I think this experience is just what I needed. I work only like 6 hours a day and get the rest of the time to relax. It is fabulous. Anyways there is not much to report here. Alice went to a friend's house to play yesterday so it was a nice break and then we watched Charlie's Angels in Italian. Since there's not much to report I figured i'd tell you guys about some of the differences I have noticed, a top tenish list of sorts.
1) This is a very social culture. You always stop and talk to people you know no matter where you are supposed to be and when.
2) They do not eat many vegetables, but they eat pizza and pasta everyday.
3) They walk slowly everywhere.
4) Children stay in strollers no matter what. They do not hold children unless they are feeding them. That way they do not get upset when they are in a stroller at school.
5) Children go to school from a very young age even if their mothers are housewives, because it is good for them to socialize with other children.
6) They eat out for lunch everyday.
7) High school students go to school 6 days a week but only until 1pm.
8) The street in theory has the same rules, but if you must you can drive briefly on the wrong side of the road. Or back up 2 blocks to the parking space you want.
9) There's a heirarchy on the road. In America it is car trumps walker (you stop until there's a break in cars to walk). In Milan walker trumps car but stroller trumps all. It's amazing cars stop for strollers to cross the road.
10) It is believed that you will get sick if you walk outside with your neck exposed. Therefore they wear scarves everywhere.
11) Very few people speak English, but they still all try to communicate and they help anyway they can. It is so sweet and refreshing.
I'm sure there are many more and I will tell you about them as I remember them. Also I wanted to say congrats to Janet. I'm so excited they realize how awesome you are. And i'm glad everybody else is doing well. Lastly, mom I keep trying to stay up to catch you but I have to get up early so I usually fall asleep before then.
5 comments:
Send me scarves!!!
Send me money and I will.
I am glad to hear things are going so well - maybe you won't be ready to come back in 10 months like you originally thought!?!
The slower pace seems really nice about now!!
Hey pea - I'll knit you a cool scarf if you are interested!?!
erica, i saw that you tried to chat me today. i was out of my office and by the time i came back you were gone. i'll try to remember to turn my ichat on everyday and maybe we'll catch each other sometime. glad to hear that you are well.
Some of us have no idea why your are congratulating Janet. Want to enlighten your aunt since your mother said nothing to me?
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