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Break time

25 March 2010
I have my comps exams coming up in 17 days. They determine if I graduate in May so I will be taking a break from blogging until after April 14th. Wish me luck everyone. And I can't wait to get back to you. Until then enjoy a clip from Italy's Top Model.







JSXARXKTKKMW

Break time

I have my comps exams coming up in 17 days. They determine if I graduate in May so I will be taking a break from blogging until after April 14th. Wish me luck everyone. And I can't wait to get back to you. Until then enjoy a clip from Italy's Top Model.







JSXARXKTKKMW

Eat Pray Love--the movie

19 March 2010
I can't wait to see this film. I absolutely loved the book..




Eat Pray Love--the movie

I can't wait to see this film. I absolutely loved the book..




Cappuccino

A true cappuccino aka caffe o cappuccio in Milan circa settembre 2009. I cannot wait to return to Italy....Who needs Starbucks?

a true café in Milano

Cappuccino

A true cappuccino aka caffe o cappuccio in Milan circa settembre 2009. I cannot wait to return to Italy....Who needs Starbucks?

a true café in Milano

Tuna Pasta Recipe

18 March 2010
I love to cook..full stop. I enjoy cooking for my friends. I am always scouring the internet looking for authentic recipes to go into my arsenal. And at times I can recreate a dish just because I have tasted it. My palate is very sensitive.

Today I decided to make a tuna pasta dish but realized that I didn't have any mayo, so my roommate suggested that I use cheese and I did. And man was it amazing. Here is the recipe. Enjoy

Ingredients
2 cans of Tuna in water
TBSP of crushed red peppers flakes
Tsp of sea salt
Tsp of black pepper
2 garlic cloves -minced
1/2 cup of Fresh Basil
1/4 cup fresh Oregano
2 cups of Rottini Pasta
1 cup of freshly grated Parmigiana Reggiano

Preparation:
Boil the 2 cups of pasta in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic cloves, chop the basil and oregano and set these ingredients aside. Once the pasta is ready (al dente, not too hard not too soft) drain the water off in a strainer. Add all of the ingredients into the strainer with the warm noodles and stir until the cheese has melted and serve.

Ecco, a quick recipe for all....

Tuna Pasta Recipe

I love to cook..full stop. I enjoy cooking for my friends. I am always scouring the internet looking for authentic recipes to go into my arsenal. And at times I can recreate a dish just because I have tasted it. My palate is very sensitive.

Today I decided to make a tuna pasta dish but realized that I didn't have any mayo, so my roommate suggested that I use cheese and I did. And man was it amazing. Here is the recipe. Enjoy

Ingredients
2 cans of Tuna in water
TBSP of crushed red peppers flakes
Tsp of sea salt
Tsp of black pepper
2 garlic cloves -minced
1/2 cup of Fresh Basil
1/4 cup fresh Oregano
2 cups of Rottini Pasta
1 cup of freshly grated Parmigiana Reggiano

Preparation:
Boil the 2 cups of pasta in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, mince the garlic cloves, chop the basil and oregano and set these ingredients aside. Once the pasta is ready (al dente, not too hard not too soft) drain the water off in a strainer. Add all of the ingredients into the strainer with the warm noodles and stir until the cheese has melted and serve.

Ecco, a quick recipe for all....

La musica italiana

17 March 2010
In an attempt to prepare me for my move to Italy, I have taken to watching Italian movies--I even took an Italian Cinema class--reading any article in Italian that I can find and listening to Italian music.

On the musical front, the Italians are extremely talented and have produced many excellent and quality musical acts. My favorite of them are Carmen Consoli, Laura Pausini, Malika Ayane, Nek, Giusy Ferreri and most of all Giorgia. Giorgia is one of those rare voices with soul that rivals Americans like Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey. She is amazing and has range out of this world. I cannot wait to learn more about Italian singers when I arrive. Until then, enjoy my favorite cantante.



La musica italiana

In an attempt to prepare me for my move to Italy, I have taken to watching Italian movies--I even took an Italian Cinema class--reading any article in Italian that I can find and listening to Italian music.

On the musical front, the Italians are extremely talented and have produced many excellent and quality musical acts. My favorite of them are Carmen Consoli, Laura Pausini, Malika Ayane, Nek, Giusy Ferreri and most of all Giorgia. Giorgia is one of those rare voices with soul that rivals Americans like Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Mariah Carey. She is amazing and has range out of this world. I cannot wait to learn more about Italian singers when I arrive. Until then, enjoy my favorite cantante.



All I have is time

16 March 2010
I will admit I am going crazy. All of this planning, and not knowing exactly if I will be leaving or not, makes me insane. I still have things to do. On Thursday, I will be going to my high school to get my transcripts notarized, send them to my translator for translation and prepare for my road trip in April to Austin.

I will be doing all of my assignments for class the next few days so that I can begin my four weeks of studying for my Comps Exams. I am nervous about them, but at the same time I feel as if I have nothing to worry about. I will email all of my instructors tomorrow to get information on exam questions so that I know how to direct my studies.

I will be definitely popping my Aderral over the next couple of weeks so that I concentrate. It is very important to me to finish this degree. It has been hellish trying to finish; people dying on me, mom almost having cancer, broken foot, a mini nervous breakdown and all out rebellion against the government.

However, I'm pressing forward. I am moving to a place that most people forget about when they think about Italy. However, Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I am also excited about the traveling I will be doing, and the new life I will be leading. But for now I will be making friends online who already live in Italy, saving money and passing my exams.

The finish line is near. All I need to do is stay focused on the now and the future will eventually arrive, certo?

All I have is time

I will admit I am going crazy. All of this planning, and not knowing exactly if I will be leaving or not, makes me insane. I still have things to do. On Thursday, I will be going to my high school to get my transcripts notarized, send them to my translator for translation and prepare for my road trip in April to Austin.

I will be doing all of my assignments for class the next few days so that I can begin my four weeks of studying for my Comps Exams. I am nervous about them, but at the same time I feel as if I have nothing to worry about. I will email all of my instructors tomorrow to get information on exam questions so that I know how to direct my studies.

I will be definitely popping my Aderral over the next couple of weeks so that I concentrate. It is very important to me to finish this degree. It has been hellish trying to finish; people dying on me, mom almost having cancer, broken foot, a mini nervous breakdown and all out rebellion against the government.

However, I'm pressing forward. I am moving to a place that most people forget about when they think about Italy. However, Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I am also excited about the traveling I will be doing, and the new life I will be leading. But for now I will be making friends online who already live in Italy, saving money and passing my exams.

The finish line is near. All I need to do is stay focused on the now and the future will eventually arrive, certo?

Il Pianoforte Gatto

The Cat Piano is an animated film created by Nick Cave and has been translated in Italian. Enjoy..






Il Pianoforte Gatto

The Cat Piano is an animated film created by Nick Cave and has been translated in Italian. Enjoy..






Sicilia

I am not one to believe in fate but I do believe that there are signs pointing you in the direction that you need to go.

Since I have decided to go to Sicily I have been meeting many people from Italy. A couple of weeks ago I was walking with my roommate Brianna through the Galleria Mall by Nordstrom when I noticed a sign above a building tooting Sicilian Gelato.

I looked at Brianna and dragged her over to the counter. I was so excited. Once I arrived to the bar that stored the gelato, I realized it was real Italian Gelato. The owner who later told us his name was Sebastiano had just moved to Houston from, you guessed it, Catania, Sicily. I bought me and Brianna a cone of gelato and we sat at the little tables talking with Sebastiano. I informed him that I will be moving to Catania in the summer to go to school and he was really excited to hear that.

Over the next few weeks, Brianna and I would frequently go see Sebastiano and talk to him. We decided to help him with his business and ordered postcards with his shop's name on it to past out in the Mall.

Saturday I went by to see him and to meet his partner Giorgio, also from Catania. Sebastiano was very excited to see me and said he had been looking for me for the last week--I was laid up with a broken foot--ok collapsing arches, whatever--- to say the least. He and Giorgio have enlisted me to help market their little Gelateria, which will also be carrying Italian espresso and panini (yummy sandwiches). I told them they should make the shop look more authentic by painting the walls a light terracota color and hang up pictures of scenery from Sicily. They also needed to change the sign to make it more eye catching. Furthermore, they have decided that they will create a menu for delivery in the Mall, which no other restaurant does.

I think they have a great idea and I hope to help them be successful. And like any true Sicilian, they offered to help me settle in once I arrive in Catania. A girl must always have a plan B.

I am excited and I feel I am walking into my destiny.

I will keep you posted as things develop..

Sicilia

I am not one to believe in fate but I do believe that there are signs pointing you in the direction that you need to go.

Since I have decided to go to Sicily I have been meeting many people from Italy. A couple of weeks ago I was walking with my roommate Brianna through the Galleria Mall by Nordstrom when I noticed a sign above a building tooting Sicilian Gelato.

I looked at Brianna and dragged her over to the counter. I was so excited. Once I arrived to the bar that stored the gelato, I realized it was real Italian Gelato. The owner who later told us his name was Sebastiano had just moved to Houston from, you guessed it, Catania, Sicily. I bought me and Brianna a cone of gelato and we sat at the little tables talking with Sebastiano. I informed him that I will be moving to Catania in the summer to go to school and he was really excited to hear that.

Over the next few weeks, Brianna and I would frequently go see Sebastiano and talk to him. We decided to help him with his business and ordered postcards with his shop's name on it to past out in the Mall.

Saturday I went by to see him and to meet his partner Giorgio, also from Catania. Sebastiano was very excited to see me and said he had been looking for me for the last week--I was laid up with a broken foot--ok collapsing arches, whatever--- to say the least. He and Giorgio have enlisted me to help market their little Gelateria, which will also be carrying Italian espresso and panini (yummy sandwiches). I told them they should make the shop look more authentic by painting the walls a light terracota color and hang up pictures of scenery from Sicily. They also needed to change the sign to make it more eye catching. Furthermore, they have decided that they will create a menu for delivery in the Mall, which no other restaurant does.

I think they have a great idea and I hope to help them be successful. And like any true Sicilian, they offered to help me settle in once I arrive in Catania. A girl must always have a plan B.

I am excited and I feel I am walking into my destiny.

I will keep you posted as things develop..

The latest news

Last week I spent a day at the Consulate General talking with the wonderful Lucia about my options for studying in Italy. I was informed that I can only apply to one University, but before I apply there were a few more steps I had to take.

First, I had to acquire my transcripts from the registrar's office of each of my schools including high school, have the registrar physically sign them and have them stamped by a notary. Afterward, I must go to Austin to Secretary of State office and have each document stamped with an Apostille from S.O.S.

Did I mention that I have to have the registrar write a letter stating my full name and birthday and that per their records that I graduated from said school in date/year?

Yeah its a lot of work my friend but work I am willing to put time into.

At the moment I am studying for my Comps Exam to graduate this semester from my University here in Houston and come May I will be applying to the University of Catania and graduating from the University of Houston.

I have already been in contact with the Chair of Foreign Affairs at the University of Catania and it seems that I have a good chance of being accepted into the program. Once accepted I have decided to move to Italy in July once my lease is up here so that I can get used to the Italian language and begin to practice it so that I am not completely loss once I begin classes in September.

I decided on the University of Catania because I used to be stationed at the Navy Base near by and as a veteran I have a good chance of acquiring a job there part time. Also, I have a wonderful Sicilian friend of 15 years that has offered to share her apartment and help me find a place to live after I get a job.

It is also inexpensive in Sicily compared to Italy. I can find a two bedroom apartment for 300 Euros which is the equivalent of $450 a month.

I also find that Sicilians are friendlier, open to foreigners and very social. Its a beautiful island and I will definitely have a second chance at happiness there. I can't wait to go to Taormina and walk on the black sand beaches. Go to the restaurant on the side of Mt. Etna where the mother hand makes the noodles. And eat at the Panini Ristorante on the road between Nas I and Nas II in Sigonella.

On an even better note, a good friend of mine is planning to study in France this Fall and Brianna may be going to Spain instead of Italy. I will keep you posted as things develop.

Buona fortuna a tutti!

The latest news

Last week I spent a day at the Consulate General talking with the wonderful Lucia about my options for studying in Italy. I was informed that I can only apply to one University, but before I apply there were a few more steps I had to take.

First, I had to acquire my transcripts from the registrar's office of each of my schools including high school, have the registrar physically sign them and have them stamped by a notary. Afterward, I must go to Austin to Secretary of State office and have each document stamped with an Apostille from S.O.S.

Did I mention that I have to have the registrar write a letter stating my full name and birthday and that per their records that I graduated from said school in date/year?

Yeah its a lot of work my friend but work I am willing to put time into.

At the moment I am studying for my Comps Exam to graduate this semester from my University here in Houston and come May I will be applying to the University of Catania and graduating from the University of Houston.

I have already been in contact with the Chair of Foreign Affairs at the University of Catania and it seems that I have a good chance of being accepted into the program. Once accepted I have decided to move to Italy in July once my lease is up here so that I can get used to the Italian language and begin to practice it so that I am not completely loss once I begin classes in September.

I decided on the University of Catania because I used to be stationed at the Navy Base near by and as a veteran I have a good chance of acquiring a job there part time. Also, I have a wonderful Sicilian friend of 15 years that has offered to share her apartment and help me find a place to live after I get a job.

It is also inexpensive in Sicily compared to Italy. I can find a two bedroom apartment for 300 Euros which is the equivalent of $450 a month.

I also find that Sicilians are friendlier, open to foreigners and very social. Its a beautiful island and I will definitely have a second chance at happiness there. I can't wait to go to Taormina and walk on the black sand beaches. Go to the restaurant on the side of Mt. Etna where the mother hand makes the noodles. And eat at the Panini Ristorante on the road between Nas I and Nas II in Sigonella.

On an even better note, a good friend of mine is planning to study in France this Fall and Brianna may be going to Spain instead of Italy. I will keep you posted as things develop.

Buona fortuna a tutti!

Lost in Translation

I am so excited. I am sitting here in my room listening to my roommate sing and make her CD while chatting with my friend F* who is planning to go study in Paris this year. I am waiting on my transcripts to finish being translated so that I can start applying for schools in Italy and my soul is filled with this hope that I am making the right move.

There comes a point in one's life where you stand at a crossroad. One way is to an ordinary life of simplicity. A life already mapped out, a path already taken all you have to do is follow. And the other path leads to a potentially extraordinary life of adventure and purpose. A life where you take a compass, a torch, an umbrella and some sneaks. The path is unknown, its a path you must make for yourself.

Right now I feel as if me and a few of my friends are at that crossroad and believe me I am taking that second path. I love adventure. Yes its scary, I don't know what I am doing, but that's the wonder of it. Because I believe that when I reach my destination, all the scrapes, bruises, days of hunger and tears will be worth it all.

Yes I am excited, yes I know more hardships lie ahead, but I am willing and ready to face them. Bring it on, nothing and no one will stop me. Because in the end, I will find joy, because I lived my life on my terms..

Lost in Translation

I am so excited. I am sitting here in my room listening to my roommate sing and make her CD while chatting with my friend F* who is planning to go study in Paris this year. I am waiting on my transcripts to finish being translated so that I can start applying for schools in Italy and my soul is filled with this hope that I am making the right move.

There comes a point in one's life where you stand at a crossroad. One way is to an ordinary life of simplicity. A life already mapped out, a path already taken all you have to do is follow. And the other path leads to a potentially extraordinary life of adventure and purpose. A life where you take a compass, a torch, an umbrella and some sneaks. The path is unknown, its a path you must make for yourself.

Right now I feel as if me and a few of my friends are at that crossroad and believe me I am taking that second path. I love adventure. Yes its scary, I don't know what I am doing, but that's the wonder of it. Because I believe that when I reach my destination, all the scrapes, bruises, days of hunger and tears will be worth it all.

Yes I am excited, yes I know more hardships lie ahead, but I am willing and ready to face them. Bring it on, nothing and no one will stop me. Because in the end, I will find joy, because I lived my life on my terms..

Bed and Breakfast in Positano

Positano is one city that I have yet to visit on my extensive travels to Italy, but I plan to go one of these days. While fantasizing about my ideal trip there, I found this cute little B & B called Hotel La Rosa dei Venti the other day with great on and off season rates. Enjoy and I hope one of you guys will go there and tell us all about it.

Summer Risotto Recipe

I want to thank Herbivoracious for this fantastic recipe. Enjoy

Summery Risotto With Corn, Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Oil
Serves 6
Vegetarian and gluten-free; vegan if you omit the cheese

For the tomato oil:

* 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* handful of flavorful cherry tomatoes (or 1/4 cup diced ripe tomato)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Puree all ingredients in a mini-food processor.
2. Allow to steep for half an hour if possible.
3. Strain first through a fine mesh sieve and refrigerate if not using soon.

For the risotto:

* 6 cups mildly flavored vegetable broth (Seitenbacher broth powder works well)
* 4 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup minced onion
* 2 cups arborio, carnaroli or other risotto-approved rice
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 2 teaspoons salt
* corn kernels from 1 and 1/2 ears, reserve the cobs
* 2 small zucchini, fine dice
* 1/2 cup or more grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese plus more for serving

1. Bring the broth to a simmer, and add the corn cobs.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot. Saute the onion for a couple of minutes until softened but not browned. Add the rice and saute for a minute or two until it turns slightly translucent.
3. Add the wine and salt stir until absorbed.
4. Add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring very frequently. Continuously isn't necessary. When the rice begins to dry out, add another ladle.
5. After 16 minutes, begin to check a grain every minute. When there is a slight white pinhead that is a bit tough inside, add the vegetables. If you have used up all of the broth, you can start using water. Add more salt if needed.
6. Within 3-10 minutes, the rice should be tender but with just a hint of toothsomeness to it, and it should be surrounded with creamy, starchy goodness. Take it off of the heat right away and stir in the cheese.
7. Serve in individual bowls. Add a good squeeze of the tomato oil around the edge, and top with more cheese. Or truffles if you happened to have some.

Summer Risotto Recipe

I want to thank Herbivoracious for this fantastic recipe. Enjoy

Summery Risotto With Corn, Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Oil
Serves 6
Vegetarian and gluten-free; vegan if you omit the cheese

For the tomato oil:

* 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* handful of flavorful cherry tomatoes (or 1/4 cup diced ripe tomato)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Puree all ingredients in a mini-food processor.
2. Allow to steep for half an hour if possible.
3. Strain first through a fine mesh sieve and refrigerate if not using soon.

For the risotto:

* 6 cups mildly flavored vegetable broth (Seitenbacher broth powder works well)
* 4 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup minced onion
* 2 cups arborio, carnaroli or other risotto-approved rice
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 2 teaspoons salt
* corn kernels from 1 and 1/2 ears, reserve the cobs
* 2 small zucchini, fine dice
* 1/2 cup or more grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese plus more for serving

1. Bring the broth to a simmer, and add the corn cobs.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pot. Saute the onion for a couple of minutes until softened but not browned. Add the rice and saute for a minute or two until it turns slightly translucent.
3. Add the wine and salt stir until absorbed.
4. Add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring very frequently. Continuously isn't necessary. When the rice begins to dry out, add another ladle.
5. After 16 minutes, begin to check a grain every minute. When there is a slight white pinhead that is a bit tough inside, add the vegetables. If you have used up all of the broth, you can start using water. Add more salt if needed.
6. Within 3-10 minutes, the rice should be tender but with just a hint of toothsomeness to it, and it should be surrounded with creamy, starchy goodness. Take it off of the heat right away and stir in the cheese.
7. Serve in individual bowls. Add a good squeeze of the tomato oil around the edge, and top with more cheese. Or truffles if you happened to have some.

Bed and Breakfast in Positano

Positano is one city that I have yet to visit on my extensive travels to Italy, but I plan to go one of these days. While fantasizing about my ideal trip there, I found this cute little B & B called Hotel La Rosa dei Venti the other day with great on and off season rates. Enjoy and I hope one of you guys will go there and tell us all about it.

il prossimo passo

Well the next step in the chain moving me closer to Italy is getting my transcripts translated in Italian. I found a lady willing to do it for a little less than the consulate so I am using her.

I will be spending the holidays studying for the Italian grammar test that I must take in order to attend school as well as studying for my graduate school comps test that I must take in April. I have already decided on the schools I will applying to. The program that I wish to study is "Lingue moderne per la comunicazione e la cooperazione internazionale." Basically, Modern Languages for communications and international corporations. I will be studying Italian, French and Portuguese. I am very excited.

I have also decided on the schools that I wish to apply to, hopefully I will get a scholarship and fellowship at one of them. This is a very exciting time. In the future I will be writing the notes in Italian and English, just so that I can practice writing.

Until then i miei amici, have a great holiday.

Shulamit

Site to find schools
Italian Education Ministry

La scuola a Milano

La scuola a Roma

La scuola a Bologna

La scuola a Catania

il prossimo passo

Well the next step in the chain moving me closer to Italy is getting my transcripts translated in Italian. I found a lady willing to do it for a little less than the consulate so I am using her.

I will be spending the holidays studying for the Italian grammar test that I must take in order to attend school as well as studying for my graduate school comps test that I must take in April. I have already decided on the schools I will applying to. The program that I wish to study is "Lingue moderne per la comunicazione e la cooperazione internazionale." Basically, Modern Languages for communications and international corporations. I will be studying Italian, French and Portuguese. I am very excited.

I have also decided on the schools that I wish to apply to, hopefully I will get a scholarship and fellowship at one of them. This is a very exciting time. In the future I will be writing the notes in Italian and English, just so that I can practice writing.

Until then i miei amici, have a great holiday.

Shulamit

Site to find schools
Italian Education Ministry

La scuola a Milano

La scuola a Roma

La scuola a Bologna

La scuola a Catania

Expenses Expenses

  Boy are we wracking up the expenses. I finally got an estimate back for how much it will cost me to have my 6 page transcript translated from English to Italian by the I finally got an estimate back for how much it will cost me to have my 6 page transcript translated from English to Italian by the Italy America Chamber of Commerce. Don't pass out when I give you the quote, $400. $400 bloody dollars.. I couldn't believe it but when you want to leave the country to have an international experience then you have to pay for it.

Mind you my Master's degree transcripts are longer I so don't want to see that quote.

All I am saying folks is be prepared to drop a lot of dough during the onset of your trip abroad, especially if you plan to study.

However, I am very excited and am looking forward to my trip broad. Check out the links below if you wish to study Italian in Houston. The Italian Center is an amazing source of info.

Ciao

Italian Consulate Houston;

Study In Italy

Expats in Italy;

Expenses Expenses

Boy are we wracking up the expenses. I finally got an estimate back for how much it will cost me to have my 6 page transcript translated from English to Italian by the I finally got an estimate back for how much it will cost me to have my 6 page transcript translated from English to Italian by the Italy America Chamber of Commerce. Don't pass out when I give you the quote, $400. $400 bloody dollars.. I couldn't believe it but when you want to leave the country to have an international experience then you have to pay for it.

Mind you my Master's degree transcripts are longer I so don't want to see that quote.

All I am saying folks is be prepared to drop a lot of dough during the onset of your trip abroad, especially if you plan to study.

However, I am very excited and am looking forward to my trip broad. Check out the links below if you wish to study Italian in Houston. The Italian Center is an amazing source of info.

Ciao

Italian Consulate Houston;

Study In Italy

Expats in Italy;

Sicilia--The Journey

15 March 2010
  I got bit by the Italian bug in 1995 when I received my orders from Navy command, that stated that I had to report to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily. I was very excited and couldn't wait for a new adventure. All my life I had wanted to go to Europe. Originally, my desire was to be in France but Italy would do. I didn't know much about the country except Roman history and the mafia (Godfather anyone) that was practically nil, thanks to the American school system.

When I arrived in Catania after a 22 hour flight, the sounds and smells assailed my senses. I will be honest it was like been thrown back into the 1940s. The construction equipment was 40 years outdated and at the time Sicily was considered third world. At first I didn't like it. I was staying in a hotel where the pillows were so hard I couldn't sleep, the maids didn't wear deodorant and left my room smelling worse then when they walked in, I didn't understand the language and communication was difficult, everything shut down for 4 hours midday and closed by 8pm--so no more midnight runs. Let's just say I was a miserable American.

But then I decided, I could be miserable or I can get to know the place, the culture, etc. I had become friends with the desk girl at Sigonella Inn, the hotel I had to stay in for 10 days until I had a room in the barracks. She taught me a few things in Italian and brought me along to meet her friends. We traveled together to the mainland where I fell in love with Florence. I met beautiful Sicilian men who cooked amazing cuisine--I'll never forget Andrea. Another Sicilian friend of mine's aunt made me Thanksgiving dinner--ok dinner is an under-statement it was more like a feast-- a holiday that they don't even celebrate. I was accosted on the beach in Taormina by Sicilian teens who heard me playing Coolio. They were my age and so enthusiastic about rap music--I was 19. Somewhere along the way, I became Sicilian. I fell in love with the different odors, sounds, and way of communicating--Italians can have a whole conversation with their hands. The people were so kind, so generous and affable. It was a fairytale land for me. And when I left two years later, I was sadden but vowed that one day I would return. I am still friends with the two Sicilian women--cuz they were 8 and 12 years older than me--til this day. We lost contact and reconnected 8 years later and they still want to see me.

I am excited that I have made the decision to go study in Italy for a few years. I love the culture, the people, the history and the lifestyle. I hope that one day I will be able to teach that to American students. Its not that things are better its that things are different and for me they fit my persona better there. Everything was about family and friends. The 4 hour break in the day was called riposo, it gave the Sicilians time to spend with their family and friends and rest during the day, which contributed to their longer and healthier lives.

I miss Sicily and I know I will return during this time and I am sure since I am older, wiser, more worldly and more mature that my experience will be different, better in fact. Italy is in my blood, I mean I have a shoe fetish and its a country shaped like a boot. I have always had this obsession about the Roman society and the Mafia culture. I received my first bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and let's face it, the Italians trump everyone when it comes to fashion, art and yes FOOODDD!!

I look forward to this journey. This new adventure will be the cornerstone of my life, I suspect. And I am sure I will return with a different attitude and take on life. Maybe it will help me understand the world and my role in it better. Or perhaps it will help ease that feeling of not belonging in the current society I live in. Whatever the case, I am excited and I refuse to let anything get in the way of the move. I am looking forward to sharing the experience of preparing and moving with you all. I will keep you guys posted.

Tanisha
Love Theme from the Godfather

Sicilia--The Journey

I got bit by the Italian bug in 1995 when I received my orders from Navy command, that stated that I had to report to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily. I was very excited and couldn't wait for a new adventure. All my life I had wanted to go to Europe. Originally, my desire was to be in France but Italy would do. I didn't know much about the country except Roman history and the mafia (Godfather anyone) that was practically nil, thanks to the American school system.

When I arrived in Catania after a 22 hour flight, the sounds and smells assailed my senses. I will be honest it was like been thrown back into the 1940s. The construction equipment was 40 years outdated and at the time Sicily was considered third world. At first I didn't like it. I was staying in a hotel where the pillows were so hard I couldn't sleep, the maids didn't wear deodorant and left my room smelling worse then when they walked in, I didn't understand the language and communication was difficult, everything shut down for 4 hours midday and closed by 8pm--so no more midnight runs. Let's just say I was a miserable American.

But then I decided, I could be miserable or I can get to know the place, the culture, etc. I had become friends with the desk girl at Sigonella Inn, the hotel I had to stay in for 10 days until I had a room in the barracks. She taught me a few things in Italian and brought me along to meet her friends. We traveled together to the mainland where I fell in love with Florence. I met beautiful Sicilian men who cooked amazing cuisine--I'll never forget Andrea. Another Sicilian friend of mine's aunt made me Thanksgiving dinner--ok dinner is an under-statement it was more like a feast-- a holiday that they don't even celebrate. I was accosted on the beach in Taormina by Sicilian teens who heard me playing Coolio. They were my age and so enthusiastic about rap music--I was 19. Somewhere along the way, I became Sicilian. I fell in love with the different odors, sounds, and way of communicating--Italians can have a whole conversation with their hands. The people were so kind, so generous and affable. It was a fairytale land for me. And when I left two years later, I was sadden but vowed that one day I would return. I am still friends with the two Sicilian women--cuz they were 8 and 12 years older than me--til this day. We lost contact and reconnected 8 years later and they still want to see me.

I am excited that I have made the decision to go study in Italy for a few years. I love the culture, the people, the history and the lifestyle. I hope that one day I will be able to teach that to American students. Its not that things are better its that things are different and for me they fit my persona better there. Everything was about family and friends. The 4 hour break in the day was called riposo, it gave the Sicilians time to spend with their family and friends and rest during the day, which contributed to their longer and healthier lives.

I miss Sicily and I know I will return during this time and I am sure since I am older, wiser, more worldly and more mature that my experience will be different, better in fact. Italy is in my blood, I mean I have a shoe fetish and its a country shaped like a boot. I have always had this obsession about the Roman society and the Mafia culture. I received my first bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and let's face it, the Italians trump everyone when it comes to fashion, art and yes FOOODDD!!

I look forward to this journey. This new adventure will be the cornerstone of my life, I suspect. And I am sure I will return with a different attitude and take on life. Maybe it will help me understand the world and my role in it better. Or perhaps it will help ease that feeling of not belonging in the current society I live in. Whatever the case, I am excited and I refuse to let anything get in the way of the move. I am looking forward to sharing the experience of preparing and moving with you all. I will keep you guys posted.

Tanisha
Love Theme from the Godfather