Ferragosto

So I've mentioned a few times about how August leaves the streets looking like a ghost town here in Italy. Today I stand corrected- I am now officially living in a ghost town. Today, 15 August, is Ferragosto which although I really can't find a ton of information on it, it's when the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated. (I'll do more "research" next year when the town I'll soon be living in hosts one of the festivals.)

Even the base felt emptier given that most Italian nationals get at least 1, if not up to 3 days off this week. It goes back to the labor laws here that say they only work 32 hours a week. Since working for the government requires 40 hours they essentially earn a day off every 2 weeks...which they combine with US and/or Italian holidays. Sweet gig? You bet and yes, I'm super jealous I'm not Italian. And yes, it gets worse with every out of office email I get. (Turns out Americans also take this opportunity to escape as well.) So the weekend, plus 3ish days off- most Italians are currently on the seashore celebrating with family, friends, food, and yes, fireworks. Always fireworks!

Well, that's the Italy update.

Ready for the Katie update? After sending out several emails today I realized that I've been so busy retelling my days after they've happened that I haven't shared some of my more recent thoughts, feelings, and grand plans for the immediate future. (I'd make this a video but that would mean I'd need to stop singing along with iTunes and I'm just not on board with that plan.)  So here they are:

• I enrolled for Italian I class. It starts at the end of the month and meets after work for 2ish hours. So although I'll learn Italian, it's going to be at the cost of my beloved afternoon nap...I better learn Italian! Two of my coworkers are also in the class and they get to work even earlier than I do so it should be interesting.

• I still haven't heard if my house is entirely painted. I figured I'd give Enzo a break (from me at least) on this holiday but I'll get that information tomorrow. I'm super eager to move in, even if that daily drive is making me a little anxious. 

• Um I saw a few shooting stars while running this morning. Turns out it's Perseids meteor shower time. Ha. Love the things I learn when I'm running under the stars, full moon, and yes, even have the NATO security vehicle somewhat pacing me from the other side of the fence. Talk about really feeling like I'm in prison. I actually may have been their entertainment this morning since I saw them way more than normal. They were just probably wondering why someone was out there so early...

• I'm currently trying to plan out the next few holiday weekends. Since I'm the one in my office not on travel or taking vacation I think that a day or two won't be an issue. I was actually told that I'm in charge next week, by default. I'll be supervising 2 employees. We're going to have fun. I actually asked to start learning some of the basic engineering stuff today so I can be a sub for our N7...why not? Um yeah, I can think of several reasons too. 

• I have my eye on several out of country half marathons for 2012 (in the April/May timeframe). My latest thought is to run a race in as many countries as possible. Stanley isn't completely on board with this idea right now, so we're going to ease into it. [GWB I'll email you spreadsheet.]

I think that's pretty much what's going on over here. I'm getting ready to pack up my room. I'll have to shoot another video of that so you all can see how I've made this place home after 90 days of being here. I will miss the guys at the front desk (one almost agreed to start running with me this morning when I woke him up after coming back in- oops) but it's time. It's actually past time.