One Year!

It's amazing to look at at the calendar and realize that I'm already into year #2 here in Italy. I know some had doubts that I could really make it to this point (even I did in my weaker moments) but like I said when leaving Monterey- "I can do anything for a year."

And that's exactly what I've done.

Although the job is very much routine at this point (and bordering boredom some days) life here in Naples is anything but. You'd think I'd be used to this crazy city life but I still find myself laughing or asking "did I really just see that?" as I navigate the roads. Honestly I don't think any of it will ever come routine, and if it does it just means it's time to move on!

There are things that I loved as soon as I arrived and still love them now: gelato in various flavors, fresh pizza on just about every block, the kindness of the people (unless you're trying to merge...then good luck!), tiny coffee cups, not having to commit to a certain lane on the road. 

Some of the quirks have grown on me: creative use of emergency SOS spaces on the side of the road, the lack of obeying traffic laws, shutting everything down after lunch, coffee breaks every hour, dressing up to run weekend errands, dramatic conversations, beeping at every intersection to let others know you are there.

Then again there are still some things that I just don't understand coming from the states like, why can't I have a garbage disposal? What do you mean it's normal to have paint chip/peel of the walls? Wait. You just let your cat/dog out to fend for itself when you go away in August? Dinner starts at 9- that's my bed time! What's the reason for the strike this time?

All I know is I've got my work cut out for me. I've managed to see and do a lot this past year but somehow there is still a ton of Naples I have yet to explore! If year one flew by this quickly, you better believe years 2 and 3 will do the same. Lucky for me, my summer line up of guests start off with my siblings so you know we're going to go to some major exploring!