Today was our kick off to intercultural relations. No, this is not how to find, attract, and marry an Italian man. This was an intro to the Italian culture and in many segments of it we ended up comparing and contrasting America to Italy. Within the first few minutes I was a little more at ease again about being here- maybe that's because rather than security up there an Italian woman was presenting this information? At any rate, within minutes I was laughing...how can you not with an image like this?
But then we started talking about personal space. It's no secret that most Americans (myself included) respect a different distance than other cultures. The presenter called a 100% American up to prove this point further. They were at any acceptable distance from each other...maybe 3ft apart? Apparently this offends Italians because they see it as us not liking them.
Crap.
How many Italians have I already offended? I'm going to work on staying within an arms length of people while talking to them and not turn around when in line to glare because someone is way too close. I can do this. Why? Well I learned today that hugs are only given in this country after extended lengths of absence! So yes, if you come and visit me expect a hug but just to say "see you in a few hours?" it's not happening. I'm safe!
Well, safe is all relative...in place of the hug they actually grab your shoulders and then do the cheek to cheek mwahs and this is after only meeting them once before. Hey, you win some, you lose some.
We were also showed a ton of things that we should visit/see while we're here so I'm already getting the official "Tours di Kato" list of things together. Of course, I've yet to check any of these places out for myself but our tour out on town come Friday will help with that.
I've also learned a little bit about how to catch a bus off base. I'm hoping that I can find a local market before too long because this lack of salad fixings (like lettuce) is getting really old. Go figure that all of our produce goes through the distribution centers even when there is a ton of local agriculture. This Salinas valley girl just wants some lettuce!
***WARNING: This is the start of a side story....
After a fair amount debating if I should head to the same eating establishment as I ate the other night earlier tonight I caved. I wasn't dreading it because of the lack of quality food, but rather the fact that I've been craving sugar all day and knew I'd cave and just eat dessert for dinner. After the plan of what I was going to get (no dessert!) I headed down and asked for my "table for uno." My heart nearly broke when I realized my Italian meal plan of red wine and bruschetta was a no go because of the lack of tomatoes. I think the waiter sensed my distraught and when I asked what other dish I could have with veggies he was very helpful. I ended up with Mongolian Chicken. Yep. I'm now eating Asian cuisine in Italy, next to a picture of George Washington. I had to giggle when this all hit me but you know what? I got my veggies (zucchini, peppers, fresh mushrooms, carrots). But seriously. I need tomatoes and lettuce real soon. End Story***What else have I learned about my new home?
- We don't use pennies here. Why not? They would cost more money to ship than they are worth. Yes, I'm operating in two currencies now- the dollar and euro- one inside the wire and the other outside.
- There are so many historic artifacts found while doing construction they've just decided to proceed anyway. Apparently there are a few clear panels to the ground to see what they found while building...I'll have to look for that next time grocery shopping. When they built the metro out in town they just dug it super deep- they figured the extra time spent digging was less than the time it would take to clear all the archeological findings. Yeah, this place is old. Multiple "ancient civilizations?"
- I need to start sleeping for New Year's now. Apparently dinner starts NYE at 9pm, you eat until 12 (that's really not a stretch considering what I've already seen). They then do fireworks (both on their balconies and official ones in the sky) for about an hour. Then it's time to dress up and go hit the clubs until 7am. (Ha.) You'd think they go home after that? No. Coffee shops open early on 1 January so you can go have your first cup of caffè to kick off the new year. It's considered good luck. Only then can you go to bed.
Okay, believe it not this blog has been written in 3 different locations today- although it started in my "office" I soon realized it was far too nice of a day to be inside. I headed off to the balcony on the 2nd floor to enjoy just a tad of late afternoon sun. When the wind kicked up too much I headed in, but I'm once again out here on the patio (just the other side) enjoying the sky turn from pink/orange to blue and well, now rather navy blue looking. It's so clear that if I manage to stay up just a tad longer I should see some amazing stars. Wait. Who needs stars? I hear and see fireworks off in the distance. I just may never understand this place but I'm still going to play the newbie card for the time being. Really wish you all were here to see this! As cheesy as it sounds I'm totally reminded of the lyrics to Somewhere Out There, but yeah, that's the real sign it's time for me to head back upstairs and get to sleep. Buona notte!
And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky
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