Greetings all. I finally made it into Italy Tuesday afternoon after a nightmarish trip that started Sunday morning. Delays and cancellations galore - a trip worth forgetting. Jumped right into work Wednesday morning, and enjoyed the day off today (Sunday) with a long drive around the Gargano peninsula (the "spur" of the boot - where work and hotel are). It was definitely an adventure, with plenty of tight, crowded streets, and numerous switchbacks up and down the mountains (but not even a single scratch on the car I'm proud to say!). We saw some neat castles and cathedrals and had some great views of the Adriatic, and we also saw some real dumps too - I've heard it been said it's a shame Italy is wasted on Italians. Next week, with the entire weekend free for Easter, a couple of us are planning a 2-day trip to Florence and Pisa.
Weather has been nice and fairly warm, food is good but have yet to have a real, impressive Italian meal since dinner doesn't start until around 9:30 and everyone is pooped by the end of the day. Work will be busy, there's about 15 total from the US here, and it's obvious they need our help. I'm working on my Italian, picking up some of the essentials ("Vino rosso, per favore" - red wine, please; "non capisco" - I don't understand; "Come sta, cane?" - what's up dog?) , and I think slowly but surely I'll be able to pick it up.
All the 10k results sound impressive - I know I couldn't do that right now. Hope everyone has a good Easter, save my egg for me, and I'll try to keep up with the blog when I can. Ciao!
8 comments:
Sounds awesome - keep us updated - we have to live vicariously through you - haha - atleast I do!
I'm so jealous! But I really can't imagine how you are going to both Pisa and Florence for a 2-day trip. I should know you would never stay put too long. Such is the wanderlust!!?? Debbie had just commented at lunch on Saturday that she hoped you would be blogging - great timing! Keep it up (that is mom begging...)
I think you are living a dream for most of us. I pulled out a book I got about Rome from when me and Tom were planning a trip. But it never got more than a planning stage. Post a picture or two if you get a chance. Be safe and have fun, oh yeah, and work hard.
I know your mom told me, but where exactly in Italy are you? Rosie's husband, Carmine Allocco, is from Italy (and New York). I can see if he has any scoop on the area you are in. I don't remember where he is from exactly.
Do they have Italian Kindereggs?
Jim, it was great to see you blogging. Please keep us updated on how your doing. It sounds like you are doing great. Will miss you at Easter and your egg will be saved. Have a wonderful time while your there doing your job. Be careful, we all love you and miss you.
Jim, I hope you have better luck with your Italian than your Uncle Jeff. When we were there he tried to order pepperoni pizza and ended up with shrimp. Needless to say he wasn't a happy camper. He didn't do much better ordering at McD's either. Travel every time you get a chance because your time there will end much faster than you can imagine. Take care.
So far I've been able to get away with pointing a lot, but the Italian is coming along. The city I work in is Foggia, and living in Manfredonia. Neither one is huge, so I doubt Signore Allocco is from around here, but I guess there's always a chance. And yes, there are not only kinder eggs, but just about every other kinder-thing you could possibily imagine.
So far I've been able to get away with pointing a lot, but the Italian is coming along. The city I work in is Foggia, and living in Manfredonia. Neither one is huge, so I doubt Signore Allocco is from around here, but I guess there's always a chance. And yes, there are not only kinder eggs, but just about every other kinder-thing you could possibily imagine.
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