tiramisu for dessert. By this time the boys were really tired so we came back to our bedroom for “lights out”. Alberto keeps saying it’s a four star hotel but I give it five stars!!
Cute side story: When we were in the restaurant, the Matre D asked a little boy sitting next to us what his name was and he replied Leonardo and the Matre D said “My name is Michelangelo.” Then he asked Ruggero what his name was (Ruggero was really tired at this point) and he said “Raphael.” For all of you Ninja Turtle fans you will understand this joke. Ruggero likes the NT and I guess he wanted to be like them (for you who aren’t fans the Turtles’ names are Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donetello).
At 2:30 Alberto, the boys and I left Torino for a small town, La Salle, in the valley of Mt. Bianco (the tallest mt. in Europe). The drive only took 2 hours and we saw an old fortress where Napoleon hid in while in Italy. Then we arrived….WOW Che Bella!! Just what I had imagined, this is my dream hotel. Our room was splendid. We had a view of Mt. Bianco and our own private patio. There were his/her robes and towels and (the best part) I had my own full size bed separate from the boys. We were in the same room but there was a sliding partition I used at night. After we got settled we (the boys and I) went for a walk. We stopped to get some gelato (of course, I made a resolution not to eat ice cream for a week but come on we’re in the Alps!!) Then we went to the park. There were several nannies and kids already there. However, only one of the women spoke English. I had a nice conversation with her though. She was from the Philippines and couldn’t understand why I would want to come to Italy because her dream is to live in America. She is trying to get her papers so hopefully her dream can come true. We went back to the hotel and I took the boys to the hot tub. This was very stressful for me at first but then I reminded myself where I was and what I was looking at around me. The boys don’t listen that well to their own parents so I try to tell myself don’t get too upset just roll with it and enjoy your time in the Alps.
For dinner we met up with Alberto and went to the restaurant. I felt had cause we were the only nanny-kid group. The meal was out of this world. We started with a plate of ham and salami. Then the primi course was spiral pasta with fresh veggies. The waiter told us the pasta is all made here at the hotel. The secondi was wild game from the mountains and potatoes. Finally tiramisu for dessert. By this time the boys were really tired so we came back to our bedroom for “lights out”. Alberto keeps saying it’s a four star hotel but I give it five stars!!
Cute side story: When we were in the restaurant, the Matre D asked a little boy sitting next to us what his name was and he replied Leonardo and the Matre D said “My name is Michelangelo.” Then he asked Ruggero what his name was (Ruggero was really tired at this point) and he said “Raphael.” For all of you Ninja Turtle fans you will understand this joke. Ruggero likes the NT and I guess he wanted to be like them (for you who aren’t fans the Turtles’ names are Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, and Donetello).
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