Alex, You're Not in the US Anymore

Per the new policies for staying at Casa di Nico, all visitors must submit a guest blog. To make this requirement easier I decided to provide a list of questions to be answered. No, it's not quite as fun as having someone journal their experience, but it's something rather than nothing. Bonus? It helps pass the flight back home or combat the jetlag that strikes at 3am.

My first interviewee? Alex. (And no, that's not his legal name. Leave it to me to pass that along to my friends doing a huge favor by picking him up at the terminal to discover first. At least the "Alex is actually MIA" text was resolved within 15 minutes.)

Alex and I met back in Monterey in late 2008 when I was still at NPS and he was at DLI. He was part of a larger group, primarily DLI students that I met through the church I was attending at the time. This group was at our apartment weekly (if not more) for a weekly Bible Study or game night. When I was home last year for my sister's wedding, I learned he was at DLI, learning another language so we met up to watch the Giants annihilate the Tigers in game 3 of the WS. When he decided to take some major leave time, he took me up on the offer (extended to everyone), and decided to come visit!

Not only was this his first trip to Italy, but out of the US. Eek!

If it hasn't been incredibly clear, southern Italy isn't exactly the most first foreign trip friendly location especially when your host is stuck at work so you're out and about solo. Luckily, Alex has a gift for languages, and knowing Spanish he was successfuly fumbled through the many adventures he had...like getting off at the wrong train exit for Pompeii during a local transportation strike.

I realize that I'm becoming very immune to all things Life in Naples, but that doesn't mean others aren't. Given that this was his first trip out of the states I wanted to see just how much of an impact Naples had on him and make sure all those "Italian" things that really aren't normal were documented in his trip reflections.

Katie: What was the biggest shock being outside of the US for the first time?
Alex: Probably how the size of everything is reduced from cars to homes. Waking up and hearing voices that aren't speaking English is a bit of shock when you're not accustomed to it.

Katie: What was your favorite Italian dish/food tried?
Alex: This is a tough call being Italian food is my favorite gastronomically. Probably would have to say I can never enough pastas, especially anything with fettuccine.

Katie: What 3 words best describe Italy? Why?
Alex: Beautiful- for obvious reasons, everything from the ocean views to volcanic mountains to densely populated modern yet historical cities.
Community- Italians are very family oriented and extraordinarily friendly and helpful. People you meet in Italy are not likely to be cold or reserved.
Loud- car horns, moped horns, shouting is considered normal communication, and my personal favorite church bells.

Katie: Most frustrating "culture shock" moment?
Alex: There were a couple. The lack of AC. The most frustrating was having to constantly swivel  your head to look for mopeds and motor bikes zipping by within inches when walking around.

Katie: What is something you will never forget about you 2013 Napoli trip?
Alex: The sheer amount of history the city has.

Katie: What did you learn about yourself during this trip?
Alex: Big changes in my environment kind of make (me) expect the worst. This feeling goes away pretty quickly though after I figure things out and get acquainted. As I age I have less reservations with talking to complete strangers.

Katie: Sum up your trip in 30 seconds or less.
Alex: A one-of-a-kind eye opening experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The sights, sounds, taste, smell, and the feel of Italy have made a tremendous impression on me. Would not have been possible to make the trip without the considerable hospitality of Katie O.

Katie: Any advice for future visitors to Casa di Nico? To Napoli?
Alex: Just remember if you take Space A [Military Air] you should probably buy your ticket back to the states if you're traveling during a busy time of year. Also, don't forget to get your passport stamped. Naples is large and needs more than one or two days to see everything. Lastly, Nico only does the opposite of what you want him to do.

Katie: Next time you head to Italy, what's on your "must see list?"
Alex: Probably Venice, Milan, Verona, and Genoa. I would also like to visit Rome again.

Katie: Anything else you want to put on "record" about your trip?
Alex: I'd love to do it again! I definitely need at least one more visit before I'm mildly satisfied. Only thing that was really annoying was the overall lack of AC in buildings. Thank you so much for having me and helping me plan my trip!