Life in Italy hasn't been all sunshine and roses. (Well, there's been a lot of sunshine, especially at the beach, and the roses in the gardens here are all blooming right now ... but you know what I mean.) We have adored our time here, but I wouldn't be proving a full picture of my … Continue reading Sunshine and Roses
As of today, we have less than a week left in Viterbo. We leave bright and early Saturday morning to head to Switzerland for the vacation portion of our journey. From our first day here, when Henry and I tiptoed around the streets surrounding our guest house, I've made it my goal to explore as … Continue reading Inside the Walls of Viterbo
Before coming to Viterbo, I did a lot of practical, random, and/or anxiety-induced Google searches about life in Italy. Several of those were related to what to wear -- what would be seasonally appropriate and help us blend in at least a teeny bit with the locals? The internet was packed with advice. Italians wear … Continue reading Dressing for Italy
Tuesday morning at my favorite gelateria, I confidently ordered two flavors: crema e pesce. The 20-something dude holding the cone raised an eyebrow. "Uhm ..." Had I spoken too quickly? Was my accent a mess? The shop was packed with teenagers on lunch break -- maybe it was too loud? I tried again. "Crema e … Continue reading I Get By With a Little Help …
I know I've promised my thoughts on Rome. I know I should report on yesterday's adventure to Orvieto and Civita de Bagnoregio. I've kept this blog fairly light, but I should probably bust out something contemplative and deep one of these days. But not today. Today I'm going to talk about Lemon Fanta. It's a … Continue reading Lemon Fanta
Ciao amici! We have officially been in Viterbo for one week. It's been a loooooooong week (I had to double check that it's actually only been a week), but a great one. My classes started this week (I added a drawing class to my planned lineup of Travel Photography and Introduction to Italian) and we've … Continue reading Il Nostro Appartamento
This is denture adhesive. I bought it at a farmacia in Viterbo on our second day here. After standing in front of the shelves trying to find a familiar-looking product for an awkwardly long time, I gave up and grabbed what I thought was cheap Italian toothpaste. Back at our apartment, I slowed down, parsed … Continue reading Parlo Italiano?
It's a long way from Idaho to Italy. It took us three days, 24+ hours and an assortment of trains, planes and teeny-tiny automobiles. But, at the end of it all, we're here. I'm writing this from Italy. Right now. Like, I am looking out the window at the terrace and that's Italy, right there. … Continue reading Arriviamo!
You might want to stop reading now if you're looking for my well-tested tips on packing for international travel. In the title of this post, I'm the completely clueless one. (Remember the whole "hardly ever leaves Idaho" thing?) But I'm also a planner, so I'm not letting myself stay completely clueless. Reduce Cluelessness Tactic 1: … Continue reading Packing for an International Trip When You’re Completely Clueless
It's May 1. That means we leave for Italy this month. The countdown on my kids' whiteboard now says "19 days." I'm beyond excited. But I'm also terrified. I'm scared I'll lose my passport, or my phone, or my camera, or the keys to our Italian apartment. I'm scared my kids are going to lose … Continue reading On Fear
Idaho to Italy 