Me, my car "Blu" & Grocery Shopping

I got my rental car yesterday...a cute little Panda Fiat...royal blue color... I have named it "Blu"....original, huh?

Ahhhh...who knew that the details of renting a car could turn into enough info for a blog story... well, let's just say that renting a car in Siena...then driving in Siena....then parking in Siena....

So, my rental car was supposed to be delivered to my country studio yesterday, but....as often happens around here, "something" happens and delays my perfectly layed out plan...(I am becoming a little more patient...well, maybe...)

Anyway, the computer was down at the rental car place...then my phone wasn't getting reception...finally they just drove out and delivered the car and then we drove back into Siena to do the paperwork by hand, but by the time we got there at 5:00 pm, the computers were working. On the drive into Siena though, I met the driver/employee of the rental company and she was delightful! Manuala...about 30 years old and was telling me of her 10 year relationship that she ended about a year ago. She said she knew it was over sooner, but she needed to go through the process of "realizing it, saying it and then doing it (breaking up that is)". I liked her a lot. She was also very excited that she is now dating someone new. She has lived in Tuscany all of her life and told me that she studied English in Dublin and then she studied Spanish in Spain. Then she said in a very certain way "I like living here in Tuscany and I think I will be here for the rest of my life." It made me think about Americans and their plans for career and moving and always talking about where they might live or go...I don't think I have ever heard anyone her (my) age say such a certain statement...it was reassuring in some way... she is content...what a concept!

Anyway...get into town, rent the car...it's pouring rain...Manuala gives me an umbrella to take and her co-worker gives me a bus ticket as a gift to use while I am here:)...that was nice of him!...So I drive a bit, park the car and hop on the bus into the city gates (I am not allowed to enter the city gates with a car). See how complicated this is!!??

So today, I decide that I just want to try to park as close to the city gates as possible and walk...I don't want to ride the bus...I drive around for a long time...and I am pretty certain that I accidently drive into the city gates...ya, I'm sure I will get a ticket in the mail for that...oh well, lots of tourists probably do it (that's what I tell myself to feel better)!

So today I got two bags of groceries (by the way... you weigh your vegetables, punch in a code and out pops a sticker...then when you are checking out the cashier asks how many bags you want to bag your groceries(at this point I am thinking "How am I supposed to know how many bags I need for two artichokes, three packages of pasta, bread, cheese, jars of capers and dried tomatoes, wine and lettuce?!")...nevertheless...these two simple concepts of bagging your own groceries and weighing and putting a sticker on the veggies...well, if I didn't know that's what I am supposed to do, it would be a bit awkward...or maybe just obvious that I am American!

And here I type this blog...thinking how hard it's going to be to carry these two bags of heavy groceries (shit, I should have asked for a third bag to put things in!)....walk all the way to where my car is parked and I hope to God that my car is still there...that I didn't park illegally or in the city gates....stay tuned...if you don't read a blog story about my finding a tow station to pick up my car, then everything went (somewhat) according to plan...

New Apartment, Spoiled American & Zzzzzzzzzz

A few nights ago was my first night at my new apartment...it is quite lovely...in a country setting 28 km from Siena in a village called Tocchi...it's actually a lot like the studio I lived in in Santa Barbara a couple of years ago. It is a beautiful country setting with lots of farm animals actually -- a horse named Mary Lou, a dog named Mose and a cat named Puffa. I can also get fresh eggs if I want! The home is owned by Claudio and Mary Gregario and I actually found out about their rental on craigslist 6 months ago!

Allow me to start with saying that the past five weeks living with my host family has been the most memorable experience...the characters and food were crazy good! At the same time...I was cold 99% of the time (the temp in Siena has been and still is 40-50 degrees). Inside the house was not much warmer. (Please know I am not complaining just stating a fact and giving detail for story-sake:) The house was only heated once a day and that was at night for awhile. This made simple things like studying in my room during the day hard for me. And you know the shower story...well for 5 weeks, I took a 2-3 warm shower every other day only to step out into the cold. And as much as I loved the food and watching Silvana and every one at dinner, it was also stressful because I couldn't express myself and I knew they wanted me to speak...but my Italian just wasn't happening. All of this to say that for 5 weeks I had the time of my life, but I think also for 5 weeks I was cold on the inside, I was tense and tight all over my body, cold, and frustrated at my surroundings. I got up every morning at 7 am to go to school and even on Saturday I couldn't sleep in because the cleaning lady came in. I am such a spoiled American!:)

So I arrived at my new studio apartment....the studio is downstairs from the main house, which is a beautiful Tuscan home like the ones you see in books...as I got settled, I noticed right away that it was so warm (two heaters!), a bathroom, a kitchen...
Well, let me just say that after I got unpacked, I was very "American" again...I turned on the TV and watched Lord of the Rings (in Italian), made hot tea in my lovely little kitchen, took a 45 minute scolding hot shower (I looked like a lobster when I got out!)...and I didn't want to get out...put on pj's, sat on a cozy little couch, read an English Cosmo magazing left behind by the former tourists (read an article titled "How to know if he really loves you"... who writes this shit...oh ya, writer's like myself!:)

And then I went to bed in the most comfortable bed in a loft with soft pillows (sidenote: the pillows at the other house were so stiff and killed my neck so I had been using my mini travel pillow for 5 weeks.) So anyway...went to bed at 11:00 pm...and didn't wake up until 2:00 pm the next day!!! I woke up to a beautiful view of Mary Lou (the horse) just outside my window.

I couldn't resist my TEMPTATION!

I know you'll find this hard to believe, but I indulged and it has nothing to do with food!

I have this great little book back in Santa Barbara titled "98 Things Every Woman Should Do In Her Lifetime." Among some of the suggestions listed are:

• Allow your chewy, salty heart to be marinated in the tender juices of a younger man's obsession.
• Run for office, win and then resign in a grand gesture of moral indigestion
• Ride a train through Europe (better yet, the Orient Express)
• Say grace to the Goddess

Etc....

I think #32 is "Buy a pair of Italian Boots!"... I can mark this off my list of things to-do!! I was walking in the Piazza and there they were -- staring at me from the window and calling my name! They are bellisimo...dark, soft, brown boots with a slight "cowboy" boot look. I love them and I know I will have and love them forever.

Last Day of my Italian Class

Yesterday was the last day of my Italian language course and I have so many thoughts on my journey with the course...I want to share all of my thoughts and feelings without blubbering. First let me say that taking an Italian language course in Italian in Italy is not for the faint at heart. I expected the course to be difficult and a challenge, but it has been that and so much more than I ever imagined. Fun, challenging, enlightening....so many things, but also not-so-fun at times and very emotional, sad, revealing and frustrating. And I loved all of it and at the same time I still feel frustrated, angry, sad and disappointed in myself that I did not pick up the language more. I know, I know...I shouldn't judge my learning process, etc, etc., I do see a glimpse of the bigger picture which is revealed more and more to me every day and that is everything happened just as it was supposed to. Thinking, feeling and knowing this gives me peace in moments of disappointment.

And of course...the people...the characters in this Italian story of mine, that I have met, interacted with, liked, disliked, laughed and cried with and even scolded...all are very unique and brought a new perspective. A broad description on the students -- they made my day...and I have my favorites -- Julia my lovely housemate, well...let me count the ways I adore her! And each of the other students that I can't wait to tell you about! I am delighted I came to the school when I did and was placed in class with younger students. And...my time with the students reminds me of why I like working with young adults so much and of course gets me to thinking about what I will do for work when I return home. So, me and the other students...this concept was brilliant...a tool and a perfect timing and place to show and teach me many things.

And the staff...in the small 5-week world of my course, "staff" consists of only Sabrina and Mauro...and Giorgia a bit. I blogged a few weeks ago that Sabrina told me that learning a new language reveals a person's soul (and that's no so pretty sometimes) and that description has stuck with me. While I am not content with knowledge of speaking Italian, I, without a shred of doubt recognize the other blessings and lessons of my course. Taking this course has helped me understand the English language better...the technical side of it and the components that are difficult to teach. AND through this course, I can give myself a pat on the back and know that I can understand much of a conversation and I can read much of Italian and I can even say a few things:)...all of which give me an unbelievable motivation and desire to continue learning Italian wherever I am. Lastly, my Italian course has been more eye-opening, revealing, the best kick-in-the-ass, therapeutic experience I have been through...more than any therapy I have ever had. I had so many painful and joyful epifanies (a-ha moments:) each day, lots of crying and laughing. I am more clear (but would still like to be clearer:) on my strengths and weaknesses...mainly weaknesses and more clear on my learning style. I am definitely a backward thinker. Sabrina's way of opening my heart and mind to the how-tos of this language was patient and gentle and I am in love with her spirit. Mauro's way of teaching shows his genuine passion for the language and the history of his culture, but also for each and every student and their quirks and challenges. I could see clearly that every day of lessons he was determined to help me understand my blocks and challenges and we worked through them in a way that was fun, enlightening and even uncomfortable. And then when I would understand....it was amazing!

So, that's the shortest way I can explain my thoughts on Saena Iulia. Perhaps I will add or edit more thoughts later...this one concept though brings about many, many thoughts. So...now I am moving out of my host house and into an apartment soon. Now I will be travelling around, meeting new people and visiting spas of course (I actually have almost forgotten that's one of the reasons I am here!) Luckily though I will still go to Saena Iulia through the week and use the computer (still no lap top...don't get me started on that:) and go on the excursions every Thursday with the students. This slow transition will make it easier for me to leave the students and school where the feeling of familiarity could keep me from some of my other purposes here in Italy.

Hot Springs in the hills of Tuscany

Yesterday, me and five other women that I have met through school (Melanie from Switzerland, Denise from New Zealand, Julia from Seattle and Allana from Boston) all took a little trip to Bagno di Petriolo, the natural hot springs.

First we met for a little picnic lunch with cheese, fruit, nuts and wine. Then we hopped on a bus for a 45 minute ride, arrived and then we hiked for about 15 minutes down to the water. The only other people there were about 12 Italian men; we almost felt like we had walked into a secret "men only" meeting or something. They did not hesitate in staring at us pretty much the whole time (who can blame them though...we are a lovely group of foreign women:)! We all decided that despite it being a bit awkward, we didn't care...and with that we took off our clothes, walked carefully over the rocks to the water...almost like a line of little ducks and waded in the water. It really was a beautiful day and the water was SO hot, but so relaxing. We used the mud, which we scopped from the bottom floor of the pool and piled it on our faces. It was endearingly silly watching all of us put the mud on and then lounge our green-faced selves in the water...in the middle of the woods.

After about an hour, we hiked back to the bus stop and came home. It was such a great afternoon with these women, although we all felt very tired and relaxed...and dehydrated from the amazing detox effects of sulfur! Today I am still feeling the effect of the sulfur. This place is definitely not frequented by many tourists which is nice! Unfortunately (or fortunately) a large hotel is being built at the top of the hill from the springs so I think that in about a year, the atmosphere of the springs will change and take a different shape, inviting more tourists and money. I am very happy I was able to experience it before it changes.

A lovely German woman and a car named "Otto"

About two weeks ago a reserved German woman came to Saena Iulia to take Italian language classes. I believe it was no coincidence that she was "mistakingly" put into my class which consisted only of me and my teacher Mauro. I say "mistakingly" because she was clearly more advanced in Italian than I and should have been put in the higher level class (which she was in the following week, but for the first week I got the pleasure of her presence).

Let me back up a bit for an introduction...her name is Birgit (pronounced Bear-get), she is from Germany and in her early 40's....not married and no children. She has the prettiest face...you know the kind that is photogenic...great shape and great skin...light skin and dark short hair. Oh that reminds me, she is a photographer...sort of retired from it and is here working with a family taking care of a home and children. Birgit is yet another woman like the others I have met who got tired of the same ole life and decided to come to Italy.

She invited me to spend the day with her last Sunday....oh I wish you could have been there because it was such a wonderful Sunday! She picked me up...she has the funniest, yet most adorable 17-year old car which she lovingly calls Otto. Birgit explained that Otto used to be a taxi in Romania; she drove Otto from Germany...I think this car loves her as much as she loves it because I think it might be a small miracle Otto made it here. Otto makes a very loud...rather comical loud noise driving along the windy roads and the cleaner mechanism for the wipers doesn't work so while she poured water on the windows, I turned on the wipers. We make a great team. Oh...and the driver's door is a bit temperamental so she has to go through the passenger side to unlock the door. I love Otto...in fact I would love Otto to meet Miata:)

So our first stop... San Galgano...this place is an amazing an old church surrounded by green rice fields which will eventually turn to fields of bright yellow. Birgit describes the Abbey of San Galgano as "something between a ruin and a church." See the pictures and descriptions on the website to get a glimpse into what I really can't describe at this moment without going on and on. Otto definitely needed to rest, so after Birgit and I visited the church, we took a walk up a country road and went into the lovely little chapel which holds a sword in a stone -- a miracle performed by St. Galgano. Then we stepped into a little gift shop where we were "greeted" by a grouchy old Italian woman; she was a delightful woman of few words and more grunts than anything. Her mood was lightened a teeny weeny after I bought some of the albicocca marmellata (apricot marmalade) which I gave to Silvana (my house mom) as a gift.

Birgit, me and Otto then stopped by a delicious lunch at Albergo Ristorante Da Vestro. I ordered gnocchi pasta with gorgonzola and a warm spinach salad with garlic (I knew I couldn't get through a blog without talking about food!)

After lunch we headed to the Bagno di Petriolo -- the natural hot springs in the woods. Birgit had spoken of this place earlier in the week and wanted to take me there. Along the way, we talked and laughed about Italians way of "collecting" or being "collectors"...of anything really...walking along here and there and collecting rocks or nuts or anything that suites a fancy. So as we drove along and every so often saw someone on the side of the road walking around and bending over to pick something up, we would point, giggle and say "another collector..."

Finally Otto gets us to Bagno di Petriolo. This is a place in nature...in the woods and hills about 45 minutes outside of Siena where there are natural sulfur hot springs. I was so ecstatic that Birgit shared this place with me! It was a bit too cold to get in the water that day, so we just soaked our feet. It was also a Sunday and very busy with many people. Clothes and underwear hung on the near by trees. This wonderful place in nature is no posh spa, but the simplicity of it is quite refreshing. We decided that we would share this wonderful place with the other women at school and all come out together. Exhausted, but satisfied with our day, we hopped in Otto and came back to Siena.

Slumber Party!

Well....at least it felt a bit like a slumber party...something that felt warm and comforting to me...yesterday, I spent the afternoon with Julia (my housemate), Alana (artsy photographer type), Melanie (30 something from Switzerland), Birgit (40 something from Germany), Syliva (30 something from N. CA), Denise (40 something from New Zealand).

We met at the school apartment where Sylvia, Alana and Denise are living. We enjoyed tea and biscotti and chat in English about our lessons. Just sitting in a group circle with these women while sipping tea and eating cookies...well, it was so cozy and made me miss my girlfriends back home. Hearing each one talk about her experiences and plans...it's very exciting and insightful in knowing and understanding them.

Denise cut my hair and Julia's hair and then we all put on pumpkin papaya masks, compliments of me:)... Watching all of the ladies put on the masks and hearing them giggle in the bathroom as their staired at each other's white faces...it was so silly and fun!

Then we planned a girl outting this Friday at the natural hot springs in the woods (can't wait to tell you about it!) We also decided to pack a picnic with wine, cheese, meat, fruit and nuts...I am in charge of the fruits and nuts!