Friends...

Friends are angels sent from heaven.

I was going to write this post whenever I felt the time was right...Well I feel tonight justified its reason to be written.

When I first arrived in Italy, I was immediately adopted into my boss' family. It was a quick transition from complete stranger to a close family member. We spent the weekends together, ate meals together and really got to know each other. I feel like I've known their entire family for years! It has been a great feeling knowing that I have family just around the corner. I thank their family for everything and for making me part of their family.

I had a family immediately but I didn't have any friends, per se. I had a few friends but not a group. The group is essential in learning Italian. Since only a few people speak English it forces me to try to speak Italian. In February, a new student arrived at the school and enrolled in my course. I didn't know how this student would help me make friends. But he did. He had a group of friends already set in place and they hung out regularly. The group in total is around 15-20 when everyone comes together.

They are all very welcoming and kind individuals. I got to know all of them one to one when we would go out. I am very thankful for having them in my life. They somehow have made my life in Italy that much better.

Usually in Italy, the birthday girl/boy provides a party for their guests whether they go out to a restaurant or stay in. For my birthday, they did everything. I just had to clean my house :) When they arrived they had a lot of food! They had decorations, wine and snacks. They threw me a party! :) I had a great party thanks to them.

They have taken me places. We have gone numerous times to Naples. I have seen all the hot spots! I even attended a Naples match! They have provided me with a lot of culture, which I love and memories I will never forget!

This last weekend I even went to the beach with them. We had a lot of fun. We also have a lot of parties or gatherings. It is either somebody's birthday or just a random celebration...this is Italy after all "ogni giorno è una festa."

Tonight was a random celebration. It was a seafood extravaganza night. But luckily for me, 4 others don't like seafood so we also had pizza available. The seafood looked fresh and amazing and I am sure anyone who loves seafood would have loved the food they had tonight.

I was very bubbly and enjoying the company all evening. I was even handed a couple of small glasses of white wine while I took many pictures. All of a sudden throughout the course of the night, my stomach started to hurt so I went to the bathroom. As I was in the bathroom, I started to feel like I was going to faint. I got very hot and felt very sick. This has happened before so I knew I would get through it but I didn't know how long. I always feel scared when this happens so I was immediately thinking of who to call for help. I was thinking of the girls at the party since I would feel more comfortable a girl walking into the bathroom than a guy. I was waiting hoping it would pass when one of the girls knocked on the door and asked if I was ok. I told her no and that I had a problem. She saw my face and I heard her feet running across the tile floor. The next thing I know I hear people in the room with me and they are talking to me. I am trying to understand but I am going into my tunnel and they seem so far away. They were putting damp cloths on me since I was very hot and feeling my pulse. The next thing I knew, I remember seeing guys in the room. I thought, "oh crap! There are guys seeing me in the bathroom" but the thought surpasses since I was feeling awful and didn't have a care in the world except to feel better. They tried carrying me outside so I could have some fresh air but I asked to sit on the couch since I was so tired.  I wanted to sleep. They asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. Everyone came and tried to help me. Another guy who was there who I didn't know started taking my pulse and asking me questions in Italian. Surprisingly, throughout this whole ordeal I was using my Italian. Not sure if they really understood me but I felt good knowing I could communicate in desperate times. They started lifting me off the couch when I told them I needed to return to the bathroom. I had escorts and personal caretakers. Then they gave me an antibiotic. They said it would help the stomach. I did feel better quite quickly. Afterwards, I sat outside and I was being fanned by a couple of the guys in the group. They made me feel like a royal highness. :)

I started feeling better so I reminded them we needed to make marshmallows since it was dessert. We roasted marshmallows then made s'mores. They all said they liked it!

Overall, I feel cared for and protected with these friends. For example, if we are in a dodgy area I feel safe knowing the guys will take care of the girls. :) But also, the reminder that if I need anything to call them in any situation. It feels good to know I have friends looking out for me too.

I want to thank all my friends for everything you have done for me, especially tonight. I am quite embarrassed as well but oh well we are all human. :) You have all been so kind to me and glad you all came into my life. You have all exposed me to new experiences and opportunities so I thank you for that.

Thank you all! I love you all (like a friend) ;)

My vacation has officially started...

I finished my last day of work on Saturday. On Sunday, I left Acerra with a group of friends and headed towards the beach. Our other friends were already there and waiting for us. Our day went like this. At 7:15am, they picked me up. Then we went to a bar for coffee/breakfast. They didn't have a chocolate cornetto (croissant) so I had a chocolate bombolone (donut). After breakfast, we started the drive. Another vehicle had already left so we were catching up with them. After about a hour or so we stopped for coffee again. We met up with the other car. We got directions and continued on our way. We finally arrived around 11am. We were in Acciaroli, a cute and quaint little village. It reminded me of a medieval village, the buildings were old and the road was narrow. 

We headed immediately for the beach. It was very nice! We plopped our stuff down, covered ourselves in sunblock (at least I did) and ran into the water. It was so hot outside that the water felt very refreshing. The water wasn't too high. You could walk for quite a distance without water coming over your waist. I plunged in and swam for a bit. I did a lot of floating. I like floating. I am able to ignore everything around me and relax. I enjoy looking up in the sky and watching the birds fly, the clouds, the sky and sun. I also enjoy listening to the sea and looking at the scenery. When I float, I reflect on my life. This particular moment, like most moments in Italy, I realized all that I have been given and that I am very blessed. I have a wonderful life filled with much love and kindness from new friends. I have experienced so much with their help. My dream has come true...I am living in Italy! I have to pinch myself :) 

As I floated, others swam and some even put on the snorkeling equipment and gathered their pitchforks. I was confused. I asked why the pitchforks...they said they were going to go fishing. They were going to catch dinner, I guess. :) Well one came back and had caught an octopus! He went back out fishing and caught another octopus!!!!!

For lunch, they had brought rice salad that they had made for this occasion. It is similar to pasta salad in America but made with rice, vegetables, cheese and tuna. It was good :) I forgot to take a picture of it though :(

We stayed at the beach for about 8 hours. Fortunately, there was an umbrella, which allowed me to take a nice nap after lunch and not get burnt! :) 

After the beach, we headed back into town to say goodbye to the rest of the group. I was staying for another day or two :) 

The bar (cafe) was getting ready for the European championship games. Some people were already waiting for the game to start! 

That evening after we returned to my friend's house and had showers, we had dinner (pizza). Then we went out and met the owner of a local restaurant and my friend's employer. We had a nice conversation and enjoyed some wine as well :) Afterwards, we walked through town and saw the marina and the old  medieval watch tower. 

The next morning, we had breakfast at the bar (cafe). Yum! :) 

We spent the day at the beach again! :) It was much more peaceful and quiet since the weekend crowd had left. We had a nice day and again I enjoyed my time in the sea and under the umbrella :) I love naps on the beach! :) 

Afterwards, we returned home and got ready for dinner. My friend made us dinner with the produce we had bought at the market earlier that morning. Spaghetti with fresh tomatoes and basil :) It was delicious!!! The tomatoes were so sweet and tasty! :) Yum! 

After dinner, we went out and made our way to a bar to watch the Italy vs Ireland match. Italy won with a score of 2-0. We didn't see the first goal but the second goal was amazing to watch. The player kicked the ball into the goal while facing in the opposite direction. He kicked it behind him and it went in. It was very cool! :) After the match, we stayed and had some drinks. Then we headed home to get some sleep. 

The next morning, we got ready to leave. We packed everything up and then headed to the bar for breakfast. After breakfast we returned to the house and packed up the car. We headed home. I saw these sights along the way....

As we were driving home, we had passed or were in the Salerno area and I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I thought "golden arches", no....but then I turned around and sure enough there were the "golden arches". I couldn't believe it. I guess I had never paid enough attention to see if they had large signs like they do in America. And sure enough, the next day I saw they had it one at the shopping center here as well. Usually, I see McDonalds in the city centers so there aren't large signs  but from the highway they do have them! 

We even stopped at the best mozzarella shop. It was apparently the first one to make mozzarella. 

Mozzarella and Panna (cream)

We dropped off one of our friends at her house. Her mom had made lunch so we ate :) She made pasta with tomatoes and fish. I ate as much fish as I could but unfortunately I couldn't eat all of it. I wish I liked fish :( Then we had tomatoes, zucchini and mozzarella. It was all delicious and her family was very hospitable and kind!

Thank you to all my friends for making my vacation start off right! The beach was perfect and the company was even better! 

The end of the school year examinations

My school offers an examination at the end of the school year for our students. We have many students that do Trinity College Exams. It is an oral based exam and it administered by a mother tongue speaker from the UK. 

This year we had enough students for 2 full days of examinations. It was hectic but fun. It reminded me a lot of my experience with dance recitals. We had only so much time and in that time we had to get the next group of dancers ready for their performance and on the stage. It was the same thing for Trinity. We had the timetable and had to get each student ready for their time. It was fun :) I felt like it was the end of the year recital but instead with English examinations. :) 

Overall, I had some great students. I really enjoyed this school year. My students also did well on their examinations, which always makes you feel good. 

I want to say thank you to all my students and I look forward to seeing you all in September! 

A Romantic Country

Italy, as most of you know, is a country full of history, fashion, good food, and romance. Paris is usually categorized as the most romantic but Italy's cities come very close. They are all beautiful and have that romantic flair to them.

Well besides cities, the people are very romantic as well. I am sure the stereotypes are well known and for the most part, I am told, they are true. But on a personal level I haven't experienced the stereotypical Italian guy sweeping me off my feet. I have experienced something different though.

Everyone wants to fix me up! Mamma Mia! It started with many people saying "you need to find a guy so you can stay here permanently!" because they don't want to see me leave. Then Ipolita's uncle said he knew a guy for me and he had land (that meant money!) :) He said if I didn't want that guy that he would continue to look for me and he asked what my preferences were....

Then I went to a friend's birthday party. I had just started talking with her mother and the mother immediately asked if I was single. Then proceeded to "offer" her son to me....

I went into a shop the other day with Ipolita. The shop owner was talking to us and then asked why I was in Italy. And his next question was, "do you like Italian men or men from this town?" I said whatever happens happens. Then he told me he knows a guy...

After awhile I thought ok, this is the Italian mentality because this has never happened to me in America! But, I was on the ferry to Capri a couple of weeks ago and I met an American couple from the same state as me. I was talking to them and in our conversation the woman said that I should meet her son and that he is very handsome. I think maybe she has been influenced by Italy in some way!

Then on Friday night I was hanging out with my friends at a birthday party and we were discussing going on a trip. They mentioned all the couples and then me. One friend said "don't worry, I will find a guy for you, it will be my present to you" :)

Overall I think Italians know the important things in life. Food, wine and love :)

Elections in Italy

This past month I participated in the greatest act a citizen can take part in, their voting rights.

The election wasn't a big election only a town election for mayor and city council members but nonetheless it was a big event for the community.

About a month or so before the elections, posters and flyers started going up around the town. They were placed on billboards, on the sides of buildings and passed out to people on the streets. Most of the time young people and elderly people were found on bikes honking their horns and handing out flyers to the passersby. Cars were also a means for advertisement as seen below. They would play popular music really loud to get attention as well.

There were people on bikes one day all riding through town in support for one candidate. 

The election day came on Sunday May 6th. The elections in Italy are held on Sunday and Monday. They are held in the schools, which means that all the schools close until Wednesday or Thursday because the classrooms are occupied with official government work. The students don't mind one bit! I voted on Sunday evening. But many people went on their way to church in their Sunday best. When I went there were a good handful of people but I didn't have to wait in line. I went to the desk to check in/register. Ipolita was with me in case there was a problem. The people started talking to me and told me to leave my purse at the table because I couldn't bring it with me. I understood this in Italian and said ok. Then they asked me again. I said ok. The third time, I thought ok maybe something else is being said. So I called for Ipolita. When I started speaking to Ipolita to ask what they were saying, they all knew then that I spoke English. She translated to me to leave my purse on the table. I told her they had already told me multiple times before and I said ok! Mamma Mia! Anyways, I went behind the little booth and voted. I dropped my ballot into the cardboard box and picked up my purse and left. Afterwards, I asked Ipolita. Where is the "I voted" sticker :) Only in America do they hand out stickers after voting :) 

We had to wait until Monday or Tuesday for the results. Since there were over 4 or 500 candidates for city council and 5 running for mayor there had to be another election with the top two mayor candidates. They have to win by a certain percentage. The 20 or so city council members would be chosen thereafter. Before the next election, the two candidates did all they could to make sure they would win. The cars with the flyers went around all day. Posters were up around the city. There was a stand with clowns supporting a candidate. Then there was even a concert of a famous Neapolitan singer put on by a candidate. It was a big deal! They wanted the votes! Overall, the election was more about a popularity contest than about where people stood on certain issues. 

When I voted for the second time, one guy remembered me. The other worker was speaking to me and telling me what to do, which I understood, but the guy snapped at her and said that I spoke English. :) But we had no problems. I did get two stamps out of the whole ordeal in my little voter booklet.  :)

The school where I voted at. 

In the school. 

Overall, it was an interesting experience. A little different than America but all in all pretty much the same. Politics is politics. It is about who has the most money for the campaign. And in the end it feels as if the whole thing was a circus act and in fact in Italy it literally was!

Italian High Schools

I am really late with this post but about a month and a half ago I went to an Italian high school. It was a good size but definitely smaller than our high schools in America because they didn't have extra rooms for extra curricular things. For example, there wasn't a gym, cafeteria, band room, library, or theater like my school had.

There were two floors with halls filled with simple classrooms and a few bathrooms. Then on the other side there were the administrative offices.

The classrooms were simple. White walls, a chalkboard and desks. There weren't any pictures or posters hanging up. Although one room I went into had geography maps and walls decorated in pen and pencil graffiti with vulgar sayings and drawings :)

Another significant aspect to the classroom was the cross hanging on the wall. Apparently most or if not all classrooms in Italy have the cross hanging on the wall. As a foreigner I asked myself if Italy was really a secular country. As much as they say they are I can definitely see the religious presence throughout the country. Apparently there was a case when a teacher took down the cross in a classroom and the students were in protest of the removal. Interesting.

The view from one of the classrooms

Another view

A park outside

Some of the lovely graffiti the students had drawn

The cross.

Summer in the Mountains

This past weekend started with a night of dancing at a club near Naples. It is situated on a beach :) That particular night, there was a group playing at the club called Shermanology. They were good. We had a little adventure getting there but all in all we had a good time! I didn't get home until 4am! Thanks for taking me Simona!

I woke up in the morning at 10am. Ipolita called me at 11am and asked if I wanted to go to the mountains. I haven't been there since winter. I decided last minute to go and got ready in 10 minutes. Then we were off to the mountains. 

Everything was green and full! I love summer! Plants were in bloom too so there was some added color to the scenery. Peas and fava beans were in season. We picked them from the garden. :)

Nature was out and about and loving the weather as well. I saw birds, bees, hummingbirds, and many colorful butterflies. There were white, yellow, orange, brown and blue butterflies flittering around. 

For lunch we had fresh peas with pasta. yum yum!

After lunch, Michelangelo served us Sambuca con mosca (Sambuca with flies) but really they are just coffee beans, no worries ;) Then we sat out in the sun and took peas out of the pea pods. 

Afterwards, we went into town to get some food. We found a florist as well. Beautiful!

The shop owner was wondering why I was taking pictures of his plums and cherries, but Ipolita explained that I was her American friend who liked to take a lot of pictures ;) 

The plums were so colorful and tasty!

For dinner we had crostini with provoletta and speck. This is the provoletta. Mom, is this the cheese you said your father would always buy?

After dinner, we had dessert. We made a fire and roasted marshmallows from America. We made s'mores. A first for many, I think. 

After dessert, we went outside to try to see lightning bugs. While we were outside we saw many stars too. We saw the Moon, Mars, Saturn, Pluto, the Big Dipper, Little Dipper and many other stars. 

On Sunday, we woke up and had breakfast. Afterwards we got ready for the day. We went to the cheese lady's house to buy some ricotta and eggs. On the way to the cheese lady's house we saw a hawk pick up a snake and carry it into the air. I shut my eyes. We were all a little edgy after that. Then a neighbor came and tilled the garden. We all went out to watch ;) 

We ate lunch and then enjoyed the fresh air outside. For lunch we had pasta bolognese, lamb, salad, ricotta and olives. It was very tasty and filled me up!

On the way home, I was able to finally take pictures since the sun set later. These are a few pictures from the car ride home. 

The eggs and ricotta we got. Aren't the baby eggs cute :) The cheese is delicious in case anyone was wondering :)

Overall, it was a great spontaneous weekend in the mountains. It was beautiful and I enjoyed being with nature. I felt like I was back home. Thanks again Ipolita!