DAY OFF - Thursday May 28

Im pretty sure it was pretty much 3 years ago to the day that I was leaving Italy the last time! CRAZY! I remember being so sad because I thought that never again would I have the opportunity to visit another country for months at a time. And here I am. I know I need to post lots of pics so everyone can see how amazing it is. I definitely still have that little buzzed high of “I can’t believe I’m actually here!” Its cheesy but when I take the skooter up the mountain and look out over the valley…

ITS AMAZING!

And Im actually living here with this view that is probably one of the most gorgeous things I will see in my lifetimes. Love the skooter and can’t wait to be more independent. I’m terrified of getting lost so for a while it will be straight to and from the bus stop or train station. I would LOVE to take it through the countryside…though taking it up the mountain is breathtaking alone. Wildflowers grow everywhere, you can see the whole valley, and I love when your view allows you to see the whole shadows cast by clouds. I know its silly but I thinks its so cool. Normally you are just in the middle of the shadow with no hope of seeing the beginning or end but up here….. So needless to say, Im pretty happy here. Alice keeps asking and is very concerned that Im enjoying my time here. I AM! No worries!

I get a day off each week and not really sure what I can do with it this week. They are so so busy and work so hard that I do not want to inconvenience them by having them drive me around. Besides, their schedule is not very open for taking and picking up. Amanda (American married to Alfonzo’s brother) comes up with her two kids and nanny for lunch. I was planning on taking to skooter to the town at the base of the mountain and riding the bus to Castiglion Fiorentino (where I studied abroad). Alice says ok followed by an “oh my god” but Alfonzo says no..I need more practice. True but I figured that was practice right?

Guess I could use more practice that doesn’t involve oncoming traffic.

So Amanda gives me a ride into town and drops me outside the CocoPalm (gelateria). Closed for siesta so I popped into Santa Chiara to say hi to Vanessa. Of course working in the office, and surprised to see me…asking why I didn’t call?! Don’t want to bug her. She has already done so much for me….and setting up my Italian pone is on the list of things to do. Its 3 years old and the number should have expired after 1 year but Vanessa checks the recording to see. Says I have 14 euro…and we give it a try…works just fine. Weird but very convenient for me! No trying to get a new sim card with my zero Italian and no need to put any money on it. Should not use it much so 14 Euro should last for a while. Talk with the rcs a bit and then excuse myself from their hectic schedule. There are like 6 or 7 schools for the summer session with 144 students. CRAZY! Still Vanessa says she will sneak out early and have dinner with me and then take me back to Lignano! So sweet!

I spent the day wondering through Castiglion…again I can’t really explain without sounding like a total cheeseball…but it is just such a wonderful feeling being back here again. It was such a happy place and exciting time of my life and it’s amazing how soothing it is to return. Had a delicious pizza with Vanessa (actually my first one) and just sat and chatted over wine for a while. Very nice evening and good to get out somewhere…though I do love lignano!