Okay, it is Colombus Day and we take everyone to Venice (but leave Michael and Julia at home as changing diapers in Venice is challenging). I am in short sleeves just shaking my head at the weather these Texans brought. We stumbled accidentally into a store a g'friend had told me about. The woman who owns it is British and gives Americans a ten-percent discount on anything in the store. She was wonderful to chat with. Trish stocked up on Christmas presents and the others, including myself, bought a few things. We parted ways with Adriana and Claudia since they left their kids at home and didn't need to be bothered with ours. We had fun watching all the boats bring merchandise to the docks and unload it. Who knew that could be so interesting?
We found a good place to eat sandwiches except I needed some caffine and a Diet Coke was 3 euro! YIKES. We met up with Jan Benson from KBH's office at San Marco and then went around the corner to get her something to eat. Her hubby couldn't believe we found each other since the crowds were pretty thick with 5 cruise boats being in port.
We all enjoyed getting on the Vaparetto back to the train station.
Monday night the 8 adults went to Raffa's to eat. They had to experience her cooking and personality! We ate polenta with Mantasio cheese, zucchini crostini (and something else) then her famous bruschetta. She made melt in your mouth pumpkin risotto. Our main course was lemon chicken -oh so easy to make. For dessert, tiramisu with limoncello to top it off. Claudio and Raffa enjoyed the evening, which was full of much laughter at Patrick's expense as they know Spanish and three of the women at the table speak it fluently. Patrick only knows how to speak Tex-Mex...terribly.
Tuesday I took Trish et al to the train station to go to Sorrento and Rome then Jan and Butch to Sacile so they could head back to Venice. Jan, Butch, the girls and I sat at a nice cafe across from the train station sipping our coffee's and hot chocolate. A man sitting there just loved the girls and gave them candy. This happens often. I try to steer clear of candy, but people are just always handing it to them b/c they are so darn cute.
Julia is adorable right now with her little "ciao." I can't believe she is 2 next month. I am afraid, very afraid! Plus sad at losing my baby to toddlerdom.
Adriana and Claudia went into Venice on Tuesday. They had another terrific day there falling in love with Venice as I have.
Wednesday I put them on the train to Florence very early! Then back to "real life for a few days." I had key spouse training (helping out other spouses in our FW) then Love and Logic, spouses club, and a dinner over the next days.
Love and Logic went out the window on Wednesday as I went to p/u JDW at school. I was thrilled to see her then stopped in my tracks. She was wearing my brand new Murano glass ring! At school! On the playground. I was so shocked I just told her the answer today is no to everything! I couldn't remember any Love and Logic gems. She saw a little girl getting in trouble later in the day and she said, "look Mommy, she's in trouble too." At least she got that part.
Now she says she can't hear me sometimes b/c her ears are too small. Ohhh. Can't wait for those teenage years since this reasoning is pretty good now.
The guests came back and on Saturday we went to Padova (barely making it). One of us was in charge of getting the tickets, which must be validated before getting on. I was standing by the train getting on with the girls when we discovered they weren't validated. The ticket puncher made Claudia run back downstairs instead of using the one on the platform. Everyone is yelling at her about where it was. Thankfully, they held the train for us or we wouldn't have been going. Let's just say it took awhile for all of us to calm down. We also barely made the train leaving Padova too!
Another beautiful day. We walked down to the cathedral of San Antonio which was built in the early 1200's. It is a place of pilgrimage for the sick. It was very crowded. Now, if you read this regularly, you know Italian art is not my thing; however, this church is spectacular. The frescoes, statutes, and mosaics are beautiful. Jacqueline throughly enjoyed seeing the relic of his tongue and vocal chords. A priest also saw JDW and sprinkled holy water on her and gave her a blessing. Out of all the churches we've been in, I've never seen a priest and at this one, I couldn't keep track of how many we did see!
We had a good lunch at a place where Rick Steves recommended. My bean soup hit the spot. We then headed to the Botanical Gardens, which is the oldest in Europe. One of the trees was placed there in 1640 and I can't recall how old the palm tree is/was/
The girls insisted on the pizzeria - 3x in a week!
Our house is now sadly quiet, which is probably why I haven't minded JD missing school these past two days.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Sunday, 19 October 2008
So much to do and so little time left
We are close to our 1.5 year point here in Italy. I made a lengthy list of all the "big" places to go, but there are so many little villages and hill towns to explore here in Italy too! So needless to say, I am FREAKING OUT.
We just said good-by today to our last guest until December. Michael asked why we have everyone come at the same time. I told him, I just told everyone to come.
Trish and her family came almost two weeks ago now (she lives in Austin and we met as single gals at church), then my college g'friend, Adriana, and her sister, who was a sorority sister at AC of mine, came a week ago Friday, then Jan, from KBH's office, came last Monday. One night we had 8 people here. Now, I have terrific friends here too. One friend put two of them up in her house. Others gave me cots and blow-up mattresses plus sheets to sleep on. One friend even drove people to the train station as I had 3 trips to make in one day. We all had a ball needless to say. I am grateful for the wonderful friends from my life who trek over here to visit us. The laughter and memories are just terrific. Plus I get to make new memories here in Europe with them, which is the cherry on top.
The day after Trish and her kiddos plus hubby arrived, we headed to the medival town of Gorizia. We went to a castle built in 1001. It was just as you would picture a castle to be - the gray stone with all the towers. They also had some of the weaponery of the time and it wasn't pretty to say the least. The kids loved it especially gathering rocks and throwing them. We were the only people there most of the time.
Now, we did stop in the town for an absolutely delicious lunch.It was hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The waitresses mother was the chef and the special of the day was homemade pumpkin gnocci (little pasta dumplings). Oh my, my tastebuds just exploded as there was smoked ricotta on top too! Jacqueline had vegtable soup with orzo and ate it up. The server suggested it as her 3 yr old loves it. Julia had a penne with ragu. We had polenta with the local Montasio cheese melted on top and sipped Schipotto (I have to check the spelling) wine outside. Oh, we also were treated to homemade olive bread. I gained 10 pounds just from that!
The next day, Michael headed to the airport to p/u my fellow Roos while the Raglin's and I plus Jacqueline headed to the mkt in Congleiano via the train. It was a delight of the senses especially in the seafood section of the market. Most of the fish are completely intact - you should have seen the kids eyes. Then, there was a bag full of live crabs and we watched one escape. One of the shop keepers picked it back up and threw it back in the bag, but not without taunting the kids with it. We ate gelato twice, I think.
The Texans brought unseasonably warm and sunny weather with them.
Our other guests arrived and we sat on our porch drinking prosecco and eating cheese on a glorious fall day.
Saturday morning we all packed up and headed to Lake Bled. Trish was a real trooper b/c the front door to the BMW isn't working and she crawled in and out the window anytime we stopped. Oh...it was funny. Before we went off to Bled, we had a tour of the mosaic school in Spilimbergo. It was enjoyed by all. The drive to Bled through the Alps was spectacular. The fall colors were in full display. Last time I went to Bled, it rained most of the time so it was great to go in perfect weather. Claudia said it was one of the most beautiful places she has ever been - just out of a storybook.
We all got to ring the bell of the church again. We also ate dinner at the same place we did in June. Everyone's food was delish and a nice change from pasta. Patrick couldn't believe the beer. Our meal was only 108 euro for all of us (and on Thursday lunch was 90 euros) so as you can see, Slovenia is a much better deal than Italy! The next day, we all did our own thing. Michael and Jacqueline did the luge (pics to follow) down a mountain side. She was screaming with delight all the way down. I was so proud of her as I would have been screaming something else.
We all piled back in the cars and headed home. We went to eat pizza again in Dardago as no one could get enough on Friday night.
Okay, it's beautiful outside again, so I will continue this post later.
We just said good-by today to our last guest until December. Michael asked why we have everyone come at the same time. I told him, I just told everyone to come.
Trish and her family came almost two weeks ago now (she lives in Austin and we met as single gals at church), then my college g'friend, Adriana, and her sister, who was a sorority sister at AC of mine, came a week ago Friday, then Jan, from KBH's office, came last Monday. One night we had 8 people here. Now, I have terrific friends here too. One friend put two of them up in her house. Others gave me cots and blow-up mattresses plus sheets to sleep on. One friend even drove people to the train station as I had 3 trips to make in one day. We all had a ball needless to say. I am grateful for the wonderful friends from my life who trek over here to visit us. The laughter and memories are just terrific. Plus I get to make new memories here in Europe with them, which is the cherry on top.
The day after Trish and her kiddos plus hubby arrived, we headed to the medival town of Gorizia. We went to a castle built in 1001. It was just as you would picture a castle to be - the gray stone with all the towers. They also had some of the weaponery of the time and it wasn't pretty to say the least. The kids loved it especially gathering rocks and throwing them. We were the only people there most of the time.
Now, we did stop in the town for an absolutely delicious lunch.It was hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The waitresses mother was the chef and the special of the day was homemade pumpkin gnocci (little pasta dumplings). Oh my, my tastebuds just exploded as there was smoked ricotta on top too! Jacqueline had vegtable soup with orzo and ate it up. The server suggested it as her 3 yr old loves it. Julia had a penne with ragu. We had polenta with the local Montasio cheese melted on top and sipped Schipotto (I have to check the spelling) wine outside. Oh, we also were treated to homemade olive bread. I gained 10 pounds just from that!
The next day, Michael headed to the airport to p/u my fellow Roos while the Raglin's and I plus Jacqueline headed to the mkt in Congleiano via the train. It was a delight of the senses especially in the seafood section of the market. Most of the fish are completely intact - you should have seen the kids eyes. Then, there was a bag full of live crabs and we watched one escape. One of the shop keepers picked it back up and threw it back in the bag, but not without taunting the kids with it. We ate gelato twice, I think.
The Texans brought unseasonably warm and sunny weather with them.
Our other guests arrived and we sat on our porch drinking prosecco and eating cheese on a glorious fall day.
Saturday morning we all packed up and headed to Lake Bled. Trish was a real trooper b/c the front door to the BMW isn't working and she crawled in and out the window anytime we stopped. Oh...it was funny. Before we went off to Bled, we had a tour of the mosaic school in Spilimbergo. It was enjoyed by all. The drive to Bled through the Alps was spectacular. The fall colors were in full display. Last time I went to Bled, it rained most of the time so it was great to go in perfect weather. Claudia said it was one of the most beautiful places she has ever been - just out of a storybook.
We all got to ring the bell of the church again. We also ate dinner at the same place we did in June. Everyone's food was delish and a nice change from pasta. Patrick couldn't believe the beer. Our meal was only 108 euro for all of us (and on Thursday lunch was 90 euros) so as you can see, Slovenia is a much better deal than Italy! The next day, we all did our own thing. Michael and Jacqueline did the luge (pics to follow) down a mountain side. She was screaming with delight all the way down. I was so proud of her as I would have been screaming something else.
We all piled back in the cars and headed home. We went to eat pizza again in Dardago as no one could get enough on Friday night.
Okay, it's beautiful outside again, so I will continue this post later.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Yes, this is my life
I just got home - 10 o'clock Sunday night when I was suppose to be home Friday night at 7. What happened you ask? or maybe not, but I'm telling you anyway.
We had a very long wait at BWI, but the USO was terrific and stayed open late for our flight.
We trekked to our terminal at 10 to see if we would get on our military hop back to Aviano. They started calling names as to who got on and at 11:15 they said the flight was closed without calling our name. I thankfully found a terrific woman who is married to a man stationed here and she and I remained optimistic that we would get on. The scoop was that 50 active duty members didn't show and if they didn't come by midnight, we would get their seats. Sure enough, they called our name at midnight. We cried "YIPEE" and got on the plane and left. All probably within 45 minutes of our name being called.
The flight was good until the last 2 hours. I had a wonderful active duty member going to Doha sitting by me. Please pray for her as she is leaving behind her young family until February and her youngest just started Kindgergarten. God knew to put her by me.
What happened you ask? Jacqueline started throwing up - out of nowhere. I grabbed the blankets, anything I could find as I was pretty bleary-eyed. I'm handing Julia to my fellow passenger. I get Jacqueline cleaned up. I think we are okay the she starts again. Julia to the passenger next to me and everyone handing blankets again. This time her clothes are a mess. I only put Julia's clothes in the backpack at my feet and Jacqueline's are in her suitcase above our heads. Well, I can't get the bin open. No one can get the bin open. We'll have to smell this until we land. The wonderful flight attendant brings me washcloths, water, blankets etc. and I discover she has also pooped all over the seat.
No, it's not over. Julia has to join the act and throw up too! Then just before we land or maybe as we land, Jacqueline throws up again!!!!!!
Someone finally get the bin open after we land, we change her clothes and are the last ones off the plane. I am apologizing and thanking everyone. At least this happened on a military flight and everyone was soo good to us. Except "the man." I get off the plane and am directed to a room for a briefing for those going on to Aviano. I am sternly talked to b/c I missed the briefing. Well, I sternly told him back that my daughter had been throwing up and I thought it would be a good idea to get her cleaned up as they didn't want throw-up all over the room or maybe even on them.
Okay, we are an hour away from getting back on the plane. Jacqueline and Julia haven't thrown-up in the last 15 minutes. SCORE.
I am so wrong.
I get it, but, out the other end. Sorry, I know, not polite, but it's part of this saga. I seriously was just standing there watching them play. Thankfully, I am wearing black knit pants. Try cleaning yourself up in a bathroom with two small children when you hope they aren't calling your flight to be boarded.
Except... this isn't what happens. No. No. Instead, your flight gets delayed for an undetermined time and they are going to shuttle all 300 of you to a nearby hotel and take you to dinner.
You just have to laugh at this point. I don't have any Prosecco or Linda or Dawn or Amy or Jen or Tina or anyone - so I just keep laughing.
But the heavens part and the angels sing as I am waddling to the buses, Michael has sent his counterpart at Ramstein to save me. He tells me a hotel reservation on base has been made and he had snacks and drinks for the girls in his van..just right there. Michael doesn't know I am sick or the girls have been sick - we haven't spoken.
Jeff drops me off wanting to take me to the Commissary etc., but I beg off. I just want to get cleaned up and the girls cleaned up and sleep...forever. I walk in the door of our place get cleaned up and go to bed. I put the snacks and drinks where the girls can reach them and put a movie in. Jacqueline told me in the morning how she took really good care of Julia. I saw them both in bed at one point. I was horribly ill all night and in a fetal position when Michael came in. He drove up to Ramstein (9-10 hour drive) to get us.
On the way home we saw three spectacular rainbows in the Alps. All is well and we are safe at home again.
We had a very long wait at BWI, but the USO was terrific and stayed open late for our flight.
We trekked to our terminal at 10 to see if we would get on our military hop back to Aviano. They started calling names as to who got on and at 11:15 they said the flight was closed without calling our name. I thankfully found a terrific woman who is married to a man stationed here and she and I remained optimistic that we would get on. The scoop was that 50 active duty members didn't show and if they didn't come by midnight, we would get their seats. Sure enough, they called our name at midnight. We cried "YIPEE" and got on the plane and left. All probably within 45 minutes of our name being called.
The flight was good until the last 2 hours. I had a wonderful active duty member going to Doha sitting by me. Please pray for her as she is leaving behind her young family until February and her youngest just started Kindgergarten. God knew to put her by me.
What happened you ask? Jacqueline started throwing up - out of nowhere. I grabbed the blankets, anything I could find as I was pretty bleary-eyed. I'm handing Julia to my fellow passenger. I get Jacqueline cleaned up. I think we are okay the she starts again. Julia to the passenger next to me and everyone handing blankets again. This time her clothes are a mess. I only put Julia's clothes in the backpack at my feet and Jacqueline's are in her suitcase above our heads. Well, I can't get the bin open. No one can get the bin open. We'll have to smell this until we land. The wonderful flight attendant brings me washcloths, water, blankets etc. and I discover she has also pooped all over the seat.
No, it's not over. Julia has to join the act and throw up too! Then just before we land or maybe as we land, Jacqueline throws up again!!!!!!
Someone finally get the bin open after we land, we change her clothes and are the last ones off the plane. I am apologizing and thanking everyone. At least this happened on a military flight and everyone was soo good to us. Except "the man." I get off the plane and am directed to a room for a briefing for those going on to Aviano. I am sternly talked to b/c I missed the briefing. Well, I sternly told him back that my daughter had been throwing up and I thought it would be a good idea to get her cleaned up as they didn't want throw-up all over the room or maybe even on them.
Okay, we are an hour away from getting back on the plane. Jacqueline and Julia haven't thrown-up in the last 15 minutes. SCORE.
I am so wrong.
I get it, but, out the other end. Sorry, I know, not polite, but it's part of this saga. I seriously was just standing there watching them play. Thankfully, I am wearing black knit pants. Try cleaning yourself up in a bathroom with two small children when you hope they aren't calling your flight to be boarded.
Except... this isn't what happens. No. No. Instead, your flight gets delayed for an undetermined time and they are going to shuttle all 300 of you to a nearby hotel and take you to dinner.
You just have to laugh at this point. I don't have any Prosecco or Linda or Dawn or Amy or Jen or Tina or anyone - so I just keep laughing.
But the heavens part and the angels sing as I am waddling to the buses, Michael has sent his counterpart at Ramstein to save me. He tells me a hotel reservation on base has been made and he had snacks and drinks for the girls in his van..just right there. Michael doesn't know I am sick or the girls have been sick - we haven't spoken.
Jeff drops me off wanting to take me to the Commissary etc., but I beg off. I just want to get cleaned up and the girls cleaned up and sleep...forever. I walk in the door of our place get cleaned up and go to bed. I put the snacks and drinks where the girls can reach them and put a movie in. Jacqueline told me in the morning how she took really good care of Julia. I saw them both in bed at one point. I was horribly ill all night and in a fetal position when Michael came in. He drove up to Ramstein (9-10 hour drive) to get us.
On the way home we saw three spectacular rainbows in the Alps. All is well and we are safe at home again.
Monday, 18 August 2008
Yes, there is still life in Italy
Okay. Every day I see this woman - she's at least 65, if not 70. She rides everywhere on her scooter. I've never seen her walking. I saw her last night at 11pm and today at 9am. She is always wearing a navy blue windbreaker. I must know who she is although she always seems to be scowling.
Jacqueline and I have had some unexpected magical evenings. Last Monday night she and I went for a walk in our village after we had dinner. We happened to stumble upon a bocce ball tournament (where the throw the balls at a smaller red ball). It was high excitement in our little town. They had a little food court with watermelon, cheese and wine! We enjoyed sitting on the benches and walking the determination of the players. Jacqueline was in her Cinderella dress. All the Italians had to speak with her and she spoke right back with such confidence! They thought it was incredible.
Last night (it's a holiday here this weekend) there was a festival in Dardago. I went up to get our pizza's as Michael was busy with fantasy football. There was a donkey in our square, a photography exhibit and they were hitting pinatas at the school (made out of terracotta pots). The kids had to wear bicycle helmets and all the Italians were yelling very loudly which way to go to find the pot. It was hysterical. Jacqueline and I came back up for a concert in our 700 yr old church. I try to find any excuse to go in it b/c it is breathtaking. A quartet of women were singing. Their voices with the acoustics were mezmerizing. I have really missed music. We just sat in the crowded church with our eyes closed and listened.
Jacqueline and I then headed to the Asilo to see an art exhibit and for her to play on the playground. We always walk by the Asilo and she always wants to play. I haven't figured out why the Italian slides hurl the kids down at such a fast speed, but they DO.
Jacqueline, Julia and I planted sunflowers earlier this summer and they are blooming. Some are 8 feet tall and the heads weigh 5 plus pounds. Our Italian garden looks terrific. I will post pictures soon.
Our landlord was coming over to our house every day at 8:15. He usually needed to get into the house too. Two of the times I am trying to get the girls out of the house to go to the beach. I don't have the language skills to tell him this and rushing an Italian just doesn't occur. He also seemed to know when my house wasn't picked-up. He doesn't have children nor is he married so...
But our a/c is installed and we can sleep at night. Three cheers for a small victory.
I can't belive I almost forgot to write about my adventure last week - all in one day. Do you ever have one of those days? Well, now that I am 40, I have to get a mammogram annually so I went for mine. I knew the tech b/c her daughter had recently pummled Jacqueline at a birthday party. Thankfully, all is well (with myself and Jacqueline). After this, I went to the post office at the other area of the base and none of my credit cards would work. I went to the three ATMs and they were all out of order. Sooo... I went to get money from Michael and, seriously now, right when I drove up, Michael cut his hand open on a piece of glass. I rushed back over to the hospital with him where I had just had my boobs squished. He is fine by the way.
You think the day would end there, but no, it is only 11:30. I pick up Jacqueline from the sitters and all she does is scream for the next 2 hours at me. Your guess is as good as mine.
Finally, Michael gets home and I am off to Linda's for Bible Study. Well, on my way there, I get lollipop'ed. This is when the the Italian military police stop you by holding out a red circle on a stick. I am thinking, "what have I done?" Absolutely nothing. Yes, absolutely nothing.
What do I do next? If you've been reading my blogs, you know.
I walk into the door at Linda's, fall on the floor, and yell: "Prosecco."
Jacqueline and I have had some unexpected magical evenings. Last Monday night she and I went for a walk in our village after we had dinner. We happened to stumble upon a bocce ball tournament (where the throw the balls at a smaller red ball). It was high excitement in our little town. They had a little food court with watermelon, cheese and wine! We enjoyed sitting on the benches and walking the determination of the players. Jacqueline was in her Cinderella dress. All the Italians had to speak with her and she spoke right back with such confidence! They thought it was incredible.
Last night (it's a holiday here this weekend) there was a festival in Dardago. I went up to get our pizza's as Michael was busy with fantasy football. There was a donkey in our square, a photography exhibit and they were hitting pinatas at the school (made out of terracotta pots). The kids had to wear bicycle helmets and all the Italians were yelling very loudly which way to go to find the pot. It was hysterical. Jacqueline and I came back up for a concert in our 700 yr old church. I try to find any excuse to go in it b/c it is breathtaking. A quartet of women were singing. Their voices with the acoustics were mezmerizing. I have really missed music. We just sat in the crowded church with our eyes closed and listened.
Jacqueline and I then headed to the Asilo to see an art exhibit and for her to play on the playground. We always walk by the Asilo and she always wants to play. I haven't figured out why the Italian slides hurl the kids down at such a fast speed, but they DO.
Jacqueline, Julia and I planted sunflowers earlier this summer and they are blooming. Some are 8 feet tall and the heads weigh 5 plus pounds. Our Italian garden looks terrific. I will post pictures soon.
Our landlord was coming over to our house every day at 8:15. He usually needed to get into the house too. Two of the times I am trying to get the girls out of the house to go to the beach. I don't have the language skills to tell him this and rushing an Italian just doesn't occur. He also seemed to know when my house wasn't picked-up. He doesn't have children nor is he married so...
But our a/c is installed and we can sleep at night. Three cheers for a small victory.
I can't belive I almost forgot to write about my adventure last week - all in one day. Do you ever have one of those days? Well, now that I am 40, I have to get a mammogram annually so I went for mine. I knew the tech b/c her daughter had recently pummled Jacqueline at a birthday party. Thankfully, all is well (with myself and Jacqueline). After this, I went to the post office at the other area of the base and none of my credit cards would work. I went to the three ATMs and they were all out of order. Sooo... I went to get money from Michael and, seriously now, right when I drove up, Michael cut his hand open on a piece of glass. I rushed back over to the hospital with him where I had just had my boobs squished. He is fine by the way.
You think the day would end there, but no, it is only 11:30. I pick up Jacqueline from the sitters and all she does is scream for the next 2 hours at me. Your guess is as good as mine.
Finally, Michael gets home and I am off to Linda's for Bible Study. Well, on my way there, I get lollipop'ed. This is when the the Italian military police stop you by holding out a red circle on a stick. I am thinking, "what have I done?" Absolutely nothing. Yes, absolutely nothing.
What do I do next? If you've been reading my blogs, you know.
I walk into the door at Linda's, fall on the floor, and yell: "Prosecco."
Thursday, 10 July 2008
4th of July etc.
We went to Croatia - Porec is the town. It was terrific. The water is truly turquoise. The beaches were rocky so it was a little bit of challenge with kiddos. We spent most of our time in the pool anyway. The food wasn't nearly as good as it was in Slovenia. We took a ferry ride to Porec from our hotel and it was fun being out on the Sea. I threw caution to the wind and wore a bikini.
Most of the people wear them in Europe. When I went to the beach the previous week I was the only person in a one piece. I love how the Europeans just don't care. The 70 yr old women were all in bikinis. The men, needless to say, were all in speedos. Yes, even the 70 yr olds. It was not a pretty picture. The Germans, who rarely see daylight, really really needed more fabric. I didn't see any black socks with sandals thankfully. And much to Michael's chagrin, only a few topless women.
Where did we get so hung up on body image? Celebrity? I don't know.
It finally cooled off this week. On Tuesday, it never got out of the 60's. Whoo hoo. I am still going and bugging the guy at housing to call my landlord to get a/c.
I'm back to my Italian tutoring - acccck. I have homework and all I want to do is play.
We are dog sitting for some friends. Jacqueline keeps walking the dog around the outside of the house. She had to eat lunch outside today with the dog and sleep with the dog on her bed.
4th of July was interesting here. It was like being in a small town. Michael played in a baseball game and then we had a dinner that evening with our Italian counterparts. We missed the fireworks as we drove on to Croatia. The girls looked cute in their 4th of July outfits. We certainly did miss being in the parade back at the lake in Dallas.
I ate lunch at Raffe's this week. One of the best meals I have had. We started with Prosecco. I can just stop there, right? We had her famous bruschetta, she fried zuccini flowers (one of the best things I have ever eaten - like the fried sage leaves), then orchetta pasta with zuccini and alot of garlic, turkey with a caper sauce along with sauted yellow peppers (and something else), and to top it off, homemade tiramisu.
Yes, Cheryl is working on a cookbook with Raffe. And, you must have it. It will be ready by Christmas. Start the drooling now.
Most of the people wear them in Europe. When I went to the beach the previous week I was the only person in a one piece. I love how the Europeans just don't care. The 70 yr old women were all in bikinis. The men, needless to say, were all in speedos. Yes, even the 70 yr olds. It was not a pretty picture. The Germans, who rarely see daylight, really really needed more fabric. I didn't see any black socks with sandals thankfully. And much to Michael's chagrin, only a few topless women.
Where did we get so hung up on body image? Celebrity? I don't know.
It finally cooled off this week. On Tuesday, it never got out of the 60's. Whoo hoo. I am still going and bugging the guy at housing to call my landlord to get a/c.
I'm back to my Italian tutoring - acccck. I have homework and all I want to do is play.
We are dog sitting for some friends. Jacqueline keeps walking the dog around the outside of the house. She had to eat lunch outside today with the dog and sleep with the dog on her bed.
4th of July was interesting here. It was like being in a small town. Michael played in a baseball game and then we had a dinner that evening with our Italian counterparts. We missed the fireworks as we drove on to Croatia. The girls looked cute in their 4th of July outfits. We certainly did miss being in the parade back at the lake in Dallas.
I ate lunch at Raffe's this week. One of the best meals I have had. We started with Prosecco. I can just stop there, right? We had her famous bruschetta, she fried zuccini flowers (one of the best things I have ever eaten - like the fried sage leaves), then orchetta pasta with zuccini and alot of garlic, turkey with a caper sauce along with sauted yellow peppers (and something else), and to top it off, homemade tiramisu.
Yes, Cheryl is working on a cookbook with Raffe. And, you must have it. It will be ready by Christmas. Start the drooling now.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Summer in Italy
Okay, so things have been busy, but that has come to a halt with our stifling 90+ degree temps. I guess people adapt to having no a/c, but it's hot. And why come to Europe in the summer? I don't get it unless you have school aged children. We sit in our house in the afternoon with all the windows shut including the blinds with the fans blowing on us. We also jump in and out of the pool or the slip n slide. I can't believe it is so hot b/c 2 1/2 weeks ago we still had snow on the mountains and our high was only 60. I had to pull my sweaters back out. One evening I couldn't believe my eyes that I saw snow on the mountains in Slovenia and I mean it was covered. The next morning our landlord confirmed that it had snowed over there (this is mid-June hello) and in Austria!
My partner in crime and her family left a few weeks ago. I miss you - it's too quiet here without you!!! Another friend left today and another will leave in August.
Okay, so in the middle of May we started having friends and family come. We had a terrific visit with a friend of mine from Austin and her new hubby. We did Prosecco Road one day and found a fabulous cantina. The woman was a riot. I took my parents back there. They did Venice and then moved onward.
My parents came in at the same time and we threw them in the car the day after they arrived. We headed to a very rainy Tuscany and then, thankfully, a very sunny Cinque Terre and Genova. Tuscany is incredible. The rain put a little damper on it (and it was very cool). We had one winery where the rain literally stopped when we drove up. The vinters are the 31st generation growing grapes here. Francesco was an excellent tour guide and host. The grandfather maintains the American cemetery in Florence either once a week or once a month. We sat overlooking the vineyard eating salami, olive oil, bread and cheese; and of course, drinking a very fine Chianti. It was just one of those amazing days you have in your life. We also went to Siena, Volterra, Lucca, Montepulciano and some villages in the Chianti region. I ran into a Texas Tech person who was in DC the same time I was! We ran into him again in Cinque Terre. A friend of mine said the light is different in Tuscany. It is true. Add some poppies in with the blossoming grapevines and... whew.
We moved onto Cinque Terre and stayed in a 14th century farmhouse near La Spezia. We headed to Cinque Terre which are 5 towns on the Mediterranean protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can easily walk between the first two towns (along and sometimes over the sea). Breathtaking!!! My daughter decided in one of the villages that she had to swim - she ran in with all of her clothes on and entertained the crowd by jumping up in down in the water. I will add as an aside that we went to a terrific beach on the Adratic last week so JD went swimming in the Adriatic and Med within 5 weeks. Pretty cool! We also visited the aquarium in Genova. It is a huge city especially when driving a Tahoe. It was a great aquarium (of course, not like the one in Atlanta etc.) so we were pleasantly surprised. JD is really missing "museums." We ate dinner in Santa Margaurite Ligure. It is a beautiful town also on the sea. Mom and Dad enjoyed getting their fill of seafood.
The last day we traveled to Portevenere, another seaside town. It was so different than the others, b/c it had some old fort ruins. It definitely wasn't as touristy so I think it ended up being all of our favorites'. We took a boat ride too.
I took mom and dad to Prosecco Road and then Mel and family came in too so we had a house full. We took a short trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia. I highly recommend Slovenia as the food is great and most of the people speak English. Over 55% of the country is forested. The only new drawback is they are making you buy a toll tag to drive on the autostrada for 35 euros (it lasts for 6 months). We took the boat out to the island with the little church on it. The girls all took turns ringing the bell 3 x for good luck. We took a horse drawn carriage up to the castle the following day. It was the only time it was sunny during our whole trip!
We also ventured to Sacile, Trieste, and Venice. Plus we took the girls to the butterfly house in Bordano. This town was destroyed by the 76 earthquake and they rebuilt it. The townspeople built the butterfly house in honor of their town in symbolizim. Many of the houses had butterfly murals painted on them.
I know there is more and I will publish pictures of our terrific trips soon. We are headed to Croatia. YEAH. I'll have to start planning where we go next.
Oh, and yes, this Dallas shopping girl is very excited that the new mall in Pordenone opened. It's terrific (okay, not by Dallas shopping standards) for us.
Michael threw a great surprise 40th celebration for me while we had all the company here. He did a terrific job. I am still in awe that my g'friend, and fellow Texan, had it as her hubby just returned from Iraq the week before. It's that military/Texan combo.
WOW.
It isn't letting me edit the post so please excuse the spelling - I am typing while I have 5 minutes!
My partner in crime and her family left a few weeks ago. I miss you - it's too quiet here without you!!! Another friend left today and another will leave in August.
Okay, so in the middle of May we started having friends and family come. We had a terrific visit with a friend of mine from Austin and her new hubby. We did Prosecco Road one day and found a fabulous cantina. The woman was a riot. I took my parents back there. They did Venice and then moved onward.
My parents came in at the same time and we threw them in the car the day after they arrived. We headed to a very rainy Tuscany and then, thankfully, a very sunny Cinque Terre and Genova. Tuscany is incredible. The rain put a little damper on it (and it was very cool). We had one winery where the rain literally stopped when we drove up. The vinters are the 31st generation growing grapes here. Francesco was an excellent tour guide and host. The grandfather maintains the American cemetery in Florence either once a week or once a month. We sat overlooking the vineyard eating salami, olive oil, bread and cheese; and of course, drinking a very fine Chianti. It was just one of those amazing days you have in your life. We also went to Siena, Volterra, Lucca, Montepulciano and some villages in the Chianti region. I ran into a Texas Tech person who was in DC the same time I was! We ran into him again in Cinque Terre. A friend of mine said the light is different in Tuscany. It is true. Add some poppies in with the blossoming grapevines and... whew.
We moved onto Cinque Terre and stayed in a 14th century farmhouse near La Spezia. We headed to Cinque Terre which are 5 towns on the Mediterranean protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can easily walk between the first two towns (along and sometimes over the sea). Breathtaking!!! My daughter decided in one of the villages that she had to swim - she ran in with all of her clothes on and entertained the crowd by jumping up in down in the water. I will add as an aside that we went to a terrific beach on the Adratic last week so JD went swimming in the Adriatic and Med within 5 weeks. Pretty cool! We also visited the aquarium in Genova. It is a huge city especially when driving a Tahoe. It was a great aquarium (of course, not like the one in Atlanta etc.) so we were pleasantly surprised. JD is really missing "museums." We ate dinner in Santa Margaurite Ligure. It is a beautiful town also on the sea. Mom and Dad enjoyed getting their fill of seafood.
The last day we traveled to Portevenere, another seaside town. It was so different than the others, b/c it had some old fort ruins. It definitely wasn't as touristy so I think it ended up being all of our favorites'. We took a boat ride too.
I took mom and dad to Prosecco Road and then Mel and family came in too so we had a house full. We took a short trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia. I highly recommend Slovenia as the food is great and most of the people speak English. Over 55% of the country is forested. The only new drawback is they are making you buy a toll tag to drive on the autostrada for 35 euros (it lasts for 6 months). We took the boat out to the island with the little church on it. The girls all took turns ringing the bell 3 x for good luck. We took a horse drawn carriage up to the castle the following day. It was the only time it was sunny during our whole trip!
We also ventured to Sacile, Trieste, and Venice. Plus we took the girls to the butterfly house in Bordano. This town was destroyed by the 76 earthquake and they rebuilt it. The townspeople built the butterfly house in honor of their town in symbolizim. Many of the houses had butterfly murals painted on them.
I know there is more and I will publish pictures of our terrific trips soon. We are headed to Croatia. YEAH. I'll have to start planning where we go next.
Oh, and yes, this Dallas shopping girl is very excited that the new mall in Pordenone opened. It's terrific (okay, not by Dallas shopping standards) for us.
Michael threw a great surprise 40th celebration for me while we had all the company here. He did a terrific job. I am still in awe that my g'friend, and fellow Texan, had it as her hubby just returned from Iraq the week before. It's that military/Texan combo.
WOW.
It isn't letting me edit the post so please excuse the spelling - I am typing while I have 5 minutes!
Thursday, 15 May 2008
I will write more later, but you have to see my SCORE at Nove. I got this same platter for 5euros - http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?sku=15251646&mcat=148208&cid=316225&search_params=s+5-p+1-c+316225-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+
It has a very very tiny flaw that isn't noticeable. It does say Tiffany on the back. You know I am a Harvey shopper. Whoo Hoo.
Amy and I went to Nove on Friday so she could get a last few things. We saw a Prosecco sign and immediately had to stop! We went in and for the first time I saw where you go get your bottles filled up. It was a riot watching the guys come in with their gas cans filling them up with wine. I got a fairly big size bottle for 3 euros. It looks like a gas station for wine (about 8 different kinds).
We had a terrific pasta lunch with some more Prosecco.
Mom and Dad arrived today and some friends from Austin arrived the other day. We had a great time again on Prosecco road and ate at a terrific restaurant around the corner from me. I had pork with a red pepper sauce.
Monday, for my 40th, we ate dinner at Raffe's. It was delish! She made a terrific appetizer with eggplant. I am loving eggplant here as they just season it so differently. She made a pork dish with mustard glaze. Yummy.
Amy and I hit the mall in Udine.
It has a very very tiny flaw that isn't noticeable. It does say Tiffany on the back. You know I am a Harvey shopper. Whoo Hoo.
Amy and I went to Nove on Friday so she could get a last few things. We saw a Prosecco sign and immediately had to stop! We went in and for the first time I saw where you go get your bottles filled up. It was a riot watching the guys come in with their gas cans filling them up with wine. I got a fairly big size bottle for 3 euros. It looks like a gas station for wine (about 8 different kinds).
We had a terrific pasta lunch with some more Prosecco.
Mom and Dad arrived today and some friends from Austin arrived the other day. We had a great time again on Prosecco road and ate at a terrific restaurant around the corner from me. I had pork with a red pepper sauce.
Monday, for my 40th, we ate dinner at Raffe's. It was delish! She made a terrific appetizer with eggplant. I am loving eggplant here as they just season it so differently. She made a pork dish with mustard glaze. Yummy.
Amy and I hit the mall in Udine.
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