So it’s been a month already that we have been living in Vicenza, Italy. Needless to say moving to a foreign country is way different from vacationing there. For example if you are on vacation feel free to eat Gelato every day, if you live here that's a great way to gain 10 pounds in 3 weeks.
Our first week here was definitely a challenge. Jetlagged, homesick, with no cell phone, internet, or car (we still have no car), even the dog was depressed. The biggest shocker for me was the lack of internet access. There is no free Wi-Fi, at least not like back in the states. First off there are no coffee shops, here they are called Bars, and they are independently owned and everyone goes there for breakfast (which is just coffee and pastries) Second there is an Italian concept of not paying for unnecessary services (like here you weigh and price your own produce at the store) and Wi-Fi falls under that category.
It’s not all bad. The cheese is really good, the wine is really cheap, and I can bring my dog everywhere except church. Also my nap schedule fits in nicely with the Italian riposino or siesta time. Also in that first week we learned how to catch the bus downtown, order pizza, navigate the grocery store and buy train tickets. We took the train to Venice which was amazing, overwhelming and cooler than I imagined. And we have some really great people, self-appointed "sponsors" that have helped us through the adjustment period with rides, dinner, and access to their internet.
And, things are looking up. Our household goods will be here this week (fingers crossed) and we have word that our car has also made it safely across the Atlantic and is on its way to us. Also we moved in to our new home last week. I will call it a flat within a villa. We share the property with a large Italian family, I haven't quite figured out how many of them actually live here yet but I'm working on that.
Until next time...
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