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