and the honeymoon is over ....

I said this before, and ill say it again - at one point when you travel and have an extended stay you will hit a wall. This is the end of the honeymoon stage. Things are no longer exciting and interesting. You realize that this new existence is your norm to bear for how ever long you are staying in that location. For me, 2 months more, which seems long considering ive been in Rome less than a week and already feel like that if ive seen one church and piazza, ive seen them all. I would love to continue to visit new places and try new foods but the mighty euro is killing me. If these feelings were not enough to get me down, i think i ripped someone off today as well and feel really bad about it. I went to buy a slice of pizza and went to pay but didnt have exact change. I know he asked if i had a certain coin but Im sure if i gave him too much and he didnt have the change or I i didnt give him enough. Frustrated, I stormed off with the pizza and now feel i need to go explain myself. This pizzeria is in my neighborhood so im likely to go again - but not if they think i steal! Granted, it was only about 4 cents but still! When i get tired, I do not have the patience to figure out a new language. Furthermore, the pizza wasnt to my liking. It was super salty and had no tomato sauce on it whatsoever. (can you tell im cranky at the moment?)

I was pretty tired by then because I did explore a new area of Rome today after work. From my office, I walked to the Pantheon which is a building in Rome which was originally built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. It is the best preserved building in Rome and the Pantheon has been used as a christian church since the seventh century. I then meandered to the Piazza San Marco & Church de San Marco. I think there are over 800 churches in Rome alone so there is now way im going to see them all! Right next door is the Piazza Venezia and la Vittoriano or (National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II). This momument cuts into the side of Hill near the forum, is all in white marble, and honors the first king of unified Italy. Very beautiful indeed. I then wandered back to the roman forum for a while, through a public park were many kids were playing basketball, and finally to metro to head home (after two hours my feet were sore). Even with all these new discoveries though, I cant help but feel lonely. Everywhere you look in Rome there is couple making out or enjoying the sites together-it truly is a romantic scene. I think this trip maybe the last one i do alone.

Festa della Repubblica & WHO

Today was a national holiday in Italy to celebrate the independence of the Republic. So many things were closed, people had the day off, yet I have to report to work = ) While the city was congregated around the coloseum to watch an extravagant parade full of beautiful men in uniform, i was meeting everyone in the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe aka my new prison. No, i shouldnt be so negative, I was actually pleasantly surprised at how friendly and welcoming everyone was and that the office was normal and not HUGELY WHO. After the tour and necessary paperwork, I met with my new boss - Dr Kruse. Originally from Norway, she has her DVM and her PHD. This women is very bright and has a laundry list of interesting positions shes held all over the world. She even worked for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for a time in the states and claims she has strong professional connections there = ). I think im going to like working with her. Shes outgoing and very knowledgeable and isnt afraid to leave me to work independently. Dr. Kruse took me out for lunch today as well and actually believed i spokeIitalian after i ordered! I guess maybe i dont sound that bad after all. My first day was typical, intros, paperwork, and a lot of reading about the food safety programme in Europe. I met a really nice german intern and an irish women active with the American club here in rome (dont ask me, i dont get it either) so things are looking good = )

First Impressions of Roma

Milanos train tracks led me to Roma Termini, my new home, and my new roomate. I arrived in Rome friday evening to a smiling italian girl named, Stefania. She is a friend of a friend who offered to be my roomate this summer for a tidy sum. After we came to the appartment, I feel like its a steal! The place is super modern, chic, and I love it. There is a common area colored with red and black (ei the kitchen cuboards are all dark red), one large bedroom for us to share, a balcony, and a nice sized bathroom. Its clean, bright, and im happy to have it. My roomate is absolutely adorable too. She comes from southern italy and has worked as an architect in Rome for four years now. Her hospitality has been wonderful. She made us dinner my first night and helped me figure out the transport system to my job. She even went grocery shopping and bought my ticket for the metro for me. I am really lucky to have such a caring person around - especially since when i speak italian, its really hard to be understood. This language is all about intonation - so if you dont stress the right part of the word, no one understands you. So frustrating.
Yesterday, Stefania went to her parents place due to an Italian national holiday June 2. Therefore, I had my first weekend in Rome all on my own. The first day i didnt do a lot. I took care of my bags, spoke to my only french speaking italian friend on the phone, and walked around the neighborhood trying to memorize it. It seems if i need anything from a pedicure to a new pair of glasses - its all within a few blocks. After a lazy evening in eating Swiss chocolate, watching MTV Cribs in English, and talking online, I turned in early because Sunday i had some serious plans. Sunday morning, I went to town to find out where my office was located. So taking Stefanias advice i first took the bus, then the metro and then another metro to le Piazza Spagna (Spain Square). It turns out i will be walking by the infamous Spanish steps everyday i go to work! The WHO office is nearby in a large yellow bland building. After i found the place, I visted the Fountain of Trevi often seen in movies and ate my lunch there surrounded by tourists from all over the world. I dont know how many languages I heard! After lunch, I wandered back to the metro and decided that for the rest of the day I wanted to see the Coloseum.
As I came out of the metro, my eye caught the historical Coloseum and at that moment my breath was taken away! There is nothing like seeing it in person (you all have to visit rome). I stumbled upon a guided tour that left minutes later so i was immediately shuffled inside ahead of the long line of visitors. I visited the site with a group of enlish speakers and heard about the numerous uses of the coloseum (originally called the Flavian Ampitheater) and restorations over the years. The coloseum could hold over 50,000 spectators. Once entirely covered in marble, it was stripped during the Renaissance of its precious materials included marble and bronze. Gladiators and wild animals were the stars of the spectacles and water battles were also showcased here by flooding the lower levels and bringing in ships through the arches. Do you know that men and women were not allowed to sit together? Due to the sexual freedom of the day, women were seated in the fourth tier to avoid any public displays of ..... The coloseum was truly a sight to behold and pictures do not do it justice. After that, I went across the street to visit the Roman Forum - the origin site of the birth of rome, and Palatine Hill known to be the place where emporers built their palaces. These two sites were incredible, a bit eery even. Some of the marble walkways are still there from over 2700 years ago when Rome was born. The ruins of the senate house, emperors palaces, and chariot racing stadium made me wonder what life was like for royalty back then. Fanned by slaves, hand fed grapes, watching the best roman soldiers battle each other and exotic creatures. Rough, im sure = ) You know that saying 'all roads lead to rome'? Well i saw the road that ends all roads to rome. The original street is believed to still exist in the forum. Hows that for creepy?

The trek to Italia- Milano per favore

After a week of gluttony and relaxation, i continued my travels to the fashion capital of the world -Milan! It was about a four hour trip by train from my corner of France to Milan. Luckily, I arranged to have an old jolly man waiting for me at the station there. My grandpas family on my dad side is originally from Milano and came to Monroe Wisconsin in the 1950's to make parmaesan chesse. Some of our relatives still there and so I arranged to meet and stay w/ them for 2 days. My distant relative Sandro met me at the station. Sandro used to work for UPS in public relations. His English was impeccable and he had so many wonderful stories about traveling the world and opportunities he took advantage of. For example, he drove an indy car in Indianapolis and sat in the Air Force's F4 Phantome jet! Anyway, Sandro took me to there 3 story house in the suburbs where I met his mother-in-law Rosie (my grandfathers 1st cousin) her two daughters, Fluvia and Nella, and all four of their children, Robert, Stefano, Laura (30), Marta (23), Stefanos girlfriend Vanessa, and Lauras boyfriend, Masssimo. I had a 4 course meal with them that night including pasta pomodora, proscuitto & melon, pineapple, and apple cake. We drank regular and sparkling red wine, strong italian coffee, and sambusca - an famous anis flavored liquor in Italia that knocks your socks off! The conversation was a mix of English and Italian. Only the three young girls, Nella and Sandro knew any english so it was a comedy of errors. I was so happy to have the experience of our cultures mixing, to laugh with my cousins, and to discuss the worlds problems from a European and American viewpoint. American film, tv shows and music are universal, therefore we compared favorite singers and actors, and declared our desire to see the new Sex and the City movie. I felt really comfortable and at home. That night, i stayed in the same flat with Rosie who does not speak a word of English. We had some trouble communicating, but bear in mind that people are people no matter what they speak or where they live. With a little respect, patience, and lots of gestures, we actually became close by the end of my second day. Rosie gave me the best gift ever for my train trip to Rome. She gave me a huge box of Lindt Chocolates! How she knew that is my favorite is beyond me, but we had a connection it seemed and I felt a twinge of sadness leaving her. I think she even said the next time i come, hoping it would be for my honeymoon, she might not be there....
Early the next day, Sandro took me to the station where i deposited my bag, and then to down town Milan to explore. I first discovered the Costello (castle) Sforzesco where Da Vinci had his studio at one time. It is one of Milans best known monuments and was damaged in WWII and was orginally built to defend against the Venetians. I only took a look before going to the Duomo. The Duomo is the second largest church in Italy. It was inspired by the work of Michaelangelo and has beautiful views of the city from its rooftop. So i took the elevator to the top and took some amazing snap shots! The flying buttresses were so beautiful - i cant wait to see the photographs. After the church, I wandered in the fashion district of Milan near Teatro (theater) alla Scala (a very well known opera house) and to a galleria (covered outside mall) of shops like Prada, Louis Vuitton and to street via Monte Napoleone where shops like Cartier boast extreme prices and beautiful wares. Needless to say, I didnt buy anything but enjoyed window shopping among some of the most expensive brands in the world. My day in Milan ended with lunch in the public park and walking back to Milano Centrale, the train station. Although my stay in Milan was brief, i feel i was able to experience the best it has to offer. Between a day with my family and a day in the center I was able to get a good feel of what the place was about. Industry. Fashion. Somewhere that I dont think I would want to live but maybe will visit again someday.

Time with old friends and former collegues

During my week vacation in France, I have also had the opportunity to see my adopted families and my former collegues at the school where i taught. During my last stay here, I met an American family who invited me every week to church and then to their house for lunch. They took me out for lunch one day to a nice french restaurant called Les Veilles Prison (the old prison) within the winding streets of Annecy. It was so nice to catch up with them and they purchased my *cultural* meal of what the french call *friture* I wasnt sure what that was but now I know it is basically fried minnows they catch from the nearby lake! In short, they were not that great but an experience nonetheless. After lunch, we did a bit of window shopping and discussed the diffulties of french life and cultural differences that take years if not your lifetime to understand. For the past few days, i have been staying with my french family in the little town in the mountains. They picked me up and took me spulunking in a small cave in the alps near Seynthenex. The people in this part of France are so active! My pants were loose before from grad school but now they practically fall off with all the walking and activity im doing! The hike by the cave was beautiful complete with waterfall and flora and fauna. I did slip at one point and caught myself with one arm centimeters away from falling in the mud!
I also visited my former place of employment, Lycee Rene Perrin. It has been a joy to suprise my former coworkers and students. Everyone has been happy to see me and have invited me for a meal or coffee. Word of my arrival has traveled fast. I went to buy a newspaper from my fav tabac shop and they knew i was here! I also went to an english teachers house for dinner one night and met her 8 month old baby. It seems that all my good friends here are either pregnant or just had a baby. No worries though im definately not ready for that yet.
Its a good thing im walking as much as i am! French food as the rumor states is so good and good for you. I have had quiche, veal, tarte aux pommes et fraises, french bread (which is what i missed the most), chocolate mousse, all sorts of wine and raqulette -le regional dish of cheese and potatoes. Life is always beautiful when youre on vacation, but especially beautiful when youre in the French Alps.

My weekend in France w the boys

Last thursday i arrived in Europe to start my summer internship with the WHO. The first thing I want to comment on is how fun it is to travel internationally! You never know who you will meet and it all starts with your plane buddy. This trip from chicago to amsterdam and then to geneva, I met a Nigerian professor of philosphy who has his own ngo (and asked my advice about training african doctors) and then a woman who has a son that works for CARE. A well known international ngo that aims to take care of poor children. So right off the bat, I have 2 interesting contacts that could help me down the road one way or another = )
When i reached Geneva, I knew i was in Europe because all the trains were on strike! Protests, strikes, and demonstrations are not uncommon here. In fact, a few days later i ran into a group of protestors on the street who were all dresssed in black. It was a bit frightening but they were just there to raise awareness about the small salaries of teachers. Anyhow, I took the bus instead of the train into Annecy, France that evening after spending the afternoon in Switzerland and was well received by a former student of mine, Nicolas. Annecy, is known as the venice of France. It has canals running through it due to the snow melting from the alps- its so beautiful. Nicolas had dinner prepared for us and took me shopping the next day for a few things i had forgotten. The whole weekend was filled with visiting with 4 former students of mine. We went to a Orange themed party, to a discotheaque to dance both nights, and the beach. It was quite interesting to see young french people interact - especially drunk young french people. One guy offered me oral sex and asked me to follow him into the bathroom! A cutltural experience i guess. With all this partying and sleeping until noon everyday, im never going to adjust to the time change!

The beginning of the end

Graduation is only a few short weeks away. I have realized that I am only pages away from finishing my final projects and can not believe I am so far ahead. Maybe panicking a bit last month was just what I needed? I doubt it. Good thing that therapy here is included in the student seg fees. A bit of counseling has got me back on track. There is no shame in getting some help when you need it people! Anyhow, I almost have my masters degree and have been looking for job opportunities all around the world. Entry level positions (at no matter what level you are education wise) seem to be few and far between. I guess i shouldnt expect the perfect job to fall into my lap, but jeez. The degree was suppose to be the golden ticket! Then reality sits in.... My sister and I will be graduating the same weekend. My family is scheduled to attend her commencement ceremony (its her first degree after all) and then we are all going to a nice dinner together in a historical site here in Wisconsin. This restaurant used to be a farm house and barn made out of stone that has an underground tunnel between the two. It is going to be great people, a great ambiance, and two great reasons to celebrate - we will be done! A few short days after, I will be taking that jet plane to Geneva Switz where i will venture into France to visit old friends before continuing to Rome. I must admit that my life sounds pretty damn unbelievable. I often forget how lucky i am to partake in such adventures that on top of being a great time, add to my resume!
I just read 'The Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch. He's a former professor from Carnegie Mellon who was recently diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and has a few short months left here. He talks about the importance of taking advantage of his time left by being upbeat for his children and enjoying his time with his family. I think that I have been living like im dying since my mother passed in '99. It seems like i can not slow down. I feel this urgency to acheive my dreams, visit every where i want to, to pack it all in because i just dont know when it will be my moment to join her. It is a great thing to be proactive, but i may have missed out on some small things along the way. I am so intent on the next thing, that i glaze over the end of the current task. I am going to make a more conscience effort to live in the now as well as plan that next great thing. Its a journey right? Not just the destination.