The 10th Day

Hello to all.

Every day is a new challenge......My first days here I was enrolled in a program called RIGHT START. All new AF personel working on base , or for the American Government
go through this orientation . The program is geared for the airmen , not for the civilian.
It is like learning a foreign language. Everyday we were briefed on policy and procedures , acceptable behavior on and off the base . Being a private contractor through DOD puts you on a lower priority for housing and support. Added to the sense of confusion was the absense of my sponsor for logistical support.

Needless to say I was a lost lamb!!

You start out by getting an ID , this picture similar to a drivers license, took 3 hours and multiple stops.....this was only the beginning. Every thing you need or do requires a set of orders and multiple questions . In the end , you go back to where you started . After a few days you feel as if you joined the military.

Within the week you apply for a CODICE FISCALE and Italian SOGGOIRNO. Again you copy passports ID's , addresses whatever is required to move on to the next level. With out these 2 additional documents you are not allowed to open an Italian bank account , get an apartment ,or other Italian services.

At the end of the week you are rewarded with 2 Italian cultural days. You are versed in food , manners , and importance of the Italian language . This ended our formal class instruction.

On Friday we were bussed to a select number of Italian towns , where we tasted honey , visited a local market , jumped on a train , visited Pordenone Cathedral and enjoyed authentic Italian Cusine. This was truly a day of Immersion.

The tour ends at an Italian winery with enough tasting to last a lifetime. Wine is sold at 3eu's /bottle....Yes I bought a few bottles of choice vino , most likely it will sit till company joins our venture.The highlight of the winery was meeting the family and learning the history of the farm. I have been invited back to the vinyard to see the harvesting in late summer.

Sunday 20 December 2009

The 10th Day

Hello to aallengell.

Every day is a new ch

Right Start

Have been at Right Start everyday this week...oh it is like being in a foreign country , not understanding the language.The difference is , they are speaking English ...its coded.

No pictures yet...Still recovering fron jet lag.
Plane was about 7 hours late ...no one knew where I was. We stopped in Munich for a 4 hour wait ....I did try to call using my phone card, but it wasnt accepted.....then I tried to do a credit card call and they were going to charge $17 for the call, I got my credit card out of that machine as fast as I could. Next I tried to use my broadband connection from best buy , needless to say it was not a best buy, didn't work in any American airports or overseas......not recommended by seasoned travelers. The way to go is to buy a day pass for about 8 bucks, available at most airports. I finally rented a dinosauer computer and sent e-mails to my sponsor, by that time they had left for Venice. I missed them altogether.

The flight from Munich was the most beautiful I have ever been on , we followed just south of theAlps.
The sun was shinning and the clouds feathered around the peaks, the rock cliffs must have been at least a thousand feet high, they were endless. The mountains rise straight up from the valley
floor , it is massive and overwhelming. As you are coming into Venice airport you see both the mountains and the sea. The city glistening in the sun and waiting for exploration from the new group of tourest beckons to all.

I feel blessed to add this new adventure to my life...and miss all of you I have left at home.

Off to Mass tonight , I have met the Priest on Base. He is a wonderful sincere young man , he is bright , kind and loves the Lord.

Back from Mass .... I am so glad Catholics believe in the True Presence.....the reason we go to Mass is to worship as Jesus commanded.....not the sermon. Although we had a thoughtful sermon tonight , this young Priest couldn't hold a candle to Fr.Dennis.....I am going to miss our church so much.

Remember what the kids say " FATHER DENNIS ROCKS' that is true even in Italy.

I have just turned the TV on for the first time ...got to go, the ARMY VS. NAVY football game is on.
Should study for my Italian drivers license...there is always tomorrow.

Patty

Last day at home. Spending time with friends......no I am not ready!!!

Last day at home. Spending time with friends......no I am not ready!!!