September 18th-September 25th

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!!!!!