Before leaving Charleston I said I was worried about one thing with this move to Milan...gaining weight! Italian food is probably my favorite and although I thought I already ate too much (2-4 times a week), I had no idea what I was getting into. I said it would be hard, but I have to try and keep the weight off for my friend Ashley's wedding in November, not to mention I just don't want to put any on after losing a little in Dublin.
I've been here exactly one week and not a day has gone by when I haven't had pasta at least once. Yes, these Italians truly do eat it at every meal...well, this family doesn't eat any breakfast so you know what I mean! At lunch I prepare pasta for the kids and I too have been eating it (small portions for me). One day I had to make myself a salad instead because it got to be too much. We've had pasta as our first course every night and then a second course of meat, and I can proudly say I've eaten fish several times. I've only had a few little bites out, but over the weekend I had the funghi pizza (read Language Barriers) and last night I took my friend Sarah's advice and went to Luini's near the duomo for panzerotti.
Panzerotti is a snack by comparison to other Italian dishes. It's essentially a "hot pocket" or mini calzone, but the thing that makes it so special is the dough. It's more like a fluffly doughnut (no glaze) than flaky or even pizza dough-y. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'd compare it in texture to the dough on the onion rings at Bessinger's BBQ in West Ashley (think light). You have your choice of filling and although I ordered ricotta and spinach I ended up with the popular mozzarella and tomato. It was my first, but surely won't be my last while in Milan. If interested, check out the recipe at Panzerotti Recipe.
I've obviously had gelatto here, only once, and I've had my share of cheese as well. The gelatto I got was chocolate and tasted like pure (thick) brownie mix...very rich. The cheeses I've had...geez, I can't name them all. I've enjoyed every bit of the food and I'm so happy to say that after weighing this morning, I've actually lost weight since arriving!! Whoohoo...now, enough writing, more exercising as that's all that's keeping the scale down!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Language Barriers
In my first day of "work" yesterday, I found I had a lot of free time while the children were at school. Actually, only Matteo was at school and Elena was home sick but there wasn't much to do for her either. I am looking to teach in an English school while the children attend class in the morning, but I don't have a meeting with anyone until tomorrow so yesterday and again today, I'm sort of on my own. This is no big deal as I can find ways to occupy my time, but it really got me thinking.
As Elena sat on the couch watching tv yesterday, I did a few things...run, walk the dog, research lesson plans, read, and then I pulled out my Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary. I sat on the couch flipping through all the pages and trying to learn some new words/phrases. I highlighted a few of the basics that I already knew and also a few I needed to learn. My list includes things like:
Mi chiamo_________ "My name is_______"
Permesso "Excuse me." (to pass)
Quanto costa? "What's the cost?"
Me lo scrive? "Write it."
Dove posso comprare? "Where can I buy?"
Ripeta? "Repeat"
Capisco/Non capisco "I understand/don't understand."
Rick Steves says "a good phrase book should help you enjoy your Italian experience, not just survive it. " He also says that the Italians are forgiving of "linguistic fumbling" so not to be frightened by the language, but to embrace it, and attempt everything with a "per favore." Keeping this in mind, I have attempted at times to speak in Italian, but usually as soon as I do I quickly get an English response. For example, on Sunday night, I ordered a pizza from a take away place. I approached the counter and said, "Vorrei pizza funghi" but may have forgotten the all important please. The pronunciation on my "funghi" was all wrong and the guy looked at me like I was speaking Chinese instead of Italian. I repeated, then repeated again, and finally said, "mushroom." He of course spoke English so he made the correct pronunciation and sort of laughed at my mistake. By the way, "funghi" is pronounced "foong-gee" while I tried to make the "fung" sound. Lesson learned there. Well it got better of course because as I went to pay I handed the guy a 5 pound note rather than 5 euro note so I looked like a complete idiot...it happens.
Both yesterday and today I've taken Mia, the family's Border Collie, out for a walk. In doing so I've met two very nice fellow dog walkers. One was a young Italian man, but spoke English to me and then the other was a Croatian woman who spoke Italian and English. Here's where my frustration begins. In both cases the other person began speaking to me, "Ciao, Come sta? etc." I can reply up to this point and then nothing...my next line is always, "Parla inglese." The other either speaks English or doesn't, but more often they do. I speak English very slowly and make polite conversation...it's not so difficult. I say I'm an English teacher and then I feel like such a hypocrite. I'm teaching my language to others but I don't speak theirs. I can get by in French, but it has to be a very basic conversation, and a very slow one at that. I can tour Italy and get by on holiday, but I can't communicate with anyone outside of a tobacco store it seems (and for those of you who don't know...the tabacchi shops carry everything from stamps to parking permits to cigarrettes of course, because I don't smoke).
This morning, I was home alone and the front door rang..."Pronto" "Si" "Italian, Italian, Italian" "Si" and I rang the carpenter in. Now, I knew he was coming so although I didn't understand what he said, I knew he needed to get in the flat to fix something. He came in and we spoke the casual hellos and he went straight to work on his 3 minute job of using the electric drill to fasten the cabinet door back on where it had come loose. He left and said something along the lines of "Tutto finito. Buon Giorno." I replied "Grazie" and then he was off. I feel like such an idiot when I can't use more than 4 words in Italian and when it's time to use them, I usually freeze!
Ok, so I realize I've only been here 6 days and even if it only took God 7 to create the Heavens and Earth, I am going to need more time! I am hoping to do some sort of exchange for teaching English and learning Italian, but while I'm here it the house, I am listening very carefully to all that is being said and trying to pick out words I recognize. I'm reading children's books in Italian and I'm going to have to take it from there. I would very much like to get out of these five months in Italy with a basic knowledge of Italian...more than the phrase book can offer me anyway. That being said, I've got some learning to do today while the kiddos are out so, ciao for now!
As Elena sat on the couch watching tv yesterday, I did a few things...run, walk the dog, research lesson plans, read, and then I pulled out my Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary. I sat on the couch flipping through all the pages and trying to learn some new words/phrases. I highlighted a few of the basics that I already knew and also a few I needed to learn. My list includes things like:
Mi chiamo_________ "My name is_______"
Permesso "Excuse me." (to pass)
Quanto costa? "What's the cost?"
Me lo scrive? "Write it."
Dove posso comprare? "Where can I buy?"
Ripeta? "Repeat"
Capisco/Non capisco "I understand/don't understand."
Rick Steves says "a good phrase book should help you enjoy your Italian experience, not just survive it. " He also says that the Italians are forgiving of "linguistic fumbling" so not to be frightened by the language, but to embrace it, and attempt everything with a "per favore." Keeping this in mind, I have attempted at times to speak in Italian, but usually as soon as I do I quickly get an English response. For example, on Sunday night, I ordered a pizza from a take away place. I approached the counter and said, "Vorrei pizza funghi" but may have forgotten the all important please. The pronunciation on my "funghi" was all wrong and the guy looked at me like I was speaking Chinese instead of Italian. I repeated, then repeated again, and finally said, "mushroom." He of course spoke English so he made the correct pronunciation and sort of laughed at my mistake. By the way, "funghi" is pronounced "foong-gee" while I tried to make the "fung" sound. Lesson learned there. Well it got better of course because as I went to pay I handed the guy a 5 pound note rather than 5 euro note so I looked like a complete idiot...it happens.
Both yesterday and today I've taken Mia, the family's Border Collie, out for a walk. In doing so I've met two very nice fellow dog walkers. One was a young Italian man, but spoke English to me and then the other was a Croatian woman who spoke Italian and English. Here's where my frustration begins. In both cases the other person began speaking to me, "Ciao, Come sta? etc." I can reply up to this point and then nothing...my next line is always, "Parla inglese." The other either speaks English or doesn't, but more often they do. I speak English very slowly and make polite conversation...it's not so difficult. I say I'm an English teacher and then I feel like such a hypocrite. I'm teaching my language to others but I don't speak theirs. I can get by in French, but it has to be a very basic conversation, and a very slow one at that. I can tour Italy and get by on holiday, but I can't communicate with anyone outside of a tobacco store it seems (and for those of you who don't know...the tabacchi shops carry everything from stamps to parking permits to cigarrettes of course, because I don't smoke).
This morning, I was home alone and the front door rang..."Pronto" "Si" "Italian, Italian, Italian" "Si" and I rang the carpenter in. Now, I knew he was coming so although I didn't understand what he said, I knew he needed to get in the flat to fix something. He came in and we spoke the casual hellos and he went straight to work on his 3 minute job of using the electric drill to fasten the cabinet door back on where it had come loose. He left and said something along the lines of "Tutto finito. Buon Giorno." I replied "Grazie" and then he was off. I feel like such an idiot when I can't use more than 4 words in Italian and when it's time to use them, I usually freeze!
Ok, so I realize I've only been here 6 days and even if it only took God 7 to create the Heavens and Earth, I am going to need more time! I am hoping to do some sort of exchange for teaching English and learning Italian, but while I'm here it the house, I am listening very carefully to all that is being said and trying to pick out words I recognize. I'm reading children's books in Italian and I'm going to have to take it from there. I would very much like to get out of these five months in Italy with a basic knowledge of Italian...more than the phrase book can offer me anyway. That being said, I've got some learning to do today while the kiddos are out so, ciao for now!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Milan the Beautiful?
Before coming to Milan, I knew that it was an industrial city and I wasn't expecting much when I arrived on Thursday. I came in during the evening so there wasn't much to see on the drive from Linate to the flat where I'm staying. Friday morning, however, I was outside during the day (getting driving lessons in stick shift). I got my first taste of the neighborhood where I'm living. I was a bit shocked at how dirty everything looked in the area around the house and schools. It's reminiscent of a ghetto, or what I'd imagine one to look like. The apartment buildings are basic brick complexes, the walls of every building are covered with graffiti.
I'm am fortunate that the interior of the flat where I'm staying is very nice. The mother, Daniella, is an architect and she designed a great space. It's very simple with clean lines on all the furniture and lots of glass partitions. I really love the bathroom I'm sharing with the kids...green tile the walls, two simple basins for "washing up," and a great glass shower with two "rain" nozzles. I am extremely happy that the family is clean too; they are very organized which is a relief.
Saturday I had another driving lesson around the outskirts of town and then I was dropped off closer to the center where I met Connie, a friend from Charleston who is also working as an au pair here. She and I walked around the center and to a few "hot spots" in Milan. We were mostly complaining about how dirty the area is and how we were shocked to see such a thing because it's supposed to be a very wealthy city.
As we walked closer to the fashion district, were were relieved to see a bit more of what we originally expected...areas that reminded me of Florence and some other great Italian cities. Again today I drove into the center and then walked around, first with the family and then with Connie. We were near Via Dante which is close to the castle and is much nicer than the majority of what I've seen so far. Connie and I went to the Irish pub we found yesterday to have a pint and lo and behold, I met an Irish guy. I miss that accent so!
I've just gotten back to the flat and am quite tired after walking all afternoon, but slowly I'm starting to feel better about Milan. It may not be a beautiful city, quite the contrary really, but I think I'll grow to enjoy my time here. I have to keep in mind that even the graffiti can be considered art, and like the washed up boat on Folly, part of this city's culture.
I'm am fortunate that the interior of the flat where I'm staying is very nice. The mother, Daniella, is an architect and she designed a great space. It's very simple with clean lines on all the furniture and lots of glass partitions. I really love the bathroom I'm sharing with the kids...green tile the walls, two simple basins for "washing up," and a great glass shower with two "rain" nozzles. I am extremely happy that the family is clean too; they are very organized which is a relief.
Saturday I had another driving lesson around the outskirts of town and then I was dropped off closer to the center where I met Connie, a friend from Charleston who is also working as an au pair here. She and I walked around the center and to a few "hot spots" in Milan. We were mostly complaining about how dirty the area is and how we were shocked to see such a thing because it's supposed to be a very wealthy city.
As we walked closer to the fashion district, were were relieved to see a bit more of what we originally expected...areas that reminded me of Florence and some other great Italian cities. Again today I drove into the center and then walked around, first with the family and then with Connie. We were near Via Dante which is close to the castle and is much nicer than the majority of what I've seen so far. Connie and I went to the Irish pub we found yesterday to have a pint and lo and behold, I met an Irish guy. I miss that accent so!
I've just gotten back to the flat and am quite tired after walking all afternoon, but slowly I'm starting to feel better about Milan. It may not be a beautiful city, quite the contrary really, but I think I'll grow to enjoy my time here. I have to keep in mind that even the graffiti can be considered art, and like the washed up boat on Folly, part of this city's culture.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Ciao Charleston
It's here! One month in Charleston has passed and today is the day I fly to Milan. I'm so excited, but it's a bittersweet moment for me. I love Charleston and it's always hard to leave, no matter how fantastic my destination may be.
I may have been home in Charleston, but I haven't been to my home in a while (I rented my house for January). For the most part, I've lived out of my suitcases these past 4 weeks. In doing so, I thought it wouldn't be too complicated of a process to reorganize and repack. I was right, but waiting until this morning to get things done is totally unlike me, and even though I'm packed and ready to go the airport, I feel like something isn't right.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I consolidated my packing so much that I only need to check one bag, or if it's the fact that I wasn't at my house to double check the items I left behind. I'm not sure if having so few bags makes me feel like I am missing things. I did a good job of putting my clothes in the air tight bags so I can put more in my suitcase and I think I have enough clothes to get me through the next five months, but something still feels weird.
Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be feeling better once I get to Milan, meet the family I'll be living with, and unpack all my things. I need to head out to the airport now...I'll check in again soon and let you know what it's like "on the other side."
I may have been home in Charleston, but I haven't been to my home in a while (I rented my house for January). For the most part, I've lived out of my suitcases these past 4 weeks. In doing so, I thought it wouldn't be too complicated of a process to reorganize and repack. I was right, but waiting until this morning to get things done is totally unlike me, and even though I'm packed and ready to go the airport, I feel like something isn't right.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I consolidated my packing so much that I only need to check one bag, or if it's the fact that I wasn't at my house to double check the items I left behind. I'm not sure if having so few bags makes me feel like I am missing things. I did a good job of putting my clothes in the air tight bags so I can put more in my suitcase and I think I have enough clothes to get me through the next five months, but something still feels weird.
Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be feeling better once I get to Milan, meet the family I'll be living with, and unpack all my things. I need to head out to the airport now...I'll check in again soon and let you know what it's like "on the other side."
Monday, January 16, 2012
Moonshine Madness
Before heading back from Dublin to Charleston, I informed my sister of the two things I'd really like to have when I got home...oysters and moonshine. It was a rather "redneck" request, but I was really missing the "country" roots I formed when living in Hanahan. I tend to think of myself as an educated, well traveled woman, but sometimes you just get that feeling, that urge, for something a little bit country.
By no means is Hanahan the country, but having parties at the dogpins in highschool, attending mudruns with my brother or four wheeling at the farm, I have a bit of that in my blood. Luckily, I got my wishes granted when I returned home (my sister's good at paying attention to other's needs and going out of her way to meet them). I attended a party at her house where the oysters were in abundance (and most of them had been gathered by my brother so they were fresh and local).
I found myself laughing out loud quite a lot over the next few weeks as I listened to country music and admired (I guess that's the best word for it) all the camoflauge and pickup trucks I passed on the streets in and around my hometown. I have to say I'm now obsessed with the Toby Keith song "Red Solo Cup" and if you haven't heard it or seen the video, you must check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68&ob=av3e
Last Friday night I got a little bit more of what I wanted when I attended a show at the "Moonshine Saloon" in Summerville, just north of my town. I went there to preview a band for my friend's wedding and the music was fantastic, but the entertainment (by way of other "concert goers") was the best I've seen in a long time. I honestly haven't laughed so much in one evening...my cheeks hurt when I left! I believe rather firmly that people can express themselves however they like and although I may not dress in biker attire or camoflauge, I admire those who do because it shows their personality and the bottom line at the Saloon is this...everyone was having a good time.
I think, for the time being, I've gotten my fill for country flare and I'm very excited to be heading off to Milan this week. I look forward to the other extreme dress code...I'm not very fashion forward, but I know I'll admire the clothes on those in Milan who truly know what to wear.
By no means is Hanahan the country, but having parties at the dogpins in highschool, attending mudruns with my brother or four wheeling at the farm, I have a bit of that in my blood. Luckily, I got my wishes granted when I returned home (my sister's good at paying attention to other's needs and going out of her way to meet them). I attended a party at her house where the oysters were in abundance (and most of them had been gathered by my brother so they were fresh and local).
I found myself laughing out loud quite a lot over the next few weeks as I listened to country music and admired (I guess that's the best word for it) all the camoflauge and pickup trucks I passed on the streets in and around my hometown. I have to say I'm now obsessed with the Toby Keith song "Red Solo Cup" and if you haven't heard it or seen the video, you must check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68&ob=av3e
Last Friday night I got a little bit more of what I wanted when I attended a show at the "Moonshine Saloon" in Summerville, just north of my town. I went there to preview a band for my friend's wedding and the music was fantastic, but the entertainment (by way of other "concert goers") was the best I've seen in a long time. I honestly haven't laughed so much in one evening...my cheeks hurt when I left! I believe rather firmly that people can express themselves however they like and although I may not dress in biker attire or camoflauge, I admire those who do because it shows their personality and the bottom line at the Saloon is this...everyone was having a good time.
I think, for the time being, I've gotten my fill for country flare and I'm very excited to be heading off to Milan this week. I look forward to the other extreme dress code...I'm not very fashion forward, but I know I'll admire the clothes on those in Milan who truly know what to wear.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Home
I've been in Charleston for almost one month now and it's been great. I've been catching up with friends and family in and around town (even made it to Columbia to see some dear friends yesterday). I've enjoyed my time here very much and was blessed with another very special day today.
My plan was to wake up early and head to Stiles Point for a reading of my new books. I was so excited that I didn't need my 6:30 alarm...I got up when Edgar left to hunt at 4:45! I had so much energy I was able to check emails, do my devotional, complete a 40 minute workout with my new Jillian Michael's DVD, and do a load of laundry before getting ready to head out the door! What a way to start the morning!
I drove the usual I-26 through Downtown and across the James Island Connector on my way to read. This has always been my favorite route to Stiles Point because of the sunrise over the harbor. It's breathtaking. Many mornings I've thanked God for the simple blessing of getting to see that each day on my way to school. As I pulled onto the connector this morning, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros came on the radio with their song "Home" and I had to smile. It feels good to be here.
I can't tell you how much at home I felt at Stiles Point today either. That place is and always will be so special to me. I walked in and greeted office staff and a few passing teachers, headed to my first class to read at 8:30 and then ended up staying at school until just after1. I had so many warm welcomes from teachers and students and was unbelievably happy to be there. It was very special to be a "visitor" in the school and to get to share my adventures through my books about Gia. I was really pleased that my stories went across the ages as I read to kindergarten through fifth grade and everyone was receptive.
After leaving SPES I was able to run see my friend Cathryn's class at St. Andrews Math and Science and her little kindergartners were adorable. It was such a nice thing to visit her there as I've always been working the same schedule as her, so that has rarely happened!
I may be visiting Charleston at the moment and heading off to Italy in just over a week, but Charleston is home. I have said it many times before, but Mom shared a quote with me when I was young that has stuck with me...
"I'z Charleston born and Charleston bred, and when I die, I'll be Charleston dead." I think that about sums it up!!
My plan was to wake up early and head to Stiles Point for a reading of my new books. I was so excited that I didn't need my 6:30 alarm...I got up when Edgar left to hunt at 4:45! I had so much energy I was able to check emails, do my devotional, complete a 40 minute workout with my new Jillian Michael's DVD, and do a load of laundry before getting ready to head out the door! What a way to start the morning!
I drove the usual I-26 through Downtown and across the James Island Connector on my way to read. This has always been my favorite route to Stiles Point because of the sunrise over the harbor. It's breathtaking. Many mornings I've thanked God for the simple blessing of getting to see that each day on my way to school. As I pulled onto the connector this morning, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros came on the radio with their song "Home" and I had to smile. It feels good to be here.
I can't tell you how much at home I felt at Stiles Point today either. That place is and always will be so special to me. I walked in and greeted office staff and a few passing teachers, headed to my first class to read at 8:30 and then ended up staying at school until just after1. I had so many warm welcomes from teachers and students and was unbelievably happy to be there. It was very special to be a "visitor" in the school and to get to share my adventures through my books about Gia. I was really pleased that my stories went across the ages as I read to kindergarten through fifth grade and everyone was receptive.
After leaving SPES I was able to run see my friend Cathryn's class at St. Andrews Math and Science and her little kindergartners were adorable. It was such a nice thing to visit her there as I've always been working the same schedule as her, so that has rarely happened!
I may be visiting Charleston at the moment and heading off to Italy in just over a week, but Charleston is home. I have said it many times before, but Mom shared a quote with me when I was young that has stuck with me...
"I'z Charleston born and Charleston bred, and when I die, I'll be Charleston dead." I think that about sums it up!!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy New Year
Looking back on 2011 I have to say it was one of the best years of my life. It certainly topped 2010 for obvious reasons. Dad's passing in November of 2010 was just about the worst thing that could happen to my family and me, but the past year has given me renewed hope that God is watching out for us and there are blessings all around.
It's hard to believe that I spent six months living in Ireland this year. Crazy to think about all the fun I had, the adventures I took, the friends I made. It's so special to have connections with people all over the world and in the past 14 years of my international traveling, I've met a ton of great people whom I still keep in touch with. I feel confident that I'll keep those friends for many years to come and that I'll see them again.
It's been amazing to be home in Charleston these past two weeks and to catch up with friends and family here. Christmas was fantastic with Mom, T'Lene and Edgar and it felt so good to see smiles and hear laughter this year after a rather depressing Christmas last year.
New Year's Eve was by far the most tame I've had in years, but thanks to us all "growing up" I spent New Years with friends at a lovely house party. To be honest, I really enjoyed that time visiting with friends and not yelling over other concert goers, as I have in the past.
2012 is sure to be a good one as in just a couple of weeks I depart for Milan...another adventure. I'm so looking forward to soaking in the Italian way of life. I hope to write a bit more while there and of course I have set a goal to learn some Italian. Five months immersed in the language should give me a good start!
Blessings to all in the new year. I hope God will continue to watch over us and that we can appreciate and acknowledge all He does for us.
It's hard to believe that I spent six months living in Ireland this year. Crazy to think about all the fun I had, the adventures I took, the friends I made. It's so special to have connections with people all over the world and in the past 14 years of my international traveling, I've met a ton of great people whom I still keep in touch with. I feel confident that I'll keep those friends for many years to come and that I'll see them again.
It's been amazing to be home in Charleston these past two weeks and to catch up with friends and family here. Christmas was fantastic with Mom, T'Lene and Edgar and it felt so good to see smiles and hear laughter this year after a rather depressing Christmas last year.
New Year's Eve was by far the most tame I've had in years, but thanks to us all "growing up" I spent New Years with friends at a lovely house party. To be honest, I really enjoyed that time visiting with friends and not yelling over other concert goers, as I have in the past.
2012 is sure to be a good one as in just a couple of weeks I depart for Milan...another adventure. I'm so looking forward to soaking in the Italian way of life. I hope to write a bit more while there and of course I have set a goal to learn some Italian. Five months immersed in the language should give me a good start!
Blessings to all in the new year. I hope God will continue to watch over us and that we can appreciate and acknowledge all He does for us.
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