Italy

Hi guys, Yesterday we went out on the boat again. We swam to a little island that was all rocks. I don’t like to step on the rocks because they are covered in slimy algae and what I’m starting to think is some kind of soft coral. I am getting over it slowly but I am determined to get over this aversion to not stepping on slimy things. At home I hate the little periwinkle clams that lay on the top of the sand at low tide. The guards will tell you that I don’t get in the water when they are out. The idea of having to step on those clams with their little tentacle/feelers out just makes me shiver. So, I am determined to get over this before I get home. I have plenty of time to work on it while I’m here. Right now the kids are making a fort on the landing with the couch pillows. The day before yesterday we went to the beach again. The kid’s dad bought these white rimmed sunglasses that have been a big hit. Everyone had to try them on and have their picture taken. Last night we went to some...

Ok, today’s tidbit of information is that one may drive a scooter on the road at 14 years old. This is the story of how I found out. A 14 year old almost hit us today. It was a short story. So, when he did I asked how old you have to be to drive I was surprised. You must be 14 for a scooter, 16 for a motorcycle, and 18 for a car or truck. The scooters/ motorcycles are set at certain ages by size and I think speed. I guess I should mention that we were on a one way street, the wrong way. We were dropping someone off and the streets are so narrow that it is hard to get a big car around. So, sometimes we go the wrong way to turn around. The cars here are so small. There are a lot of smart cars. They are so tiny. I got a sunburn today but it was worth it. If you can ever sleep on a boat it is the best sleep ever! When we snorkeled I saw a bunch of sea urchins. It was really cool. Also, a red starfish. The water here is so clear you can see forever. The kids just gave me a k...

Hey everyone, Ok, I have a lot to tell today. First, I just had my first coke in 2 weeks so I think I am a little wired. Also, my new favorite food are crepes with nutella (chocolate) and bananas. If you get a chance definitely try one. Finally, I haven’t been online in a while because I didn’t have the internet key. We went out on the boat the other day and snorkeled some of the reefs that are around the island. The view was great. It was all mountains and blue waters. When we went into port we walked upon a wedding that was just beginning. The bride walks with her father down to the church so we caught them on the way. It was beautiful. We had dinner at this port at a family owned restaurant. It was seafood and it was great. You all should be proud of me because I have vowed to try anything while I’m here. When my plate arrived with visible tentacles I was not sure if I could stick to that plan, but it was great. I have eaten a lot of fish with the eyes still attached since...

Hey everyone Wow! I did not realize it was July 4th. Yay USA! Today we walked from the house to the beach at the bottom of the hillside. There is this stone path that winds from the top (the town) all the way to the bottom. We are at the top. It was a long hike back. When we went down the kids pointed out the church that their parents got married in. On our way back it happened to be open and a sign said a whole bunch of stuff in Italian and Michelangelo. I went to investigate and there was a painting inside by Michelangelo. There is a picture at the bottom. It is so amazing that you can just walk around and find frescos by these artists everywhere. When we were swimming I saw a sea anemone that was red. When I pointed it out to the kids they said it is called a pomodora del mare (tomato of the sea). We went swimming yesterday and there was water aerobics in the ocean. It brought me back to the good old days at the pool. They even played songs from Grease. Oh, good news!...

Yay! I have addicts! Go Wacky! So, I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that I took pictures for you! The bad news is I have somehow lost my memory card. The pictures are on my camera so when I get a new memory card I will just transfer it to the card and my computer. Bad news: It took me 2 days to find a blowdrier and then the store was closed so it might take a while. The story of that! So, I didn't take my blowdrier because I would need to use the converter and it seemed like a hassle. They are cheap so it I thought I would just pick one up there. Insert laughing from anyone who has been to a foreign country. First, I don't speak the language. Second, I decide a week from leaving that I absolutely CANNOT live without bangs so I go cut my hair in a way that must be styled (if you know me you know that I never do my hair or makeup so what I was thinking...). The day I used the bus system for the first time I looked for a blowdrier and toothpaste. ...

Ok, update number whatever. I don’t know what day it is anymore. Today we drove to Elba. Well, we drove 4 hours and then took a ferry ride and then drove 30 minutes to get to the house. Let me tell you- it was 100/% completely worth it. This is hands down the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life (sorry Seattle). There are pictures at the bottom. Beautiful does not describe it. The view from the house is amazing and the house itself is probably the coolest house I have ever been in. It is maybe 5 floors of sprawling Tuscany goodness. If I ever build a house I am asking for the floor plan. It can probably sleep 20 people but it has rooms in nooks and up staircases and in what one might think was a closet, but no it’s a room. They all have balconies to see the view and the grounds are amazing. I don’t know if I mentioned it but there is no air conditioning here. I don’t think the family car has it. I don’t know how they do it but the houses feel cool and are airy and bright. I...

Hey guys, Ok, you aren’t going to get an e-mail everyday so don’t worry, but since it’s the first day that I’ve actually done something I wanted to let you know. There are pictures attached. I woke up to the sun streaming through my open window (which was new because we live like moles in FL and never open the blinds much less the windows). The weather here is unbelievable. It is like 70 degrees outside and that is so nice since it is summer at home. Today I took my first bus ride to the heart of the city. I have never really ridden a bus before (except in NY and my parents navigated) so that was new, especially since everything was in Italian. I made it, though, and went to this amazing cathedral, or duomo/church, that took up a whole block of the city. There is also a castle down the road from there. So I played the tourist. I also stumbled into this mall thing that I didn’t know existed but let’s just say it is a good thing that I left the credit cards at home. It is the glass cover...