September was a transition month. We had lots of company; moved from being stark newbies to being slightly more familiar with the language and culture; and started activities, which, began to ground us in our experience here.
We had several family and friends visit us. Carol Santa spent a couple days with us before embarking on an amazing equestrian trip through South Tuscany. Our good Italian friends, Ago and Alice took us on a little gita to Sienna and San Gimignano. It was wonderful not only for their company, but also because we spoke only Italian (almost) for three days. They were very patient with us. But the extended time speaking Italian nudged our brains so that we could start thinking just a little in Italian.
Joe’s sister Kate and husband Monte visited for 5 days in Firenze. Monte had the great idea of hiring a guide to take us through Chianti for a wine tour (a highlight for sure) and both were game for exploring the city on foot and bike.
We had an evening together with our Kalispell friends Todd and Liz Hammer and Lynn and Colleen St Pierre, who were in the middle of a month tour of Italy. We also had a weekend visit from our Kalispell friend Lauren Langmead, who is working as a counselor in Vicenza, Italy. It was good to see familiar faces of our fellow adventurers.
We are thankful for Skype, so we can stay in touch with Quinn and Conner and the rest of the family. We still have to get Joe’s mom lined out so we can see her face when talking to her.
Sheila found a yoga studio that she likes a lot and feels challenged by. An internationally known Iyengar teacher runs it. Of course the classes are all in Italian (and Sanskrit). She will also be attending a yoga therapy workshop in Zurich at the end of the month, so her yoga is an area that seems to be opening up for her. She continues to do the conversation exchange a few times a week. She is also starting to hit a few tennis balls at some public clay courts not too far away. Playing on clay courts is a real treat because it is far less grueling on her middle-aged joints. It’s another great way to make some friends here.
She will be leaving soon to take a 7-day village-to-village organized hiking tour in Northwest Italy, with a group of Italians, including our friend Ago. She is looking forward to being immersed in Italian for that length of time, and of course seeing some countryside in an area known for wine and truffles.
Joe is submersed in his art classes at the Florence Academy. There are about 25 students from all over the world in his first year class. He is drawing 6 hours a day (from both the live model and “bargue” drawings) and in addition has evening classes three days a week studying anatomy, art history and more drawing. The students are generally in their 20’s and 30’s although there are several older students too. Most are either professional artists or have just finished an undergraduate degree in studio art. Joe has been a little overwhelmed with the prospect of keeping up, but is thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Overall, we are settling in a little bit. We still aren’t fluent in Italian, but we can get by. We’ve taken to watching Italian game shows on television. Our favorites are similar to trivial pursuit knowledge games. The announcers speak clearly and the games use of new words help our vocabulary. The food continues to be a highlight for us. The fruits and vegetables are very fresh because they are so local. Even the eggs and poultry taste better than we have ever had. Maybe it is just our Italian imaginations.
September was a perfect combination of warm temperatures in the day and cooler nights. We miss Montana and our friends, but we are looking forward to a little warmer winter.
Ciao, Joe e Sheila
