2.5 Hours

We arrived in Pisa and waited outside for our host, V, to pick us up. We had decided to Couch Surf for the first time! I had arranged everything with this guy who had great references and said he would be happy to host us. I, however, failed to mention it would be a guy and a girl. So as we are waiting by the fountain I receive a text from the guy asking if it would be "two womens or guy and girl". I was getting worried that he wasn't going to show up because there was a guy with me. However, his Couch Surfing profile stated that any gender could stay with him, so I still had hope. He finally showed up 15 minutes late and kept going on and on about there being a guy. His English was poor, so it was difficult to understand everything he said. But he basically was saying he thought it was going to be two girls because my profile picture is of me and another girl. And that he would like to know ahead of time so it's not such a surprise. We apologized, but I was really thinking 'Well, that's what you get when you assume. If it was really that big of a deal, you should've asked before offering to let us stay'. By the time we arrived to the house, he had gotten over the initial shock of it being a guy and girl. He took us to his friend's house, which is where the extra bedroom was. Zach and I were slightly confused with the situation, but we think the room is rented during the summer to vacationers and during the winter they let Couch Surfers use it free of charge. The room was nice and big. The bathroom, not so much. It was shared by the all the roommates, so we chose to use it as minimally as possible. They had put clean sheets on the bed and laid towels out for us to use. The back of the door had information about the wifi and a taxi number. One guy who lived there knew very little English, but was quite funny and friendly. The other roommates were a bit stand-offish. They did say "Ciao" when they saw us though. We got settled in and then headed out with V for our full walking tour of Pisa.

The first stop was a famous square where men would arrive on their horses way back when for meetings. The square is now home to a University and a few shops.

Our next stop was the most anticipated! We had made it to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! It was so neat to see it in person. Tickets could be purchased to climb the stairs inside to the top, but we opted to just admire it from the outside and take the cliche' photo.

Unfortunately, our photographer was much better at the tour guide gig than the photographer one so that -->
picture didn't quite turn out. But I still like it!

Zach, V, and I

Although V's English was limited, we were still able to communicate. We talked about superstitions, which just so happens to be the same in Italy as in America. I explained to him how I fell off an elephant in Thailand. And he told us how he wants to visit Brazil before America. At dinner, we taught him the word "mall" and about the Mall of America. We ate at little restaurant on the main shopping street of Pisa. I ordered a cutto (similar to ham) and mozzarella sandwich. It looked amazing, but tasted completely opposite. The cutto smelled like wet dog, so I couldn't eat it. It was terrible. I tried scraping it off and just eating the mozzarella and bread, but the smell was still there. Zach enjoyed his calzone though and V drank his Fanta. After dinner we got gelato! Chocolate and banana was such a great choice!

The last part of Pisa V wanted to show us was of a building with a mural on the side of it, which was done by a famous New York writer in 1989. Technically, he was an artist. I guess V was just a bit confused on the word. He was very surprised though that Zach and I had no idea who Keith Haring was.

The mural was interesting and it was neat that it was completed in the year Zach and I were born. After this, V said, "The tour of Pisa is finished." This full tour of Pisa only lasted about two and a half hours. Pisa is such a small town and is only famous because of the Leaning Tower, but it was definitely worth the trip!

Tuttomondo
According to Wikipedia, "In June, on the rear wall of the convent of the Church of Sant'Antonio (in Italian: Chiesa di Sant'Antonio abate) in Pisa (Italy), he painted the last public work of his life, the mural "Tuttomondo" (translation: "the whole world")."

Train Travel

Train travel through Italy is so simple! The train ticket can be purchased at a kiosk in the train station. They even have multiple languages to choose from. Our train to Pisa was not a direct route; we had to switch trains in Florence. We arrived in Florence just in time to catch a train that was leaving in ten minutes. We purchased our tickets from the kiosk in record timing and looked at the departure board for the platform number our train was leaving from, except we couldn't find it. Zach asked one of the workers who told us it was platform three. By this time, we had less than five minutes to get on that train. We were rushing past people trying to find platform three, which was at the opposite end of the station, of course. We finally found it and boarded the train just in time! Only we forgot to validate our tickets. The train attendant came by asking for our tickets, so we handed them over. She was apparently having the worst day of her life, because she was not a happy camper. She asked us why the tickets weren't validated, to which we replied that we didn't know we had to. She said, "It's going to be five Euro each. I'll be right back." She angrily walked off and returned moments later with our now validated tickets and stuck her hand out for our money. We paid up and never saw her again.

The Sinking City-Part Two

Random Alleyway

Zach and I decided to head back to the hotel before going out to dinner that night. We figured we would wander around and eventually find our way back. The weather was still amazing and we had no place to be. So we took off walking; over a bridge, through the square, down an alley, past some shops until I finally saw something that looked familiar. It was a sign that said, "Igloo". I had pointed it out to Sammie earlier that morning because it reminded me of the "Icee" logo. I was for sure I knew where we were going at this point, so Zach followed me. I did not know where I was going. We ended up at a dead end. Then we took another wrong turn and ended up farther away from the hotel. Roughly two hours after we began this journey, we found the right street and our hotel!

Zach's First Italian Pizza

Later that evening we headed out for pizza! We found a place near our hotel that served pizza, so we walked right in. We asked our server how large the pizza was because in Italy most pizza's are not the personal size that one would see in America. The smallest pizza here is still one that can be shared by two people. But our waitress assured us that the pizza was the perfect size for one person. Taking her advice, we each ordered our own. Well, she was full of lies. The pizza's were huge and could've easily been split between two people! Zach almost finished his pizza. I tried, but didn't come close. The pizza in Italy is so much better than American pizza. I will certainly miss it when I return to the States. After dinner, we stopped back by the place with the macaroons. I got a vanilla one this time, but didn't end up eating it until the next day.

Rialto Market

We checked out of our room before venturing out the next morning. We were able to leave our luggage at the hotel though while we checked out Rialto Market. This is the same market Sammie and I went to the previous day, but it was already shutting down. Every morning in Rialto Square, there is a large market consisting of fruits, vegetables, and raw fish. Fish of every kind, octopus, squid, crawdads. They were all very fresh, in fact some were still alive! All the raw fish were kept laid out in the open on ice. The smell was not pleasant, but it was very interesting to see. We bought two bananas from a guy at a fruit stand and walked around a bit before heading back to the hotel to pick up our bags. This time we didn't get lost! We actually made it back quicker than expected. We retrieved our bags then

Rialto Market

walked down to the Grand Canal to board the vaporetto. The dang tourists who boarded before us asked the man working if he needed a ticket, so we had to purchase tickets too. I mean, we totally would've slipped by without tickets. We didn't even look like tourists. We just had our luggage and cameras and Go Pros and map. Totally fit in with the Venetians. 

We enjoyed one last cruise down the Grand Canal, then boarded the train to Pisa!

The Sinking City-Part One

Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge

They say Venice is slowly sinking, even so, it's a beautiful city! Venice is full of winding alleys, boats, bridges, and dogs. Because of all the winding alleys, it is very easy to get turned around. One minute you are headed in the right direction, the next, you are completely lost. Gondolas, cargo boats, vaporettos (water taxis), private taxis are always floating up and down the Grand Canal. There are large bridges, small bridges, beautiful bridges and bridges with a beautiful view. Dogs are everywhere. Some are walking on a leash, while others are unleashed walking next to their owners. Dogs were in stores, on boats, in restaurants.

Sammie and I stoked to be in Venice

Sammie and I took the train into Venice early Thursday morning. The weather was the best! We couldn't have asked for better weather to tour Venice in. When we arrived, Sammie had planned to meet another Au Pair I nicknamed Brave for the mere fact she has crazy red hair. When we arrived at the train station though we didn't see her waiting outside and we were pretty sure she couldn't have been missed. So we continued on. I needed to drop my suitcase off at the hotel first thing, so I didn't have to drag it around Venice all day. We got in line to buy a ticket for the vaporetto. After standing at the window for entirely way too long trying to figure out how to say what we needed in Italian, the lady working angrily said, "What do you need?" We were like, "Ahh, she speaks English!" So we purchased our tickets then continued onto the dock to wait for the taxi. Sammie figured out the vaporetto route and that our stop would be third; however, we ended up at the wrong dock. Luckily, I noticed before the taxi arrived so we were able to walk to the correct dock in time, but not before getting stuck at the turnstile. Two older gentlemen were in front of us trying to figure out how to work it. One of the men said, "Aspetta", which meant for us to wait. After they finally got through the turnstile it was mine and Sammie's turn. It took us a minute to figure it out, but we got it! We just had to scan our ticket and wait for the beep. We boarded the correct vaporetto and headed down the Grand Canal to the San Samuele stop.

The ride to our stop was full of people squished in together on this vaporetto, but it was also full of beauty! Riding down the Grand Canal in Venice was something I had never imagined doing before. The city is simply beautiful. The Venetians are wonderful people. There are no cars on the island. All supplies/cargo must arrive by boat, which we actually got to see. Everywhere you looked, people are walking. Walking with their kids. Walking with their dog. Walking with their friends. Everyone seemed so full of life.

Albergo San Samuele Hotel

We arrived at San Samuele and began the search for my hotel. We had directions, but still weren't entirely sure if we knew where we were going. We found the hotel without issues though and the hostess was so sweet. She upgraded my room to one with an ensuite bathroom. She even let me check-in hours early. She then gave Sammie and I a map that she carefully marked for us, showing us what we should see and do during our stay.  It was interesting trying to use a real map. I refused to use Google Maps though, which made for a fun adventure!

After putting my suitcase in the room, we took off for the morning market in Rialto Square. On the way, we passed all kinds of people, shops, statues, bridges. One bridge was exceptionally pretty, Rialto Bridge. It overlooked the Grand Canal where the boats were passing by and buildings were lined up on either side. Of course, we had to stop for a few photos before continuing on. By the time we arrived at the market, most of the stalls had been taken down already. We just ventured around, exploring Venice before we had to head back to the hotel to meet up with Zach.

Zach, my friend from high school, was arriving in Venice on his birthday! Sammie and I stopped at a little bakery on the way back to pick up a slice of cake for him and obviously for ourselves. We got an amazing chocolate cake that the worker said was "the best one in the shop"! Sammie and I ate ours right then, which left us tempted to eat Zach's slice before he arrived. We held out though. We waited at the San Samuele taxi stop for about thirty minutes before we finally saw him arriving on the boat! As soon as he exited, we yelled "Happy Birthday!!" We showed him the way to the hotel room and made him open his cake. Sammie was surprised he didn't eat it right away. She said, "I would've been like 'excuse me for a moment while I eat this!'" I know I would've devoured it right away too!

Zach and I in St. Mark's Square

After Zach got changed and ate his cake, we headed to St. Mark's Square! We got lost along the way, but happened to end up at the tip of the island. It was a really nice view and had a gorgeous Cathedral on it. We got back on track though and decided to stop in a bakery before arriving in St. Mark's Square. The bakery had delicious macaroons! I had never had one before. I tried fragola (strawberry). It was delizioso! St. Mark's Square was full of pigeons and people! If you stood still with your arms out, pigeons would actually land on you! None of us tried it though, but plenty of other people did. We tried taking some cool video with Zach's GoPro, and didn't realize the battery had died until after we made complete fools of ourselves. It was fun though! We saw the bell tower, St. Mark's Basilica, and Doge's Palace. All were very beautiful!

St. Mark's Basilica

We walked along the Grand Canal where Sammie slipped and almost fell in. Luckily, I witnessed the entire thing, which made for a good laugh. We went inside a cool antique shop that had hand made wooden ships. The details were unreal. We continued walking and came upon a statue that had the year in Roman Numerals. After a few minutes, we were able to figure out which year it was. But of course, I don't remember it now. Sammie spent a little more time with us before having to head back to the train station to come back to Campodoro.

Bananas Make Everything Better

As I was elevating my leg with ice on my knee, Giorgia randomly brought me a banana. I was slightly confused by this when Chiara explained. She said, "Whenever Giorgia's legs hurt from growing, she eats a banana. She thought you needed a banana to feel better."

She can be a sweetheart sometimes! 

Thiene-Campodoro-Rome

Last Tuesday, February 4th, Sammie came to stay with me and my host family for a while. Things weren't quite working out with her host family in Thiene, so it was best that she move out.

I'm so glad she felt comfortable enough to text me asking if she could stay with me for a few days. And I am so thankful for an understanding and welcoming host family, who had no problem letting Sammie crash on the couch. They couldn't believe her host family wasn't more understanding or helpful in the situation. They also knew how difficult it must be with Sammie being in a different country with no one she knew. So that Tuesday afternoon, Chiara picked her up from the Grisignano di Zocco train station nearby!  

It was so much fun having her stay with us. It was like a slumber party every night! The timing couldn't have been better because I was leaving that Thursday for a trip around Venice, Pisa, and Florence with my friend, Zach, from high school. Sammie was able to stay even longer because she was able to use my bedroom, instead of the couch.

She got to work trying to find a new host family and lucked out because her real parents knew an Italian tour guide in Rome who could use an Au Pair. So the following Monday she boarded the train to Rome, but not before going to Venice with me that Thursday!

Marco's Sayings

• Marco said, "I learned a new saying, 'It's a dirty work but someone has to do it!'" He was so proud of himself. 

• "The morning hours are gold in the mouth."

• The other night when we had gelato, Marco told me I could put Crispy M&M's on my gelato. I said, "Oh, the Crispy M&M's are finito!" He said, "Wahhh? Randi, you are going to get (used his arms to demonstrate a large person), just like me!" I was like, gee thanks a lot, Marco! 

• Marco jokingly said, "Do you know McDonald's? It's a typical Italian restaurant!"

• The night of the Super Bowl I tried to teach Giorgia to say "Go Seahawks!" Marco said, "Don't corrupt my children!"

• My friend, Sammie, gave me blue house slippers which I've been wearing around the house. The first time Marco saw them he laughed and said, "Those are very sexy"! A few seconds later he said, "I joke, I joke."

• One night at dinner, I opened a container of yogurt and Marco slightly freaked out. I was so confused. He said, "The bubble! It is good luck!" Chiara explained that if a bubble forms in the yogurt when you open the container, it's lucky. She said, "Marco has been trying for years to get one!" I happened to get a bubble again the very next day. I guess I'm just a lucky person! 

• "Once upon a time...eh, no. Many years ago, I worked at a tennis camp. At seven in the morning me and another boy played the radio softly to wake everyone up in the hotel. One morning while everyone in hotel sleeps, we used the microphone to the radio and said, 'GOOOOOD MOOORRRNNINGGG!' I will wake you up tomorrow morning by saying 'GOOOOD MOOORRRNNINGGG!' at 6AM." 

• Referring to a retired Italian actress Marco said, "She has the eye of a pig." Chiara laughed and told me that was not a translatable phrase. 

• I hurt my knee recently, so Marco gave me an ice pack for it. He then said, "It's terrible to get old. I see a white hair!" 

• I'm always cold and therefore, always covered up with a blanket. He said, "My grandmother always used a blanket." Implying that I was an old lady!

• We were watching a movie one night that Tom Cruise was in. Marco jokingly said, "That is me. I am really Tom Cruise." Chiara replied, "If he is Tom Cruise, I am The Rock!"

• The other night Marco was talking to me about going out at night and meeting new people. He said, "I don't want you to get bored. I want you to meet some Italian friends too." I said, "Do you know of any single Italian boys?" His reply, "It is difficult for me because I see you as my son and I want a good boy for you." I didn't have the heart to tell him it should be "daughter". 

Go Seahawks!

Super Bowl Sunday, or Monday as it didn't start until 12:30AM, was a great time! Well, not the actual game since I was the only one to stay awake for it, but the entire evening before was awesome. Chiara and I picked up Sammie from the train station in Vicenza Sunday before dinner. On the way home Sammie informed us she would be cheering for the Broncos, which meant I was the only Seahawks fan. Chiara said, "Randi, do you want me to stop the car and kick her out? You need to find a Seahawks fan!"

For dinner that night Chiara made Mexican food. I'm not normally a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, but this was actually really good. We had chicken fajitas, chips and salsa, chili, peppers. She went all out!

Sammie and I hung out in my room for a while waiting until it was close to game time. When we came downstairs, we were surprised to find this!

We cracked up laughing! Marco said, "Chiara did that!" When Chiara came down the stairs she said, "What?!" Pretending she had no idea why we were laughing. She said she was sneaking around trying to get it done before we came downstairs.

Marco and Chiara told us they were too tired to stay up for the game, so it ended up just being me and Sammie at first. Then an hour into it, it was just me. The entire game was broadcast in Italian. I could only understand a few words that were said. Luckily, the half time show was in English! Although in the beginning the broadcaster was talking over the singing. Not cool, man. I tried to wake Sammie up for Bruno Mars since it was actually something we could understand, but she was out.

I ended up falling asleep for about 15 minutes. I guess I was getting bored since the Seahawks were killing the Broncos. But just so happens during the time I was sleeping was when the Broncos finally decided to score. I woke up with no idea how the score had changed, but was happy the Seahawks were still in the lead. I managed to stay awake for the rest of the game. Before going to bed I, of course, switched the signs Chiara had made and proudly wrote out the final score!

Solus Per Aqua

A couple weekends ago my host family took me to the Natural Hot Springs spa in Garda Lake. It was about an hour and a half drive to get there, which involved me being squished in the back seat between the door and Giorgia. She just so happened to think it would be a great idea to lean her entire body on me during this drive. I would tell her to stop and push her back over, but that did not deter her. I was annoyed, to say the least.

We stopped at the grocery store because Marco needed to pick up swim diapers for Mattia. He comes out of the store with an entire bag of stuff! Chiara said, "I send him in for two things and look at this!" We continued on our way with Giorgia still leaning up against me every now and then and also moving my leg out of the way because she thought I had Mattia's stickers. I did not have his stickers. I gave them to him once I opened them. She apparently missed the whole event of me leaning across her to hand them to Mattia. Anyway, Marco had bought some candy in the store so that kept the kids happy for a while.

It was just about lunch time when we were getting close, so we stopped at McDonald's to eat. This was my first time eating a meal at an Italian McDonald's. I got my usual plain cheeseburger with fries. Tasted just like America! I'm pretty sure the slogan for McDonald's is "The Great Tastes of America" because there were signs everywhere! This McDonald's also served pasta and pizza. Inside the McDonald's was the regular counter we are used to in America, where you order your food. But they also had a cafe counter that was really nice! They served coffee, croissants, breakfast sweets, etc. I would gladly take this McDonald's over the ones in America, except for one thing. There were no huge pump containers of ketchup setting out. Ketchup had to be purchased!

When we arrived at the spa, there were only four other people which was nice! We got changed in the locker rooms then walked up the stairs into the pool area. Before we left the house that morning, Chiara had given me a robe, sandals, and a swim cap. I packed everything she gave me, but in the back of my head I was thinking 'no way am I wearing a swim cap'. As I entered the pool Chiara was putting a swim cap on both kids and herself. As soon as I got in the water, Marco told me I needed the swim cap. I had a confused look on my face. Chiara then said, "In all public pools in Italy a swim cap must be worn so hair doesn't get everywhere." I said, "That makes sense. In America, you do not have to wear a swim cap. Girls with long hair will swim with their hair down." She looked disgusted. So I got out of the pool to put on this swim cap. It took me a solid five minutes to get it on. I had never worn a swim cap before. I got back in the pool and Marco said, "You look marvelous!" Haha

Part of the pool was indoor, while the other half was partly covered but had no walls. It was actually really nice using the outdoor section because the air was cool so it was easier to breathe. The indoor side got stuffy with all the steam. There was also a hot tub in the outdoor area! It made the heated pool feel cold afterwards though. The pools had jets, which were so strong I could barely walk around. Marco had to grab my arm once because I couldn't get past with the current. He just laughed at me. The pool had these waterfalls that you were supposed to sit underneath to massage your neck and shoulders. It was strange, but nice!

After a couple hours, we got out of the water to dry off and relax. We ate some snacks too. We were eating chocolate wafers, which had gotten a bit melty from the heat. The kids got chocolate everywhere! It was such a mess. Once we had dried off, we went back into the locker rooms to change and head home. The locker rooms had blowdryers attached to the walls, not like you see at a hotel though. They were quite strange looking.

The hot springs was such a cool experience. Even though it reminded me of a heated, covered pool, it was neat knowing that the water is heated naturally! Marco also taught me that S.P.A. stands for Solus Per Aqua. I don't remember what that means though, except something something water!

Luckily, the drive home was nice and calm because Giorgia and Mattia slept most of the way!

San Valentino Felice!

Yesterday I thought I would get crafty and make the family Valentine's Day cards. It was only after I had made them with what few embellishments I could find, that Chiara informed me that Valentine's Day is only for lovers. Friends do not celebrate. Children do not celebrate. 

I explained to her how everyone celebrates in America! Children have parties at school where they decorate a shoebox, which is like a mailbox for all their cards. Parents also give their children a Valentine's Day gift, which is usually a stuffed animal and candy. She found this all very odd.

Guess I'm bringing an American tradition into this Italian household today! 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!

The Brave Little Toaster

I made a cool discovery a few weeks ago. Well, actually Chiara had to show me. But you see, that metal "cage" in the toaster comes all the way out and you just dump the toast right onto your plate.

No more having to double check to make sure the toast is popped all the way up.

No more attempting to grab the toast before realizing it's too hot.

No more trying to use a fork to assist in the attempt.

This little toaster has made my life so much simpler.

Random Things About Italy

• According to Chiara, Italians think when Americans try to speak their language it sounds like we are talking with a potato in our mouth. Strange, I know.

• Italians don't know how to pronounce Matthew McConaughey. It sounds more like McCogney. 

• They also thought Ratatouille was pronounced with the "L" sound. Chiara asked what the name of the movie was. I said, "Ratatouille". She said, "No, this movie." I repeated my first answer. She then laughed and said, "Ohh, we call it Rat-a-tooly!" 

• My host family's alarm system is really cool. They have a device on the outside of their front door where you can insert a key to arm/disarm the alarm when leaving or entering without ever having to type in the code.

• When Italians count 1-2-3 on their fingers, they start with their thumb. Now I know why everyone was laughing that one time I was a photographer at the Italian family reunion. I counted 1-2-3 starting with my pointer finger.

• The other night at dinner Chiara said to me, "Now there's a real American plate with all your food together!" In Italy, only one type of food is on your plate at a time normally.

• Italians have to pay for grocery bags. They're not even the cool "Go Green" bags either. Just a regular plastic bag.

• Chiara asked, "Do Americans drink a lot of milk?" Apparently I drink a lot of milk.

• The Venice Carnival takes place every year in February/March. It dates back to the 15th century. Everyone dresses up in extravagant masks and costumes especially in Venice. Other towns celebrate with a smaller themed carnival and costumes. The children all dress up, as well. This year, Giorgia will be Jasmine. Chiara said, "I think I'm going to dress up Mattia as Bob Marley with the dreadlocks wig and a marijuana on his shirt! Just kidding!" Although, he really is going to be Bob Marley. She has already ordered his wig! 

• Apparently, horse is eaten in Italy. Marco said that before I arrived he read that Americans think it's strange to eat horse. He then asked if I wanted to try it one day.

• I tend to say, "Gotcha" a lot when talking with the parents. They'll say something and just to acknowledge that I understand I reply with "Gotcha". Well, apparently neither one of them knew what it meant. After like the 100th time of me using the word in conversation with them, they each finally asked me what it meant. Oops, I guess I shouldn't use slang words.

• Italians don't use a flat sheet. Only the fitted sheet and comforter. Well, at least this applies to my Italian host family.

• Why use chip clips when Scotch tape works just as well?!

• Chiara told me I could have any type of food for the Super Bowl. She then said, "What about that melted marshmallow with the chocolate thing?" She was referring to a S'more!

English Texting is Confusing

For some reason, Chiara and Marco were texting each other in English.

Chiara asked Marco if he would be home in time for dinner.

Marco replied saying, "Dinner at 19:30. Good? Will that work?"

Chiara said to me, "I just don't understand what he is saying."

I told her, "He wants to know if dinner at 7:30 would work for you?"

She replied, "But we always eat at 7:30. I don't know why he would ask that. I think we just need to stick to texting in Italian."

Words of Wisdom by Marco.

Just Run.


"Every morning the lion in Africa get up and he must run more rapid than the gazelle.

Every morning the gazelle in Africa get up and she must run more rapid than the lion.

Every morning you get up, it does not matter whether you are lion or gazelle, just run."

My Host Parents are the Best!

While I was sleeping in this morning, my host family went to the street market in Camisano.

Chiara just told me that they bought Crispy M&M's and BBQ sauce for me!!

My day has been made. :)

Corso Difesa Personale

The community center here in Camisano offers different courses throughout the year. Chiara asked me if I would like to take the Self Defense Course. She said she had taken it a few years ago and would like to take it again. She even demonstrated some of her moves to make sure I understood what kind of class this was. I kid you not.

This past Wednesday was the free demonstration class that Chiara and I were very eager to attend. It started at 7:30, but Chiara said it was nearby so leaving at 7:25 would be fine. We had to wait until Marco arrived home though. We were eating dinner when he walked in. Chiara asked him what time it was. When he answered 7:35 Chiara frantically said, "Oh, we got to go! Let me put my shoes on!"

We rushed to the car then Chiara said, "I'm not entirely sure where this place is. But if it's not at the first place, we check somewhere else. We check two, three places. We will find it!" I was thinking, "Oh great!" She always acts like she knows where some place is until we get into the car to actually drive there. It's pretty funny.

Luckily, the first place we stopped was the right one. There were police officers in the parking lot, but they weren't a part of the class. Actually, Chiara and I were the only ones to show up. When we walked in, the lady who works for the community center and the self defense instructor were there. Chiara introduced herself and then me. Later she told me she said, "This is Randi. She is American. She knows no Italian and doesn't understand any. She speaks only English, so if we talk during class it is because I am translating. We aren't just talking to talk." Though I really hope that sounded better in Italian than it does in English.

I always feel rude when in a group of people where I don't speak their language. I just stand there with a blank stare because I have no idea what is being said. This is precisely what happened that night. We waited around for about 15 minutes for other people to show up, but they never did. Unfortunately, our course will be rescheduled until more people can attend. Chiara said, "I hope it starts before you have to go back to Kentucky!"