Driving in Italy

Unfortunately, this is a reoccurring thing here. 

Then you have the a**holes who park so close to your car that you can't get in the driver's side. I've had to climb through the passenger's side numerous times. Or the drivers who never bother to look both ways before racing out of a side street. And one of my favs, the cars who park parallel to parked cards in an actual DRIVING lane to pop into a shop to do their errands.

Sometimes I wonder why I even need to do this dang driving school stuff to get my Italian license. Seems like no one bothers to respect the rules anyway.

xoT

How quickly time flies.

I've been living here in Terni for over a year now and sometimes I can't believe how quickly it's gone by. 2012 has been so challenging, yet rewarding. I've had some of the happiest moments in my life and also some of the most intimidating and stressful. Nonetheless, I really do believe that you can't go on living life without experiencing new things and challenging yourself. Because if you don't, you can't discover all that life has to offer you and that you can offer life!

I'm sorry for the mashed up post, but I've been overwhelmed with things lately. Obviously I haven't had time to update you guys in a very long time, so here's a quick recap of the last few months of 2012:

-After a 5 week trip back home, got right back into working in September
-Had my parents come and visit me in Italy. Travelled around Tuscany and Umbria. FINALLY visited a winery. Something I've always wanted to do and was so happy we could all do it together.
-Been studying for this damn driving exam. When even the Italians tell you it's difficult, you know it's hell studying for this thing.
-Wedding planning. I'm not a typical bride, so this is definitely not fun for me. I'm the laziest bride in the world. No joke. Thank god for my sister who is organizing the Toronto reception.
-Capodanno (NYE) was perfect. A gathering at our friend's taverna, way too much food, lots of games.

Here are some photos from the recap. Until next time!
xoT

San Francesco, Assisi. One of the most beautiful places in Umbria.

The Porziuncola inside
Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi 

Future "in laws"!

Streets of Siena

Pops makin' friends in Siena.

Wine tasting, Castello di Verrazzano 

Breathtaking views

This fountain looked like a mirror, beautiful

Caught red-handed. Tryin' to snatch a sexy  piece of
 prosciutto from the winery.

Serene view from our cute little hotel in Radda in Chianti.

La famiglia!

Double birthday dinner for Elisa and I

Lele & Tree

:)
Lentils are a must for NYE

Tutti a tavola!

Unsuccessful magic trick by Daniele

Spumante!

Buon Anno! Wishing everyone the best 2013, don't let it go to waste!

Down time.

With the holiday season here and all, I FINALLY found some down time to update this thing! It's been a whole 2 months since I've posted anything. Yes, I've been busy, but honestly I haven't really had anything super eventful or interesting to write about lately. The majority of my time has been dedicated to working and studying for my driving theory exam (which I hope to do in February). 

I've been going through some ups and downs. Missing home a lot.  Not only 'cause the holidays are here, but I've just been feeling frustrated. I know it's only natural since this isn't my hometown and I'm still not completely fluent in Italian. But man, I have some really bad days where I'm just cursing about everything here and really want to go home. The only thing that really keeps me strong is my wonderful man and our close-knit group of friends and family.

sharing some fun western Christmas gift games with my Ternano people

Learning Napoletano cards ain't easy!

I love game nights

The amazing cousin Fabio in action for Christmas lunch

Alla prossima!

xoT

This....

.....sucks.

xoT

Pesto time

When I returned to Italy in the middle of September, I was not surprised and not happy to find the hot and humid temperatures. The mosquitoes that were still lingering around until last week were the worst. Actually, wait a minute....I just killed one yesterday. But now, we finally need jackets for the nights because they are quickly getting cool.

The best part about this transitional season is having an abundance of fresh basil growing on my balcony. Instead of letting all those beautiful aromatic leaves die, my mother-in-law-to-be (whom I already call mamma) suggested we make some good ol' pesto.

A few days ago, I was in a lazy mood. So I cooked up some spaghetti, threw a few small spoons of pesto onto it, mixed it up and enjoyed a simple, yet savoury lunch. It feels good not to let good things go to waste. =)

xoT

San Gemini

San Gemini is a charming little town very close to where we live. Every year, there is a medieval festival there for a few weeks where the town is converted and performers are dressed in costume marching around the town. The most popular thing to do is to go eat at a "taverna" where you can enjoy some good old comfort Italian food. The long lineups are not fun, but once you're inside, you can guarantee tons of shouting, singing, laughing and wine.  We had the pleasure of going twice.

San Gemini

Putting them kids to work! 

Why so many jugs???

Top: Polenta and Picchiarelli (homemade pasta with spicy meat sauce)
Bottom: Medieval style bill

blurry blackberry pic =(

xoT

Last few hours in Toronto

It's been a very short 5 week trip home to Toronto. Watching my baby nephew grow has been the best part about being here. It is also the worst part about leaving today.

Emanuele also enjoyed some time with me in my hometown. It was amazing to see him bond with la mia famiglia and all my friends! We also went from being Godparents to my nephew to being fiancees in just 2 short weeks. What a trip....

While it's very hard to leave my family and friends, I am excited to get back to my normal "Italian" life with my new hubby to be!

xoT

bride & baby "express shopping" for a dress

soon to be zio (uncle) reading to my little chubster

xoT