I have finally gotten used to the honking cars, double-takes and stare downs from the locals. People in town gawk at me like I have a sign on my forhead flashing, "I am an American". I guess my new Italian skin tone isn't fooling anyone.
Today when I went to a birthday party with Maria and Enea, I was ready for the curious eyes and whispers. However, in a matter of 10 minutes, I was surrounded by 15 kids straining to get my attention. There were two teenage girls who spoke decent english translating everyone's questions. The young children were circled around me smiling and trying to communicate. Although I answered the most boring facts about my life, they acted like I was a queen gracing them with my presence. Little girls with googly eyes were tugging at my skirt just to say "hello".
Maria stood next to me the entire time, making sure I had enough space to think. She wanted to be my body guard. I have never felt so welcomed with a party of strangers. It was a blast!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Italian Fun
First off I wanted to say thank you to my Grandma and Papa. They sent me a big box of books and Sports Illustrated. It was so fun to get a package and I have already finished one of the books. Looks like Grandma knew my favorite author! Thank you both. Miss you guys!
This last weekend was the festival for Fasano. Every summer in Southern Italy, each town holds a festival for 3 days. I went two of the nights with my family and had so much fun. The festivities started saturday afternoon with a parade. People from the town lined the stone streets watching men and women dressed in old fashioned clothes. Then we walked though part of the city that was covered with booths selling toys and gifts. The workers selling the goodies were from Africa. Every summer they travel to Italy and go to different towns for each festival.
Each building in the town square is covered with colorful lights. In the center is a castle made of lights where a live band plays. There is also a couple blocks filled with fair games and rides. The kids loved going on the mini-rollarcoasters and fun-houses. I ofcourse wanted to go on the all the crazy rides that go upside down, but the kids weren't in favor of that.
Monday night was the last night of the festival. I went with Carlo and his parents to dinner and then to the square. We ate gelato and listened to the live music. There was people packed into every skinny street you walked down. Carlo and I spent the night dancing with eachother while people stared. It was fun to soak up some Italian culture. I was suprised how similar it was to an American fair, it made me feel at home. Hope all is well in the States. Ciao
Here is a picture of the town square lit up! Sorry it is a little blurry (I used my small camera).
This last weekend was the festival for Fasano. Every summer in Southern Italy, each town holds a festival for 3 days. I went two of the nights with my family and had so much fun. The festivities started saturday afternoon with a parade. People from the town lined the stone streets watching men and women dressed in old fashioned clothes. Then we walked though part of the city that was covered with booths selling toys and gifts. The workers selling the goodies were from Africa. Every summer they travel to Italy and go to different towns for each festival.
Each building in the town square is covered with colorful lights. In the center is a castle made of lights where a live band plays. There is also a couple blocks filled with fair games and rides. The kids loved going on the mini-rollarcoasters and fun-houses. I ofcourse wanted to go on the all the crazy rides that go upside down, but the kids weren't in favor of that.
Monday night was the last night of the festival. I went with Carlo and his parents to dinner and then to the square. We ate gelato and listened to the live music. There was people packed into every skinny street you walked down. Carlo and I spent the night dancing with eachother while people stared. It was fun to soak up some Italian culture. I was suprised how similar it was to an American fair, it made me feel at home. Hope all is well in the States. Ciao
Here is a picture of the town square lit up! Sorry it is a little blurry (I used my small camera).
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Festivities
Nothing too exciting has been happening this week. I got sick because the stinker Carlos doesn't know how to cover his mouth! I have been rather tired taking care of the children that do not listen half the time. Besides that it is enjoyable and I am still loving my time here.
Today we went to Roberta's birthday party (Enea, Maria and Carlo's cousin). It was outside with all pink decorations. They had a company host the party, with a cotton candy machine, puppet show, dancing and lots of food! There were adorable kids running around everywhere with sugary snacks and balloon animals.
I am excited for next week because the town has its summer festival. They have been setting up lights in the town square for 2 weeks. I don't know what to expect, but my family said I am very lucky to see it. I can't wait to get to see some more Italian culture.
I am off to bed because I am exhausted. Hopefully I will have some more exciting stories in a week or two!
Today we went to Roberta's birthday party (Enea, Maria and Carlo's cousin). It was outside with all pink decorations. They had a company host the party, with a cotton candy machine, puppet show, dancing and lots of food! There were adorable kids running around everywhere with sugary snacks and balloon animals.
I am excited for next week because the town has its summer festival. They have been setting up lights in the town square for 2 weeks. I don't know what to expect, but my family said I am very lucky to see it. I can't wait to get to see some more Italian culture.
I am off to bed because I am exhausted. Hopefully I will have some more exciting stories in a week or two!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Funny things I have noticed with the family
- The grandmother uses her mouth to cut open the tomatoes we eat on our bread...
- She also eats the eyes of our fish
- Today the grandpa came into the kitchen laughing, with his eyes sparkling. He then went on to tell us a hilarious story about him tormenting his wife. She feel asleep in the living room with her mouth wide open. He took the opportunity to dump a full water bottle into her mouth and on her face! I have never laughed so hard. Watching him proudly act this story out was fantastic. He proceeded to trickle more water down her back while we ate! He is always joking with her and slapping her in the face playfully. It is quite entertaining for me to watch.
- Carlo, his mother, Enea and Maria all have new Birkenstock sandals...I think I am setting a trend in the Rena family. I guess my footwear is Italy-approved. Maybe I can get them all to wear tie-dye too!
- She also eats the eyes of our fish
- Today the grandpa came into the kitchen laughing, with his eyes sparkling. He then went on to tell us a hilarious story about him tormenting his wife. She feel asleep in the living room with her mouth wide open. He took the opportunity to dump a full water bottle into her mouth and on her face! I have never laughed so hard. Watching him proudly act this story out was fantastic. He proceeded to trickle more water down her back while we ate! He is always joking with her and slapping her in the face playfully. It is quite entertaining for me to watch.
- Carlo, his mother, Enea and Maria all have new Birkenstock sandals...I think I am setting a trend in the Rena family. I guess my footwear is Italy-approved. Maybe I can get them all to wear tie-dye too!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Italian Cars and Fishy Dinners
Tonight I just got home from driving stick for the first time. If that wasn't hard enough, the father can barely speak english! I don't think he realized how little I knew about the whole manual car concept. When the car died twice, and we bounced to an abrupt stop, he decided that was enough for today. I actually understand it though, so now I just need to practice!
Nothing too exciting has happened recently. I had my day off and was supposed to go to the sea with friends. We ended up canceling because it was super cloudy that day. Instead, I found a beautiful running trail that weaves through acres of olive trees. The road is skinny with a stone wall on both sides. The cliffs are on my left, and in the distance there are colorful, tiny houses. I wake up before work every morning to run or walk on this street. It is so relaxing and inspiring!
I had fish for dinner tonight. They handed me a plate with a full fish on it...I am talking a head with eyes and skin! I just looked at them for a second until they offered to prepare it for me better. Besides that, the days have been pretty similar. I work, eat and sleep. It is slowly getting hotter and hotter outside. The Rena family will be moving to their house on the sea in the next month!
Well I am off to bed! I fall asleep watching "The Notebook" every night. It is the only thing my roommate has in English. I already read all my books this week and streaming TV shows online doesn't work in Italy. If anyone feels nice and wants to send me some book and movies..I will not complain! Miss you all
Nothing too exciting has happened recently. I had my day off and was supposed to go to the sea with friends. We ended up canceling because it was super cloudy that day. Instead, I found a beautiful running trail that weaves through acres of olive trees. The road is skinny with a stone wall on both sides. The cliffs are on my left, and in the distance there are colorful, tiny houses. I wake up before work every morning to run or walk on this street. It is so relaxing and inspiring!
I had fish for dinner tonight. They handed me a plate with a full fish on it...I am talking a head with eyes and skin! I just looked at them for a second until they offered to prepare it for me better. Besides that, the days have been pretty similar. I work, eat and sleep. It is slowly getting hotter and hotter outside. The Rena family will be moving to their house on the sea in the next month!
Well I am off to bed! I fall asleep watching "The Notebook" every night. It is the only thing my roommate has in English. I already read all my books this week and streaming TV shows online doesn't work in Italy. If anyone feels nice and wants to send me some book and movies..I will not complain! Miss you all
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Festa Della Repubblica Italiana
Today it was Italian Independence Day. We relaxed in the morning at home and then went to the sea in the afternoon. Families were walking around everywhere. The sea has beaches and restraunts lining the shore. They also have fields going on for about a mile where boys play soccer (futbol) in skimpy, colorful shorts.
After going to the sea, we went to the same pizzaria for dinner. We then proceeded to go to the square and eat biscotti at the gelato cafe. Mine was all chocolate ofcourse! I get to bike to the Rena family apartment every day. I love breathing in the Italian air and soaking up the city on my ride. It is still sinking in that I am living in Italy.
Currently Italian music is blasting through my porch window. The church next door is having a party for their holiday. I spend the last half hour watching fireworks exploding over my roof. I sat, pretending it was the 4th of July since I won't have one.
I am finally getting used to men in tight pants and colorful polos. They also tie sweaters around their necks to be fashionable. When I come back to the U.S everyone will look super grungy. I am still too scared to walk around in my workout clothes, which is usually my everday atire.
I am now thankful for my loud family at home, yes you Dad, Mom and Mackenzie. That is because everyone hear screams when they talk! The first day, I thought Annapia was yelling at Carlo all the time until I realized it is normal. It is just another home of loud-talkers like the Slater's (except it's a whole county).
Tomorrow night I am going out with some people my own age. Carlo's dad has friends from work that want to meet me because they study english. I am excited to see the night life and talk with people my own age. Hopefully I will make some fun friends!
Sorry to everyone for not uploading any photos. My wireless is too slow to allow it, so I don't know how I will get them up yet. Hope Wisconsin is beautiful! Miss you all.
KISS KISS
P.S: Grandma...You should still convince Papa to take a trip and visit this beautiful place and me!
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