Firenza New Years 2011

The locks of love and committment near the Ponte Vecchio bridge


Pisa!

Happy New Years! As I uploaded these photos I couldn't help but think I should rename this blog to be called something outside of Life in Italy as I often post in regards to travels and events outside of Italy. I have done a fair share of travel inside Italy as well....but too me the more exciting locations have been outside.

For New Years a group of friends and I traveled to Florence over a 4 day weekend and rented an apartment for the 6 of us to be able to stay together. We had a great time, drank lots of wine and champagne, saw the sites, ate lots of delicious food and enjoyed the company of some friends who are departing soon, myself included.

Which brings me to the most exciting news of the New Year; I recieved my ORDERS to Camp Pendelton which means its official. I will depart Sicily in June and hope to travel back home this summer as well. I look forward to the next adventure and am eager to get back to Southern California! I can understand I am very lucky to be stationed here in Sicily, and know I take advantage of that sometimes, as I describe it simply; I am a spoiled American who misses the conveniences of the States.

Till next time, ciao, ciao!

Deutsch Reisen

Wow...haven't written all December~sorry! This is the only place that reminds me of such :p

So I hope that this little note finds everyone enjoying their holiday season and getting in the spirit of christmas and looking forward to the new year ahead. Though I am not able to see my family, its been great to spend time with my 'italian' family of friends and enjoy good food, good times and great travels! This past weekend I was lucky to be able to travel to Nuremburg Germany as well as take a train to Munich, Germany. I had a great time with some friends and about froze our asses right off! hehehehe...it was in the low 20's all weekend, but after we have been used to our 60-70 degree Sicilian weather, it was a shock to our system.

In Germany we got to explore the city of Nuremburg to include of course the Christmas markets as well as the Nuremburg trial museum (which was very powerful), and it goes without saying we walked till our toes just about fell off and ate our way through the friendly, welcoming markets. Christkindlesmarket is one of the most historical Christmas markets in the world. The food; pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut, egg nog, mulled wine and of course beer were phenomenal.

Nuremburg

In Munich, after a 2 hour train ride we explored the city on one of those hop on, hop off busses. We also got to walk the city and find the Hofbrauhaus which is another historical site; one of, if not, the oldest brew haus in Germany or the world. I had a tasty lemonade light beer called the Radler. Then we walked to go ice skating, which I loved. I might be a little rusty than 10 years back, but I still got some moves :)

Hofbrahaus

Overall a great trip that got me in the Christmas spirit and good preperation for my New Years trip to Florence...just gotta do some of that stuff called work to cushion the trips :)

Merry Christmas!! Buone Feste!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving...if it be a few days late :) I was able to enjoy a delicous feast and the great company of friends at my co-worker and good friend Naomi's house. Her and her husband, Nick, hosted the ER staff and some other friends for a great day. We had the traditional stuff, as well as some lasagna brought by an italian friend. This year was a bit different than last; the girls versus guys games didn't work out as well as us girls had hoped! hehehe

A friend of mine from San Diego, who now lives in Japan; Stacy came to visit me for a week. Though I did have to work many of the days she was here, we had a great time catching up and visiting around the area; showing her the sites of Sicily. I welcome visitors; especially as I leave in 7 months!

Not much else going on, hope everyone is doing well. Ciao Ciao!

Veterans Day and Goodbyes

Veterans Day was just this past week and known to be a "holiday", day off, and/or time for the sales. But this year, even more than years past its important to recognize those who have served. Its been a great honor to serve with all the Navy, Marine, AirForce, Army and Coast Guard members out there! Never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Navytimes just released an article I found to be pretty cool; a new ship named after the first marine MOH recipient; Cpl. Jason Dunham.

I also said farewell to my close friend Heidi. I knew her at Balboa and has been a lifeline here in Sicily. One of my only single friends.. hehehe...She has left the Navy after 5 years and I will miss her so much! :(

Getting rid of a wicked bad cold/sinus infection that 'blessed' me with loss of my voice for 2 days. Am relieved to think it might possibly be over after 2 weeks! Grrr...am the worst patient!

Ciao Ciao!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Though Italians don't celebrate Halloween, they do celebrate tomorrow (All Saints Day) and the ones that live near base do take advantage of dressing up their children and have them trick or treat. But Warren, my coworker and friend had a big bash with a haunted trail and all. I wanted nothing to do with the haunted trail, but I did help make a lot of the food we provided for the 50+ people. Oh, and if you can't tell, I was a beer maid :)

Work is going alright...been on nights still, which is better this time around for my sleep cycle, but I still eagerly await day shift the end of this week!

Not much else cooking, hope all is well! Ciao Ciao!

Oui, Oui Paris

Eiffel Tower at night...at 8pm it started to glitter
I must say; I have been extremely blessed and lucky to be able to do so much travel lately...most recently Paris with a good friend Heidi. Heidi leaves to the US in the next few weeks and will be greatly missed :( Heidi and I in front of Notre Dame

And the good with the not so good; after being away from work for 10 months I went back on my first day which was my first "on call" day as well and the following nights back to work in the ER. Its much different! And slow island life is going to be the death of my social life being on night shift, not to mention a skill killer. Luckily I should get to go to Germany in the next few months for some ICU cross training which I look forward to.

So back to Paris; it was AWESOME! By far the most gorgeous, friendly, clean city I have been to so far (right behind London and Edinbourgh). The people were so kind to ask us on several occasions for help with directions. We did a few day trips; 1 was to the Champagne area (countryside, about 2 hours outside the city), the other 1/2 day to Versailles and tour. Both places were gorgeous. The weather over all was the biggest help to a wonderful weekend too! Crisp fall days and cool evenings were perfect. One of my favorite sculptures at the Louve; Pysche and Cupid View from the top of the Eiffel Tower
Of course you can't get enough photos of the Eiffel Tower! Though parts of Europe are part of the increased level of security threat, there were no problems and it was tough to notice any difference within the city at all. There were a few armored military members hanging out in random spots, but other than that.

Hope all is well. Ciao Ciao!

M☀lta

Since I am not just yet back to a full time work schedule, I have been able to maximize and "catch" up on my travel plans on extended weekends! This past weekend I was able to go to Malta. A short 40 minute flight away and an island of so much beauty! The waters were pheonomenaly clear and gorgeous! This upcoming weekend I am headed to Paris, a favorite of many of my friends here in Sicily. Hopefully the rainy predictions clear up and we won't need our umbrella the whole 4 days!

This slow of pace has allowed me to get some study time in as well as planning for my next few courses to take for some instructor courses that our command provides; and of course time to catch up with friends!

This past week was a warrior welcome home breakfast provided by the Wardroom. Here is a link of the AFN news site here on base shot click here

Hope this note finds everyone in great health and enjoying fall back in the states! Ciao Ciao!