Naked Mom

So Italy is hot. I mean dripping sweat, can't breath, steam rising from pools hot. Not only is it hot but no one seems to have AC. Not only is there no AC, but no one seems to have fans. I know they make fans. I see them in the grocery stores, but no where I stayed had a fan. Everyone just constantly complains of the heat, but they do nothing about it. I know this makes me sound like a spoiled American, but I can't help it. An open non screened window just doesn't cut it.

This is how I saw my foster mom naked!

It was a ridiculously hot night. I had my windows wide open, and had covered myself with bug spray before bed. Even though I knew it wouldn't matter. I was averaging 10 mosquito bites a night. I slept on top of the covers. In fact, i had never bothered to ever turn the bed down, it was so hot. I woke up around 2am drenched in sweat. I was so hot, I couldn't breath. I needed water. I desperately needed water. So, i got up, pulled on some shorts and peeked out my door. It was dark and quiet except for the tv in the living room was on. I figured the mom probably feel asleep watching it. So, I crept out to the kitchen. I decided not to turn on the lights so I wouldn't wake her. I found a glass and poured my water in the dark. Just as I was closing the refrigerator the light turned on. I turned around and there was the mom completely naked. I mean COMPLETELY naked. We looked startled at each other. I probably stood for a full 30 seconds in shock not knowing what to do. Then I just started sputtering, "scuis, aqua, aqua" while pointing at my glass. She of course giggled, and I rushed past her to my bedroom. No sooner did I reach my bedroom then I laid in bed and realized, damn I needed to go to the bathroom!

This story was the topic of conversation at the breakfast table. Everyone thought it was hilarious. So, I laughed at it too. Although, having the image of 55 year old's naked body burned in my brain is not pleasant to say the least. I do know see what people mean when they say Europeans are a lot more free thinking when it comes to clothes.

Fourth of July in Cechina Italy

So Florence was fun and pretty. However, I went with my host family, and they kept forgetting that I don't speak a lot of Italian. So as they explained things they would slip into Italian, because they knew little English. So, I did not learn a lot. I did take lots of pictures and say "si, bella, bella" a lot.

The following day was the fourth of July. Even though I wasn't in America, I still wanted to recognize it in some way. I felt i needed to represent America. So after work Lia and I were trying to decide what bar (Italian for cafe) to go when our boss suggested the beach. We had no idea we were even near a beach. We had not seen it, heard it, or even saw signs for it. However, Antoinette assured us it was just down the street. She claimed you make one right and go straight and it is right there. This is when I learned how different Italian directions are to American.

We got on our bikes and started peddling. We didn't have our swimsuits, but figured we could just sit on the beach and have a celebratory drink. We made our left and peddled and peddled. After a while the road turned into a dirt road. The nice houses turned into sunflower farms. There seemed to be no people around. We both figured we had to be lost after riding for 15 minutes. Antoinette said we were only 5 minutes away. Finally, I saw a sign for Mediterranean. We figured that's the name of the sea, it got to be there. Especially since straight ahead was what looked like a forest. So we made the turn and instantly new it had to be wrong. It was a tiny dirt road with pigs and dogs roaming it. A scary dog started barking at us and that's when we saw a farmer. Lia asked in bad Italian/English, "Dove sea?" he replied it was through the forest. So off we go again. We turn around, start going through the forest on a little path we found. The path started getting sandy, the air saltier,and finally the trees broke and there was the sea. Who would have thought it would be through a campground type of forest.

We were so excited we kicked off our shoes and ran barefoot into the water. We must have looked crazy in our red work shirts and sweaty faces. We did not care. We found the sea and a bar. The day ended clinking glasses of cold Mexican beer on an Italian beach toasting our American holiday. What a great fourth of July.

2nd Italian Family

I hate Italian trains. So confusing and the people are so rude. It took five trains to get to Cechina. At least I had time to practice my Italian and to mine and Lias surprise can finalloy roll my r's. When I say practice, I mean call Lias mom and ask her how to yell some smack on rude train workers. Lia had fun with this. It made me realize I need to learn th Italian that Rosetta stone doesn't teach!

Anyway, I finally made it to Cechina. A small village on the coast. I'm staying with an older couple and their daughter who is six. It took me awhile to figure out they were the parents and not grandparents. Especially since there weren't a lot of toys about. I'm thinking she's an oops baby, but you can tell she's very much loved. They speak almost no english though. This is going to be a long week.

That night during dinner their nephew came over. He was around my age. From what I gathered from the conversation, he was on his way to a disco, and the father told him to take me. I agreed to go. I had been working so hard all week and had a stressful train ride. A night out would be fun, and the other Italian family was so nice always wanting to take me out. It would be nice to get out. However, the nephew was not ok with this. I didn't get all of what they were saying but there was an argument it seemed about me. At least that's what I figured when the nephew pointed at me. So trying to be polite, I asked what time they would get back. He said six am. I said that was too late, but thanks. Of course the father offers to pick me up whenever I wanted. Another argument happened between the family. I felt very awkward at this pint. I decided this was not a good idea for me to go. This guy was not like my other Italian family. So after much convincing, they believed I was too tired after all. The nephew was rude about it. The mother seemed relieved, and the father went to bed. I appreciated the effort.

O'well, doesn't matter. This has been a long long day. At least they're taking me to Florence tomorrow!

First Camp

Camp is crazy. Twenty kids and just me, Lia, And Valentina the director. I like it though. We try to teach them as much English as we can, but balance that with a good amount of games. Our day is filled with water games, scavenger hunts, and Olympics. It's very tiring.

However, tomorrow is the final day. I enjoy my family and my class. They're fun and relaxing. Italy is relaxing. I swear I look so much healthier. I walk or ride my bike everywhere and play with the kids every day. After work, me, Lia, and Valentina go to a bar (cafe) for campari and to relax. Valentina is friendly. She has big dreams to move to London, but not a lot of confidence. Afterwards, I go to my Cammozzono home, shower and eat dinner wth the family. Which is always interesting. I forgot how nice it is to eat a family dinner. My family doesn't even do that at holidays anymore. The family talks passionately and gestures wildly. We always compare English and Italian words. They laugh when they hear me try to speak Italian. I guess I'm pretty bad, lol. I usually spend an hour after dinner talking to Luca, the brother, and Laura using google to translate. We all practice our new language skills with each other. It's fun. I think this is just what I needed. I feel like a new person, more confident, happier, and just relaxed. Just like the Italian way.

First Family, First Party

At my first italian families' home. It's weird, but not so bad. It's definitely uncomfortable though. The family is very nice and even though they speak little English, they do try. We use google translate a lot. The mom is sweet and very expressive. The dad just keeps asking if I'm ok. There are two brothers that keep telling me they are going to show me the dark side of Italy (the club scene), an older sister who smiles at me a lot, and the fourteen year old who is in the camp. They are so interested in me, America, and showing me their culture. The village, Ciazzgo, is small. You can ride your bike around it in about 5-10 minutes, but it's cute.

So yesterday was my first day here. We went to a festival in the piazza with another coworker, Lia, and her host family. It was cute like a little community festival in the states except instead of beer and BBQ it was espresso and pasta. Afterwards, I went to Lia's "sister" boyfriend's birthday party. Get this, the couples names' were Francesca and Francesco, and they we're the cutesy couple I have ever seen. All giggle and warm and loving. You couldn't help but enjoy being with them. It was contagious. Their friends were so warm and welcoming, speaking English at the party, calling everyone bella or bello, lots of hugs and the three kisses to say hello and goodbye. My first Italian party. Who would of thought. It was pretty calm, we drank wine sat outside and they talked and joked with each other. Even if I couldn't understand their words, I could get the jest of what they were saying with body language. My goodnesses do they love American culture. Surprising, I guess I take it for granted.

What I Learned About Italy/Italians

1. They complain a it's hot, but never use fans and rarely us AC.
2. You can understand 40% of an Italian conversation by body language alone.
3. Italians are really beatiful people.
4. Eating is very important. Always pack meals not snacks.
5. Their compliments ar wonderful and given whole-heartily.
6. Competition is good!
7. Wine is wonderful!
8. Dinner should always be in courses, with pasta as the first course.
9. Nutella is good on everything: cookies, gelato, fruit, cheese, cake, etc...
10. A whole pizza to yourself if perfecto.
11. Distance for Americans and Italians mean two different things. Italians tells you it's close, just around the corner. Then the American will be walking for thirty minutes and go around four corners to get there.
12. Lunch for a single person or child should always be packed in a medium to large sized cooler not a tiny lunch box.
13. Italian passion, although wonderful and exciting can be dangerous i.e. temper
14. Italians have natural swagger.
15. Italy uses olive oil. America used ketchup, ranch, BBQ, mustard, mayo, miracle whip, etc...

Last night of orientation

I had so much fun at orientation this week. San Remo is so beautiful and the people are so friendly. The beaches are nice even though the are rocky. The town has charming markets and bars. This is somewhere I definitely want to visit again.

Last night was our last night here at orientation. Our trainers took us out for pizza. How amazing is it that in Italy you each get your own pizza! We went to Tahiti restraunt right on the water. We ate on the patio outside, and after we took group pictures near the water. Many pictures where taken. Then, after dinner we plugged in someone's iPod to speakers each bought w bottle of wine and let loose making our own dance floor. I think after a week of intense training everyone was in need of a fun night.