Go Figure

In the days leading up to my half way done with living in Naples, things got a little crazy. Not horrible crazy, more like the of course this is happening right now. Long story short- my car window got smashed in hours before I left for Munich this past weekend. I think the phone call to my extended family celebrating Thanksgiving in Napa went something like:

Hey mom! Happy Thanksgiving. Things are good, but my car was broken into. They grabbed my GPS and keys. The GPS doens't work most days so good riddance, but yeah, they have my keys. My gate clicker, the pedestrian door, my alarm sensor, and yeah, both keys to my house. Call someone? It's 4am out here. 

No dad, my home address isn't listed as home in the GPS and I'm pretty sure nothing had my address written on it...I don't even know my physical address most days. Already called my landlord in NJ to have him relay the message to his parents since I'll be on on plane when it's a decent hour to call. And yeah, my house is about 20 miles away from here. 

All I know is I now have another check in the box for my Naples check list. It's sad, but true, that pretty much we all head over here knowing that at some point we're going to get robbed. Guess it was my time. Poor Ravi has had a rough year, but in the scheme of things it wasn't bad. My car was still there. My purse wasn't snatched. I still have all my IDs (as in the various forms I have, not different names). And perhaps most important- all my locks were changed within 24 hours and my neighbors all took the time to watch (even more closely) who was coming/going from our "compound."

Another thing that I know without doubt is that my Naples family is absolutely (!!!!) amazing. From my first responders checking out the damage and driving me to the airport at o'dark-thirty, coworkers tracking down phone numbers for me while I'm in Germany, discussing repair options, offering transportation and lodging while it got resolved, changing out locks without even being asked, vacuuming all that glass out of my car (talk about giving blood), to my landlady giving me a hug as soon as she saw me. They have all kept the tears from spilling multiple times and never even hesitated to provide the help I reluctantly asked for.

Even today after meeting the famous Bulion, fabulous because he tracked down my window and replaced it in less than 24 hours, I still had issues. Go figure-right? The main driveway gate didn't want to open. After realizing that it was going to be an issued, I circled the block to try again. Lucky for me two guys were standing on the corner (same 2 guys I gave a look to on round 1 because a) I didn't recognize them and b)they were sort of blocking the space I need to get into the driveway) so when I tried again and failed, they realized I needed help. One went over to the door to "encourage" the slacker door. Several honking cars, my car partially in the "gate" and a stubborn door later, his buddy starts directing traffic through. I kid you not, I'm sure I'm known as la americana in these parts because at this point everyone has a story about me trying to get in my freaking driveway.

So (yeah, we're so not done yet) it's about this time that two neighbors that live downstairs are trying to walk out. Ha. Not happening with my car blocking the exit, and street. Then my landlady has a guest or 2 leaving her house. I kid you not, they say something about the door and then le americane...which last time I checked it's just me, but maybe I heard wrong because at this time I was just laughing at the situation, you know 5 Italians trying to help me and none of them spoke English and I'm an Italian level 4 drop out. So I follow the hand motions and back my car out and wait for the signal to get back into the garage. For those of you who know my drive way, you know that the t-intersection there is anything but fun and it needs to be approached just right. But you know, with full visibility back it's amazing how easy it can be after all these months of practice!

As I drove through the gate, the guy who had been so patient with me passed off my telecomando and I gave him my best grazie and sorriso.

Uffa. As frustrating as these things can be I love the fact that when in Italy, you always know you're going to have an audience and if you're lucky enough they just may be willing to help. Okay, maybe if you're rocking the skirt and boots your chances increase and a smile can never hurt, but what I'm saying is for as much commentary/teasing/whatever you want to call it us Americans have about the Italians, I have yet to meet an Italian that I just don't like. Well, should I ever meet the person(s) who crushed Ravi's window  I may not care for them but we all know I had a hate/hate relationship with that GPS...I probably would have just handed it over if given that option and spared the nightmare of Ravi's repairs. Oh well, guess I have to have a few challenges for all the amazing adventures?

Who wants to bet that I won't have gate troubles tomorrow when I'm leaving for work???


 

100% Real

Over the summer one of my coworkers picked up this really annoying saying that he felt the need to bring back it Italy with him:

Hey, I've got a question. (Long pause) Are you for real?

As annoying as it is to be asked multiple times  a week if "I'm real" or not when I speak words that he often doesn't want to hear, I've found myself asking myself on multiple occasions if this life of mine is real. The funny part about it, I know it is. This is my life and it's all REAL.

Well, today was another "is this really my life" sort of days. It started off by me actually watching the sunrise in my bed (nope, still woke up at 0400 but refused to get up). Ask anyone who has actually be on my patio, the pictures have nothing on the real deal of my view. Over 365 days of watching the sunrise, I'm still caught in awe in the mornings on just how fabulous the sky lights up; especially those mornings when I can watch the stars fade. Totally worth being a minute or two late for work!

Next stop I was headed to the main train station with the Minions' mom to get her back to the minions. As I chose to ignore the GPS for the signs, and then went back to listening to the GPS I realized that I have some trust issues. Well...maybe more like control issues? Seriously. How many times I have written about me and the latest battle with my GPS? Luckily I wasn't solo during this adventure, but with the time crunch to get her to the station in time for the train....we may have flown through Chinatown. Like I told her...I only have one speed here in Italy. It's a tad slow for the autostrade, but in towns it's just fine. Yes. She made it and when I listened to the GPS on the way out, I even recognized where I was. I mean, prision in the middle of town is my landmark for SHOE ALLEY.  But that's tomorrow's adventure.

The final destination of the day was the Cuma ruins. A place I've been wanting to go for about 6 months but due to crummy weather or sheer laziness on the weekends it hasn't happened. For a while we even talked about going after work over the summer, but never made it. But that's okay, because we made it today and couldn't have planned a better fall day to go check out this part of my backyard.

Literally. I drive by this ancient city every day on my way to work. (Pretty cool that I can say that- right?) At any rate, we finally showed up and conquered the city. It was rather amazing to see all that was back there- tunnels, towers, steps all holding the history of this area from a long (long) time ago. Even while playing "use your imagination" to recreate the temples and towers that once stood tall, covered in marble and other stone where only rubble now exists.

As far as the history of the city and everyone who lived/built there is still lost on me and I'll probably pay more attention next time around. Yep. Next time around. With admission being so cheap and giving you enterance to other monuments and ruins in my area of the peninusula, I think I found my new "time to get away and think" place. It's for sure made it to my "we've gotta go check this place out when you're in town" list.

I Still Prefer the Destination

I love to travel. The exploration, adventure, & learning that comes from being plopped down in a new location is something I can only describe as one of my passions. The buildings, colors, smells, food, people, geography, flora, landmarks, and just the "feel" of the city beckon me to look up various airfare prices at least once a week so I can pick a new place to explore.

Growing up destinations were mostly domestic and travel was often completed by car. With the family van loaded up we'd trek out for summer camping trips in the National Parks, visit Colorado to see the aspen leaves quiver in the October wind, drive to Disney Land, or head north to Oregon to visit relatives. The travel days were part of the adventure as we would stop in cities along the way. Visit the quirky roadside touristy stops. Pick up fresh produce from the stand on the side of the road. Although the time spent in the car was often frustrating with 3 kids often bickering about something, a) it was always the fault of my brother or sister and b) it's part of the things that (now) make each of those trips special. The trips that required airplanes; Indiana/Ohio trip to visit family and friends, Cancun for Fanta e pan, Florida to catch the cruise ship after time spent at Disney World were not only exciting because of their destination but because of the airplane ride! Of course when back on the ground and loaded into the back seat of a car you either get 3 cranky kids or some of the best radio talk shows the world will never hear coming out of the Fanta bottle...but don't let me digress into family vacation stories.

But, oh airplane rides! They were different. How is that plane rides with your family or friends are always a million times better than a complete stranger? Is it because you're not afraid to spill over into their seat and use that shoulder as a pillow? Is it because you can agree on "time shares" for the window vs aisle seat? Because you're comfortable with passing out if you really are tired? Have someone to chat with when all the movies are lame? Someone decides that it's time to drink and your row single finishes all the red wine on board? Or you know, my personal favorite- playing truth or dare with the entire group your traveling with (all recent 8th grade grads) and get the "this is a reminder for those in economy class, that the service buttons should only be pressed if something is needed" announcement and then bursting into laughter as the other passengers try to settle in for sleep on a 16+ hour flight to Osaka, Japan.

Problem is, I'm becoming not so much a fan of the actual travel part...as in the traveling from your residence to your destination and don't even get me started on the return trip. As I sit here in the Munich airport waiting for my last connection flight of the day you can bet that it's really just these long transatlantic flights I'm talking about. Travel solo has it's perks- better chance of moving seats, not having to worry about someone else's eating schedule, but it gets boring. No Dad, this doesn't mean you should have driven up to SFO to keep me company while I sat there forever. First of all- I'm thankful that my return trip wasn't impacted at all by this week's storm. Second- I'm shocked that we've actually been early on both arrivals today. Third- I really do want to head home and I think that's what kills me. And if that fact isn't enough...I have to work in the morning. Yeah, not one of my more brilliant planning moves.

When traveling by train or car you really don't have the stop and wait torture. If you've stopped it's for the night, fuel, food, or a I-80E road closure (that was a fun road trip day). Well, when you're on a layover you're just there. There in the airport terminal with normally my luck the partial construction These over night flights are particularly the worse for me cause I'm ready for sleep when we are boarding (which is why I napped), then I'm being served food,  and just when I think I'm passed out for good... it's time for more food? I'm so confused and definitely not in need of airport food, not even a beer. Why did they serve me breakfast at 4pm local time? How come it was so hot on the plane I couldn't sleep? And why is it so dark? And why am I so grouchy? And tell me again why I agreed to book tickets with a 2.5 hour layover in Munich? The flight is less than 2 hours!

Ironic part? I already know I'll be looking for a new travel destination by the end of the weekend. BUT flights within Europe are so much less painful than this one. And don't let this talk you out from visiting me...it really isn't that bad I'm just super tired, anxious to get to Naples, & beginning to wonder if I can wait another 24 hours to pick-up Signore Nico.

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.

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.

It's Go Time

No, not time for me to "go" back to Italy.
Not time for me to tear up as I see my daddy walk my beautiful sister down the aisle.
Shoot, it's not even time for mia sorella to get in her dress and say "I do."

So where are we going?

Deep into the land of wedding mayhem of course! The family has all their wedding day wardrobes back in our possession. The bride (finally) has shoes that I love and will add to my collection. More extended family arrives tomorrow to kick off the wedding festivities: bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, reception set up, makeup, pictures, ceremony, PARTY TIME, clean up, after party...

Yep. I need some sleep. Once all my purchases from tonight are put away in their appropriate stacks.

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.

• 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. 

Ugh, it's good to be back- honest. Just taking even more time to adjust this time around and I'm not even jet-lagged. Well, I am but so much to do that my sleeping hours are restricted so I had to work through it. The cure for jet-lag perhaps?