Italy is magical---- I agree it is

I can't believe that I will be heading home in a few days. I have been in Italy for 7 weeks and I have learned sooooooo much on this journey about myself and people.

What I have learned that is so very important is you have to laugh at yourself--- and you have to approach people with a smile----I know that this is true. I have learned the language (well kinda) but I can get around this country on the train and sometimes I must look like I know what I'm doing because people ask me questions about direction ( it just makes me laugh). I just look at them and say ( You are really asking me a question, do I look like I know) but the thing is I do know.

Last night we went to my favorite resturant in Florence Napo, it was the first big place I went with my school friends---I suggested a few things to Gail and she took me up on all them--- as we at we were REALLY enjoying the food ---- I guess so much that the people around us order what we were eating----- the waiter was so cute and I think he enjoyed waiting on us------ I think one of life's pleasure for This is my last post from Florence. All the great food I have had while I was here.

Four things I will take with me

1. The great friends I have made here (Ceiclia, Caroline, Hans, Vincenzo, Fernando, and more.

2. I have lived in Italy for 6 weeks and have learned the language
3. The opera in Verona
4. The people of Italy how they love their county, language and culture.. How they look at you and ask the question " You like Italy?" Si, mi piacae Italy, and I will be back next year.

Italy is Magical

Ciao, I'm coming home.
Natalie

I left my heart in Orvieto

OK ----I said that I was in love with Verona--- I am but I guess I have also fallen for the small town of Orvieto. Maybe it reminded me of Pittsburgh it’s friendly people and the Incline that taks you to the upper part of the city.

Did I say this in another post about how I love how Italians great each other during the day

buongiorno-- Good day
buonasera - good evening
buonanotte--- good night

What this does it make you acknowledge the person that you pass on the street--- you take the time to stop and say “Hey I see you”. I love this

We as you know I left Assisi--- I have nothing against the place it was just the situation. I stayed in Orvieto for 3 days--- I could have stayed longer but I left my bags in Assisi--- my last post will be on all the things you should not pack when traveling in Italy, REALLY---

Under the upper part of Orvieto is and underground city that the first settlers of dug out--- many of the tunnels lead to homes of current citizens

While I was in Orvieto walking and eating , I took the time to go visit the language school that I want to attend next year--- here is the only funny thing that happened the whole time I was there.

I checked out the school on the internet the location and how to get there I was told to take the B bus to Plaza Caldor. Some places have great signs and others do not. The bus can and it was great I got to see the part of upper Orvieto where people live---- you will not believe the small
streets this bus when down and the sharp turns he took all while answering his cell phone.

Well when the last person was getting off the bus I showed the driver the address what I needed to get to---- he started talking fast and waving his hands I had no idea what he was saying---- I just had a feeling that I should sit down and just let him drive his bus. At this time I looked out the window at a bus route sigh and the beginning of the route was where I needed to go--- now I understood what he was saying---- and I have to give him credit he did not use the word STUPIDO------LOL

We I walked across the street and there was the school---- I went in and introduced myself in my limited italian and told them that I had sent them and email and I wanted to see the school for next year. I was given a tour and we stopped in a classroom and the students were having fun--- I loved it.

After that I talked with the Schools Director in english/italian about my school in Florence and how I planed to continue working on my italian during the next year.
She seemed to really care about my progress.

That was my time in Orvieto---

Ciao
Natalie

Love--- Hate Relationship with Assissi

Those of you that are reading my blog will understand right away the love/hate relationship I had with Assissi. We arrived in Assissi and I was excited about all the place that we could take small day trips. We got into the taxi and he headed to the place that we would stay for the next week.

Well he drove up the hill side and we passed through the arches and the town was cute--- but the taxi driver keep driving REALLY, and we passed through another set of arches and I thought the place we were staying was just outside of town--- but he keep driving now down a winding hill--- at that point I was worried about where we were going surely he didn't know the location of the time share. Can I say it again HE KEEP DRIVING ALONG A CURVY HILL SIDE----- about 15 minutes outside the town of Assisi on top of a hill is where he stopped.

We were on top of a hill. Nothing but nature. Now I know those of you that know me well are rolling on the floor laughing--- because you know "I don't like it outside" I have a large back yard but it belongs to Dakota (my Pomeranian) I only go out there to mow the grass and use the grill. I don't even have a chair to sit on the deck. I don't.


So here I am 15-20 minutes outside of town HOW THE HECK TO I GET TO TOWN????? There is a taxi that comes and get's you and brings you back by 8pm. I was ok with that at first.
Next we go to our apartment and it has a small window that you have to stand in to see the view (stop laughing, Nancy, Stacey, Julie, Mary, Pam, and Glen)

Well Gail was upset about that I just didn't really care at that point--- I was thinking how could I stay here for a week. After we move to a nicer place we decided to walk to the store. We start walking and there is nothing to be seen. A quick call to the front desk and they tell up is is a 30 minute walk to the store--- REALLY

So we headed back to the front desk and they tell us that they will call the restaurant that is down the hill to see if they will come and get us so we will not starve to death-----

Now, I really know that I have to get out of here-- and this is all before the roosters start crowing from the nearby farms----
YES, I SAID FARMS

Did I mention that there was NO internet. At that time I decided that I was going to go to Orvieto to check out a school that I want to go to next year.

Sunday we went to town it really is a cute town if you have transportion---- It is a cute place to be if you are not on your EAT, PRAY, LOVE Journey that it is all about personal choice and freedom. We found the Internet cafe and I found a hotel in Oveieto and I left Assisi until Thursday.

Personal Note: I think what really upset me was my lost of freedom that I had gained prior to getting here. Having someone dictate when I can leave the complex and when I come back was more that I could stand------

Ciao

Ciao

Roma

I have arrived in Roma--- stepping out of the train station the heat of the cement jungle hits you square in the face and takes your breath away. We jumped in a taxi heading to our B&B.

We arrived at the B&B and was faced with stairs and a very small lift and 5 big Aussie boys ahead of us. We moved ourselves and our bags to the 4th floor (MOVE #1). After a 40 minute wait the guy at the front desk tells us we are at a different location--- REALLY why did they just not tell us that in the first place. So we head down the stairs down the street to the second location which is located on the 3rd floor again--- UP we go we get there (MOVE #2) and our room is across the street in another location---- (MOVE #3). By this time I have turned in to the ugly american for the first time.

We go back down in the lift and across the street then up the street and up in the lift (MOVE #4) to our room.

Now on the bright side the Colloseo is right down the street, and the buses will take us to all the places that we want to go--- So if you are going to Rome the Happy Hotel is in a great location--- just be prepared to move you and your luggage around before you get to your room.

The Colosseo was HUGHE---- I stood there amazed at the aritutecure how it was built hundreds of years ago. I was walking on the same cobble stone that the ancient Romans walked.




Off to see the Pope

My first question is “Why do people not tell you the Truth about visiting Vatican City??? I will explain my question and ask it again at the end of this post.

We got up early and headed to Vatican City---- the bus stop was outside our door and dropped us off outside Vatican City. We had morning tickets to tour the gardens before heading to the Sistine Chapel. The ground were very nice and our tour guide was very knowledgable but the tour lasted 2.5 hours in the hot sun, and no breakfast--- which spells disaster for me. After touring the gardens we head to the Sistine Chapel we thought-----------another 2 hours pass as we are herded through each room of the museum. People, there is no direct route to see the ceiling and there is not just one painted ceiling there----- REALLY

As people pushed past me our bare arms touching I became light headed but there was no escape I had to move forward. At this time I thought about turning back but once you start the journey to the Sistine Chapel there is no turing back----
At this time I was thinking about Temple Grande---- you know the woman in the HBO Special and how she created the humane way to lead cows to slaughter--- that is how I felt as I moved from one room to another.
Along the journey to the Sistine Chapel there would be sign pointing this way but it was just another cruel joke.

After and hour or two we finally make it the choosen spot. I can see the ceiling, but I am being yelled at by the guards “to move down the steps, to keep moving, and NO PICTURES.

This was not the same moment I shared with David in Florence----
There was no moment at all----- Before I knew it I was pushed toward the exit door or what I thought was the exit--------- it was another 30 minutes before I had moved through the next set of rooms where there just happened to be a stands selling items about the chapel chapel that you might have missed as you were herded through the room.

This is what I learned
Thank God for PBS, History Channel, Discovery that have given me a great appreciation for the Sistine Chapel
Choose the garden tour or the Museum
Eat a hearty breakfast
Don’t go Back

So back to my original question---- “Why do people not tell you about visiting Vatican City???

They want you to experience the same pain that they did.









To see if you can escape the place with out becoming a Catholic which I believe if you do there is a quick route out of the building.


Ciao

Sorrento & Amilfi Coast

Sorrento is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is on the coast of Souther Italy. While we were in Sorrento we stayed at a very cute B&B that had been part of the convent. The owners and her staff was wonderful.

While we were there we went to Pompeii. To walk the streets that people walked hundreds of years ago is very humbling. The interesting thing about Pompeii is that they are still excavating part of the area. I had just seen a show on the History channel about the area.

While we were in Sorrento we took the train to the Amifii Coast. I guess I should tell you about the bus. It was the size of a regular tour bus and the road was a winding curvy road down hill most of the time----- it was a slow roller-coaster ride. We met a great couple from South Africa and you will not guess what he wanted to talk about, go ahead and guess I’ll wait................... Nope you got it wrong it wasn’t our girl Sarah it was Ice Road Truckers, REALLY no lie. I also found out that the Ice Road Trucker’s went to India who would have guessed.

We went to a small town in the hills called Ruffalo it is known for the concert series that they have were the stage is suspended in air---- next year I plan to attend one of the concerts. The view was breath taking.........................

We went back done to Amaflii and there is the beach. I thought is was bad to lay-out in the sun-- something about Skin Cancer-- but there they were people from all over the world working on their Copper Tan. Ok not everyone there were 5 people that were chasing the shade.

Did you know that Sorrento is the place in Italy that they make Lemon cello------I was told that I had to try it in Sorrento----First wait until you see the size of the lemons here they are the size of a cantaloupe. Gail and I have lovely meals in this area and at the end of each meal I tried to order Limen cello but I couldn’t, I just could not forget the first night I was in Florence, REALLY...


Did I forget to tell you my italian is getting much better---- it is still all about me the toddler in Italy ( I want, I want to go, I need0
Ciao

I have fallen in LOVE!!!!

I have fallen in love with Verona. How could you not love a city that believes that Romeo and Juliet were real people. You can visit the balcony that Juliet could have stood on or when Romeo could have lived. I LOVE IT!!!!


Verona was the first city that I saw people "dolce vivere" living the sweet life.

I have decided that next year I will attend language school in this city, I will have the opera and I can explore the northern part of the country.

This blog is not about me it is about the people that live the sweet life in Verona on a Sunday afternoon.

Verona Area: La Traviata

La Traviata

Well we made it to Verona to see La Traviata at the Arena. It was amazing. I felt just like an ancient Veronese arriving for the show 3 hours standing in line waiting for the gates to open. Now they had all the fun. We had a blast with the people that were sitting around us. I will tell you that humor crosses all languages. What is funny will make any one laugh.

Let me tell you should have saw Gail push and shove her way in line to get through the gates. At one point there was this frail lady holding her husbands hand as he moved through the crowd like a master, however he never looked back as his wife was falling farther and father behind him.

Now, she was up in the front with Gail, and Gail being the helpful person that she is saw the woman slow losing her husband hand ( however he was pushing his way to the front) now she had a backpack on I saw gail grab a hole of the loop on the top of her back pack and physical lift her up two ancient steps closer to her husband. All I saw was Gail holding the back pack and the woman floating up the stairs. I though I was witnessing a miracle. As Gail lifted her the frail woman lost her balance and grabbed the ass woman in front of her. I only know this because she was wearing an orange stripped knit dress. This was just the start of our evening waiting for the opera to begin.

Now while I was truing to make my way up the stairs there was this woman next to Gail yelling at her husband to move it up to the front of the line. As he was looking at her a space opened just large enough for me to slide in ahead of him-- this really pissed her off and with that move I was moving to the front of the line handing my ticket to the ticket girl. I am proud to say that we made it inside.

With Gail’s keen eye she spotted the perfect place to sit. it was the top level of the stone seats of the area. We had a stone seat and a stone back rest and as Martha Stewart would say “that’ s good thing”.

As the seats filled in around us the was a row of seats that were on the lowest level. When you sat in these seats you were eye level with the row of seats that cost 80 euro. It was the biggest joke the users keep bring people down to those seat. Well this is how I felt about it it you come 2 hours late you sit where you sit. REALLY. Well each time a group would sit down we would look at each other someone would say something in Italian we would say some thing in English and we would all start laughing when they stood up to leave----- this happened 10 times. By the 6th time we just started laughing when they started down the steps. It was a clear case of humor is a universal language.

I loved the opera, but sitting in the area for 3 hours before the show started was the best. I know why the peasant class enjoyed it so much the food, the wine, the laughter.

Ciao

Last night in Florence

Last night I took Gail, Konico my room-mate to my favorite restaurant Teatro Del Sale. The chief Guiditta Picchi has three restaurant on the corner of via dei Macci. Cibreo (food in italian) is the upper class restaurant, then there is a small place I can’t remember the name, then there is Teatro Del Sale.

Before you are allowed to go in you have to become a member-- you are given a list of member rules and you are asked you can follow them if your answer is yes you are given a membership card. Once you are a member the club serves 90 members per night in s family seating style. The night I took Gail and Konico we sat at a table (tavolo) with a group of women that only wanted to speak in Italian, the two women at the other end of the table warmed up to us ( two American and a Japaness young woman.


The dinner is amazing--- each course is announce by the chief and the food goes on from 7:30 until 9pm. At nine after dolce (sweet) you pick up your chair and move it to the front of the stage for the show. Now, I confess that I don’t understand much of what is said during the show , but I love hearing Italian spoken and some of it I understand with the help of an Italian sitting next to me.

Back to dinner-- the women we sat with were a blast. We talked about David (see past post) we laughed that no man can stand next to David and be proud--- all we can do is hope and dream ( I LOVED THEM) they had great question about what we actually did in Alaska, they knew about salmon but halibut blew their minds only because at that moment we were eating anchovies and they were very tiny and you know a halibut can weight a few hundred pounds.

The evening was great we talked ItaliJapanAmericano all night we laughed shared a great meal and made new friends.

Now the show that night was a discussion of Pucchi’s new book a Mystery that takes place in Japan and Florence and it revolves around food (surprise). The panel was Mara Cassie (look her up on UTube) she is a comedian like Lucy Ball. Florence very young mayor and a professor from the university discussed the book. For most of the disscusion I was lost but I was lost in the language.