No more spoiling by my parents.
No more non-Italian food.
No more laughing until I cry with OG & GWB.
No more wake up calls by a voice I love hearing.
No more "that's the problem with America"s escaping my lips.
No more clear air.
No more garbage disposals.
No more reliable internet.
No more ease dropping on conversations in stores.
No more shopping sprees.
No more visits to the animal shelters.
No more Saturday naps on the couch while football games are played on the tv.
No more country stations on my car radio.
No more heaters that actually warm up the place.
...And perhaps, the worst one of all...no more work free days!
It's funny how when I'm eagerly anticipating my annual trip to the
states, my weekish trip always turns into 2+ weeks if I have the
vacation time. Why? Well tickets aren't cheap, not to
mention the fact that it's a long flight x 2! At least 2 full days are
spent on planes and in airports. So I depart with grand plans of visiting other locations to see friends and relatives outside of the Monterey area. Lists of appointments, places to eat, things to do, and people to see.
Well, just like the prior two trips, as this one winds down there are still items unchecked. And I can't stand that!
Problem is, I'm all out of vacation time, changing plane tickets is expensive, and I've got 3 kitties arriving at my house later this week. Not to mention the fact that my credit cards can't afford anymore exercise and I miss my life in Italy.
Time to head back.
Refreshed.
Recharged.
Eyes twinkling, teeth sparkling, heart ticking, & knee healing.
Holding a driver's license with a non 15-year old Katie on it.
Dressed in new clothes.
Carrying enough peppermint items I really should declare it to the customs man. Just kidding.
Decisions need to be made. Nico needs attention. And I need to hit the gym.
California (& Oregon too!) family and friends thank you for another fabulous trip home. Keep in touch and try your best to come out and visit me! Life really is fabulous is Naples. Different, but fabulous in its own way. Don't delay too much- my current "expiration" date is only 167 days away!
Showing posts with label CA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CA. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
CA Girl Gone Italian
No doubt about it- I'm leaving California knowing without a doubt that I'm not the same person I was when I made the original trek in May 2011 or even in January of this year. Funny thing about it? While in Italy I didn't see this change was taking place, but throw me back in my "natural habitat" and suddenly it doesn't seem so natural anymore.
And yes, we're talking more than the culture shock.
I'm still trying to figure it all out and although it's driving me crazy...this is one of those things that I'm okay with the outcome so, if I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed I think I'm going to be alright.
And yes, we're talking more than the culture shock.
I'm still trying to figure it all out and although it's driving me crazy...this is one of those things that I'm okay with the outcome so, if I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed I think I'm going to be alright.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
I Am A Warrior
When I first discovered that I could run and finally admitted to myself that it was sort of fun...I started to do searches for local races. I'd do searches for 10Ks or shorter, but really would only check out the 5Ks. It was at this time I discovered the world of mud runs and the Warrior Dash. More than a tad intimidated by the 13 obstacles including jumping fire pits, scaling walls, mud pits, and balance beams I opted to register for the Big Sur Half Marathon instead but promised myself that I'd be running this Warrior Dash hopefully within the next year. (I realize the logic makes no sense on this one but knowing how I operates does this surprise any of you?)
I trained and got through that half but was hurting bad afterwards so I took a long recovery period. During this time I registered for the local mud run because I figured I should probably train for something like the Warrior Dash. Well, before training started I spent that fateful New Years in Tahoe and we know how that turned out...
Fast forward 3 years into my running relationship...through the ACL injury, through the move to Italy, to a day I was sitting at my computer thinking hey, I wonder what races are taking place while I'm at home and did a search. The original plan was to run the Pumpkin 10K in Half Moon Bay the day after I arrived. You know, all jet lagged and yes, registering any available family members for it as well. But, as so often the case with me I was debating back and forth and I didn't know which race to schedule my return flight round. Turns out this procrastination is just what I needed because the next morning I had an email announcing that the Northern California Warrior Dash event was taking place not only not too far from the house BUT while I was home! My poor office; I think everyone knew how excited I was about this discovery.
After being unsuccessful on getting my brother to also register I decided that I had to jump on this chance and shell out the big time bucks with my late registration. Did I do any special training? No. I was still training for the Lisbon half- so I was good with running and mud? Doesn't require much additional skill. All those obstacles? Not nearly as intimidating now that I'm a little more comfortable with my running ability.
Race day came around and I threw on my normal "mud gear" and as we headed out to the event the panic started. Katie, you've ran 8 miles over 3 days in the past 2 weeks. Mud means slippery stuff, Stanley may have something to say about that. You have t-rex arms and I'm pretty sure you'll have to be climbing walls. Of course this was all in my head because I pretty much go radio silent before a race. Walking into the event area was insane- muddy people, people in costumes, people in various states of being dressed, beer, lots of beer, music blasting, flames in the air, and English. Lots of English.
Before too long my wave was off and running. And running we did for the first mile or so along a dusty path. As people complained about the dust I laughed thinking that maybe my running in Naples was helping me prep for this air quality as I starting passing people.
First mud pit was a riot. You could tell some began to rethink registering. Making my way up and through the pools in my path I was thankful for my late start so lots of foot holds had already been made. With a water station strategically placed there, so many people stopped to wash their hands and wring out clothing. Um really? We're just getting started people. No, I didn't stop and jogged on past the people complaining about heavy feet.
A serious hill and a tunnel later I came to the first wall. Eek. Thank goodness for foot holds and my legs. That's all I've got to say. Here's the course map. I figure that's way easier to show you and plus it shows you what I knew about this race when I was registering.
Hands down my favorite were the cargo nets. People are silly trying to go up the middle of them. Why work so hard with a wobbly ladder when you can use the rope near the edge? Oh well, thanks for keeping those parts mostly clear for me. The balance beams were great too- until I had to wait for someone to dismount.
The barbed wire one was rather entertaining too- mainly because I'd see bits of tutu tulle snagged on the barbed wire. (Good thing there won't be any along the Paris course when I plan on debuting my race tutu!)
Although I may have recorded my slowest 5K time ever it was a blast and I actually finished it faster than I thought I would. And when I saw that I finished 963 out of 7482 I realized that I really miss events in the United States. Granted this really is more of a fun event and not a "true race", but it was a nice break from the really competitive racing in Italy, although you know I was still racing with people along this course that didn't know we were racing.
I trained and got through that half but was hurting bad afterwards so I took a long recovery period. During this time I registered for the local mud run because I figured I should probably train for something like the Warrior Dash. Well, before training started I spent that fateful New Years in Tahoe and we know how that turned out...
Fast forward 3 years into my running relationship...through the ACL injury, through the move to Italy, to a day I was sitting at my computer thinking hey, I wonder what races are taking place while I'm at home and did a search. The original plan was to run the Pumpkin 10K in Half Moon Bay the day after I arrived. You know, all jet lagged and yes, registering any available family members for it as well. But, as so often the case with me I was debating back and forth and I didn't know which race to schedule my return flight round. Turns out this procrastination is just what I needed because the next morning I had an email announcing that the Northern California Warrior Dash event was taking place not only not too far from the house BUT while I was home! My poor office; I think everyone knew how excited I was about this discovery.
After being unsuccessful on getting my brother to also register I decided that I had to jump on this chance and shell out the big time bucks with my late registration. Did I do any special training? No. I was still training for the Lisbon half- so I was good with running and mud? Doesn't require much additional skill. All those obstacles? Not nearly as intimidating now that I'm a little more comfortable with my running ability.
Race day came around and I threw on my normal "mud gear" and as we headed out to the event the panic started. Katie, you've ran 8 miles over 3 days in the past 2 weeks. Mud means slippery stuff, Stanley may have something to say about that. You have t-rex arms and I'm pretty sure you'll have to be climbing walls. Of course this was all in my head because I pretty much go radio silent before a race. Walking into the event area was insane- muddy people, people in costumes, people in various states of being dressed, beer, lots of beer, music blasting, flames in the air, and English. Lots of English.
Before too long my wave was off and running. And running we did for the first mile or so along a dusty path. As people complained about the dust I laughed thinking that maybe my running in Naples was helping me prep for this air quality as I starting passing people.
First mud pit was a riot. You could tell some began to rethink registering. Making my way up and through the pools in my path I was thankful for my late start so lots of foot holds had already been made. With a water station strategically placed there, so many people stopped to wash their hands and wring out clothing. Um really? We're just getting started people. No, I didn't stop and jogged on past the people complaining about heavy feet.
A serious hill and a tunnel later I came to the first wall. Eek. Thank goodness for foot holds and my legs. That's all I've got to say. Here's the course map. I figure that's way easier to show you and plus it shows you what I knew about this race when I was registering.
Hands down my favorite were the cargo nets. People are silly trying to go up the middle of them. Why work so hard with a wobbly ladder when you can use the rope near the edge? Oh well, thanks for keeping those parts mostly clear for me. The balance beams were great too- until I had to wait for someone to dismount.
The barbed wire one was rather entertaining too- mainly because I'd see bits of tutu tulle snagged on the barbed wire. (Good thing there won't be any along the Paris course when I plan on debuting my race tutu!)
Although I may have recorded my slowest 5K time ever it was a blast and I actually finished it faster than I thought I would. And when I saw that I finished 963 out of 7482 I realized that I really miss events in the United States. Granted this really is more of a fun event and not a "true race", but it was a nice break from the really competitive racing in Italy, although you know I was still racing with people along this course that didn't know we were racing.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Mama Mia, I'm Not in Naples Am I?
It keeps on happening.
I think I'm settled in and then *BANG* out of nowhere something hits me.
It's like the place I've called my home for um 26.5 years is a completely foreign land to me and in this land there are strange and mysterious things.
I think I'm settled in and then *BANG* out of nowhere something hits me.
It's like the place I've called my home for um 26.5 years is a completely foreign land to me and in this land there are strange and mysterious things.
- Laundry machines here fit more than 2 outfits at a time. And...get this, can wash and dry all those clothes in just about an hour.
- Loud beeping trucks come by once a week to collect garbage and recycling we've collected in city provided cans. (Okay, so in MdP we have mini trucks coming by daily, but I just never see them, let alone hear them since I'm already at work.)
- Should food scraps find their way in the sink at a flip of a switch they are pulverized and washed down the drain. (Good thing my family composts the large stuff so that still feels "normal.")
- Browsing all the other options in the store I get overwhelmed...especially when I see the price! Neeks' 5 pack of mice are a whole dollar more at Walmart! Speaking of shopping, it's so nice not to have to do the "so that's how many dollars" computation in my brain before deciding on an item.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
We Meet Again Jetlagg
The last 48 hours have been....well, I'm not sure how to describe them especially right now when all my jet lagged body wants to do is sleep, but for some reason I can't manage to stay asleep for more than 5 minutes. And 5 minutes isn't even a cat nap. So you know, if this post doesn't make any sense it's because I'm walking around in a dream cloud.
Yesterday was spent re-adjusting to a lot of things as we drove up to San Jose to pick up my sister and my soon to be brother in law. Everything just seemed so different and not just due to all the road construction and business changes along the 101 corridor. Cars went the speed limit. Those that didn't go the limit were pulled over by the CHP and ticketed. Cars stayed in their lanes, even when we were at a standstill. Cars were freaking HUGE.
Target seemed to have more options than I remember and then I went into shock when I realized that just because I didn't see what I wanted on their shelves, there were other stores I could find it in.
Sitting in a French/Vietnamese restaurant for lunch with my family I squealed with joy when cilantro was served on my shrimp crispy crepe. CILANTRO! My taste buds joined in the celebration as they tasted something other than tomatoes, basil, or olive oil.
My brother being the awesome brother he is, even took the exit allowing me to have my first milkshake in I can't even tell you how long from In-N-Out. Actually, it was probably on 31DEC11 now that think about it...all I know is the vanilla shake was amazing and guilt free since as I consumed it my bridesmaid dress was at the tailors being taken in.
Running along the hills this morning, on a trail, felt like I was back in nature. The cold morning air felt fabulous and caused me to run too fast the first mile- oops. On the way back, other runners and dog walkers all passed, each responding to my "good morning" without a "what in the world is she doing" look on their face. I didn't have to worry about cars. I didn't have to avoid trash piles. I just was on the look out for wildlife- bunnies, hawks, birds.
Am I happy to be home? Yes! Is it clear that life in Italy isn't the same as it is here? Um, yes. Do I prefer one to the other? I don't think so. And if you Italian folks are concerned that I'm not going to return...my cat is in Italy so you better believe I'll be back.
Yesterday was spent re-adjusting to a lot of things as we drove up to San Jose to pick up my sister and my soon to be brother in law. Everything just seemed so different and not just due to all the road construction and business changes along the 101 corridor. Cars went the speed limit. Those that didn't go the limit were pulled over by the CHP and ticketed. Cars stayed in their lanes, even when we were at a standstill. Cars were freaking HUGE.
Target seemed to have more options than I remember and then I went into shock when I realized that just because I didn't see what I wanted on their shelves, there were other stores I could find it in.
Sitting in a French/Vietnamese restaurant for lunch with my family I squealed with joy when cilantro was served on my shrimp crispy crepe. CILANTRO! My taste buds joined in the celebration as they tasted something other than tomatoes, basil, or olive oil.
My brother being the awesome brother he is, even took the exit allowing me to have my first milkshake in I can't even tell you how long from In-N-Out. Actually, it was probably on 31DEC11 now that think about it...all I know is the vanilla shake was amazing and guilt free since as I consumed it my bridesmaid dress was at the tailors being taken in.
Running along the hills this morning, on a trail, felt like I was back in nature. The cold morning air felt fabulous and caused me to run too fast the first mile- oops. On the way back, other runners and dog walkers all passed, each responding to my "good morning" without a "what in the world is she doing" look on their face. I didn't have to worry about cars. I didn't have to avoid trash piles. I just was on the look out for wildlife- bunnies, hawks, birds.
Am I happy to be home? Yes! Is it clear that life in Italy isn't the same as it is here? Um, yes. Do I prefer one to the other? I don't think so. And if you Italian folks are concerned that I'm not going to return...my cat is in Italy so you better believe I'll be back.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Reverse Culture Shock: Running
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| Rio Resolution Run 2012 |
Shocker #1: I actually had options of where to run! It's amazing just how many more options you have when trashfree sidewalks and wide streets are available. The backroads and hills although challenging were also a nice change of pace. Even with all the options I still love the rec trail the most. As I covered my miles along the water, I was in awe that the harbor seals appeared to be in their same spots on the beach when I left them 7 months ago.
Shocker #2: Runners passed are not in running club warm ups but in shirts from previous events and have a ton of technical gear hooked up to them. True story, most Italian runners don't rely on the iPod because they are normally running with a few others chatting as they tear up the streets. I do love my running accessories- they help me get out there. Don't you see that great watch on my wrist and iPod on arm?
Shocker #3: Everyone is out there running! Nina totally kicked my butt on motivation to get out there, especially in the cold evenings. When she manged to convinced me we saw a ton of people...probably more women than men which is unheard of in Italy. It was nice being able to get out a short one sylable hi rather than a buona sera, especially near the end of our run when it hurt to breathe.
Shocker #4: Events. Yes, there are multiple events I can participate in weekly but they just aren't the same. I think a lot of the convience is removed when I'm not fluent in the local language. Many of the events in Italy are small communities which isn't too different than the ones near home. The major difference though is in the participants. I think I mentioned after my first Italian event that everyone is so serious! It was nice to run in an event where I could look back and still see lots of people. It was also nice to not run in circles to get the distance covered. Even better? It was well organized- complete with photographers, timing chips, and real breakfast food!
Shocker #5: Fresh air. I know. I guess I'm getting used to the Naples crud because the first week I was out in the "fresh air" my lungs had a fit. Oxygen poisoning maybe?
Friday, December 23, 2011
Reverse Culture Shock: Laundry
I've been back in the states for just about a full week now and in true Katie O. fashion, I want out!
Don't get me wrong. Being with my family and friends through the holidays has been even more amazing than I though it would be. It's been a blast to visit my old stomping grounds, laugh with friends, and continue traditions and I'm beyond thankful for this opportunity. Really, I am.
But there are so many things here that are completely foreign to me now. Like right now I just sorted laundry with my dad and was in shock with how many clothes each load can have since (gasp) the machine can hold that much. Don't even get me started on how much faster the load cycles are or the fact that the dryer actually dries clothes and won't cost a small fortune.
One of my buddies in Italy posted the greatest link this morning and it made me miss Italy even more. You may think that I'm crazy for missing all of this but really you learn to accept it, adjust to it, and adopt it really fast. Your sort of have to...or else you risk missing out on a great adventure. And I guess once you've made that transition it's sort of difficult to transition back to "normal."
Oh well, one thing is sure- once Nini arrives tonight we can both relate to all this culture shock. Of course, she's a little more used to here since Roma (the one in Texas, not Italy) is little more similar to Salinas. But whatever. I'm just excited to see her since it's been WAY too long since last Christmas and we have lots of shopping to do!
Don't get me wrong. Being with my family and friends through the holidays has been even more amazing than I though it would be. It's been a blast to visit my old stomping grounds, laugh with friends, and continue traditions and I'm beyond thankful for this opportunity. Really, I am.
But there are so many things here that are completely foreign to me now. Like right now I just sorted laundry with my dad and was in shock with how many clothes each load can have since (gasp) the machine can hold that much. Don't even get me started on how much faster the load cycles are or the fact that the dryer actually dries clothes and won't cost a small fortune.
One of my buddies in Italy posted the greatest link this morning and it made me miss Italy even more. You may think that I'm crazy for missing all of this but really you learn to accept it, adjust to it, and adopt it really fast. Your sort of have to...or else you risk missing out on a great adventure. And I guess once you've made that transition it's sort of difficult to transition back to "normal."
Oh well, one thing is sure- once Nini arrives tonight we can both relate to all this culture shock. Of course, she's a little more used to here since Roma (the one in Texas, not Italy) is little more similar to Salinas. But whatever. I'm just excited to see her since it's been WAY too long since last Christmas and we have lots of shopping to do!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Who Says You Can't Go Home?
Hey, Bon Jovi asked it and I'm asking (well, really singing it)- who says you can't go home? Sure I've been "home" for just about a week but between the jet lag and family members dealing with work I've really just been at the house.
Today was the first day that I ventured into 93940 and 93943 territories. For you non 831 area experts those are the zip codes to Monterey proper and NPS. (Yeah, Del Rey Oaks too but really? They don't even know the real city boundaries over there so if you're not from here just hit the "I believe" button on what I said- Monterey and NPS.) It was this section of peninsula that had me freaking out last Friday night as my plane flew over them. Like I mentioned a few months back, it's in these zip codes I've done most of my living and the much needed change of scenery is what prompted me to take the Naples job.
Don't get me wrong- amazing people live and work here. People that I would love to scoop up during my tour and smuggle back to Italy. I mean, I easily have room for them, all of them, and I really do miss my group of girls at work. I mean, just how many married men can one possibly work with?
Oh wait. I'm off topic. And for the record, the guys I hang out with are fabulous and never cease to amaze me over our coffee breaks. (And no, they don't know where to find this blog so I'm not just saying that for their benefit- it's true.)
At any rate I think the purpose of this post tonight was to say just how fabulous it felt to walk straight into offices and buildings (with a ton of windows) and after a quick double take be greeted with a smile, a hug, and an excited "Katie!" Again, I find it hilarious that one of the things I wanted to leave behind is one of the highlights so far of being back here. Sigh.
But you know what? It also reaffirmed that my decision to pick everything up was the right one for me. The lack of military friends and recent graduation reminded me that people leave here every 18-24 months. The fact that just about everyone was still in their same office that I left them in reminded me that there really wasn't a place for me to advance. The updates I heard from people included the same issues that we've been dealing with for ages...KFS...contracts...funding...
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was my social network at NPS. Given the nature of ourdungeons windowless offices and independent commands in Naples, it's going to take a little longer I guess but I can deal with that since I know I'm working for an amazing organization in the business of fixing ships (or fish-n-chips if that's what you hear late in the afternoon after a particularly stressful day). And besides, half the people I visited today asked when I was going to come back and be comptroller. Any idea how tempted I was to walk up to his office and tell him I was coming after his job? I refrained...need to keep those return rights for as long as I can...just in case!
Today was the first day that I ventured into 93940 and 93943 territories. For you non 831 area experts those are the zip codes to Monterey proper and NPS. (Yeah, Del Rey Oaks too but really? They don't even know the real city boundaries over there so if you're not from here just hit the "I believe" button on what I said- Monterey and NPS.) It was this section of peninsula that had me freaking out last Friday night as my plane flew over them. Like I mentioned a few months back, it's in these zip codes I've done most of my living and the much needed change of scenery is what prompted me to take the Naples job.
Don't get me wrong- amazing people live and work here. People that I would love to scoop up during my tour and smuggle back to Italy. I mean, I easily have room for them, all of them, and I really do miss my group of girls at work. I mean, just how many married men can one possibly work with?
Oh wait. I'm off topic. And for the record, the guys I hang out with are fabulous and never cease to amaze me over our coffee breaks. (And no, they don't know where to find this blog so I'm not just saying that for their benefit- it's true.)
At any rate I think the purpose of this post tonight was to say just how fabulous it felt to walk straight into offices and buildings (with a ton of windows) and after a quick double take be greeted with a smile, a hug, and an excited "Katie!" Again, I find it hilarious that one of the things I wanted to leave behind is one of the highlights so far of being back here. Sigh.
But you know what? It also reaffirmed that my decision to pick everything up was the right one for me. The lack of military friends and recent graduation reminded me that people leave here every 18-24 months. The fact that just about everyone was still in their same office that I left them in reminded me that there really wasn't a place for me to advance. The updates I heard from people included the same issues that we've been dealing with for ages...KFS...contracts...funding...
Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was my social network at NPS. Given the nature of our
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Reverse Culture Shock: Driving
I've only been in Italy for a smudge over 6 months yet since getting out off that plane at LAX last week I feel like I'm a visitor here in the Golden State. Today I finally got behind the wheel as my brother lent me his car to drive into Salinas for an appointment and shopping...
Stop number one was to get gasoline. I had a momentary memory lapse when I couldn't recall my zip code associated with my VISA card to pump the gas! This of course was after I pulled out my book of NATO gas coupons. Oops. And although he said he only need a few gallons, I filled it up since poor Ravi hasn't had a full tank since before leaving Oakland and I figured Cami would appreciate a full tank. Hey, it's been a while since I've pumped gas...go big right?
Merging onto the freeway I quickly realized that I could use the big numbers on the speedometer rather than the itty bitty ones. Best part? I actually got to see the needle go past my normal 50mph mark. One good thing about driving on the tangenziale all these months makes 65mph seem fast! And yes, I do obey the speed limit to/from work since the cameras still make me paranoid!
Somehow I managed to remember to pick a lane, stop at red lights, and watch out for cars in front of me rather than watching my rear view mirror for those flashing lights telling me to speed up or move over. Shocking? Yep. Another shocker were the size of parking spaces- they were so large!
Yep. Perhaps the most foreign thing of my entire driving experience today was the fact that it took me even less than what I have estimated for my travel time. In 20 minutes I was able to get to my destination. As in for the first time in months I was not only on time, but early! I was able to get there without gridlock, without cobblestone roads, without potholes the size of craters, and without ancient ruins along the side of the road.
On my way home I had to smile as I saw a tractor on the road ahead of me, fields on either side of me, and a beautiful blue sky above. Not quite Italy now is it?
Stop number one was to get gasoline. I had a momentary memory lapse when I couldn't recall my zip code associated with my VISA card to pump the gas! This of course was after I pulled out my book of NATO gas coupons. Oops. And although he said he only need a few gallons, I filled it up since poor Ravi hasn't had a full tank since before leaving Oakland and I figured Cami would appreciate a full tank. Hey, it's been a while since I've pumped gas...go big right?
Merging onto the freeway I quickly realized that I could use the big numbers on the speedometer rather than the itty bitty ones. Best part? I actually got to see the needle go past my normal 50mph mark. One good thing about driving on the tangenziale all these months makes 65mph seem fast! And yes, I do obey the speed limit to/from work since the cameras still make me paranoid!
Somehow I managed to remember to pick a lane, stop at red lights, and watch out for cars in front of me rather than watching my rear view mirror for those flashing lights telling me to speed up or move over. Shocking? Yep. Another shocker were the size of parking spaces- they were so large!
Yep. Perhaps the most foreign thing of my entire driving experience today was the fact that it took me even less than what I have estimated for my travel time. In 20 minutes I was able to get to my destination. As in for the first time in months I was not only on time, but early! I was able to get there without gridlock, without cobblestone roads, without potholes the size of craters, and without ancient ruins along the side of the road.
On my way home I had to smile as I saw a tractor on the road ahead of me, fields on either side of me, and a beautiful blue sky above. Not quite Italy now is it?
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