Well, Now I Know...

"Ciao Enzo. Questa Katie. I have a problem- my oven, stove, and dishwasher aren't working. I've flipped all the breakers and still nada. I hear/smell the gas from the stove top but don't hear the clicking to ignite it."

"Did you flip the switch?"

"In the breaker box- yes."

"No, the switch in the kitchen. It needs to be on in order for it work. Maybe you hit it while cleaning."

"Um, I don't think so. I did a fair amount of trouble shooting prior to calling you. When I get home I'll check though. Grazie." (I couldn't admit to him that I haven't actually cleaned my kitchen in a week...or the fact this wasn't a new discovery but I finally remembered to call him and I knew I'd be home before 9pm.)

After hanging up the phone I had the feeling that he honestly believed that I had no idea what I was talking about and I couldn't help but to think that it was because of my gender. Really? I've been without what I figured to be power to my 3 appliances since Saturday, but maybe even Thursday...since that's when I ran my dishwasher. 

You see,  dirty dishes, coated in blue frosting and a light dusting of flour from sugar cookies were very festive transforming my counter into a winter wonderland scene, but they were also daunting.  Very daunting, especially late at night after a long day at work. Finally on Thursday when I realized I needed dishes (those of you who have been my roommate know how long I wait sometimes...) so I started to attack them by hand I remembered that I have a dishwasher! I'd still trade it for a garbage disposal any day of the week but it's a good thing to have when you make a mess with just about every pot, pan, cookie sheet, and utensil coated in food. It wasn't until Saturday afternoon when I really wanted coffee did I realize that my kitchen was not fully functioning. Grr.

That's when my engineer Katie mode started and after exhausting my ideas I called in a few experts for their feedback. They suggested everything I had already tried. Finally today I called Enzo to see if he could relay the message because I still can't talk home repairs in Italian. That's when we had that conversation. That's when my cranky day at work got even worse.

At any rate, as soon as I chased Nico down from when he ran outside when I got home (yeah, that was fun) I went to straight to the kitchen to prove Enzo wrong. Unfortunately I proved myself wrong instead. When I called him to let him know it was fixed he had to ask if it was the switch. I fessed up and told him yes. Then he went on about how it's a safety thing which I disagreed with him...it's clearly a decoy for Americans. Oh well. Like I teased earlier- now that my kitchen is up and running again I better go spend more time in it because clearly this woman doesn't know her way around it well enough!

Seriously though, I know I didn't flip that switch. Maybe one of the cookie sheets hit it? Maybe it was Nico? I mean, I don't mind the fact that it was a such a quick fix (once I finally called) but it would have been nice to see my favorite repair guy...just sayin'.  And yes, I find it hilarious that just today at work we were once again laughing about  although we have "degrees" sometimes the simplest of things gives us the most difficulties.

Just Keep Posting

Okay, so I know I’ve been slacking on the posts. I feel a tinge of guilt not because I feel like I owe you a play by play, but rather because this is really supposed to be my historical record. Haven’t I confessed my issue of following through with a journal to all of you before? Seriously, my parents can vouch for how many half filled books I found while packing…

Only one way to break the pattern and that’s to keep writing, but I need to figure out why the posts have slowed.  I have a few theories:

1. Everything is beginning to settle and so the slightest new thing doesn’t trigger my need to relate it to something “back at home.”   
2. It's tough staying up past 2100 when I know my alarm is set for 0345. (Yeah, you did read that right.)  
3. My life is becoming consumed by work, the gym, and wasting time on the computer---nothing too exciting to write about there even if I am in Italy.

I’m happy that things are beginning to fall into place. You know this is the case when you’re hanging out with fellow Americans and all you need to do is say “hey, we’re in Italy now” when you see something that would be surprising to see back home. Granted there are a few things I just may never get used to- mainly men wearing capris and purses. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know they don’t call them purses but let’s face it- it’s what they are. Fanny packs are another one that I just can’t accept and I catch myself smirking every time I see one- on anyone.  Please hold, I’m fighting a case of the giggles here with some of the images I see in my head…

Phew. Composure regained- until I walk outside and see another one.

The trash situation is another example of something that I’m becoming immune to, well maybe building a tad of resistance to. Living in Little America, I don’t have to deal with it too much but from time to time the designated trash areas build up (but nothing compared to outside the gate). During these times I just cross the street during my jog and hold my breath if it’s been a hot day. Although the lack of recycling still bugs this California girl, the town I will be living in will allow me to recycle so that makes me and the planet happy.

The 3rd thing that supports my theory that things are settling is the fact that I’m not super thrilled be to head back to the states in a few days…well probably not as thrilled as I should be. I can’t wait to see all of you in the greater VA area---especially after all day trainings. I also can’t wait to walk the aisles of Target, find good Mexican food, and be only +3 hours from the majority of you- no more of these emails from “the future.”  The truth though is this is my new home- hotel room and all. I feel that by heading out to the states I’ll have 3 places to keep tabs on- CA, Naples, and then my present setting. Sure VA may not be Italy, but it’s a new place for me so I’m just going to treat it like any other new place- a new location for more adventures.  

I wanted a change, an adventure, and a challenge when making this move and so far it’s delivered. I know that more of these things are going to greet me in the future and I’m okay with that. Right now that “new normal” I was craving what seems like so many weeks ago is shaping up and I like how it’s looking. Hopefully I’ve been able to establish it enough so when I get back, the foundation is still here and my jet lagged self can keep building on this Italy experience.

A Day Has 24 Hours, So I'll Use 20.

Yesterday was hands down my longest day yet- 20ish hours? It was all planned though, so I knew I'd be leaving work to house hunt, then going to a wine class which put me home rather late. So what did I do? In one of my genius moments I decided to go wake up at 0400 for a run. (Yeah, it is sad when the gym opening at 0500 doesn't work with my schedule.) At any rate, it was quiet- very quiet here at the hotel. I'm pretty sure the desk clerk was in shock when he saw someone walking out of the elevator (mainly because I hope it wasn't the "I just rolled out of bed and threw my neon green top on" look I was sporting).

As I ran around the base I couldn't help but think even more about how this place resembles a prison. I was running and then it would hit a fence so I turned. Don't believe me? There are also cameras, guards, MPs, and perhaps the creepiest yellow lights ever complete the prison setting. The 2 things that made me laugh and keep running were a friendly orange tabby cat who forced me to multi-task while stretching and the speed/radar detector that clocked me at 10mph. Nope- I don't run that fast!

Heading back into the lobby I was thrilled to not see the desk clerk, but on the way up to my floor the elevator stopped to pick up a middle aged shirtless man who felt the need to talk to me. Just when I thought the doors would release me to dash to my room, the doors opened and there was the desk clerk. The poor guy! Very few should see me post workout (those of you who have seen me totally know what I'm talking about). Don't believe me? Just keep reading...

Downed coffee, checked FB, got ready for work and headed back down to catch the shuttle- looking human. How human? Same guy was at the desk and as soon as he saw me, "a new girl" came out of his mouth. Glad to know my transformation is significant.

Work days are once again turning into full 8 hours, but now that I have access to many of the systems it's keeping me busy and the hours are (mostly) passing by. My DTS knowledge is becoming known which I was hoping to keep a secret but you know me- always helping out when I can. It's actually letting me socialize with the other office more so it's win-win. The other system is tricky, but for those of you who know KFS....FMS is better. Well, I think so. Talk to me after my week long training next month!

Okay, let's turn our attention to more exciting things like house hunting! I met the unofficial mayor of Monte Di Procida (monte di proshida when I'm trying to remember how to say it or MdP when I'm lazy)- Enzo! If you think of your stereotypical, middle age, Italian man, you have Enzo. He's definitely connected and had no issue telling me how he is really good friends with the actor shot kills Tony Soprano at the end of the series. He's even offered to have me meet this guy next time he's in town so I can get a picture with him. We also drove by the house they used as the Soprano's house, but since I didn't watch the show it's hard to really know! It's so hard to censor my remarks and sarcasm when I'm caught off guard with conversations like this.

At any rate, he's lived up to all referrals by various people and he showed me three beautiful apartments on our tour. He too lives in this town (in a building his great-grandfather built) and was actually born there. I was learning all about the history of this adorable town. Best part? They have trash pick up 6 days a week (paper, glass, plastic, metal, trash, etc. each have a special day) and they are repaving the roads. Yeah, totally worth the drive and I haven't even mentioned the beach or views!

Okay, on with our tour. As soon as we headed up the hill, we took another hill up an itty bitty alley way. I had no idea if we were on our way to the house or just taking a back road. Turns out we were headed to the end of this alley to see the house with a beautiful kitchen. Here's the mini tour:

 

Pros: Better kitchen than I've ever had in the states, walk in closet, built in closet, fabulous view, landlords live upstairs (bonus- they speak English)

Cons: Small living space (not sure if my couch will work), "3rd room" is really the loft about kitchen/living room (totally do-able for my craft room/office)

Notes: This was originally part of their house so when they did all the upgrades it was for them. Translation, it's a lot nicer than some of the other things I've seen. The guest room is the room with the stairs with storage with the intention of the bed going in that loft area. The hall way is ridiculously large so I may just play bocce ball there. 

Va bene! Let's go see the next place. (Queue Portuguese music that Enzo will start dancing to while driving...)

Pros: Located 3 minutes away from a bus stop, garage parking, huge living room and open kitchen, large patio, mini vineyard outside master bed room, 3 real rooms, vanity in one bathroom

Cons: View obstructed by vegetation, Americans live next door, freaking huge hallway- room for a bowling alley, nothing too exciting architecturally

Notes: Garage parking and gated driveway, cute kitty, landlords on site, location was fabulous, 2 extra rooms were decent, no great view, no common storage, large laundry area

Va bene! One more for today's tour...

Pros: Stunning view, excellent location, it's all new, walk in master closet, large living space, lots of windows in kitchen, patio, beautiful tiles

Cons: Tiny "guest rooms", laundry in hallway, closets for one room also in hallway, very modern looking, stone wall in living room, theme-y overboard bathrooms

Notes: This apartment was in an old wine storage building, a block up from Stappo, all new (if the lack of finished kitchen doesn't indicate that), the view was amazing but that's a whole lot of glass that the sun was shinning through in the middle of the afternoon (west exposure)

So there you have it. You've seen all of my housing options (more or less)- what's your vote? Seriously, I've never picked my own place before and I'm scared I'm rushing into this because of my TDY next month but I really do need to start the paperwork. Okay, maybe I'm just scared of saying yes to one of these and then realize there's something better out there...feedback please!

There are two that I keep thinking about how my furniture would work and how I would make it all work. I definitely am sold on MdP because I've been told by people making the drive for years it's not too bad and totally worth it. I've already met some of the town (driving in Enzo is immediate star status) plus this place Stappo is their local wine place/hangout. Still not sure, but now that I've added them on Facebook and know several of their wine class folks I'm sure it's going to be a stop when guests are in town. 

Oh, I've also been educated on Enzo's favorite Italian jazz singer and unfortunately I can't recall it at all...I'm sure if I work with Enzo to secure a house I'll be listening to more of his jazz collection and Enzo's singing. Benissimo!

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!