Roma, la citta' eterna

A wedding with confetti in front of the colosseum...

Brooke, having a moment....
Amusement of 5 different photos being taken at the Trevi Fountain at the same time.

Before i settle down and get a job, i decided it was time for another adventure, and this one lead me to the eternal city of Rome. This time i had a local guide, Brooke Willis who has been studying there for nearly 4 months, to show me around. We saw roma from a different light, but nonetheless, were still in awe over the history of roma, and how its pulse continues to resonate throughout the world.

le messa....(mass)

Recently, i decided it was a good night to try mass at our nearby church. I knew they had it every evening at 6pm because they have warning bells that go off at 5:30pm so you have time to get your act together, and be kneeling by 6. Well, I got a late start and ended up reading a sign, that lead me to this door. Due to the winter season, mass would be held in another section of the church....however, before i could find it's new location, i was scared off by this intimidating stone face. No wonder the mass attendence is dwindling in Italia.....

Thanksgiving.....truly

In honor of our favorite American holiday Mark and I hosted 22 people over to our house on Saturday the 24th, early afternoon....friends from work, italian school, and friends of family...in all, there were 10 countries represented under our roof: italia, USA, france, slovakia, england, scotland (controversial), columbia, netherlands, south korea, and australia. Most of the italians showed up late, but said it was the best turkey they ever had....reason for being late, "why are they eating so early, we'll show up at 5." All USA folks were happy to dip in on an old, but loved tradition (all 4 of us). The french, they showed up early, brought half the dinner table, and left before dessert. Slovakia represented in true fashion with a bottle of something i can't pronounce and a proof that will kill a cold virus in seconds (im living proof). England and Scotland, technically from the same country, but one saying gibberish you can't understand half the time, and the other, content under all circumstances. Columbia didn't make any food to bring, but brought plenty of food made by her suocera (mother-in-law), and lost the flag off her wine glass 2x by the end of the evening. The Netherlands, some of the nicest people you'll ever meet, but confused....."we're dutch, live in holland, but the country is the Netherlands." South Korea, glad to be here and Australia made some mean green salad. Under our roof, we're thankful that the world is at peace and laughing together.

Road Trip to Monte Bianco

To properly break in the mini, Mark and I drove to Monte Bianco, or Mont Blanc as the french call it, this past weekend. It was hard to decide whether we should just keep on driving through the 12km tunnel to France, but the beauty of the mountains and the 40 euro toll kept us in the homeland. After parking the car safely on pavement, we hit the compact snow on foot and headed into the wilderness. The wilderness consisted of many cross-country skiiers, families out for a stroll, and at least one bar or ristorante every 1/2 mile. We stopped at one of these for some Vin Brule...vino, sugar, and cloves....and kicked back in the sun, admiring the mountains that surrounded us.

Via Roma

Luce a Torino

Given that italians don't have a Thanksgiving holiday, it is perfectly acceptable for them to start decorating the streets as soon as November comes around....especially to my liking. Every famous street in Torino has a different theme. Via Garibaldi has birds eating worms (spared you that one), Micca San Petro has constolations (too many wires), but i enjoy Via Roma and Piazza Vittorio Veneto...

Priorities....

While awaiting the arrival of my friend Laurie for lunch today, i wandered over to a nearby Fiorista (Florist) and notice that they were closed during business hours and read the white sign. "Torno subito, sono al bar." Which literally transaltes to, ' I'll be right back, I am at the bar. ' I found this delightful, especially because the florist also indicated the direction of the bar she was at with an arrow. It made me appreciate the work philosophy of the italians. Is work really more important than being well caffeinated, quenching ones thirst, or needing some quality social interaction? Clients/customers can wait, if not, just follow the arrow to the bar.

Via Torrazza 2

Numero 4....our place of residence for the time being. I chose the title "della ciliegia" or in english, 'of the cherry' for the obvious fact that the cherry tree is what our town of Pecetto is famous for. Also, I recently read the book 'Cradle to Cradle' which credits the cherry tree as being the perfect example of eco-efficiency. Read the book for more info.

Mark and I have now been married of over 3 months, and we are still enjoying each other's company immensely and learning new things about the other. One thing i have learned about Mark, is that he probably won't be writing much in this blog, but he does want to share our experience here with dear family and friends. So enjoy and for the record, here is our contact info in case you happen to be in the neighborhood some day:

Mark & Erin Coletti

Via Torrazza 2

#4

10020 Pecetto (To)

Italia

E cell +39-333-8058057

E email pompelmi@gmail.com

M cell +39-334-1478913

M email markcoletti@gmail.com

E&M skype name: markcoletti