You know those pesky games played to introduce yourself in a group of strangers? Those "what CD can't you live without" or "what is your favorite holiday tradition" questions that you forget the person's answer in less time that you took to figure out some answer? Well, with the weekend being a little crazy I am forcing myself to sum it up in 3 words. Of course these words are going to be explained, but these 3 words will be my subject points.
#1: Kids
#2: Protests
#3: Pain
Got 'em?
Friday night on the way home I picked up 2 kids from my coworker to finally make our sleepover plans that have been in the making since soccer season a reality. Miss Fancypants, Mr. Poon, and I (Queen Cootie) had a fabulous night making sugar cookies, eating pizza, and being silly. In the morning (640am- painful!), we continued the fun with Uno, a picnic breakfast in the sunroom, and movies before heading off to our baseball games.
As we were minutes away from the park, we were stopped at the intersection by police directing traffic. My lack of Italian and his of English finally got me a "wait here until I tell you" or you know, maybe it was me trying to explain that I was trying to head to Carney Park? While I dialed up my assistant coach to assure him that I'd be there, with 2 of his kids, the protest parade walked right in front of us. As in an "oh crap, AFN warns me about not being involved with sort of stuff and I have two kids entrusted to my care right now" close. While they started to complain and fret about missing their games I tried to remember just what this protest is about. All I remembered was that it wasn't supposed to impact my route to the park and yes, it's going to get worse as the months go by. I think it has to do with a water treatment facility and/or plans for a landfill...
About 15 minutes passed and then we were on our way to the park so I could find the other 11 of "my" kids and coach my team to another victory. And you know what? They not only won, but 3 of them actually took what we learned at practice and applied it to get 4 outs in one inning! After the game, we stayed at the park chatting, playing soccer and volleyball before eating late lunch and then watched the NATO rugby team.
Once home, I evaluated the damage from my house guests: flour coated kitchen, a sink full of dishes, a weary Nico. Luckily once he realized it was just me walking through that door he resumed being my silly kitty and played until it was time to get to bed in preparation for the Naples 1/2 Marathon the next morning.
Everyone has a different definition of pain, but my current one would be "the only feeling your body has after running 13.1 miles on cobblestone streets taking you up and down hills when you haven't ran in 4 weeks." Ouchie! But I did it without injury, and without quitting, and although it was my slowest time at this distance...it wasn't that far off. I blame my lack of Lori running at my side but that's just because I really miss her and would rather blame her than admit it ;) Lucky for me, I found a stand in and he did a good job making me keep running when I wanted to lay down in the middle of the road and take a break. I'm pretty sure this was my last run for a while; my toes need a break and it's going to warm up to "Katie melts" temps before too long.
As we walked back into the metro station we heard the dreaded word sciopero. It's one of those words I learned early here in Italy because it means "strike." So, the public transportation folks were once again protesting but I really have no idea why on this one other than it's been a few months so they must be over due?
Hm. I did okay with that summary. Like always there are way more details and tangents to explore so if you feel like asking questions- go for it! Right now though, I need to go drink another L of water, cook some dinner, and then collapse on my couch with an icepack or two.
Showing posts with label Protest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Protest. Show all posts
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
When in Doubt....Strike?
It's great to know that even while living here in Italy, where things are often uncertain one thing is almost certain; if the people aren't happy there will be a strike or some other form of protest.
Although the emails, notifications, and inconvienances have all significantly decreased over the past 30 hours the week has been interesting to say the least. (Please note that I just rolled my eyes while typing.)
The reports of chaos began early Monday morning: semi-trucks blocking the highway, cars 20 deep waiting for gasoline, gasoline shortages, tires being slashed, lack of dairy and other pershable goods on base. Relieved that I had stopped for a little gasoline the night before I still braved the local station for a topping off on my way home. Luckily, it wasn't too bad since I leave work before most Italians do.
Excited with the though of being home before dark I started to figure out what to do with my free time. And then I saw brake lights.
Lots of them.
So many of them. In the same area where the protest happened back in December with the illegal construction I was once again met with a wall of cars. Thinking that it would be faster than turning around and going another way I decided to stay since those other routes also had gas stations along the way and inevitably would be looking about the same. The minutes turned to double digits. I had at least 2 cds play all the way through. The brand new box of Triscuits was opened and arrived home much lighter than it started. I think all in all in took about an hour to make my way up to the gas station (where lines on both sides of the road blocked the road). Then it was the moment of panic; squeezing my car through a narrow 2 lane road with cars parked on the curb. Oh! Did I mention that prior to this panic moment an ambulance had already gone down the middle of the road?
Insane. Seriously, I think that's the only way to describe just what I saw. It was entertaining as well, and based on the number of people just chatting on the sidewalks and watching the scene from their balconies I wasn't the only one.
Here's an edited email that was sent out by the base:
Strike update: Stay Prepared
Arrange for home heating fuel deliveries. Carpool and take the shuttle bus whenever possible, and plan out your shopping trips to ensure you're making the most of your driving time. Please use your best judgment when deciding travel plans in the coming weeks, and if you do choose to take that road trip, stay informed and ensure you are being smart with your fuel.
Although conditions have improved significantly- our gas gauges are a little on the low side. Yesterday's traffic wasn't all that great either...but blame all the police escorted fuel trucks. Come to think of it...I should get out of here on time today and got get more just in case the attendants really do go on strike.
Although the emails, notifications, and inconvienances have all significantly decreased over the past 30 hours the week has been interesting to say the least. (Please note that I just rolled my eyes while typing.)
The reports of chaos began early Monday morning: semi-trucks blocking the highway, cars 20 deep waiting for gasoline, gasoline shortages, tires being slashed, lack of dairy and other pershable goods on base. Relieved that I had stopped for a little gasoline the night before I still braved the local station for a topping off on my way home. Luckily, it wasn't too bad since I leave work before most Italians do.
Lots of them.
So many of them. In the same area where the protest happened back in December with the illegal construction I was once again met with a wall of cars. Thinking that it would be faster than turning around and going another way I decided to stay since those other routes also had gas stations along the way and inevitably would be looking about the same. The minutes turned to double digits. I had at least 2 cds play all the way through. The brand new box of Triscuits was opened and arrived home much lighter than it started. I think all in all in took about an hour to make my way up to the gas station (where lines on both sides of the road blocked the road). Then it was the moment of panic; squeezing my car through a narrow 2 lane road with cars parked on the curb. Oh! Did I mention that prior to this panic moment an ambulance had already gone down the middle of the road?
Insane. Seriously, I think that's the only way to describe just what I saw. It was entertaining as well, and based on the number of people just chatting on the sidewalks and watching the scene from their balconies I wasn't the only one.
Here's an edited email that was sent out by the base:
Strike update: Stay Prepared
At least 60 gas stations in the area have received fuel deliveries and have reopened. The JFC gas station is now open to all regular patrons. Please take the time now to top off fuel in your vehicles. If possible, fill up an approved fuel container to ensure you have an emergency reserve and remember to store it in a safe location away from ignition sources. Supervisors are encouraged to allow some time today to fill up if necessary. The commissary received a shipment of fresh milk, dry and chilled items last night, and mail was delivered as well.
Please continue to conserve fuel and prepare for further disruptions, as the truck strike continues nationwide and subsequent strikes, including a threatened 10-day gas station attendant strike, could again interfere with normal operations. Remember tomorrow's planned train, Alitalia, and bus/tram strikes, and ensure you have a plan that allows for any contingency not only this weekend but for the foreseeable future.
Although conditions have improved significantly- our gas gauges are a little on the low side. Yesterday's traffic wasn't all that great either...but blame all the police escorted fuel trucks. Come to think of it...I should get out of here on time today and got get more just in case the attendants really do go on strike.
Not quite the Italy you all thought I was living in...now is it?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Ciao Italia!
I'm headed home today- come protests, strikes, or whatever else Italy can throw at me.
Seriously. It's like she's trying to keep me in country and I haven't even made it to the airport yet!
Last night on my way home I had to turn around about 5 minutes from the end of my route because a ton (and I do mean a ton) of people were blocking the road. *Sigh* Time for the scenic route.
After dealing with even more traffic on the other side of our little penninsula I made it up the hill to my normal turn. But unlike other nights, I found an officer on every corner talking. When I realized the car in front of me didn't stop I did the same thing, but then he started to talk to me. I tried in my best Italian to explain to him that I live on the street as I pointed to that direction. He quickly realized that I was not a native speaker and I kid you not asked "why don't you speak English?" and I laughed. Dangit. I tired to explian (in English) that since I live in Italy I don't assume everyone speaks English. But wait. I live in MDP so it's a different place.
I finally made it home- did a power clean because if things aren't in order before I leave it's not cool. A quick trip downstairs for my last real pizzas before departure filled me in with what was going on. Yes. You did real that correctly- pizzas. A real one and then una con nutella. But perhaps more importantly was getting the scoop on what was happening in the streets below.
Here's a look at what was going on but the long story short: they're actually beginning to crack down on taxes and law enforcement. (I'll hold for you to catch your breath.) There are three houses that were built a few years back without permits. For some reason, the family that owns the homes are being targeted and they are scheduled to be torn down. This morning in the office we were commenting that if they are really going after all illegally built homes...Italy is going to look a heck of a lot different in the next few months.
Well, the mobs you see are blocking the roads with their numbers in addition to road signs, lawn chairs, boxes...basically anything they can get their hands on.
We had way too much pizza for me to eat. Nico helped a bit but we then admitted defeat and he happily curled up in his crate. Nico was then dropped off at his spa. Well, that is after we took a very scenic route again since the protesters were still there. My what should have been 45 minute adventure turned to about double that. Oh well. Not like I still had bags to pack.
I eventually got everything pack; well, I think it's everthing and even got a few hours of sleep. This morning down the hill I was optomistic but when I turned the curve I saw sleepy Italians once agian piling up whatever they could to block the road. Luckily, I was able to turn back around to take my scenic route once again. A few of my coworkers weren't so lucky and had to pled with the prostesters to let them back up the hill since they were blocked between the roads.
Sigh.
You all probably think I'm crazy with my next statement but it's still true: I absolutely LOVE Italy. Sure my neighborhood isn't supposed to have stuff like this going on but it's what makes every day an adventure! I am however ready for a different kind of adventure- one through lettuce fields in a car that looks tiny compared to the others, where drivers stay between the lines, and I can actually talk in English.
Next stop: Monterey! Well, not really but I'll be there eventually...assuming I survive enemy territory (LAX).
Seriously. It's like she's trying to keep me in country and I haven't even made it to the airport yet!
Last night on my way home I had to turn around about 5 minutes from the end of my route because a ton (and I do mean a ton) of people were blocking the road. *Sigh* Time for the scenic route.
After dealing with even more traffic on the other side of our little penninsula I made it up the hill to my normal turn. But unlike other nights, I found an officer on every corner talking. When I realized the car in front of me didn't stop I did the same thing, but then he started to talk to me. I tried in my best Italian to explain to him that I live on the street as I pointed to that direction. He quickly realized that I was not a native speaker and I kid you not asked "why don't you speak English?" and I laughed. Dangit. I tired to explian (in English) that since I live in Italy I don't assume everyone speaks English. But wait. I live in MDP so it's a different place.
I finally made it home- did a power clean because if things aren't in order before I leave it's not cool. A quick trip downstairs for my last real pizzas before departure filled me in with what was going on. Yes. You did real that correctly- pizzas. A real one and then una con nutella. But perhaps more importantly was getting the scoop on what was happening in the streets below.
Here's a look at what was going on but the long story short: they're actually beginning to crack down on taxes and law enforcement. (I'll hold for you to catch your breath.) There are three houses that were built a few years back without permits. For some reason, the family that owns the homes are being targeted and they are scheduled to be torn down. This morning in the office we were commenting that if they are really going after all illegally built homes...Italy is going to look a heck of a lot different in the next few months.
Well, the mobs you see are blocking the roads with their numbers in addition to road signs, lawn chairs, boxes...basically anything they can get their hands on.
We had way too much pizza for me to eat. Nico helped a bit but we then admitted defeat and he happily curled up in his crate. Nico was then dropped off at his spa. Well, that is after we took a very scenic route again since the protesters were still there. My what should have been 45 minute adventure turned to about double that. Oh well. Not like I still had bags to pack.
I eventually got everything pack; well, I think it's everthing and even got a few hours of sleep. This morning down the hill I was optomistic but when I turned the curve I saw sleepy Italians once agian piling up whatever they could to block the road. Luckily, I was able to turn back around to take my scenic route once again. A few of my coworkers weren't so lucky and had to pled with the prostesters to let them back up the hill since they were blocked between the roads.
Sigh.
You all probably think I'm crazy with my next statement but it's still true: I absolutely LOVE Italy. Sure my neighborhood isn't supposed to have stuff like this going on but it's what makes every day an adventure! I am however ready for a different kind of adventure- one through lettuce fields in a car that looks tiny compared to the others, where drivers stay between the lines, and I can actually talk in English.
Next stop: Monterey! Well, not really but I'll be there eventually...assuming I survive enemy territory (LAX).
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