The Great Migration

Loading everything into suitcases was only Phase I of my moving experience, but that was the toughest one to take. (How come the first step is always the hardest?) Checking out was a tinge sad and Giuseppe was in shock to hear that I was leaving. He said he didn’t see my name on the check out list- yeah, they all know my name at the front desk! I swear I didn’t have that many issues but I guess my 3-4 a day walk bys had them all knowing that I lived there. 

With my stuff in storage, I headed to the personal property office where I was first in line. Well, the personal assisting me couldn’t find my shipment information even though I assured her that I received an email over a month ago saying it was here. I left her with the necessary documents, set up a delivery date and she was going to call me later on with more info (like who had my stuff) later on. She did call (when she said she would!) with my delivery confirmation. So just how long am I HHG-less? Just a smidge under 2 weeks. Good thing I’ll be gone some of those days and I have lots of people willing to lend me the basics like- sheets, pots, pans, etc.

The work day was fun; I find that on Fridays we get our work done so fast that we have time to hang around and chat. I love this because it let’s me get to know some of the folks I don’t know all that well. I did get a quick N7 (engineering) lesson about condensers, water pressure, and the importance of considering how much weight is on a ship. I also got a preview of what to expect when my HHG delivery happens- and let me just say I’m willing to bribe anyone who may be free on a work day to help me out!

After the mandatory 8 hours (well, less when you take leave to deal with other stuff in the morning) I headed back to the SS to volunteer at the Back to School Block Party with Le Piume Nere. I finally met the man who put the club together and then was walked around the event and introduced to other members. We of course also did a professional job “supervising” the train ride, but for the most part the kids knew to line up so it was easy. I saw plenty of my green team VBS kids with their parents who were thrilled to have school once again starting. Figuring I had been baking enough in the sun based on the increase of freckles on my arms and the desire to jump into Monterey Bay’s freezing cold water…I headed over to my former home to load up my suitcases. Well, nothing is every that easy—this is Italy after all! I had to say ciao to the afternoon desk clerks and try to maneuver the cart full of luggage on a slanted cobble stone sidewalk. Thankfully the nicest guy EVER helped me with that one.  

Since my day was getting further and further away from me, I decided to meet Tanya and her kids at the “local dinning establishment” for dinner. Hands down it was the worse dinning experience I’ve had there- and some have been not so great. The kids were dying of thirst and yet our drink order took forever, as in arrived after our meals. Sure we could have asked someone, but that would have required having someone walk by close enough to snag and ask them. Lots of people did walk by- the SS really is the place to be on Friday nights (or not if you’ve seen enough of your coworkers throughout the week).

After the longest meal ever, feeling grimy, and still way too warm for the sun to be below the horizon, it was time for Ravi and I to finally head home. I had hoped to make it by 8:30 but 9 was more of our arrival time- partially because I drove right past it, making a loop since I know that Ravi will only make a left hand turn into the courtyard.

"The eagle has landed."

On attempt #2 I noticed an old man sitting on the stairs and luckily he realized that I needed help guiding my car in the spot. Seriously- I’ve got a wiggle room of maybe 8 inches. In retrospect it would have been nice to know that prior to signing the contract BUT I’m getting the hang of it. When I got out of my car, I realized the man had walked my direction and was pointing to my car and keys. I told him in plain English that I lived here. He responded something in Italian and then I heard “parli italiano?” and had to respond with a “no.”  As he slowly lead the way up stairs to the landlady’s apartment I finally realized he must be her husband. (He is just a lot older than her?!) Once we made it to the top of the stairs he entered the apartment and I swear I heard something about Americano and turned to see familiar faces and a few more. Another one of their daughters and grandson, both speaking fabulous English, gave me the tour of the final state of the apartment and told me a few of the things I needed to know- like how to turn on the AC. After the tour they assured me that they would be home and to just come over if I needed anything at all. Well, they would be there until Weds and the grandson another week. 

Once they left I made 4 (or was it 5?) treks up the steps to get my stuff. Between the steep steps to get my stuff my stuff and the ones I get to climb to get to the kitchen/living room my legs are going to reach super strength status. I sure hope Stanley can keep up! Alright, time to start evaluating usage of space and then it’s bed time- mud run tomorrow!