It is strange having my little friend in school all day. I'm not used to having so much time by myself and although it is nice having my own time and space, I still miss him and I'm a little lonely without him. Luke is in school from 8:30- 4:00 Monday-Friday. That is a long time for a 4 year-old to be away from him mom. He doesn't love it, but he doesn't hate it. He's slowly learning a few Italian words each day and he says they are nice to him. He is happy when I pick him up at the end of the day, so that gives me comfort. I walk him to school every morning. It is about a 25 minute walk each way. It is nice walking together. It is fun to see the same people each day as we pass the same shops, and apartment buildings. On my way home from dropping Luke off I get a hot chocolate and a croissant at the same cafe each day. I don't even have to order, they know me and know what I want so they just bring it to me. I kind of have a crush on the guy there. He is so handsome and I think he flirts with me, but I am so stupid when it comes to that kind of stuff I'm not really sure. I wouldn't even know how to flirt back.
I'm getting lots of exercise because it is 25 min. to Luke's school and then I walk 25min. back, then I walk 25 min. again to pick him up then another 25 min. back home with him. That is just getting Luke to and from school, it doesn't even include all the walking I do each day. You'd think I'd lose weight with all the walking but HELLO, I am in Italy, I EAT amazing things each day (croissants, pizza, pasta, gelato, etc.). It is all so good that I can't help myself. At least with the walking I am breaking even, and I although I haven't lost pounds I haven't gained any either, and at least I'm more toned.
I signed up for Italian classes. They start October 5th, and the teacher doesn't speak English so that will be interesting. I have a job interview on Monday to teach English and if that goes well I'll be making some money, which will be nice since we are barely scraping by.
I met with a guy named Giuseppe last night at a park to practice Italian. I met him on Craigslist. He wanted to practice his English with somebody and in exchange he would help them with Italian. Luke played while we talked. He is nice and I think getting together with him once a week will really help my Italian. He has a scooter too so maybe when I get to know him a little better I'll ask him to take me for a spin around the city. There are scooters EVERYWHERE, more scooters than cars. I would love to ride one. They have them for rent but It's like driving in NYC for the first time, not the best place to start learning. They drive just as passionately as they speak, eat, love, and fight. They drive very fast and they don't follow the rules, if there are any. Maybe one day I'll get the courage to do it.
Every week I'd like to write a fun observation I have about the Italian culture/people. Here is my Observation of the Week- I have observed that the older men here are about the cutest things on the planet. They just wander around their neighborhoods dressed as if they are going to meet the Queen of England. They have a full piece suit, all pressed, with a fresh shirt and tie, their hair is neatly combed, they have fabulous shoes on that are freshly polished, they are shaved and they smell amazing. They look like something out of a storybook, or old movie. They smile at you, nod their heads, they love Luke and touch his cheek when they see him. They don't have anywhere to go yet they look so nice. I'll try to take pictures so you can see what I'm talking about. Until next week! Ciao Belli!!!!!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
First Month in Rome
Hello, finally I have started the blog! We have been in Rome for exactly one month from today. I still love it and I don't want to leave. For the past month we have been Roaming (excuse the pun.) We went to the beach quite a bit (only 45min away on the subway and really nice), we've made some great friends from church, we've learned a little Italian, we've eaten a TON of gelato, pasta, and pizza, and we have walked and walked and walked, just like pioneer children (except we don't sing.)
We live in a great apartment in a very nice area of Rome called San Giovanni. Everybody has their clothes hanging out their windows to dry, you hear women screaming at their husbands, children are whining in their Italian accents, we can see people watching T.V., having sex, cooking, even showering from our couch or bedroom, and kitchen table. We have two balconies and we leave the doors open because it is the only way to get air. Everybody else does the same so we hear and see everybody's business. Mamma Mia Italians are loud and passionate! We don't have any English T.V. stations so I've been trying to watch T.V. in Italian so I can learn. I understand a lot, but speaking it has been harder than I thought. We watch a lot of MTV. Luke can now sing "California girls" by heart and also "She's a Monster, beautiful Monster."
Luke started Public Italian school yesterday. I was so very proud of that adorable little boy. He didn't cry or get scared even though he can't understand anything anybody says. He just does what I ask and he trust me that it is the right thing to do. He is such a good boy and he is loving it here too. I think he has loved having me all to himself more than anything else. He has a new best friend from church. An American family is living here for a couple of years and they have a four year old boy. They are such great friends and Luke calls him his Bestie.
Carly (Mia's friend) came to Rome the first 10 days we were here. It was so great having her. She really made the transition much less stressful, lonely, and boring. We had so much fun. My friend Lindy is here now with her mom. They have been here for about 5 days and they will go on to Positano tomorrow. We might go with them to Lake Como. I will write at least once a week, probably on Sundays. It is hard to write emails to everybody, and then write it all again in a journal. Telephone calls are expensive, so this is a good way to keep you all updated on what we are doing. We miss you, and love you very much. Thank-you for your prayers and support while we are having this adventure. I will write again on Sunday. Ciao Belli!!!
We live in a great apartment in a very nice area of Rome called San Giovanni. Everybody has their clothes hanging out their windows to dry, you hear women screaming at their husbands, children are whining in their Italian accents, we can see people watching T.V., having sex, cooking, even showering from our couch or bedroom, and kitchen table. We have two balconies and we leave the doors open because it is the only way to get air. Everybody else does the same so we hear and see everybody's business. Mamma Mia Italians are loud and passionate! We don't have any English T.V. stations so I've been trying to watch T.V. in Italian so I can learn. I understand a lot, but speaking it has been harder than I thought. We watch a lot of MTV. Luke can now sing "California girls" by heart and also "She's a Monster, beautiful Monster."
Luke started Public Italian school yesterday. I was so very proud of that adorable little boy. He didn't cry or get scared even though he can't understand anything anybody says. He just does what I ask and he trust me that it is the right thing to do. He is such a good boy and he is loving it here too. I think he has loved having me all to himself more than anything else. He has a new best friend from church. An American family is living here for a couple of years and they have a four year old boy. They are such great friends and Luke calls him his Bestie.
Carly (Mia's friend) came to Rome the first 10 days we were here. It was so great having her. She really made the transition much less stressful, lonely, and boring. We had so much fun. My friend Lindy is here now with her mom. They have been here for about 5 days and they will go on to Positano tomorrow. We might go with them to Lake Como. I will write at least once a week, probably on Sundays. It is hard to write emails to everybody, and then write it all again in a journal. Telephone calls are expensive, so this is a good way to keep you all updated on what we are doing. We miss you, and love you very much. Thank-you for your prayers and support while we are having this adventure. I will write again on Sunday. Ciao Belli!!!
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