The Tale of Five Angels

On my return from Paris, I had to take the same amount of transportation as I did on the way there. In case you forgot that included a car, train, bus, plane, bus, metro, and a short walk. Just in reverse order.

Not fun.

Not fun with a bum knee.

And especially not fun with a bum knee and a rolly suitcase whose handle decided to break at the airport forcing you to act like a complete fool attempting to fix said handle but to no avail.

I blame the breaking of the handle on the lady working the RyanAir check-in desk. She made me put my suitcase on the scale to check its weight, so naturally I put the handle down first.

Afterwards, the handle just refused to extend. I even asked the guy working security to fix it. He couldn't. He proceeded to ask a BIG guy working security to fix it. He couldn't.

I continued attempting to fix it until I boarded the plane. This consisted of me hitting the top of the suitcase, and wiggling and jerking the handle upward. All while passersby stared at the silly American girl who walked with a limp.

On the flight to Treviso, Italy, I slept. Upon arrival, I asked a security guard where the bus stop to the train station was. He had a disappointing look on his face as he checked his watch. You see, my flight arrived at 9:30 at night. The security guard was afraid the last bus had left already, but he pointed in the general direction and said 100 meters Line 6. I have no idea what 100 meters is, so I just kept walking in the direction he pointed until I saw Line 6 bus stop. As I was waiting for this bus, other people leaving the airport kept walking past the Line 6 bus stop. I was a bit worried I was at the wrong one.

Maybe I hadn't walked 100 meters yet.

Maybe there were two Line 6 bus stops.

Maybe I was going to miss the bus.

Maybe it had already came.

It was dark outside and I was all alone.

Finally, a couple stopped at the Line 6 bus stop. I felt so relieved that I was no longer alone and was able to confirm that it was indeed the correct stop. My first set of Angels had arrived to help me out.

After I had been waiting roughly twenty minutes, the bus arrived. We were the only three to board the bus and the only three on the bus excluding the driver. I had to purchase my ticket from the driver which meant a higher price. He told me the amount in Italian to which I looked at my new bus stop friends for the English translation. I paid the two and a half Euros and scanned my ticket.

We arrived at the Treviso train station not long after and there was literally no one around. I proceeded to the automated machine to purchase my train ticket like I have done numerous times in the past, except this time the machine told me my ticket was non-saleable. Considering it was now close to 10:30 at night, there was no ticket office open. My bus stop friends tried helping me, but they couldn't figure it out either. They had no idea why it said that. The guy was kind enough to check his phone to see which platform I should be waiting at and told me I would have to buy a ticket onboard, which of course would be more expensive.

I hobbled down the stairs and back up another set of stairs, all while carrying my suitcase whose handle still refused to extend, to reach my platform. A cheery lady walked past me and spoke to me in Italian. I replied that I speak English, and so she began speaking with me in English! She had said, "It's cold out!" in Italian. She was the third Angel sent from God to look after me. She was the sweetest woman. I told her that I was an Au Pair from America.  She told me she was from Germany but now lived in Italy with her three children. She had moved here for love, but that  Italian men aren't what they seem at first. Then she said, "I have a gift for you, if you will accept it." She pulled out a book and told me that it was written by her son. It was a new book and had just been published. I thanked her for the gift as it was such a kind gesture, even though the book is in Italian. I then explained my ticket situation to her, so she made me go back to the automated machine so she could try to figure it out. This of course meant, going back down the stairs and up another set and repeating it on the return.

She didn't know what the deal with the ticket was either, so when we boarded the train she took me to the first car. She explained the issue with the ticket machine to the attendant. She spoke all in Italian, but I could understand she was telling her that I tried to purchase a ticket, but wasn't allowed. The attendant then printed me off a ticket to my final destination for only five and a half Euro. She didn't charge the extra fee because this sweet Angel, Martina, had explained to her my situation. Martina told me that I had five stops before I needed to exit and get on my connecting train. Martina exited at stop four. Before she left she told me I could find her son on Twitter.

When the train arrived at the fifth stop, I had knots in my stomach. The train arrived ten minutes late, which left me negative five minutes to get on my connecting train. I asked the attendant if I had missed the train. She said that I probably had and no more trains would leave until morning so it would be best to call someone. I kindly thanked her and continued down the stairs to exit the platform. It was now near 11pm. I looked on the television screen for the times of other trains, and there was one that hadn't left yet. I climbed the stairs to that platform where my fourth Angel was awaiting. I asked her where that train was headed. It was not in my direction, but she walked down the stairs with me to look at the schedule for the next train to Grisignano di Zocco.

We were the only ones in the tunnel, which connects all the platforms, when a drunk man entered. We were occupied looking at the time table, so we didn't notice him until we heard what sounded like a gunshot. We were instantly filled with fear as we looked up to see what was going on. This lady, my fourth angel of the night, shielded me from this man and repeated "It's okay. It's okay." The man picked up the rock or whatever it was he had thrown and made direct eye contact with me. His eyes were crazy. I will never forget that look. I thought he was going to throw the object at us, but he walked past and proceeded to climb the stairs to a platform.

I was terrified after this experience and called Marco as quickly as possible. He didn't quite understand what I was saying though. Luckily this lady was so kind, I handed the phone to her so she could explain to him in Italian that I needed a ride. She got off the phone and told me, "He said for you to wait inside and he will be here in 40-45 minutes. He will call when he arrives." I couldn't have thanked this sweet lady enough. Unfortunately, I didn't even catch her name.

I am so grateful God placed those four people in my path that night. I'm not sure I would've survived that dreadful night without them.

I walked to the inside of the train station to wait for Marco's arrival.

I was exhausted.

I was terrified.

I sat by myself in the corner of the station and cried.

Forty-Five minutes later,my fifth Angel arrived. Marco called and said, "You can exit. I am outside."

The Culture We Call Home

My Cool Friend, Martha, Who's in Africa

I just finished Facebook chatting with one of my college friends, who is currently in Africa for WorldTeach. She has only been there two months, but has experienced so many wonderful, crazy, funny, strange things. She definitely has a great outlook on life and is sharing all of her wonderful stories on her blog. Her writing is humorous and honest. You should definitely check it out!

As we were talking, I realized how many similar things we are both experiencing. I know the European and African cultures are completely different, but they're both also different from the culture we're used to. The one we call home.

As Martha talked about missing her lack of independence, it made me realize that's exactly what I have been missing. I can't go anywhere without first consulting Chiara or Marco. I live in the country. There is nothing within walking distance. Well, at least not a distance I'm willing to walk. I do have my International Driver's License. While they have both graciously offered to let me drive their cars, I just can't for three reasons:

1. Italian country roads are different than what I'm used to in America. Roundabouts, instead of traffic lights, stop signs that people don't stop at, and roads so narrow I'm not sure how two cars manage to pass. 
2. Chiara drives a manual. (Never learned how to drive one of those.) 
3. Marco drives an Audi. (Wouldn't want to wreck one of those.)

A small thing that most people probably take for granted is being on your own schedule. Martha and I discussed how we would love to wander up and down the grocery store aisles for two hours. But we can't because we're on someone else's schedule. We must not keep our generous chauffeurs waiting because next time they might not be so generous. So as much as I love being independent and having my own freedom, I definitely don't have it here in Italy. I must rely on Chiara and Marco. Much the same as Martha must rely on scheduling other people to drive her into town for groceries or whatnot. 

Another commonality we both share is teaching people who don't have the same native language as us. Granted the people I'm teaching speak Italian, while the people Martha teaches speak Oshindonga. (I definitely just went to her blog and looked under "Glossary of Terms" to figure that out. Thanks for being so organized, Martha!) But we are both faced with similar challenges in trying to help them grasp the lessons we are teaching. It gets frustrating, especially when the four year old tells me "No! Italiano!" everytime I attempt to teach her something new in English. I'm sure Martha doesn't quite have that issue, but she is teaching much more complicated subjects that I couldn't even imagine attempting to teach.

Though the most important lesson we are both having to learn is how to live in a culture that is not our own. We must adapt to our new life or we will never be able to enjoy the experience. Learning to accept things the way they are in our new culture is difficult, but it opens our eyes to have a deeper appreciation for the culture we call home.

Say What?!

According to Italians, these candies are "MMM's".

I tried explaining to Chiara how to say it correctly.

She tried, but failed.

It's funny how some English words that are simple to pronounce are actually quite difficult for Italians.

Learning the Language

"Io ho un bel vestito bianco come mia sorella."

This is the first sentence I learned to say in Italian. Naturally, one would think it must be an important statement. One that I would say almost daily, but that is not the case. It's actually a sentence I don't believe I have ever used in the English language.

You see, the translation is, "I have a beautiful white dress like my sister."

Random photo of me and the kids being silly

Firenze

On Top of the Bell Tower

We left Pisa early Saturday morning to catch the train into Florence, which was our last stop together. We had originally planned to visit Cinque Terre Saturday, but the weather forecast said 100% rain. Cinque Terre is a beautiful place by the sea, but not a place to visit when the weather isn't sunny. It's definitely a place that you should Google! Seriously, look it up.

View of the Duomo

We walked outside just as the taxi was pulling up. The driver helped put our luggage in the trunk, then off we went to the train station. We arrived a bit early, so after buying our tickets we headed to the McCafe for some breakfast. Chocolate croissants was obviously what we ordered plus two bottles of water. Zach also ordered a coffee to go, then we headed to our platform, but not before we validated our tickets! We were sure never to forget that again! The train to Florence was a bit sketchy. It was definitely an older train, but we survived!

With the help of Google Maps, we made our way from the train station to the Hotel Marriott! We arrived early and at first the lady working told us there were no rooms ready at that time. Yet, somehow five minutes later a room was available, which was great because we were exhausted and hot. The lobby was like a sauna for some reason. I'm not even kidding. 

Our room was nice and clean, but the view from the window was not. Our window overlooked apartment buildings that were a bit run down with laundry hanging on lines outside, even in the rain. Pretty sure that defeats the purpose.

View from the Belltower

After freshening up, we headed out to explore the city. There was a train that stopped near our hotel which took us close to the city center in just one stop. Our first place to visit was a restaurant. We were starving. We ate at this cute cafe with seating outside in a covered area. Then we went to The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as The Duomo. We decided to climb the 414 steps to the top of the Campanile or bell tower. The staircase is narrow and spiral, which isn't a good combination when numerous tourists are ascending and descending these stairs each day. There were a few rooms connecting the staircase, which allowed one to sit and rest before continuing the climb. But it was also a bit of a cruel trick because we thought we had made it to the top, but in reality we still had lots of stairs left to climb. Once arriving to the top, the view was beautiful! We had a perfect view of the dome on the cathedral and also a lovely view of the city. It was worth the climb. Going down the stairs went much quicker and after exiting, we entered the Cathedral. The interior of the dome has a magnificent fresco of "The Last Judgement", which was amazing to see! Afterwards, we went to the basement or Crypt where archeological remains of the Santa Reparata cathedral are kept and also tombs of past bishops of Florence. It was really interesting. 

The Last Judgment 

Of course, after climbing all those stairs we deserved some gelato. So we went to Grom, where they supposedly have the best gelato in Florence. We both ordered the house special, Crema di Grom. After trying it out, we concur that it is the best gelato.

Grom Gelato

We walked around the city and stumbled upon Palazzo Vecchio, where we thought we had found the David statue. Although, I was certain I read it was in the Accademia. We were very confused. Later we realized the statue in the Palazzo Vecchio is merely a replica, standing in the square where the original once stood. The real David is now protected in the Accademia. 

Double Rainbow Over Florence

It began to rain so we busted out the umbrella and decided to walk to a museum, but we never made it. The weather cleared up quickly so we walked to a place to get a good view of the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge is Florence's oldest bridge and only surviving bridge from the Medieval days. The bridge is lined with jewelry and tourist shops now, but was once lined with butcher shops. On our walk back, we saw a double rainbow! It was so cool to see a double rainbow in Florence, Italy. I mean, how many people can say that?! 

We stopped inside the Galileo museum, considered buying tickets, but decided against it. The weather was still nice so we walked across Ponte Vecchio. It didn't seem like much of bridge with all the shops lined up on either side, but it was cool! We explored this part of the city a bit and then headed back towards the train station to go back to the hotel before dinner.

Ponte Vecchio

By this time my knee was hurting a lot. It had started hurting that morning, for reasons I don't know. We grabbed dinner at a cool restaurant next to our hotel, so I wouldn't have to walk far. I ate a cheeseburger, which wasn't too bad and I believe, Zach ordered a pizza. We also ordered an appetizer of bread. The waiter brought out the appetizer fairly quickly, but our entrees took forever. Zach said it was probably because we hadn't finished our appetizer. I didn't think so, but he was right! As soon as we put the last two slices of bread on our plates, the waiter delivered our meal. So strange. After dinner we returned to the hotel room because I could barely walk.

First thing on our list for Sunday was the Accademia! We stopped by a bakery for some croissants before continuing on our journey to find this museum. Along the way, we happened across a building with $1 bills on the outside. It was the strangest thing. A random man was standing outside a shop, so I asked him if he knew about the building across the way. He said, "Someone has too much money. A very rich man put the money up there." All along the bottom half of the building there are marks where money used to be, but people snatched 'em all up!

Dollar Bill Building

The Original David

We got to the Accademia just before the crowd hit. We toured the entire museum, but our main reason for going was to see Michelangelo's David. It was such an amazing thing to see this piece of history. To see this masterpiece in person, instead of in the history books. Very very cool. Although photos weren't allowed, we snapped a couple. Some people weren't so sneaky though and got yelled at.

The Hard Rock Cafe Florence

Lunch time came so we headed to The Hard Rock Cafe! I find it quite interesting to eat in American restaurants in different countries. I like to compare and contrast. This Hard Rock was quite similar to those found in the States with all the memorabilia. The food was good, also. Afterwards, we headed to the Chocolate Festival! Once a year all of the best Chocolatiers around Florence come together. Zach and I just so happened to be in town during this wonderful event. There were so many types of chocolate! Obviously we bought some and it was, of course, delicious.

We climbed, technically rode, like five different escalators, to the top of a department store to a little cafe on the top where there was a nice view of the city. It was super windy though so we only stayed long enough to snap a few photos.

Chocolate wrenches, guns, horseshoes, etc.

By that evening my knee was really bothering me, so we went back to the hotel so I could rest. Zach headed back out though just in time to catch the sunset in Michelangelo Square and to walk around a cool local part of Florence. That night, we met back up at the department store entrance before dinner. We went to a little pub for pasta, only they no longer served pasta. However, it was listed on their menu and written on their window. Anyways, we ended up at a fairly nice restaurant where we both ordered some pretty legit pasta. I'm starting to think that all food in Italy is just delicious. We walked around a bit before going back to catch the train to the hotel.

Monday morning came quickly, but we didn't have many plans. It was our last day together in Florence, so we went out for breakfast. My knee was still giving me issues. I could barely walk, so we went to the restaurant by our hotel. We had no idea it was a bakery too! They had every kind of sweet one could want. We settled on croissants with nutella and got bananas, as well. We were bummed we discovered this place on our last day. It was such a good breakfast stop! We had already checked out of our hotel, but we went back to hang out in the lobby before heading to the train station. We tried watching the Olympics, but couldn't find the right channel. We decided to head out a bit early so we could grab some food at the station before our trains left. I got a mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich. It is one of my new favorite foods, for sure!

My train left a few minutes before Zach's train, who by the way, was headed to Rome! Way better destination than where I was traveling to. We said our goodbyes, then I hobbled to car number five to board my train home.