Semi-Filtered Thoughts on Naples

The one bad thing about me living in the future is I often have these random thoughts and really can't text them to anyone since you're all asleep! I've been keeping a list of some of the random thoughts I've had and decided it's time to share. Don't judge me. These are things that pop into my brain during the commute to/from work, while on housing tours, watching tv, or just observing my environment. Granted, some are my theories but you know what...come visit and I bet you will have some of the same thoughts!

• Everyone is skinny here because they sip (or down) an espresso on an hourly basis. When they aren't consuming the glorious shot of caffeine and sugar there is a cigarette pressed between their lips. My lungs aren't quite used to all this second hand smoke and I still don't endorse smoking, but I may need to re-evaluate my coffee consumption and step it up to the levels of the locals!
• Driving. Still not sure if I'm willing to attack this one. Why? Well today on the way to lunch we couldn't figure out why the lady was still driving on the shoulder after the massive pot hole on the on ramp. Then we see her waving a cell phone with her right hand. As we pass we notice there is another one in her left hand and up to her ear. Somehow she was still talking with both of her hands too. Alida suggested that this is how they 3-way call out here. (I think it's one reason why their driving is so sporadic!) 
• In Italy people watching is hilarious. Well, entertaining but also a lot different than in the states. The fashion alone is hilarious. Um maybe that's the wrong word. Maybe I'm supposed to be in awe of some of the statements made? Yeah I don't know. All I know is I need to step up my high heel...literally, about 2 inches!
• Another very different thing to learn is to how to deal with the eyes that seem to follow you as you walk by. I may have told a few of you about my first experience walking into the gym here on base. As I walked in I swear every guy had their eyes on me. And yes, you know I try to avoid all eye contact when at the gym so this was insane. Well, I thought it was insane...until I realized that the game of racquetball had all but stopped as the 4 younger Italians were looking at me. Now that was insane. I don't tell you this story to remind you single guys you missed your chance while I was in Monterey (HA! I can't even keep a straight face and I'm the one typing) but rather to provide examples of just how things are different. We've even noticed this phenomenon at the mall by men with their families who just feel the need to watch us. I'm just as guilty as the next person of glancing over to see someone but I'm pretty sure that 80% of the time it goes undetected...

Okay, well I think that's more than enough of my fabulous observations at this time.  One thing is for certain, as my adventures will continue so will my observations. I really don't list them to categorize them in good/bad/indifferent but rather it's just part of my new life out here. I'm sure by the end of my stay I too will have some of these characteristics that seem so different and even odd at times. Please, please, please make sure I assimilate properly back into the American culture-okay? Thanks!