Day One

Thoughts:

If you look Italian, people expect you know and understand Italian!  Memo to me....learn Italian!

Landon had the "best" plane ride ever. He sat next to a nice Italian lady who spoke only Italian, French and Spanish. All ones Landon has been learning. He had a grand time talking to her in 3 languages. No English!!

Grayson has lugged around the largest stuffed Stich through this whole move. He paced the airport floors with worry. It's a big move for a 40 year old woman, I can only imagine what it's like for an 11 year old boy. However, after our adventure with some good food he informed us he's happy here now. 

The big trucks here drive like weaving bullets.  The speed limit is just a suggestion so defensive driving turns into aggressive driving!! HELP! I did make the comment to Les that a few people needed my "tickets".  (a few of you will understand that comment!)

We got our ID cards, thank heavens. The Italian police didn't want to let us on the US base without them. That was interesting. The boys took great pictures, but I truly took the worst picture of my life. Being sick with the flu for 2 days and traveling for 24 hours without refreshing my make-up or my hair (that got stuck under a cute hat) didn't do me any favors. Can't wait until August when I can retake that thing! I'm not usually so vain, but really! Totally embarrassing!

We took a quick trip to the small PX and I got my hairdryer and curling iron that has those fancy European plugs. I'm offical now! Had to get the adapters for our computers and such so we could recharge batteries. Grayson was very concerned about his DS!

Landon's new high school is SMALL! He's not too keen on that at all right now. Hopefully he'll adjust and make some good friends. Tomorrow we're off to get Grayson situated at his new school and getting the boys some more shots. Apparently the DODDS schools now make the kids have HEP A shots and flu shots. Irritating. 

We tried some new Italian treats.  Pastries were a big hit, especially the lemon filled cream puff.  I wasn't so keen on the huge merigue, but Les and Grayson loved it!  Sandwiches were interesting.  Grilled zucchini inside with cheese and meat.  Not too bad.  Landon won over the lady in the deli.  She wasn't too sure of "those stupid Americans" until he started trying to talk to her in Italian.  He's going to be our good luck charm.  Again, memo to me.... learn Italian!!!

Our hotel....we got lost so much trying to find this hotel.  It's in the heart of Vicenza in the Historical Center but has the smallest sign and is down a cobblestone road.  Our sponsor, the lady Les is replacing, has a huge Ford truck and nearly drove people off the road!  We finally found it after parking and walking around downtown seeking for our lodging.  What a tiring day!

The reality of actually being here hit me pretty hard today.  So much unknown and different.  I would be lying if I said I'm taking it all easy breezy.  I don't know what's ahead for us, how things will be.  It's hard to imagine being able to find my way around here and not feeling intimidated or a little scared of this new life.  I've done it before in other places, and that's what gives me a little push to keep going.  Soon I will be able to say I'm OK here.  For right now, I'll take each day at a time, learn what I can, and find my place in a city call Vicenza. 

That's all for tonight.  Les is snoring softly so I think it's time for bed. 
Love to you all.
Rachel