weekend getaways

Ahhh...libera! FREEDOM! I love the weekends, as I have made it a point to do the tourist activities here in Rome during the week and travel each weekend, of course, to explore the glorious beaches of the Adriatic and Meditteranean Seas! This past weekend I ventured to an absolutely gorgeous beach in the NW part of Italia in Tuscano called Forte dei Marmi! (Thanks for the recommendation Maggie and Audrey!) Anyway, we arrived and I felt as though I arrived in paradiso! It was an immaculate city (very different than Roma!) and everyone was walking and/or riding bikes all over town. It was incredible! Somewhat like Stepford, however, but a great rest and reprieve from the craziness of life here in the big city! I have been able to maintain my tan (watch out Jackson!) and have been able to enjoy many smiles and laughs from the daily experiences...One in particular involved meeting an older gentleman, Stefano, a 43 yr. old civil engineer with a house on the beach and one in Firenze, who wanted me to be the mother of his children (even after I told him that I didnt want children or a husband!) Anyway, my friend Lenna and I had many great laughs at his valiant attempts "to convince me to accept his proposal!" Too cute!

Saturday we explored the beach in Forte and then ventured to a new beach just south on the train after exploring an incredible open air market. VIa Reggio again held many cute men, two whom we sat right next to and spent the day boating and chatting! It was awesome, however, I was nearly 10 yrs. older....when in Rome, though??!!?!?

Well, that is the weekend update. As for my language...I have been trying out my Italian language skills like mad, but am getting frustrated and EMBARRASSED when they answer me and I have to explain that I really dont understand what they are saying! Most people are patient, and of course fluent in English, so I have been easily able to get by.

well, I will write a few other updates later, but for now, life is grand!
Ciao! Ciao, amici!