Semi-Filtered Thoughts on Naples

The one bad thing about me living in the future is I often have these random thoughts and really can't text them to anyone since you're all asleep! I've been keeping a list of some of the random thoughts I've had and decided it's time to share. Don't judge me. These are things that pop into my brain during the commute to/from work, while on housing tours, watching tv, or just observing my environment. Granted, some are my theories but you know what...come visit and I bet you will have some of the same thoughts!

• Everyone is skinny here because they sip (or down) an espresso on an hourly basis. When they aren't consuming the glorious shot of caffeine and sugar there is a cigarette pressed between their lips. My lungs aren't quite used to all this second hand smoke and I still don't endorse smoking, but I may need to re-evaluate my coffee consumption and step it up to the levels of the locals!
• Driving. Still not sure if I'm willing to attack this one. Why? Well today on the way to lunch we couldn't figure out why the lady was still driving on the shoulder after the massive pot hole on the on ramp. Then we see her waving a cell phone with her right hand. As we pass we notice there is another one in her left hand and up to her ear. Somehow she was still talking with both of her hands too. Alida suggested that this is how they 3-way call out here. (I think it's one reason why their driving is so sporadic!) 
• In Italy people watching is hilarious. Well, entertaining but also a lot different than in the states. The fashion alone is hilarious. Um maybe that's the wrong word. Maybe I'm supposed to be in awe of some of the statements made? Yeah I don't know. All I know is I need to step up my high heel...literally, about 2 inches!
• Another very different thing to learn is to how to deal with the eyes that seem to follow you as you walk by. I may have told a few of you about my first experience walking into the gym here on base. As I walked in I swear every guy had their eyes on me. And yes, you know I try to avoid all eye contact when at the gym so this was insane. Well, I thought it was insane...until I realized that the game of racquetball had all but stopped as the 4 younger Italians were looking at me. Now that was insane. I don't tell you this story to remind you single guys you missed your chance while I was in Monterey (HA! I can't even keep a straight face and I'm the one typing) but rather to provide examples of just how things are different. We've even noticed this phenomenon at the mall by men with their families who just feel the need to watch us. I'm just as guilty as the next person of glancing over to see someone but I'm pretty sure that 80% of the time it goes undetected...

Okay, well I think that's more than enough of my fabulous observations at this time.  One thing is for certain, as my adventures will continue so will my observations. I really don't list them to categorize them in good/bad/indifferent but rather it's just part of my new life out here. I'm sure by the end of my stay I too will have some of these characteristics that seem so different and even odd at times. Please, please, please make sure I assimilate properly back into the American culture-okay? Thanks!

Due settimane e tutto va bene!

For those too lazy to check if you translated that correctly- two weeks and all is well!

As I sit here in my room with an Italian movie on the tv (yeah, I have no idea what's going on), my red wine, bakery bread, and olives I can't help but smile about all the adventures I've already had in these 14 days. Yes, there were some tough days and I'm sure there will be more, but at the end of my time here my goal is to have the good days outweigh the bad. Simple right? This typically happy girl sure hopes so!

Today somewhat resembled what my weekends used to look like back in Monterey: gym, laziness, shopping, food, movie/tv. Although the activities were the same, the new location threw its own twist on things.

I kicked off the morning with a 30 minute "crash course" of Fitzumba. Um yeah. Me. The gym here did 30 minute sessions of all their classes and that was the one I was able to make. The following summary was sent to a friend as soon as the class was over:

Just got back from the 30 minute FITZUMBA class. Things I learned:

1. Although I am flexible when it comes to stretching this does not translate into being able to salsa, rumba, merengue.
2. The fact that I just had to look up how to spell merengue makes me think I'm less than 1/2 latina
3. My hips don't move
4. I'm much better at the "athletic type" moves
5. So glad it was a class of women
6. This gym needs to invest in a solid wall rather than glass if they ever want me to try this again
7. Not only can I not dance, but neither could 85% of the rest of the class (and they're regulars!)
8. Glad I can use Stanley (my knee) as an out
9. There were times I felt like I was in a strip club training class (or what I think would equate to one)
10. If my hips don't move, sure as the sun rises in the east I'm not going to be able to shake my chest or butt

Over all it was fun, but it may not be the first class I try to squeeze into my schedule- I think I'm more a kick boxing or step girl. It was a great way to laugh at myself and once again realize I am who I am- for better or worse.

After lots of internet searches I found a blog set up by someone who lived here in 2008 with some great trip info and other Naples sights, so I did lots of reading before my next adventure started.

And the adventure sure did begin- 

I finally got to meet Alida, a NPS employee who shares a fabulous friend with me- GWB who I'm pretty sure she calls Michele! Alida rescued me from another day spent on base and we went shopping. Where? The outlets and both malls. We started at the outlets but due to a ton of rain we only checked out a few places then moved to the inside malls. We looked at countless stores and tried to begin to figure out where we will do our shopping for the next few years.

As the search for clothes continued we both began to notice some trends in Italian fashion. I feel it is my duty to give you all the heads up because these trends will be heading to a city near you before to long.

• Sequins: We saw sequin shorts, skirts, dresses, tops, shoes in all different colors. 
• Our verdict? It's good to have the bling on your clothing since we've been told to leave the jewelry at home when going out.
• Animal screen print shirts: Not just any animals of course- cats (all kinds) and butterflies are what's hot. 
• Our verdict? The more subtle prints with accurate translations are the way to go.
• Pink (hot pink) ponchos: Hooded ponchos for the rain?!?
• Our verdict? Although practical for weather like today...stick with an umbrella! 

It really was great chatting with someone about familiar topics (Monterey, NPS, PCS experience) while we looked and laughed at our fashion options.  We also shared a fabulous kebab meal in the food court which was a great break from the Italian meals we've been eating. After more store visits- including what we decided had to be the Italian DSW equivalent we finally called it a day.

A few things are certain at this point. When I return back to the states I will have more crates than I came with. I think I'll be able to fill one with newly acquired shoes (well, in the future- I still am waiting for Shoe Alley before I buy any!) and I will be sending wine back. Lots of wine. Hey, when in Italy- right? But again, since I'm in Italy I'm thankful that a lot of US vendors will ship out here since I'm not ready to wear green sequin shorts with a screen print t-shirt that reads "Play Hard. When the going gets tough, the toughs get going" even if it means I also get to wear a killer pair of heals!