Friday, July 30, 2010

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.

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