And the snow came down...

Well a lot has been happening at school prior to break. I've learned that our 3rd and 5th graders put on a play each year under the direction of our music teacher and his partner. The 3rd grade presented Pinnocchio right before break ... and a production it was! The whole 3rd grade participates and each child has a part (good thing there are only 2 third grade classes). It was amazing to see these mostly second language speakers come to life on stage - although this presentation took much time out of classroom instruction ... I think the language skills gained was worth it! I was quite impressed. It was amazing to watch and hear the families in the audiance yelling out "bravo and bravissimo."


We also Celebrated Carnivale - the day before Lent begins, sometimes known as Fat Tuesday! Well the Italians do it up big. Our Italian teachers planned a presentation for our February whole school meeting using children in grades 1 through 5 to present the history of Carnivale and demonstrate how it is Cclebrated throughout the different regions of Italy ... I certainly learned a lot! Children and adults alike dress up (somewhat like our Halloween) and as you can imagine ... food abounds ~ Frappe (a sugar coated pastry of sorts) is one of Carnival's staples.
It was a fun celebration for all.

But ... the biggest event that occurred prior to break was ... SNOW! It has not snowed in Rome since 1987 (not for 23 years) ... and the Friday before break, the snow came down. Well, you can imagine the excitement and panick that brought about. The students went wild ... high schoolers were sliding on their bottoms down the campus hill. It was so delighful for me to see the joy on the students faces as they ran outside to try to catch the snowflakes - an occurrence that we take for granted and often despise on the east coast of the USA, was like a miracle to the children in Rome. The school decided to dismiss as 1pm - which was a little bit of a nightmare because people are not used to driving in the snow. However, the school was amazingly empty by 2 at which time the sun was shining and most of the snow had melted ~ quite an enjoyable way to start the break!

The February break Lele brought to Rome (while sending Michael to the states). We ventured to Florence ... what a beautiful city! Somewhat like Rome in art and history, but quieter and more quaint. We saw Michael Angelo's David ... which was impressive to say the least ... you can stand and stare at it forever and continued to be amazed! We sat in piazzas (Piazza Republica mostly) and drank wine or preseco or indulged ourselves with chocialato con panne (hot chocolate with cream) - a drink ~more desert~ unlike you have ever seen! We rode by bus up into the hills of Fieresole ... which looks down over the city of Florence, a beautiful sight. We also hiked up the many, many steps to Piazelle Michael Angelo in Florence which again offered beautiful viewing - all of which makes me realize why I am here. Lele scoured the leather markets and in the end bought 2 beautiful bags ... me, I'm more of a food and clothes girl, (the bags just do not do it for me). We dined at some amazing restaurants and ate our hearts out ... we were quite full after three days when we Boarded the train back to Rome!

Once back in Rome, Lele and I continued our quest for great food and were once again satisfied at restaurants such as Old Bear and Gustos ~ just can not get enough of the food here ~ another reason I think I'm here. We shopped and ate, we walked and ate, we visited the Vatican, Colloseum, Galleria Borghese and ate some more. We searched for the best gelato establishments in both Florence and Rome and think we settled on two (Geletaria Grom in Florence and The Old Bridge Gelateria in Rome). And believe me when I tell you we did thorough research.

I was sad to say goodbye to Lele at the airport, but am grateful for our time together. I look forward to Michael's return and am anxious to hear his news from the states! One of the best things I learned during Lele's visit is that I am actually beginning to learn some italian. I can order in a restaurant and get my visitors to mostly anyplace in Rome - I'll settle for that small accomplishment at this juncture..hope the learning continues at a rapid pace!

A little more like home...

A friend recently commented that I seemed a little distant lately. It made me realize that I do feel distant - from everyone and everything back home. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to hang on to the past by a very thin thread-that can break at any moment. The tighter I hold on...the more I seem to slip away. However, just recently things began to crack a little here. Michael and I decided to take a walk one night to a local pizzeria. Upon entering, we were greeted by two colleagues from school. We ended up eating and drinking with them. On our way home the same evening we ran into another friend and stood on the Cassis (the main street) and had a chat. A day or so later, while on a walk, I was greeted by honks and waves of a family from school...all of that made me think I live here and there are people who know me - making Rome feel a little more like home!

Last Sunday I decided to take a walk to a local park. I noticed many people were out walking, however, they weren't in excercise clothes like me. I quickly realized that many were either on the way to or home from church. Being me, I immediately felt somewhat guilty out there in my yoga pants and thought "next week Michael and I are heading to church. We're in Rome for godsake, the most beautiful churches inthe world." (we haven't gone yet) I then noticed that many people were carrying these packages wrapped in green paper with a gold bow. It didn't take me long to understand that these packages came from the local pasticceria (bakery) , and that they were carrying home treats for the family- of course I ventured in. Upon entering I was overtaken by the sweet smell of italian pastries, cookies, cakes and more. Ten euro later and more pastries than Michael and I could possibly consume, I immerged from the pasticceria with my own little green package with a gold bow. It's amazing how a little package gives you a sense of belonging. And as I carried my pack home to my family (Michael and me), for the first time I felt somewhat like a local!

School is an adventure in itself. I just wasn't prepared for the amount of italian that is spoken here by the students...it makes me wish I could wave my magic wand and understand and speak the language. I am certainly missing out on something special by not understanding what is being said during the free social times. After lunch each day, many of teachers head over to the coffee bar on campus for small expresso or a sweet treat...the high school students fill "the bar" as it is called, socializing as if they are out on the town. There is something kind of nice about teachers and students meeting together. The students play hard here...students have a lot of freedom to roam around the campus. Soccer is the game of choice for the boys and even the youngest in EC1 (3 & 4 year olds) play with the intensity and actions of the professional soccer players. They push and shove and yell out things I can't understand and just when the intensity increases and I think it is time to intervene, they are hugging and patting each other on the back with the same energy and intensity as when playing the game. I notice this out in town also. When sitting in a restaurants, families talk loud and with great passion (making the porricelli family seem quite quiet and mild). They can be laughing and talking one minute and then turn and give one of their children a quick slap on the head the next. I tmakes me jump everytime. It sounds like everyone is yelling, but I am learning it is just the way it is here - they are just excited!

I attended my first mass today (yes church at school) - the 2nd graders are making their communion. I must admit that at first I thought I would feel very uncomfortable with this, but it was so sweet and the children were so engaged, that I found it endearing. We will see if that feeling continues with time. Michael is still not blogging yet, but he is making friends and his social life is increasing - I think he has adjusted better than I. Our goal is to eventually do some exploring out of Rome...although there is sooo much to see here! Ciao for now!!

Language and more...

Maria-The greatest challenge I face is the language...I have to think before doing anything...I take a bus...make sure I know where I am going...I go to the grocery store...make sure I know what I need or have looked up how to ask for what I need. You feel very vulnerable when you feel you cannot communicate. I am constantly dependent on the help of others...mostly people from school. It's a new experience feeling that vulnerable and dependent - quite humbling actually. The other day my sink was clogged...I mean no water going anywhere. I found out I needed a product called Niagra ( a drano type soluti0n). I go to the store...it took me half an hour to get anyone to understand what I needed. Just when I was about to give up, someone in the checkout line translated for me - she was probably sick of listening to me sound like a fool, yelling "You know Drano...something to unclog a drain." I hate to admit that I think the louder I say it the better they will understand. The silver lining in all this is that there is some sense of accomplishment when you are able to take care of all of your needs...I unclogged the drain, made Michael dinner and lunch for the next day, washed clothes, hung them out on the line-because remember no-one has a dryer in Italy and made sure all our clothes were ready for the the next day at work. I go to bed exhausted, but somewhat satisfied by my accomplishments. I made it through another day.

I am now in the thick of things at school. I didn't think that a school could be much more affluent than Westport, but Rome takes the cake. The students daily school bus is a coach bus (I take the city bus to school- these kids ride in luxury). Some kids have personal drivers and did you know that in Italy kids could get a license at 15 to drive these small cars - they can drive anywhere except major highways, so their cars line the parking lot. So it's as if the driving here isn't crazy enough, now add in the 15 year old out for a joy ride - chaos in action!! The lunches they serve at school are amazing - food here is important - it is a social event...there is always a pasta, a meat, a fish, several veggies, a potato, salad and a desert. Many teachers make lunch their big meal of the day, because the school lunch is tremendous. Each day they offer a salad, a meat, a pasta, a fish, a starch (rice/potato), cooked veggies, marinated tomatoes and/or egglplants and you can have as many servings as you like. Me, well I haven't yet worked out the eating one large meal yet. I eat a big meal during the day (how can I resist) and then another big meal in the evening. I must figure this out or they will be rolling me back to the states. The school has a very good reputation among international schools. There is no real curriculum, little to no assessessments and the no clear standards that I can make out...maybe I just need more time to understand the "international way." I am keeping an open mind. The campus and the students are beautiful and I am learning the names of more and more students each day. There are lots of Valentinas and Giovannis, and Clodios andLorenzo and many Allegras - I do find joy in their passionate way of living and learn from them each day. I am feeling more at home at school each day! We had our first whole school meeting and the 4th grade presented information about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The whole school sand "We Shall Overcome"- it made me realize just how small the world really is!

Michael and I walk everywhere. We walk to the bus stop and to the school. We walk to the grocery story and out to eat. We walk through the streets of the historic district! We like most Romans shop regularly - no-one does large weekly shopping. Everyday, you see lots and lots of people walking with their groceries for the day- they buy just what they need. The choices in the grocery stores are limited - not the abundance of choice we have in the states, but the produce and dairy are fresh! Michael is exhausted from all the walking. I don't think he or I, for that matter, are used to this much walking - if it wasn't for all the food we are eating, we would be quite thin. The Romans for the most part are thin. They wear comfortable shoes all the time - lots of walking shoes and boots. The surprising thing though is how many people smoke here - young and old. It's so interesting, they take care of their feet, but their lungs...hmm not so much.

Michael began school this week and seemed to enjoy himself. He is making friends with both the "international" and the "italian" students. However, he is too exhausted to post anything...here's hoping he regains his energy and shares this thoughts on this experience soon! Well, that's all for now! Ciao!

Maria- Well I finally got to school. The first thing that hit me was the nativity scene in the school foyer and the christmas trees in all the classrooms - what a difference a country makes! All that aside, it was fun to finally meet the teachers. They are quite the international bunch (England, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Austraila, American and of course Italians too - there is even one nun). It felt good to be at work. It was the first time in a while that I felt a sense of something familiar... a sense of purpose. It's hard when everything is new! There have been some times when a feeling of loneliness creeps up on me and hits me right between the eyes! When it happens, it is overwhelming and makes me want to pack my bags and go running home. The good news is that each time that occurs something happens...a beautiful church, a kind teacher, a sunny, mild day (when at home it's cold and snowing) and the feeling passes. I then know I can face another day. Someone here told me that one day I will just wake up and it will feel like home - I look forward to that day! For now I continue to look at each day as a gift and find the little surprise that awaits Michael and me.

A perfect example of a gift was spending my birthday walking around the center of Rome, with Michael, a couple of new friends from school. The most important thing I learned is that while walking around Rome (maybe everywhere), you cannot just look straight ahead or down - you MUST be looking up and side to side at all times or you might miss one of the many wonders of Rome...an ancient tower or cupola, a beautiful private garden on the cobblestoned streets of Trastevere, an old chiesa (church) that houses an orginal Rapheal, the unbelievable Borchese family entrata that is protected by guards with guns, an old italian women sitting in a window looking over the piazza...all breathtaking! It was a wonderful way to spend a birthday-just opening my eyes to a whole new world of beauty! It reminded me of why Michael and I are here!

Speaking of Michael and me, we are starting to behave like an old married couple...we bicker about little things, we read in bed together (we still have no t.v. and only intermitent internet) and finish each other's sentences - I think we are spending a little too much time together - it will be good for Michael to start school next week and hang with kids his own age! However, I could have never done this without him. He keeps me laughing and moving forward! I am thankful for his sometimes annoying 14 year old presence at all times!

Michael- (will post after he begins school on Monday - stay tuned)

The New Year in Italy!

Maria - Well the New Year has been interesting. We spent New Years Eve with a couple of teachers (one very generous teacher invited us to join in on their plans) and although we were with 24 people who were practically strangers and everything was in italian -it was better than sitting alone in our apartment - it's amazing how strangers quickly start looking like friends. The people were very welcoming, wine was flowing and the dinner was an eight course meal. Then there were fireworks, lots of hugging and kissing (Michael and I never kissed so many strangers) and saying Agura a bunch of times (which means best wishes and is used for many celebrations), At the end of the night they served lentils and pork - I guess it's a New Year's tradition here, but I must admit, a little weird. Trying to be in the moment and embrace the italian way, I did try one spoonful! Not sure I want that again. On New Years Day, Maria and her husband (new school friends and the family we slept with) took us to a couple of small towns , Trevignano, Bracciano (where the castle that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married in) and Anguillara. They were beautiful towns around a lake, with medieval towns, ancient churches with old crypts that would blow your mind. The history here is amazing!


Since the last posting I have tackled the washing machine situation and it wasn't so bad. I just have to get used the the time it takes to line dry the clothes - I think that's the metaphor for being in Italy - everything takes time! Michael and I finally found the school - after several attempts. Met a few people, but the elementary secretary, Erika, was not in yet - probably for the best, I'm still not over the loss of Joyce and Cathy! I hope once the teachers and students arrive it feel more real. I did meet one teacher today who made me realize I want to move already - yes you heard that right - I want to live closer to the city! Might as well do it before I accumulate "stuff" - right now it's just clothes and Michael and me. Tonight we are off to dinner at Fr. Greg & Tom's home- imagine Michael, me and the two priests - things just keep getting stranger! In two days is the Feast of the Epiphany - I hear everything closes down - we do have a dinner invitation - free meals are always welcome - (don't get paid until end of month). That's all for now!

Michael-New Years was fun. We got to meet some new people including: a science teacher from the school, he looks exactly like the scientist, Doc, from the movie, Back To The Future - he kind of acted like him too, his son Dennis who is in 9th grade, andtheir big extended italian family. Mom andI are at the school now and are sitting in her office. It feels strange to be in a new office and school - I was so used to everything and everybody at KHS. The people we met here so far are very nice, but no one can replace Joyce and Cathy. This has been a very fun adventure so far.

We have arrived!!

Maria - Well we are here! The first day was overwhelming - it all seems sooo strange. I finally realized we are not on vacation - we are living here - quite scary, I must admit! The apartment is really great - lots of light, a beautiful terrace and really nice landlords - it's just not home yet (I guess no surprise in one day). One exception - the washing machine is outside - yes, I said outside, on the terrace in a closet and no dryer- not even going to deal with that yet!
Michael and I slept a good portion of the day - not sure if it was jet lag or sadness! But, we are up today with more positive attitudes. We ventured into the grocery store alone and are now going to go into the center of Rome for lunch via public transportation - should be an adventure. Never thought I would miss home and everyone there sooo much!

Michael- The first day felt like a vacation! It was unreal and pretty crazy. I was so tired that i slept from 2-1o and then ate and went back to bed from 11-5. The apartment is more "lovely" than I thought it would be. I miss everyone back home a lot. This was definitely one of the craziest day of my life!

The day before...

Maria - Who does this anyways? That's the question I keep asking myself. I'm leaving everything...my family, my friends, a great job...a comfortable life and I'm moving to a country where I don't speak the language or know anybody. I fly off tomorrow aboard Continental Airlines into the unknown. I have a job - that's the good news, an apartment- I've only seen in pictures, my fourteen year old son (that's enough to frighten anyone), my books and my clothes and not much more. I'm going to miss my family and friends immensly! Am I scared...you betcha...but I'm equally excited about what lies ahead. There is a kind of freedom that comes from not knowing what the future holds. And so the adventure begins...keep you posted!





Michael - Fun with my fam tonight. I'm going to miss all of them so much!! :D Hanging with my two sisters, mom, dad, and sisters boyfriend. It's a very fun night! YEY!! :D