Summer Storms

Last night Mother Nature proved that she has not lost her edge here in Rome. Our normally clear, blue skies were replaced with an Epic thunderstorm. It was the first time since I've been back that I've seen so much as a raindrop, so it was kind of cool to see a little personality in the weather. I had my dinner on the balcony, watching as the storm got closer. We had thunder so loud that the doors and windows shook, and some nice cool air for the rest of the evening. Here are a few photos taken from the balcony as the storm moved in. Since my camera is out of order, these are taken with my iphone, with an app that is supposed to give photos a vintage feel. I think they're pretty cool.

Mosquitos, Beware!

I have a new arch-nemesis: Roman Mosquitoes. Oh my, they are everywhere! Our flat, being mostly non-air conditioned, requires lots of ventilation in the summer to let in fresh air. However, we are also without screens on our windows and doors, leaving us open to whatever wants to fly in. Mosquitoes, being the little opportunists that they are, take this fully to their advantage - they are always around. Shortly after my arrival, Roland bought a new toy. May I introduce...The Mosquito Tennis Racquet!

Mosquitoes beware...this thing is no joke! It works by pressing a small button on the side of the handle, which sends an electric charge to the center of the racquet meant to take out anything in its path. I have an idea of its strength due to an episode in which the center of the racquet came in contact with the tip of Roland's finger...causing him to jump so high he fell out of his chair. But that is another story.

We tried this racquet out on the first unfortunate victim to cross our path, and he literally exploded with a loud "Zap!" and a big spark of light. I must admit I felt slightly guilty when we first started using this thing...surely this must count as cruel and unusual punishment? ...But after waking up a few days later with a row of huge, ridiculously itchy bites from my knee down to my ankle, my guilt quickly washed away. Look out you little flying vampires...this means war.

My Return to Rome! On Goodbyes, Hot Weather and New Plans

It's that time again! After a three month hiatus of posts, I am happy to have arrived back in Rome and to my blog. I've been back for about two weeks so far - adjusting, settling in, unpacking...as well as shaking off my jet lag by sleeping (and not sleeping) and completely inappropriate times of the day and night. Darn you, jet lag. One day I will beat you.

When I left Rome for Chicago a little over three months ago, I felt like the time I'd spend away from Italy (and Roland) felt like ages and ages. In some ways, it did. In others, I feel like the time spent with my family and friends was over in an instant. Besides working a part-time job caring for one year old twins (I'll miss them dearly, but the next children I care for on a full time basis, I've decided, will be my own - one day)  -I planned my time at home with the objective of spending as much quality time with those I love as possible, which I did. A blur of weddings, parties, get-togethers, lazy afternoons and good conversations flew by quickly and before I knew it I was, once again, saying my goodbyes. This time was a little tougher, as I am no good with goodbyes and will be away this time for longer than ever...but I've got the best friends and family and I consider myself very lucky to have such great people at home to miss, who are rooting me on as I start the next part of this adventure.

The biggest change about Italy since I saw it last is, undoubtedly, the heat. Sweet Jesus this city is hot! It's hot in the morning...in the middle of the night...rain or shine - It. Is. Hot. A good comparison would be that Rome is a giant oven and I am a Thanksgiving turkey inside, slowly roasting away. A visiting friend last week said it well when she said following a few hours of walking around the city "After today, I will never, ever be cold again." Now, before it sounds like I am complaining too much, let me say that I adore the gorgeous sunshine, and the tan I will undoubtedly have in no time. I'm also very grateful for the A/C unit installed in the bedroom - a cool little sanctuary always there when we need it. I'm hoping in due time that I might adjust to the heat as the Italians have done...walking around in long sleeved shirts and pants, or full business suits, without a bead of sweat on them. Whereas I go outside for two minutes and  discover sweat glands I didn't even know existed. Blame it on the Chicago winters!

Complaints about hot weather aside, I am excited to be back in Italy and have some new plans underway. This fall, I hope to find work in a language school here in Rome, teaching English as a Second Language. I am investigating certification courses, which are held here in Rome. I've been assured by many that there is no shortage of positions for native English speakers who want to teach, which is good to hear. The thought of finding and beginning work in a new country is, frankly, semi-terrifying - but, nonetheless...wish me luck! More to come soon.