Frannie Takes on Italy

Signing off

2008-07-26T09:34:00.001-07:00

Hey all!
I officially finished my classes yesterday in Roma and am gearing up for a few days of sightseeing with my family in many "off the beaten pathways" cities, so I will not be able to access my email and/or the internet. I am hopeful that Thursday when I return to Roma, I can send a brief update before heading back to the states! Until then, pray that I have safe travels here and abroad!
All my love,
FF

Details wanted....

2008-07-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

HI all! I hope this finds you well! I have been so damn busy with life here in Roma that I havent really updated lately...
Despite not updated the blog, many of you have noted that you want further details about the professor and/or other hotties that have treated me to a dinner or two. I guess that I havent included all of those fun tidbits for a few reasons:
1. time! I have only limited time to write as the I-cafe is $10/hour and I can only do so much in that amount of time....
2. The stories and lines these guys use are certainly worth hearing in person. This will give me good reason when I see you all to share some of the highlights...
3: WHAT IF THEY EVER READ THIS and found out about one another or the details that I shared? I suppose that is a chance I take when writing a public blog/journal!

So I suppose you will just have to wait to see me in person sometime after the 2 of August for the details of Luigi, Andrea, Manlio, Pierre Luigi, and some of the others whom Ive befriended over my stay here in Italia!
ciao! ciao!

Strana--strange!

2008-07-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am still perplexed as to why I am getting the myriad of looks when I run the streets each morning, so I figured I would throw it out to all of you....
Do I continue to get looked at because:
a. I have short, blonde hair and blue eyes; a novelty here in this Meditteranean metropolis!
b. I am one of the very few people exercising (I think I have seen a handful of people in the five weeks I have been here!) in this MOLTO CALDO city --80+ at 6:30 a.m.
c. I am wearing workout gear and clothes that cover my boobs and doesnt show my bra and/or its contents?

The World is Flat!

2008-07-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

Picture it. Roma, Italia! 5million + people, including natives and tourists of all ages, sizes, ethnicities, and kinds. I am walking down Vittorio Emanuele, a main street in the heart of Roma and low and behold, I run into a friend from Urban Active in Cleveland! Kay and her husband were visiting Roma and we had plans to meet prior to coming to Italy, but never connected. Sure enough, at 4:00, on Wednesday afternoon, we encountered one another on one of the busiest corsos in all of Italy! Such a spotting couldnt have been planned better!

Fast forward one week to a tourist visit to the Collosseo with mia familia and walking across the street to catch the bus, I hear, "Ms. Foltz! Ms. Foltz! It is Margaret Ransohoff!" Go figure! An HB family was traveling on a double decker bus and spotted me among 1000s of people, I have been quite noticeable here with my blonde hair, I have to admit, but what a strange occurrence.

I suppose Friedman was right when he wrote the book, The World is Flat....and believe me it is getting flatter, as I have been able to pay all of my bills, check my on-line bank details, and screen my work emails so that I dont return to thousands of messages! The blessing of technology!

Impressive

2008-07-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

besides being impressed by Andreas cooking skills, penne with vodka sauce, I have been impressed by many other things here in Italy. Despite this being one of the dirtiest places Ive lived, the Italians have it right in many ways...I love the foot pedals to turn the water on at the bathroom sink. Also in the bathroom, I love that they have the button to flush on the floor or low to the ground. NO waste matter for anyone to have to touch when you are finished doing your business!

I also marvel at the toned legs of each woman that I see walking on the streets. Despite NEVER putting on a pair of tennis shoes, these women could win calf competitions!

I still cant get over the fact that people do their weekly shopping at the flea market AND places like Dolce and Gabbana! Such a paradox, huh!?

This little 70something nana sits next to me on the bus in the mornings and I look at her with such admiration as she dresses as though she is 25---too cute with her Versace sunglasses and popped polo collar! My role model, as her body looks like a 25 yr. old, too!

...only in Italy (PART II)

2008-07-16T09:57:00.001-07:00

Each day I continue to marvel at the strange idiosyncrasies of the day.
Here are some of the things that have put a smile on my face this week:
1. BANANA CLIPS!
2. babies sitting in the front seat on their parents laps (sensa car seat OR seatbelt!)
3. Men wearing fuschia speedos and carrying a purse to the beach!
4. YOUNG men wearing silver and/or gold VELCRO sneakers!
5. I purchased a 1/2 dozen eggs this morning at the supermercati and opened them at home to find them complete with feathers on the shell! (USDA approved!?!?!)
6. 17% or 23% discounts! I am serious...the summer sales just began and they are serious about that price!

In class date

2008-07-14T05:36:00.001-07:00

So for those of you who are new to the blog, I have admitted my school girl crush on my teacher, Luigi. He is 36, single, never married, and absolutely adorable. Very dissheveled has a personality that could swoon even a lesbian. Anyway, today we were practicing "casual conversation" and he pulled me up to chat in front of the class. I turned 30 shades of red, knowing that I was on the spot and having to look him in the eye to answer questions.

The hypothetical situation was we met at a bar and we were "trying to get to know one another!" Very embarrassing for both of us, but let me just tell you that my blonde hair and blue eyes won him over (he has admitted to not liking America because of a past failed relationship with an American girl---this was revealed in front of the class--honestly, I couldnt tell you if anyone else was in the room because I was too busy drooling over him....!) Interrogation of what is my favorite color? Movie? Band? Music? Artist? Ever married? Kids? Pretty personal...

So guess, what...? This transpired into a real offering for a date after class! I am blown away. I might have to go and splurge on a new Italian outfit for my date with the hot professor! I am in a quandry though, because I have dinner plans with Andrea tonight, so many ITALIAN men, so little time....Another quandry, my Italian language skills are limited to answering the questions that I already did in class, so what on earth will I talk about???? I guess I will have to bust out the dictionary, AGAIN! This is so much damn work!

dictionario

2008-07-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

WHoever thought that an Italian/English dictionary could be so damn helpful...on a date? Last night I went on a date with Andrea and it was absolutely hysterical because with my limited Italian and his limited English, we were looking up nearly every other word. It was quite funny, but one of the most interesting dates I have ever had, actually! He is cooking me penne alla vodka tonight (Cindy Susi, I dont think it will compare to yours!) and having some "friends" to meet me...do you see what I mean about the term "friend" here!?!? I have explained to him that this is completely FRIENDS and looked up the word for sex, saying, "NO SESSO, solo amici!" I think he gets it now...Anyway, I will keep you posted on my Italian diplomat, Andrea, but for now I have to post about my IN CLASS date today....

weekend getaways

2008-07-14T05:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Whats up!

2008-07-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Well dear friends, where do I even begin to share some of the highlights of my summer in Roma? I spent the weekend in the greater Naples area with Carlo, my cousin that is, not one of the Italian stallions that have offered to have me join them on weekend getaways. I have come to realize that is the way that the people in this city/country do for sex, as they live with their parents until they are nearing 40 (sorry, Joe-Joe!) so sex is either in a backseat or on a weekend getaway! Anyway, I had the chance to meet Ima and her family (Carlos little lady) and they are all very dear! It was a long trip but a great one as Saturday was spent doing one of my favorite sports; sunbathing, or as my Serbian roommate would say, "Taking the sun!" After two days in Caserta, we headed to Napoli where we enjoyed glorious vistas from Mt. Vesuvius and the busy ports where we purchased fresh seafood that was cooked for lunch a mere two hours later! Delectable! I returned safely to Roma and was greeted with of course a bus strike at 9:00 p.m. I did panic a bit thinking, "Where in the hell am I and how and the hell am I going to get home?" With some resourcefulness and a kick ass map, I was able to find my way home to Monte Verde! What should have taken 2 hours, took 5 hours! It was a late night, to say the least...

As for my actual Italian, it is going okay. I am not practicing as much as I would like because all of the Italians I meet speak English and find it easier to speak English. I have one friend however who is very patient with me and takes the time to correct me; he is very sweet, but I am feeling like the Italians have a different word for "friend"--more to come on that later...I couldnt possibly think about another man knowing that I am smitten with Luigi, my 36 year old single Italian teacher! He is absolutely adorable but he keeps a very professional distance from his students, including me!

I have been exploring with my little friend from Manhattan; the Forum, the Colloseum, the Fountain of Trevi, the markets, piazzas and many other fun venues, including awesome appertivo sites! I am even doing some "scouting" for "work" for next year....I am becoming like Bill Rice, this will all be a tax write off in the end!

Well, I am off to dinner with Carlos family tonight then to the beach after class tomorrow. That should be interesting, as public transportation and public beaches are surely a sight here; I am the only person in a one piece, without tatoos and piercings!

Anyway, I will update with more hysterical happenings later in the week; until then, arriverderci!

Exploring

2008-07-04T03:41:00.001-07:00

This weekend is full of explorations....Leaving for the beach at 330 Friday and returning from Napoli on Sunday evening! Buona fine settimana!

Exploring

2008-07-04T03:41:00.000-07:00

This weekend is full of explorations....Leaving for the beach at 330 Friday and returning from Napoli on Sunday evening! Buona fine settimana!

Roman pick up tactics thus far

2008-07-04T03:36:00.000-07:00

Michael, you might want to take note of some of the cheesy tactics the Roman men have used...in other words, dont try these at home!

1. A Roman man (which I didnt know he was Roman at the time!) stopped me to ask me for directions. After chatting for nearly twenty minutes, he shared that he has been here for 12 years--I so called him out on that one! We went for gelato after the smooth tactic however....

2. "Signorina, you dropped something..." When I turned around to look, he bent down and held his hand to his heart--"You leave my heart behind if you dont take me with you..." SO THICK WITH CHEESE!

3. "Where did you buy those eyes?"

Things you would NEVER see in Shaker Heights...

2008-07-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

....and only here in Italy:

1. a woman riding a motorcyle in 3 in. spiked heels, a long dress, and a hot pink motorcyle helmet

2. a man running in the heat of the morning AND smoking a cigarette simultaneously ( I AM NOT KIDDING!)

3. 20 Smart cars on ONE street

4. people walking in the streets and parking on the sidewalks

5. a motorcyle accident where passersby are "mother f=%&ing" the polizia

6. people asking if I am here training as a "professionale athletica"---more to come on this one later (it involves men betting on me armwrestling their friend) HYSTERICAL!

7. a family of four on a two person scooter with a few days worth of groceries in a bolted milk crate on the back

8. SUVs

9. two classes a day offered at the gym--11 a.m. and 2p.m.--of course, prime hours for working out, right?

10. little nanas wearing opaque stockings in 100 degree heat!

Here are just SOME of the hysterical observations and incidents which have occurred in LESS than a week while here in Italia. I am certain there will be more, so keep updated...

day two

2008-07-01T04:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Classes are going well, relatively speaking. The room is nearly 90 degrees and we are only allowed to speak in Italian, so I guess that is somewhat well... Do you know how difficult that is to conjugate verbs where you are only allowed to speak and listen.? No writing allowed--so much for multi-sensory approaches to learning, huh?

Last night was loads of fun and we investigated an awesome bar where Romans of all ages and kinds were available for some great sightseeing! Ferdnando treated two of my amici (friends) to drinks and some apertivo then I hit the road as I had an early a.m. run. DID I MENTION IT IS HOT as HELL in this city??? Running @ 6 a.m. is NOT fun nor is walking to and from class at high noon. Anyway, I have lots to do today, including eating gelato and finding a gym. Ferdnando recommended a gym so I am going to go check it out. One of the other things is getting toilet paper and slippers for home.

I hope all is well with you, dear friends. Love you all! xoxo FF

bellisimo!

2008-06-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of classes and the first day of my adult-girl crush on Luigi, the hot, 36 year old, single, Italian teacher whom I will be seeing each day for the next 30 days! Did I mention he is HOT? He is absolutely adorable; very animated and quite witty, even though he speaks ONLY in Italian (which believe it or not, I am able to understand quite well!) For the most part, the other students in my class are quite young, but I have hit it off with a 35 year-old divorcee (3x!) from HOT-lanta and we are making plans for the evening with some "regazzi" (men!) she's met...stay tuned, as we are meeting for apertivo tonight at 7:00! Ciao per esso!

A few Italian observations...

2008-06-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, now with a few days under my belt, here are a few things that I have observed....
1. The average Italian person my age works a MAXIMUM of 5 hours a day and no more than 6 days a week. It is ILLEGAL to work more than 35 hours....what are we doing to ourselves in the States?
2. The kids here go to school less than the kids in the U.S. yet they scored higher than U.S. kids in both math and reading; overall, the country has a higher literacy rate; maybe I need to find a job here....? Don't worry, HBers, I will BE BACK!
3. I thought Carlo was joking when he told me that in less than 24 hours, I would be out with an Italian man...Well, I laughed when in 22 I was riding a motorcyle with Pierre Luigi from Milano! I know, I know, what was I thinking? Carlo has already given me the third degree about "taking rides from strangers!" Don't worry, all, I wore a helmet, but I will tell you, it was a sight to watch me get on the motorcyle, in a skirt!
4. Credit cards are NOT widely accepted. I learned this the hard way!

My time here so far is quite glorious. It is so hot, though, in the 90s each day and I am having a hard time looking like the sexy American vixen many of you thought I would be when I am wiping sweat from every pore of my body. It is not the days as much as the nights that are more unbearable, as my apartamento has NO A.C. as a result, I am averaging 4 hours/night and taking 3-4 showers each day! I have managed to wake up early enough to get a few miles in in preparation for my marathon training. (Amanda and Shannon, you need to get started, girls!)
Well, all, I love you dearly and can't wait to hear what is new in your world! Keep me posted!

Finally!

2008-06-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Whew...I never thought that I would make it to Roma, considering the rough start I had to the first day of traveling! After arriving 20 minutes late in Boston from PIT, due to inclement weather, the Alitalia desk people refused to check the "forlorn and distressed" travelers onto the flight, as we were 15 minutes too late! So after nearly 1.5 hours of trying to negotiate a flight with Alitalia, USAir, and Travelocity, I touched down in Paris and finally in Italia, 18 hours LATER than anticipated! Finally, I arrived and found my way to Monteverde, where I will reside for the summer in Roma!

Interestingly enough, I am finding my way around here well; I only have one route to take then a ten or so blocks to walk...It is hot as blaze here, so I am going through sports bras like mad! Anyway, I am off for now. I am limited in my time here on the internet! Ciao per desso!

and they're off!

2008-06-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, dear friends! I am leaving this afternoon and am giddy with excitement (and anxiety!). Look forward to updating you within the week!
xoxo

whew...

2008-06-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, a few responses that it has been received! Thanks, guys!
I hope all is well! ciao!

Final night

2008-06-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hi all!
I am in a tizzy as I can't get this blog to work and I am about to depart tomorrow...I really want to stay connected this way and I am freakin' out...If you get this posting, PLEASE shoot me a quick email to let me know that you have received this so that I can continue to post....Thanks!
xoxo FF

get ready, get set...

2008-06-21T16:48:00.001-07:00

Greetings dearest friends and family!
Well, as I begin to count down the days and the numerous items on my to do list, which keeps getting longer I might add, I figured, "Why not add one more thing to my list?" Really, this came from the idea that I wanted to be able to have all of you laugh at the myriad of experiences that I am sure to have while traveling to Italy in just a few short days. So here is what you get: a blog that will share insight to my daily happenings in the place affectionately known as "Eat-aly"! (Compliments of ABrown!)

Well, I am finishing housesitting this week and jet off on Thursday with one suitcase in tow; I am not really sure if six weeks of living in Rome will easily condense into one parcel, but seeing as though I haven 't begun to pack yet, I am doing some wishful thinking that all of my "black" gear will easily fit into one suitcase!
Well, all, I am off for now. I will keep you posted later in the week as to any exciting happenings! Stay tuned!
xoxo FF