La Bella Vita

Lately, I have had several stateside American friends tell me how lucky I am to be living in Italy. La Bella Vita! For some reason Italy IS so romanticized in the eyes of Americans. Perhaps it's the history, culture, food/wine, and slower pace of life that gives the illusion that life is simply better in "The Boot".


The harsh reality I don't always mention to these gracious friends is that life in Italy (especially Naples) is often complicated and tough. Sure, I am an American adjusting to a new way of life, but even most Neapolitans will tell you that life can be hard in this city. While I have grown to love this area in more ways than I can imagine, there are also days I get fed up with the garbage, crime, and downright pushy behavior of Italians. I will never understand why people can't form a line! 

When a friend of mine recently showed me the following video I doubled over with laughter. This animated video pretty much sums up most of my frustrations in 5 minutes. Laughter is the best medicine!



At the end of the day I do realize that we are blessed in many ways. The breath-taking vistas, picturesque sunsets, and a glass (half full) of red wine make me realize that it is all worth it!

The Language of Friendship

One of the benefits of having a NATO assignment is the possibility of establishing friendships from all over the world. Since Chief is the only American in his office, his work friends come from every corner of globe Europe. 

Just days into his assignment here in Naples, Chief became fast friends with one of his Hungarian colleagues. Originally bonded over their deep, doting love of their adorable daughters, they quickly found other areas of common interest.  

Upon inviting them to our house for an "American" dinner we realized the great potential of our friendship. The landscape of their family looked much like ours, and we found common ground in the aspects of life that bind all cultures: food, family, friendship, faith, LOVE! 

AC played hard with her new friend Lina. The most surprising aspect of this new international friendship was their ability to communicate despite the fact that one spoke English and the other spoke Hungarian. Each set of parents found great joy in watching these two sweet natured girls play together, forging their friendship. Both completely unaware that the other is from a different dot on the globe, speaks a foreign language, has different customs, beliefs, and traditions. 

If only we could all see others with their eyes. 

It's Better to Keep Up...

Than to catch up!

But catching up is exactly what I am doing. Stay tuned I have lots of half written posts to publish!