Here is the scoop on Italia. Pronto? Via!

Things I Love:

1. Things stay open til Midnight or later. The whole country is like a big taco bell commercial. :) If you need something, you no longer have to go to a 24 hour Walmart.. Dolce and Gabanna, Souvenier shops, All the gelato shops, you name it... all open very late.

2. Holiday. Why work the month of August, really? Parts of Italy practically shut down in August. Milan for example, a huge banking capital for Italy... practically deserted. Everyone leaves and heads for the coast, or somewhere more interesting to say the least. They all get practically an entire month off of work and do what they please. 

3. 90% of people (at least) can speak two languages. Obviously not completely fluent all the time, but they are much more intelligent in the fact that they have taken the time to learn it. Foreign travellers are much better off in Italy than in the US. If an Italian person came in to Panera, they would be shit out of luck, and they would simply have to point. 

4. Cheese and wine! It's good, and there are lots of it!

5. It really is beautiful here. When you take some time to get out of the cities and really touristy parts of Italy, there are some breathtaking views that I am certain are one of a kind. Tuscany has been amazing, and there will be nothing else in my life like Chianti.

6. You can take your dog everywhere. It doesn't matter if it is a grocery store, pharamacy, or clothing store, your dog is for the most part, welcome. Don't get me wrong, I have seen a handful of stores with no dog stickers, but they are rare. 

7. People are much more prone to traveling. I think that Americans are workaholics after being here. These people take tons of weekend trips, and tend to leave their worries behind.

8. Cars. Ferrari, Lamborghini, so what-- their coolness factor is dropping a little, just because they are so common. :)

With all that being said: Italy isn't my favorite place on earth. For one, my family and friends are really far away! That is the worst part about being here, but I get over that one cause I know I will be home soon. Italians have very dry personalities- if they are not dry, they simply don't care about getting to know new people. They have friends, and they have people in their lives, they don't need you. Italian men like American women ( don't ask me why, I don't really see the fascination), but besides that, unless they are trying to sell you something, they just want to know why you are here. I am too outgoing for this country! The country side was my favorite so far! I love the beach, but do not understand how these people manage to go everyday. Everyone does it. They wake up every morning and go to the beach. No questions asked. For the past 25 days, that is where I have been, and I will be there til this coming Saturday (if you are looking for me)! The kids want to do something else, but that doesn't matter- we go to the beach, that's just what we do. Have I mentioned there is no air conditioning? I promise that on my next visit (I will be back), I will be staying at a hotel or it will be winter. There is no reconsidering the previous statement. 

I am so lucky to have seen all the things I have seen this summer so far. I can't believe I have already been here this long. I don't think I will make it to Southern Italy this trip, which sucks, but I have the North covered, and Southern Italy has so much that it could easily be a trip by itself. Starting Saturday the 31st, I have the week off and I am going to be staying just North of Venice. A friend from Johnson and Wales got married to a military guy and they are stationed there. I talked to her today, and I am excited to be able to experience some American things on the base. Italians don't stray much from their own culture, so I have missed some things from home. I will be able to see Venice and explore the east coast!

Might as Well be a Sauna

You would think that since Willis Carrier was so gracious enough to invent air conditioning, Italian people would be gracious enough to get one. I understand that their houses are really fancy, and are insulated to keep it cool, but seriously-- they have no idea what they are missing. 

Worst part of Italy by far. :) But ehh.. the beach can solve any problems I think. When I come back for round two of this amazing country, I will be staying at hotels-- all of which have good ol AC.

When I was cutting watermelon a couple days ago, I sent the knife through, and when it cut, the remainder of the HUGE watermelon rolled over on the counter. This resulted in me lunging towards a glass that went flying through the air. Now, my cat like reflexes were apparently disabled, and the glass went plummeting to the floor. It shattered everywhere, and I just happened to be barefoot. Immediately, I went to get shoes, but apparently I was too late. Hours later, my foot would randomly have excruciating pains while I was running on the beach playing soccer. They were random, but if I landed on my foot right, I wanted to scream. I knew the piece was small, cause when I examined my foot, the entry hole was little. Yesterday, having only a small manicure kit, I picked off layer upon layer of skin. I thought for sure that the sliver had come out and I must of missed it. I kept pressing and pressing and the pain seemed to only be from me picking. I was excited! This morning, we had been at the beach for hours, and I was walking on the sand and AHHH. There it was again. This time more intense. I decided to tell the Mother that I had stepped on a shell. I know it is a lie, but she is the type that would freak out and automatically assume there was glass embedded in her children's feet. I was saving her the stress, I promise. I told her there must still be a piece in there. She agreed and suggested I take the car to the pharmacy to see what the doctor said. In Italy, the pharmacists are actually Doctors and will come out and examine you and then give you what they believe could be your remedy. Interesting concept... Now- apart from the glass, I have not driven a car in 40 some days, let alone driven a car in Italy. Italian drivers are crazy and I feel as if everyone on a bike is in la la land and could possibly dart in front of your car without warning (probably why the lady here hit a moped driver just two weeks ago). I was nervous, but the pharmacy closed in an hour, and I needed something. I headed out, and made it there safely. I didn't want to stand out as a cautious American, so I parked illegally, and hoped for the best. The doctor in the pharmacy examined my foot. She said that it would indeed be hard to get out. She offered black salve, (thank you Aunt Tess, cause this was her idea that I shut down thinking no way will I find that in Italy!) and a sterile needle for assistance and sent me on my way. Black salve apparently brings foreign objects to the surface of your skin (don't ask me how). It works, It works great!! I lathered it on all day in hopes that tonight I would find the glass. After what seemed like forever, I found the glass!! I only widened the hole in my foot like 8 times its original size, and the healing will most likely take a little bit, but IT IS OUT. I was worried for a bit that I may lose my ability to walk, but don't worry. I will be fully mobile and back to my beach runs in no time.

Terribly hot, but my foot is glass-less, and I drove in Italy. It all works out!! 

We are here for 10 more days! I have some new pics that should be up tomorrow. 

Love and Miss everyone. xoxoxoxo Linds