A Day Has 24 Hours, So I'll Use 20.

Yesterday was hands down my longest day yet- 20ish hours? It was all planned though, so I knew I'd be leaving work to house hunt, then going to a wine class which put me home rather late. So what did I do? In one of my genius moments I decided to go wake up at 0400 for a run. (Yeah, it is sad when the gym opening at 0500 doesn't work with my schedule.) At any rate, it was quiet- very quiet here at the hotel. I'm pretty sure the desk clerk was in shock when he saw someone walking out of the elevator (mainly because I hope it wasn't the "I just rolled out of bed and threw my neon green top on" look I was sporting).

As I ran around the base I couldn't help but think even more about how this place resembles a prison. I was running and then it would hit a fence so I turned. Don't believe me? There are also cameras, guards, MPs, and perhaps the creepiest yellow lights ever complete the prison setting. The 2 things that made me laugh and keep running were a friendly orange tabby cat who forced me to multi-task while stretching and the speed/radar detector that clocked me at 10mph. Nope- I don't run that fast!

Heading back into the lobby I was thrilled to not see the desk clerk, but on the way up to my floor the elevator stopped to pick up a middle aged shirtless man who felt the need to talk to me. Just when I thought the doors would release me to dash to my room, the doors opened and there was the desk clerk. The poor guy! Very few should see me post workout (those of you who have seen me totally know what I'm talking about). Don't believe me? Just keep reading...

Downed coffee, checked FB, got ready for work and headed back down to catch the shuttle- looking human. How human? Same guy was at the desk and as soon as he saw me, "a new girl" came out of his mouth. Glad to know my transformation is significant.

Work days are once again turning into full 8 hours, but now that I have access to many of the systems it's keeping me busy and the hours are (mostly) passing by. My DTS knowledge is becoming known which I was hoping to keep a secret but you know me- always helping out when I can. It's actually letting me socialize with the other office more so it's win-win. The other system is tricky, but for those of you who know KFS....FMS is better. Well, I think so. Talk to me after my week long training next month!

Okay, let's turn our attention to more exciting things like house hunting! I met the unofficial mayor of Monte Di Procida (monte di proshida when I'm trying to remember how to say it or MdP when I'm lazy)- Enzo! If you think of your stereotypical, middle age, Italian man, you have Enzo. He's definitely connected and had no issue telling me how he is really good friends with the actor shot kills Tony Soprano at the end of the series. He's even offered to have me meet this guy next time he's in town so I can get a picture with him. We also drove by the house they used as the Soprano's house, but since I didn't watch the show it's hard to really know! It's so hard to censor my remarks and sarcasm when I'm caught off guard with conversations like this.

At any rate, he's lived up to all referrals by various people and he showed me three beautiful apartments on our tour. He too lives in this town (in a building his great-grandfather built) and was actually born there. I was learning all about the history of this adorable town. Best part? They have trash pick up 6 days a week (paper, glass, plastic, metal, trash, etc. each have a special day) and they are repaving the roads. Yeah, totally worth the drive and I haven't even mentioned the beach or views!

Okay, on with our tour. As soon as we headed up the hill, we took another hill up an itty bitty alley way. I had no idea if we were on our way to the house or just taking a back road. Turns out we were headed to the end of this alley to see the house with a beautiful kitchen. Here's the mini tour:

 

Pros: Better kitchen than I've ever had in the states, walk in closet, built in closet, fabulous view, landlords live upstairs (bonus- they speak English)

Cons: Small living space (not sure if my couch will work), "3rd room" is really the loft about kitchen/living room (totally do-able for my craft room/office)

Notes: This was originally part of their house so when they did all the upgrades it was for them. Translation, it's a lot nicer than some of the other things I've seen. The guest room is the room with the stairs with storage with the intention of the bed going in that loft area. The hall way is ridiculously large so I may just play bocce ball there. 

Va bene! Let's go see the next place. (Queue Portuguese music that Enzo will start dancing to while driving...)

Pros: Located 3 minutes away from a bus stop, garage parking, huge living room and open kitchen, large patio, mini vineyard outside master bed room, 3 real rooms, vanity in one bathroom

Cons: View obstructed by vegetation, Americans live next door, freaking huge hallway- room for a bowling alley, nothing too exciting architecturally

Notes: Garage parking and gated driveway, cute kitty, landlords on site, location was fabulous, 2 extra rooms were decent, no great view, no common storage, large laundry area

Va bene! One more for today's tour...

Pros: Stunning view, excellent location, it's all new, walk in master closet, large living space, lots of windows in kitchen, patio, beautiful tiles

Cons: Tiny "guest rooms", laundry in hallway, closets for one room also in hallway, very modern looking, stone wall in living room, theme-y overboard bathrooms

Notes: This apartment was in an old wine storage building, a block up from Stappo, all new (if the lack of finished kitchen doesn't indicate that), the view was amazing but that's a whole lot of glass that the sun was shinning through in the middle of the afternoon (west exposure)

So there you have it. You've seen all of my housing options (more or less)- what's your vote? Seriously, I've never picked my own place before and I'm scared I'm rushing into this because of my TDY next month but I really do need to start the paperwork. Okay, maybe I'm just scared of saying yes to one of these and then realize there's something better out there...feedback please!

There are two that I keep thinking about how my furniture would work and how I would make it all work. I definitely am sold on MdP because I've been told by people making the drive for years it's not too bad and totally worth it. I've already met some of the town (driving in Enzo is immediate star status) plus this place Stappo is their local wine place/hangout. Still not sure, but now that I've added them on Facebook and know several of their wine class folks I'm sure it's going to be a stop when guests are in town. 

Oh, I've also been educated on Enzo's favorite Italian jazz singer and unfortunately I can't recall it at all...I'm sure if I work with Enzo to secure a house I'll be listening to more of his jazz collection and Enzo's singing. Benissimo!