I wanted to post an update on my emergent tire issue yesterday. God provided the kindest man to replace my tire. We communicated via Google Translator on our phones (neither of us spoke the other’s language) and I was soon (not really) on my way to work.
I will say that there is little sense of urgency in Italy (except when driving on the HIGHWAY!), which gave me an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation while people watching and studying my Italian!
In my Italian class, we learn so much in one evening that it can become a bit overwhelming. I’m enjoying practicing all the words and grammar) at home using numerous resources (library books, web site resources, etc.). In class on Tuesday evening, we learned the word Nonna. It means Grandmother. I told Kristina my name will be Nonna (pronounced NOH-nnah) for Ella ONLY, due to the fact I was in Italy when she entered the world!
Thank God for overseas GEICO roadside assistance!
This is the first Italian breakfast pastry I’ve had since my arrival. It was given to me by a friend and it was filled with eggs and bacon. It was absolutely delicious.
Those that know me, know I love to read. When I made the move to Naples, my plan was to make the difficult transition to online reading. Honestly, books weigh a ton and my arms and shoulders hurt from carrying heavy bags to and from work for years (especially when I rode on the bus. I could never make up my mind which book to read because I wanted to read so many at the same time. So I brought SEVERAL – every single day!)
Fast forward to quarantine, I was desperate for some good – REAL books – to read. The libraries were closed, there were no books for purchase on base, I hadn’t brought any books with me, what on earth would I do? GOD PROVIDED! When the Coffee shop at the hotel reopened part time, I went in to grab an iced coffee. And there it was! A bookshelf containing books – marked FREE!
I didn’t want to appear greedy, but I wanted more than one book. So I asked the gentleman behind the counter if it was okay to take more than one book. To my surprise, and PLEASURE, he said, “You can take them all!”
I got so excited I took a few – EVERY TIME I WENT IN (a few times a week). I’m really just kidding, sort of.
Now to the God part. There is a couple at my church at home that has been leading “Daniel Plan” groups for years (if you’re not familiar, it’s a Christian Healthy Lifestyle program based on the life of Daniel). I signed up once, but had to withdraw due to work travel. The man who lead the group had a major life change as a result of the Plan and loved to share the program with others. He continuously encouraged me to sign up again, but I just really wasn’t interested.
So guess what one of the free books on the shelf was titled? The Daniel Plan!
I had to pick it up – and that’s the book I’ve been reading while exercising on the treadmill. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it! There is so much information concerning healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, along with practical guidance for grocery shopping. As a matter of fact, I’m eating more vegetables already and preparing them in a healthier way.
So here’s a shout out to Dennis and Phyllis Neill. Thank you for the encouragement and example you’ve both been for so many years! I think I might end up a groupie!
As I sit in the glorious breeze of the afternoon, doing everything possible to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings and a good book, I learn something valuable. Italian families gather on Sunday afternoons for hours – to eat and enjoy one another’s company, and they make a LOT of noise.
I learned there’s a little boy named Alex who lives directly below us, who CONSTANTLY picks on his little sister. I bet I heard his name 50 times in an hour; half of the time by his mother scolding him and the other half by his whiny sister doing everything she could to get her mother’s attention to be certain he got scolded again.
Another family was celebrating a birthday, I believe. I heard them singing at one point followed by a round of applause. Of course I couldn’t understand the words of the song, but it was enjoyable to overhear.
I will return to my book and anticipate the quiet and stillness as the hours of this Sunday afternoon draw to a close. I am so blessed!
It appears common in South Italy that flea markets and fresh produce stands travel from neighborhood to neighborhood on regularly scheduled days of the week. I am extremely blessed that the one close to my home is every Saturday. Today was my first experience and I loved it!
The high point was the fresh Italian olives and fresh mozzarella cheese. Not only due to the quality of the products, but gentlemen behind the counter. They were so hilarious, I was still laughing long after I walked away!
I’ll be going back on a regular basis!
I have mastered the drive to and from work (no need for Google maps!) which frees my hands to take photos. Today was my first attempt. There will be many more gorgeous pictures to come…
A few photos I took today in paradise!
Blessings Galore in Naples Italy 