Italy still lives

It's been more than 3 months since returning from Italy. We only reminisce our times there through food, talking in Italian (namely the sentences we learned like "Can I get a gelato?" and "How much does that cost?"), and watching shows about Italy. Sometimes, memories are fonder than the reality. I clearly remember how the sweltering heat was causing me to lay awake at night while listening to Gene rustle around in the dark as he tried to massacre the mosquitos. As clear as they may be, I really have to think hard to bring those memories up. Instead, I remember the beautiful rustic landscape, the ever-so amazing foods, and the hearty "Ciao Bella!" that would be yelled across the street.

Since coming back, life has been invariably comfortable and comforting. This has it's pros and cons. On one hand, you don't have to fight for survival, hunt down necessary items, battle the elements... The lack of being immersed into a place of learning and novelty gives me time to reflect and think toward the future. A future that is quite ambiguous despite thinking about it a lot. In fact, the more Gene and I think about the future, the more uncertain it becomes. For people like us, it's fine (though even we are not immune to the occassional bouts of anxiety).

This year has been a year of change and adjustment.

For me, I've gone from moving to San Diego while still being in grad school, getting married, going to Honduras, moving to El Cajon, finishing my Master's, moving to Mira Mesa with the in-laws, going to Italy, coming back and being unemployed, getting a job at UCSD, quitting the job, getting pregnant, and who knows what else--all in a year's time.

That's right, you heard right. Gene and I are going to be parents! I'm only about 5 weeks along, but I figure no one will really check this blog and it would be nice to let the cyberworld know our news.

The generally shocking news of not having any insurance can be too much for some to fathom. We've been getting mixed responses of "Congratulations but I'm concerned." It's almost as if taking care of myself since the beginning of high school and being self-sufficient for the past 12 years doesn't matter. This baby will not live on the streets. Fortunately, it's not just me and Gene trying to make everything work. God has always been the best provider, insurance plan, what-have-you. I certainly believe that, and believed that people around us believed that too... Why does faith have to end when people start thinking about starting a family, having a place to live, and all the other important stuff in life?

Well, I'd like to personally congratulate myself and my husband Gene. We have been entrusted with new life and have been given the opportunity to be witnesses to an amazingly adventurous and fulfilling life. I'm glad to be a part of it and think this is really exciting for us.

Sardinia

we're alive. hunted down a computer with internet today. not easy. not much media out here. but definitely much more developed than we expected. camping has been pretty posh since we're doing it like the italians with lots of amenities.

it's been up to 45 degrees celcius. like 115 degrees! yikes.

we're having lots of fun, but can't wait to get back and see people. hahaha

ciao

"i'm being eaten aaaaaaa" -gene at 2:50am

as i type, i'm being bitten by the worst mosquitos of all time. they are striped black and white, and known as tiger mosquitos. they are awful. i don't know how, but one even bit my the tip of my toe and it is errupting in pain and swelling. multiple bites on my foot and thigh. to top it off, they are super evasive and make that buzzing sound around your head as they fly by. the heat is such that the windows must be open, or else we could die. torment. aaaaaaaaaa!

thankfully, helen is safe when next to me, exposed but unbitten. however, my body emits something that the mosquitos like. buffet on me. literally. oh well.

Lucca and the Helmet Runaways

Simona suggested that we check out a town called Lucca. It's a walled city that was built back in the medieval times and as Simona said, "Very particular." She said we could take her scooter. Mind you, it's a one person vespa, and it barely fit the two of us. She said that it's illegal to have two people on the small vespas, but she said everyone does it and it would be fine. "Okay!" I replied. Gene seemed a bit hesitant, but it didn't take much to have him fully compliant. Simona had to work so she just wrote down some directions and wished us luck.



Gene took the scooter around the block a couple of times to get comfortable with it, and then we were off. We were on highways with our little zipper going at 25 mph!! It felt so fast with the wind in our faces. Every car had to pass us, which was fine. Italians are really good at this. The ride to Lucca was a magnificent one--through the Tuscan hills and fields of sunflowers, grapes, olives, and vegetables. We were both giddy the whole way there...about 40 minutes of pure fun and adrenaline. I had this thought, "Oh my goodness, I am in Tuscany riding a scooter through the hills." Life's surprises is always a step ahead of my imagination. I love that.



When we got to Lucca, we parked outside the city walls because only residents are allowed to have their vehicles inside. We rented bikes instead and rode around and around. Touring on bike is another one of those 'muppet' times. SO FUN. I used my bell on the pedestrians too. The wall of the city is wide enough to hold a street. It's really quite unique. We rode atop the wall around and around, passing parks, ruins, and beautiful scenery to either side.



At the end of the day, we went to this gelateria where we found fruit filled with it's own sorbet. I salivate as I type this just thinking about it again. I've never had such sweet fruity freshness like this. So unassuming, and so amazing.



The ride back, Gene and I switched helmets. I wore the gray one, and he wore the pink one with the eyeshield. We're a dangerous couple on the road.

Move #2: We Survived

Gene and I have already had to move a number of times since we started dating. He moved out of Hong's to go back home, I moved in and out of 3 places in one year, my family moved out of my childhood house, I moved into Gene's parent's house, Gene and his parents moved out of their El Cajon house and into the Mira Mesa one, Gene and I moved into the El Cajon house, Gene and I moved back to the Mira Mesa house, and now we are moving in and out of the apartment in Florence. That's a lot of lifting in one year. My triceps will testify to this. Gene always says how he can become a professional packer. I won't argue that. He can fit things amazingly into boxes and bags like a puzzle.

We spent yesterday and today cleaning and packing. It's a kind of therapeutic time for both of us. Nobody really likes to move, and yet there is this build-up of energy and anticipation in the air. It puts me in this focus where all I can see and think about is the cleaning, packing, and moving. No other thought really crosses my mind at this time, and maybe that's why there's therapy in it...like knitting, and playing soccer. Very singular.

Gene and I managed to consolidate to just 4 bags, a guitar, and 2 backpacks. Down 2 bags!! We are going to sell Gene's computer too, so that will take us down to 3 bags, a guitar, and 2 backpacks. What a traveling grace.

Today, we made our trek to Pisa, where we're staying with my old roommate Simona, before we leave for Sardinia. We had to take a cab to the train station, take the train, then take a cab. This is a lot of loading and unloading of bags that Gene had to do because I couldn't even lift the bags. His shirt was drenched through. When we got to Pisa, Gene was just so happy to make it.

Simona's apartment is so quiet. It almost feels abnormal to be in such peace after living in Florence. I'm afraid I will be woken up by the silence tomorrow morning. The most amazing thing was that our last morning in our apartment wasn't filled with jackhammers. Not sure why it stopped today, but it was so nice! Maybe the city didn't want us to leave.

Simona made us a yummy lunch, and Gene said he was moved by her hospitality!

Gene and I went to Carrefour, which is Europe and Asia's Walmart+Vons+food court extravaganza. It was really close so we walked, and hunted down some stuff for our trip. I insisted on going up and down every aisle. Gene loves the market so he didn't mind. I felt such security in all the stuff. Kind of pathetic and interesting. There's something so comforting about a large market/walmarty place and knowing everything you need is there. I also find that there is much to learn in a local market/mall because of how it reflects the everyday life of the people there. These are the items in the average household. "Oh, they like octopus ink risotto!" and "Wow, this is where you can get soccer bologne ham!" These are just some of the things that one can learn.

Yes, the soccer bologne ham really exists.


Between yesterday and today, we found pretty much everything we needed to become castaways. Yesterday, we found a toy store, which had a fishing net, a rod+reel set, and some inflatables for the arms. I admit, though they have the print of goofy, mickey mouse, and others toons, I will only be thinking about how great it is that I don't have to tread water all the time. As you may know, I'm not a strong swimmer, and if I'm not on my back floating, I just start sinking. Maybe I'm just terrible in the water, maybe I'm just denser than others. We also went to the 99 cent store to get 99 cent flashlights and utencils. Our objective was not to spend too much money on our survival kit, so this would have to do.

Today at Carrefour, we found hooks/jigs, a tent for $20, and some snorkel masks. That makes out kit....complete.

Gene asked me this morning if I could dump out my undergarments and let him take my netted laundry bag to Sardinia. I asked him why. He said, "Because I want to catch lobster." At about $70/lb for lobster, catching them is the only way we can taste one of these sea creatures. Wish him luck.

Walking around Pisa is great. The streets are quiet and full of Italians. I almost didn't know who Italians were because of all the foreigners that occupy Florence. It was strange to be the only foreigners here in Pisa. But I don't mind. I like all the attention. ha!

Simona has wireless at her house. I'm loving it.

Simona also has a scooter and she took me for a ride. Weeeeee.


Nicole went back to San Diego. It rained on her behalf.

Gene's Back and No Bug Gonna Stop Him

hi everyone. it's gene.

(hey basile, if you're still down to be adopted/apprenticed, helen and i have decided to take you in. email me)

we started packing up today. the noise of construction is unbearable. it's coming from 3 or 4 different places in the building. i think everyone leaves during the summer and decides that this is a good time for reconstruction. oh well.

the studio is just about packed up, making last minute demo mixes for me to listen to while we're in sardinia, i might be selling my computer so i'm emptying and formatting that as well. i've backed up all my files in three separate places. i'm good to go. but at them moment i unplugged everything. its a flash storm. it's raining buckets. i ran over to the internet place to find helen. we've agreed in the case of natural disasters, i come find her. she's safe.

i've been feeling better. the antibiotics were great. but i think i was homesick and it manifested itself into a real physical ailment. i mean, there were fevers where i thought for sure, this is how i go, alone in our florence apartment, on the worst mattress of all time, me the air conditioner and my ipod, secretly scrolling through all of brian mcnights (sp?) albums. if they found me this way, and found mr. r and b on my ipod, i think i would have never lived that down. haaa.

quick ipod stroll back to andrew bird. (whew, i'm cool again)

at them moment helen and i are planning to go to sardinia, we've pretty much exhausted our budget and we could only make it camping. so we're buying a fishing pole and snorkling masks. i'll be lord of the flies style pretty soon. hunting and gathering our food. but i hear sardinia has some unbelievable fishing. and lobster is in season. i will try my best to be like hong shin the lobster whisperer. that will be the only way we can afford lobster. how could i return to my beautiful wife without the ocean's bounty to feed her with? she says artichokes grow wild there and that we might be able to find some. man did i marry the right girl or what. she's completely prepared to do number 2 in a self dug hole in the forrest of jungle. me too.

if you email me your number, i want to try and call you tomorrow. but if not, i'll be home soon. i can't remember anybody's phone number except my parent's home. oh well.

what i will miss in florence is Vivoli, a small hidden gelato place. i've been there almost everyday and everyday it breaks my mouth. i literally feel stoned walking out of the place because there is a euphoria of gelato that overtakes you. usually we get the small 2.50 euro cups. on the last day, we will embark on the 5 euro cup. it's enough to make one sick. i think about what flavors i will get all day. monday, vivoli is closed. just so you know.

but i really miss home, i miss my friends. i miss the guys at church, i miss the band guys, i miss my mom and dad.

yearbook shout outs.

i miss...
david phelps and the padres. :)
james and his one million impersonations
jon's mole because mine is fading
hong and his yard
nose's nose
ryans muscles
galvez and his super human strength
chris and his beauty
mason and his sweat
marcus and his guitar
ed aranda and his turtlenecks
scotty and his lessons
lilly and fabio cannavaro
jenny and her flatulence.
small group guys because i like sharing my feelings
mom and dad. our best friends

and clean air. though sardinia will have clean air.

Packing Up, Packing Down

Waking up to the insane drilling of stone from downstairs beginning at 8am seemed like it would never end. But now we have just two days left in our apartment and it will probably become one of those things that we look back on with humor and some fondness.

Our walks have grown longer, and our steps linger as we try to soak in the last bits of Florentine art, architecture, shops, musicians, and views. It has been a magical summer. Opportunities to live like this doesn't come around often, and we've appreciated every moment of being carefree, free, and full. Full on life, on friendship, on love, and yes...food too. None of us have been savoring Vivoli like we have these past two nights. Mmm!

We've been trying to consolidate our belongings. Mainly, Gene is discarding a lot of things he brought. Some of it broke on the way here, and some of it is more replaceable than carryable. Still, it looks like we're going to have the same kind of challenge taking back all the stuff as we had bringing it over here. Gene keeps saying, "I think I know how to travel and pack now!" He's finally adopted my philosophy of "Less is so much better."

We are also packing and getting ready for a 10 day trip to the other Italian island of Sardinia. With our limited budget and desire to get away from the city and immerse ourselves into nature, we thought this would be the perfect place. I really have no regrets about not seeing any other European nation--I'm sure there will be future trips. I will look back on this summer and think, "Italy." This summer was all about Italy, and that which is Italian.

Gene and I are planning on catching our own food and camping out on the beaches. Not sure what's going to happen, but we're thinking of living like castaways for a while. Just doing it like it used to be done. I'm sure it will be trying but harmonious.

We're not planning on having internet connection for the time we're there, so stories will be posted after we get back.

Bouncing Back

Gene is getting better. He took the first antibiotic last night and he felt better almost immediately! It's amazing what a little love and attention will do too. The doctor we saw came by our place because I called to tell him that he had a strange rash on both his arms. My sentiments about him changed after the second visit, and it appears that it may just have been a bacterial infection. The doctor kept asking Gene if he hasn't taken any reacreational drugs. I suppose he see a lot of 'sick' patients who would get better if they stopped doping themselves. hah.

Gene was a bit delusional and giddy. When the doctor was checking him, he asked about his doctor bag being the same one as the one in a pamphlet we had, and then he asked the doctor if his blue loafers were comfortable.

Gene is singing and recording today. The first in a week or so. He's as happy as can be.

YAY!

Invasion

Gene is still sick. He's been in and out of commission for 9 days now. Just when he seems like he's on the brink of getting better, it gets worse. He's had a sore throat, fever, headache, and fatigue the entire time. He even got hiccups that wouldn't go away for 2 days! Yesterday, he was at his worst, so we went to the doctor this morning. He's been downright miserable.

The doctor is open for two hours a day. 11-12 and 5-6. Tough life. We got there at 11:10 and the doctor wasn't there yet. He came strolling in at 11:20. Twenty mintues late to a one hour shift? At least there wasn't a line of people. He looked at Gene's throat, tapped his back, listened to his lungs, and then prescribed medicine for the headache and antibiotics for what he thought was a bacterial infection in his throat. He said there are a lot of bugs in Florence and it was common to get sick. (I wish I thought of that one.) After 8 minutes of consulation, we paid him 65 dollars and went about our way. I'm a little skeptical about the level of professionalism, but still hoping he gets better in a couple of days. I noticed that the doctor's hands were quite large and Gene said that they were warm and comforting. At least that. We might cut the trip short and come back if he doesn't get better.

We are taking it as easy as possible. Not too many exciting adventurous that I can forsee. :(