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.

4th of July in Italy

This wasn't my first 4th of July outside the home of the free and the brave, but it was the first over seas 4th that felt like I was in the states. I guess that's what happens when you spend it with a ton of Americans, at a military recreation site while in Italy. In fact, the only thing that reminded me that I was in Italy was the Italian being spoken around me by the Italian guests also celebrating with us.

Sure it wasn't a the picnic at Colton Hall, being a pyro with 10 sparklers in my hand, or even watching the volunteer fire department put out a fire on the ball field in the middle of Utah but it's definitely one for the history books...no colored fog!

Although the Carney Park event apparently wasn't as busy as previous years, it was still plenty busy with food and craft vendors, a stage with the most annoying MC ever, pie eating contests, bands, rides, and yes, fireworks.

At first I was thinking no big deal on fireworks since every day I've been here I've seen and/or heard fireworks (we'll have a "Let's Talk....Fireworks" posting later) but these were real fireworks. As they were being shot off in an extinct volcano the noise echoing from the crater mutiplied and I couldn't help but think of it as "payback" for those 1am firework shows most of us have been subject to at this point.

Nothing screams 4th of July like Katy Perry- right? Oh well. Being surrounded by fellow Americans- those who have given so much to protect our freedom really put the holiday in perceptive. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Roman Holiday!

So I may not be Princess Katie, but that doesn't mean that I don't crave an escape from all these trainings...meetings...required certificates...forms...meet and greets...house-hunting...you get the drift. Granted I didn't fall asleep on a bench and meet a tall, dark and handsome reporter who showed me around Rome, but I did see many of the same sights. I say some because if Rome wasn't built in a day, there is no way I can see all of it (or even a fraction of it) in a mere day. 

My day in the Eternal City was jammed packed. Of my sette to do items, I crossed off cinque. So what did I do? Keep reading! 

Piazza del Popolo The People's Plaza  
My day stared off in North Rome at the Piazza del Popolo. This main square not only marks the center of the city but also the traditional north entrance to the city. In the center of the square there is an obelisk surrounded by those adorable lion fountains. Like most piazzas there are churches and other fountains that surround the large area. I didn't check out any of these churches because I was nervous of being delayed/I figure someone else is going to want to check them out so I'll be back one of these days. (Apparently these churches have a ton of artwork and I believe it based on their doors and walls.)

At the south end of the plaza there are 3 roads leading into the city but I think Via del Corso was the most interesting. Why? Well if you look down it you can see clear to the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Since I come from the land of curves, turns, and hills this concept is somewhat crazy.

Cappuccin Crypt
I don't think you can think "Rome" without the mental imagery of the various sights and random historical events. Well that's how my brain operates and in my mental picture of Rome it includes the catacombs. Although there are lots of famous ones to visit, I picked this crypt instead? Why? Well, you can't take pictures so I have to rely on the internet to provide you images. Seriously- check out that link. I'll hold. 

Yes. Those are bones! Isn't it amazing? Those are the bones are from Capuchin monks that died during the lifetime of the crypt. They would exhume the the longest buried monk to make room for the newly deceased who was buried without a coffin. The bodies spent 30 years decomposing in the soil, before being exhumed and used in decorating the walls.

*If you haven't lost your appetite and interesting side note- Cappuccinos are named after these Capuchin Monks who wore brown robes.  

Confession time. I found myself identifying the various bones in each arrangement (apparently I did retain some of that anatomy knowledge).  Another confession? I didn't think this was creepy at all. Well, I did when I started to think about how when those who were arranging the bones may have said, "hey, please pass me Brother John's right fibula" but other than that I was just in awe. Talk about being resourceful! 

After walking through all the crypts, you find yourself in the 6th one looking at scene of judgement day. On the ceiling a skeleton holds a grim reaper scythe and a chandelier of bones hangs overhead. The words "What you are now we used to be; what we are now you will be..." leave you with an oh-so somber reminder that life here is only temporary.  

Trevi Fountain
Yep, the fountain you throw a coin over your shoulder so you can make it back to Rome. It was crazy busy in the late morning already but coins were a-flyin' and the fountain was a-flowin'. Definitely a touristy place but on another visit it will be a great hang out place with a scoop of gelato (or two) and a fabulous friend to chat with while we comment on the folks passing by.

Colosseum
For years I've heard stories about how dirty and crowded this part of Rome is. I've had images in my head of this enormous, smog covered ancient building in the middle of a round about (because they had to build the road around it) with cars 3-4 deep driving around. Please tell me I'm not the only one?! Well, the Colosseum was dirty and falling apart (it is kind of old) but it's still a remarkable piece of architecture- especially when you remember when it was built!

I ended up caving and paying for a tour, mainly because I didn't want to wait in the long ticket line. The tour was actually pretty good and filled in some of the gaps that my reading had left. From inside I couldn't help by be in shock that this ancient building and what took place on the arena and in the passageways below it. I couldn't get enough of all the views and arch ways either- so here is a major collection of the pictures.

Palatine Hill/Roman Forum
By this time in the day my feet were covered in ancient civilization dust, my face had less makeup on it than it started with, and my arms had gained a ton of freckles. I was still functioning, but in the heat of the sun I was fading fast and really didn't want to be looking at piles of rubble pretending I was in a one time 150,000 square foot palace. I had to laugh when I heard two little kids complaining at all the destroyed buildings. The little girl suggested that they tear down the half buildings and use all the remnants to build something new... I don't think she understood exactly what we were touring.  

While waiting for this tour to start up I did some walking on Via del Fori Imperiali and checked out some of the Roman Forum remains. This street was also scattered with statues of famous Romans. Somehow I ended up at the Victor Emmanuel Monument where I saw even more impressive buildings and snapped more pictures of my favorite sights.

Over all, my first to Rome was amazing! The city is incredibly easy to navigate, there is no shortage of sights, and I found most of the locals to be incredibly helpful. True I still have a ton to explore but this trip left me craving more trips that way and also to brush up on my ancient civilizations history. I'll keep doing the research for when you visit since you know it's always better to share amazing stuff like this with someone.

One Step At a Time

I was teasing Monday about going native...but really, I am!

Today I was handed an envelope with a ton of Italian on it. When I opened it up I found a rather official looking card with my name, DOB, and an ID number. I'm still not sure what the letter says but I know that card is crucial for when I finally find home sweet home- it's basically my Italian SSN.

The only other official document that I'm waiting for is my "green card" equivalent. Well, I do still need to pass that driver's license test. One step at a time...

30 Days!

It's been 30 days? How do I know? Well, after a long day at the office (I really can't have that many more training modules left at this point...) I found that my room key didn't work anymore. After trying several times and only getting a blinking red light- I ventured back downstairs to get the scoop from the guy who offered to be my secretary and a much younger guy with the most amazing eyes ever. Apparently the keys need to be reprogrammed every 30 days.

Ha. So I get billed every 10 days, need a new internet code every 15 days, and now, every 30 days I'll be locked out. So basically all those things aligned today and the fact that I get to turn in my first reimbursement claim also triggers that 30 days have passed.

Even if the numbers didn't add up to trenta, the fact that I've been called Caterina pretty much by every Italian who sees my name means I'm turning native. I'm just going to have to spell it with a K, since clearly that's the correct way to spell Katherine. (My coworker agrees--we had this talk last week.)

That's all- boring I know. I really can't compete with Kim and Nick's baby boy finally deciding he wanted out today. So exciting! I know he already has a ton of outfits picked out for our Skype sessions down the road. Congrats you two and please don't ignore Zippy (and Moe) too much.

Stay-cation: Day 2

Naturally after all that fabulous food the night before (and lack of gym trip on my part) this morning was a perfect day to set out to Carney Park to hike along the ridge. Carney Park is the military recreational facility located in an extinct volcano, Campiglione. (The one with yurts!)

With the sun shinning and a great breeze, Cynthia and I met with with another Laurie and her pup. They had warned me yesterday that there were steep sections and since I'd seen the big old crater, I had some idea what to expect. Then again, I've hiked Garrapata enough times so when I hear "steep" I kind of panic. I had also been told to expect lots of chances to "take in the view." Translation- we're going to by dying after 10 steps so we'll be stopping. I'm thinking fabulous because it's warm here and my body still doesn't quite know how to react.

Well all I've got to say is THANK YOU! to whoever was the first person who drug me out to Garrapata for that hike I love to hate. There were some a vertical climbs on today's hike that resembled the valley segment but over all it wasn't that bad! My SF Giants hat and I kicked butt and even now, several hours later Stanley is cool with it all. Then again, I guess after all my falls on the way down from Garrapata on that last night hike anything would make Stanley happy?

It was a great time walking through the forest like area. The trees provided a great canopy to protect us from the sun, while berries, grass, and other thorny plants provided excellent obstacles across the path. I'm really hoping that I'm not allergic to any of the plants I tromped through and got scratched by, since I'm really only used to looking for poison oak! We did 1/2 of the loop but already have plans for the other side next time around. I've also scoped out a few flat trails for running so I'm excited that this parks is kindda on my way "home", again, once I find a place out that way to live.

We did have to laugh about how the rustling in the bushes due to those pesky lizards made them sound much larger than they actually were. At one point I saw a whole branch move  and being the bio nerd I am, had to stop to look. Well, that grasshopper looking thing was so large that it's what caused the movement. No, not Kenya bug status for those who saw that one, but it was a good 3 inches? And check out those colors!

What else? Oh! The views! Amazing. I guess the wind blew out a lot of the haze/humidity so we were left with clear skies. So yeah, definitely another stop on our tour of Naples for those of you who hang out for a while. Don't you love all these previews of your trip to visit me? And yes, that is the neon green top I scared the desk clerk with earlier this week.

Stay-cation: Day 1

I guess I've been fortunately enough to always live in a place that others consider a vacation spot. Granted, that was one of the things that drove me nuts in Monterey with the influx of traffic (mainly due to confused drivers), impossible weekend parking, and ridiculous "peak season" prices. Of course as a local you knew how to avoid most of the crazy weekends but still, I can't help but think of one of my favorite Savage Chicken cartoons.

Well this weekend I had a stay-cation in Monte Di Procida. Again, the generosity of the community here is amazing! On Friday I met up with someone copied on emails started back in April. No- I'm not hanging out with strangers, well, strangers to me but the degree of separation is no more than 3. Someone I worked with put me in touch with someone who had recently left Italy. Laurie then started to email me with info and put me in touch with others- including the fabulous Cynthia who I met for lunch on Friday. By the end of the lunch she had offered to show me around MdP, let me crash at her place, and then go hiking this morning out at Carney Park. Um yes please! 

Monte Di Procida is for sure where I'm going to live- but I still need to figure out which place to claim. On my tour we entered the town a new way because it's going to be crucial to know all the routes should traffic be ridiculous. (Think Del Monte Ave. on a gorgeous holiday weekend, with all that construction they were doing, and it only being two lanes...with no traffic lights.) No, I'm not crazy because once you make it through one of the various towns and make your way up the hill this is one of the views awaiting you.

As we drove around the town during risposare, the afternoon break, most of the stores were closed up, but few people still walking around the main piazza. As we drove down towards the water, that's where we found more people. The parking lots were full, scooters lined up along the pier, and many boats were out for the day. For those of you who make it out in the summer months we'll be taking a ferry out to Procida or Ischia for the day. Still not 100% sure what's out there other than beaches, food, and stores but I think it would be fun to see the different view and I've never been one to turn down being on the water. Okay, I'll do more recon prior to your visit! The town is super cute, lots of little shops selling one type of item- produce, bread, meat, etc. No Safeway for one stop shopping may take a little while to get used to, but maybe this way I'll learn to enjoy grocery shopping a little more?

After the tour we went back to her place and I think I fell in love with the idea of having a veranda which unfortunately apt #1 from the last search doesn't have. The view from her apartment was fabulous although it was more over the hill side than of the water, but you still saw plenty of sparking blue. (The night view was amazing too!) We chatted about Italy and other destinations while sipping on bubbly and taking in the view on the perfect late June day.

Once we realized it was turning to dinner hours (American dinner hours, not Italian), we walked a block away to her favorite restaurant. I'd been told about this place and Meriella before even stepping foot out of Monterey and let me tell you, it lived up to everything I'd been told. Both Meriella and her husband, Pepe were so friendly and since we were the only table in the place until 8pm they kept stopping by and talking. The food? Fabulous!

There is no menu at this restaurant because what's she serving is whatever was at the market. Translation? She won't commit to a menu because if it's not fresh it won't be served here. After picking our table, Meriella came over and asked what would we like. She gave us options of "sea food" or "land food." Land food, I found interesting also included veggies. So I'm a seafood, plant land food person. Chickens are also land food since they are found on land...even on rare occasion that they fly.

As you can see, we had quite the antipasti collection: bruschetta (broos-ke-ta), grilled veggies, stuffed cuttlefish, sardines, belt fish, stuffed zucchini blossoms (YUM), octopus, calamari on a stick, shrimp. We did the sea food route and it was fabulous. I think when I ate the calamari the words "it tastes like home" escaped my mouth.  Fish that I normally wouldn't try (sardines) were yummy soaked in vinegar and then drizzled with olive oil then dusted with dried chili pepper. Cuttlefish are surprisingly sweet and just may become part of my diet now that I'm over the fact that they are one of my favorite displays at the aquarium...please don't tell me they are on the watch list!

After all those amazing tastes of fish paired perfectly with basil, tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mint, garlic, mint, pine nuts, or chili pepper we decided we had room for primi piatti, although the idea of skipping to secondi piatti which is typically a protein like sea bass was rather tempting. Again, after Meriella listed our options the fresh seafood sounded amazing so we ordered pasta alle vongole (pasta with claims) and a fabulous fat, chewy noodle that name escapes me today but the translation in English mean "splat" because of the sound it makes when you put it in water to cook it. Maybe it wasn't "splat" but pick one of those onomatopoeias, translate it into Italian and then you'll have the name of the pasta. I believe it's one of the local shapes of this region. At any rate it was fabulous topped with tomato sauce, eggplant, and cheese.

That's where we ended this meal. After Meriella learned I was moving to the area she told me to stop by for un caffe or another meal. I have a feeling this will be a regular place for me, at least when people are in town. She also offers cooking lessons! Yep. I should just ask for a part time job of sous chef on the weekends.

A quick walk around the corner and we were back at Cynthia's place. Granted, if I live in the kitchen apartment my walk would be about 5 minutes more...okay, maybe 10 after all that food and up hill, but that just means I could have had another stuffed baby cuttlefish!

End of this stay-cation's first day. How great is it to live within an hour of amazing locations?