So here we are again. In my never ending quest to document my time in Italy, I'mstarting up the blog..again.

I'm going to start with what I've learned so far in Italy. We've been here for 8 months give or take so far and I've learned so many exciting, and not so exciting things!

Here's my list:

1.Napolians are totally different than any other Italian, or species in the world.

They have their own language, their own customs and their own driving habits! They are totally different than their neighbors in Rome, tuscany or Venice!

2. When in Rome...drive like the Romans!!! Here in Italy I've had to relearn to drive! They drive fast, they pass on solid lines, and the police don't stop for speeding. Within my first 3 months here, I had someone hit and run the car (we weren't in it), and someone in a tiny tiny car do a Very wide right hand turn into a huge driveway. I thought he was turning left, and BAM..he hit me..or rather I ran into him. Which brings me to my next lesson learned.

3. Italians are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The man I hit in the above mentioned accident, got out of his car, ran to my car (keep in mind, this accident was totally my fault) to make sure I was ok. I was a bit stunned, however unharmed. He offered me water and asked me to come in. We were at the entrance of his job. My italian wasn't exactly great at the same time (still isn't) and somehow we agreed that I would come back on Sunday when his sister would be able to talk to me. I showed up with Dennis and the kids on Sunday. The man turned out to be the owner of the flats business. He played with the kids, sent his employees out for coffee and chips and we talked for an hour before we got down to business. We signed the paperwork. Insurance works a bit differently here. He refused payment of which I was to pay him for the deductible..he insisted on paying it himself. In the months following Ivan (pronounced Eevahn) and I have become well acquainted, often seeing each other at the local cafe.

4. 1 Italian = 50...easily. In our first few weeks here in Naples, between the time adjustment, the different environment, and the air pollution the kids became sick with the "napolian" flu, ear infections, stuffy noses and general crankiness. In taking them to the Navy hospital, waiting for three hours and facing a huge bill (one of the downfalls to living as a civilian at a military base) another person told me that pharmacies in the area are often very helpful when it comes to illnesses such as these. Well...two sick kiddos and no help, shall I say enticed me to search on! I ended up at Communale pharmacia. I met Alasandra. She spoke little English, but quickly called her husband (who happened to be with NATO) and spoke very good English. She was able to help me. The next week, another ear infection. We went back to the pharmacy and we met Mimma. She spoke English very well and Alasandra instructed her to help us. Mimma invited us to her home before we left the store that day. Mimma and I have become such good friends. I've met her mother, her father, sister,brother,and her Fiance Rafaelle. Rafaelle introduced us to his sister, another sister (who lives in the states), mother, father, brother in law, and cousin. The list goes on and on.

We even had the oppurtunity to spend new years with Rafaelle, Mimma and their families. More on that later.

5. Fireworks, fireworks, and more fireworks. Italian LOVE fireworks and will set them off at any time of the day. For baby births, for new years (more on that later) for rain, for sun, and for a day that has no meaning whatsoever! Now I'm not talking about puny little fireworks. I'm talking about fireworks that would normally take a permit in the states! Big and beautiful. It took a while to get used to, but we quickly learned to love it as Dennis and I would sit out on our porch drinking wine and watching them late at night.

I'll continue this list tomorrow. I want to end by saying that Dennis, the kids and I are all doing well. We're really enjoying our stay and hope to travel more soon! Love and prayers to all.

This is in nutshell...............for today.