August 15-17, 2009

Saturday August 15, 2009

So Janelle and her family are going to Abruzzo (Danny’s family) this weekend because Monday is a holiday. I don’t want to go with them, plus I wasn’t invited, so I get to spend a weekend alone in the Eternal city.

I made reservations at Hotel Matisse where I stayed on my first trip here with Janet. However, that location was to capacity so I had to stay at the one around the corner. That one has no air conditioning and no internet access, but its still close to everything.
Danny & Janelle dropped me off at the Acilia train station and they were off, as was I. When I got there and put my suitcase down I had to take another shower because I had been through Termini station. When I say DISGUSTING it doesn’t even tip how horrible that place is.
I rested and then got up and went walking. I made my way passed an interesting place called the corner of the four fountains.

On the walk to the Trevi Fountain, I had to pass the President’s palace an this is the view from the doorway there.
It’s very “Italian city view” to me. The Cathedral in the background is St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
Then, there are pictures of the President’s place.

SO I go down these very steep steps and into familiar places. I see familiar shops and then tons of people speaking English or whatever language they chose. And finally I got to see it in the daylight.

I cant decide if I like it more at night or during the day. You be the judge.
After that I needed to do some postcard shopping and try to find a souvenir for Alfreda. Once that search was done, it was lunch time. I decided to go to the restaurant that Janelle took me to on my first trip to Italy, L’Archetto. They serve lunch on Saturdays so it was quite nice to sit relax and enjoy.

After lunch I walked around the city and did some baby shopping for Emily & Donnie cause she popped out the baby, Lochlin Pierce. I got a couple of cute little outfits for their 2 boys and then it was dinner time. I went to this one restaurant cause the dude at the door was cute.
My entrée was Sicilian Lasagna and it was bleck!!!! So no picture of that, but dessert was Crème Brule and it was MAGNIFIQUE! So of course I took a picture of that.

I had never had it before. I will definitely have it again!
After that, I headed back to my room because I was tired. Tomorrow I have to make the trek to Acilia to go to the meeting.
I did according to plan and got back to the center just in time to go play on the internet, call Marlena, call Carisa, call Sherika, and go to dinner.
I went to the Byron Café on the corner cause they had a bar and were always busy, so I figured the food must be good. I was right.
I ordered an Amaretto Sour that was great. Instead of Sweet & Sour mix he used orange juice. Then I ordered some fresh minestrone soup, some beef tips in a cream sauce w/asparagus, 1 liter of water, apple pie & ice cream. I was so full!!!! The food was ssssoooooo good!!!!
Notice the FULL amaretto . . . Notice the EMPTY drink and same amt of water.
Hopefully when Marsha and those get here we can come back!
I stumbled walked back to my room, talked to Freda for minute and then went to sleep. I had a big day planned for Monday of going to the Rome Bethel Branch.

Buono Notte

Monday, Rome Bethel Visit

So I had gotten very good instructions on how to get to the branch. I even had a little map (that I left in my apt in Acilia). I did remember the words: via di Bufalotta and Bus No. 86 from Termini.

At Termini station I got on bus No. 86 and waited. Just before we were leaving 2 young ladies walked up and asked if it was the bus to via di Bufalotta. The driver said yes and they got on. Me being me, struck up a conversation.

“Are you going to via di Bufalotta?”
“Yes. ”
“I thought that’s what I heard you say? May I ask where you’re going?”
“We’re going to the Jehovah’s Witness branch office.”
“Oh so am I! What a coincidence. You know when y’all walked up to the door of the bus I said to myself you looked like you were witnesses.”
“That’s what a sister said to us yesterday on the bus. That’s a compliment.”
“I’m Erica and you are?”
“I’m Anita.” “And I’m Mckenzie.”
They were two sisters from Canada that had gone to the International Convention in Paris and come to Italy. They were also going to Greece leaving later on that afternoon.
Once at the branch we were in the same tour group. We exchanged information so I’ll be keeping in touch with them.

There is very little I can say about what I saw besides what you see in the pictures. I did see Marco Caproni a brother from my congregation, but he didn’t see me.
The pictures are in order of how I took them. If you have any questions about a certain one just email them to me.

Singing@ the Spanish Steps 2

August 9, 2009 - Sunday Evening

Sunday Evening

So after the convention, we (Janelle, Danny, & I), went to Piazza Spagna to be with the friends. Little did I know what I was in for. Janelle told me in the car that she was bringing her song book just in case there was singing like before.

When we reached the plaza, there were witnesses everywhere. It was like another convention. The first person we saw was Lidl girl. Who is Lidl girl? Ok.

So, when I first got here, me and Janet went shopping at the local shop – Lidl or for those back home Aldi. You gotta pay for bags and everything.

Well, the girl at the checkout said something to me in Italian and I looked at her confused and just gave her the money on the screen. She smiled and we left. Well, after that, whenever I was in Lidl I would get in her line because she knew I didn’t speak the language and was patient with me.
Danny told me that she was a witness, but I thought he thought I was talking about another girl.
Well, anywho, guess who the first person we saw was . . . Lidl Girl!!! Of course I grabbed her and hugged her and made her take a picture.

Then there was the singing. I didn’t take pictures of that I recorded stuff. So listen above. It was wonderful. There was a circle of young brothers in the middle of the crowd. They would hold up numbers with their fingers and everyone would flip in their books. Then they would count 1,2, 3 and the singing would begin a cappella. You can hear all the languages above: English, Italian, German, Albanian . . . it was beautiful.

The non-witnesses mingled in looked real confused. Then someone would explain and they would smile, stand, listen, and then leave.

What a witness that must have been. People from all over the world gathered in unity without months of planning, no translators, no security guards protecting one nationality from another.
The was a Lebanese brother there that said that the Preaching work is under ban there and they cant sing kingdom songs at the meetings. He said it was one thing to sing at the convention, but it was so much more to be able to Sing Praises to Jehovah on the public street with no threat of imprisonment. That makes me teary eyed. Ever since then I have been singing a little louder at the meetings. Poor people in front of me. :o)

I met 2 sisters there. One was Lori from Texas. She is an only child & so is her husband. We shared a songbook and talked. I told her about how much I missed my mom after being gone a month and she told me that’s why she lives in Texas to be close to hers.
Then there was Serena from Belgium. I don’t know what it was, but we started talking and there was like an instant connection. Of course she gave the invite for me to come and visit her when I can. It was wonderful.
Throughout the course of the evening I met lots of people and took lots of pictures. By the time we went home, I was tired and felt a little bit more fulfilled.


It was truly a joyous & wonderful experience and I am so glad I was allowed the opportunity.
I hope you enjoyed the District Convention Series. I have other experiences to share, just ask.
Next is my weekend alone in Rome and the visit to the Rome Bethel Banch.
A piu tarde!

Sunday - Auugust 9, 2009

I followed more instructions from First Aid and instead of trying to sit in the seats with no leg room, I sat in the Elderly/Disabled section with one chair for my rear and the other for my feet. There were lots of people there with the same affliction so I didn’t feel as bad. My ankles looked a lot better as long as I kept them in the chair.
Before I could sit down in my chair a sister approached me to take a picture. I was really excited when I read her name tag & saw where she was from. Can you guess? Of Course its in the pictures so I won’t tell. I just thought it was fitting. She told me I could come and visit whenever I feel like it. I’m hoping for the spring of 2010.

There were a few technical difficulties in our section. The television was small and sometimes the sound would cut out. At one moment, the brothers worked very hard to get the sound back on. When it went out we were in the 1st talk of the symposium and when it came back on it was the end of the third. Everyone clapped loudly. Apparently, the applause frightened the television because it went out just as fast as it came in. In time it was repaired. Then they brought another tv to put in the middle because the section was larger than they had anticipated. Yeah for us! Check out the black bar in the middle of the screen. (see pics)

Highlights:
AM Attendance: 59,851 . . . 8369 (English) 470 (Japanese)
PM Attendance: 55,897
Baptized: 343

I saved up all my energy so that I would be able to walk around at lunch and search for Maurice & Aleece. I gobbled up my food in record time and Janelle & Family arrived when I was done.
We were off to meet delegates from other lands. That is exactly what we did! (see pics)

Albania
Germany
Japan
London
Zimbabwe

It was always hotter after lunch and this was no different. However, Jehovah is a loving God that always makes provisions. During the session the female attendants went through the section offering water to those that needed some. Isn’t that wonderful?
At the end of the session, I was sad. As we sang the last song I was boo hoo crying and not the cute lady cry. I had the ugly face on. I was praying: “Oh Jehovah what is wrong with me? Why can’t I stop crying?” Eventually I did stop just long enough to be moved to tears again by the applaus and singing after the prayer. Everyone seemed to just be standing around their seats.
I ventured up into the stands now because it didn’t matter if my ankles grew fat I wasn’t going anywhere but home. I wanted to see the crowds with my own eyes, but first pictures!

Once upstairs I was crying again. Tears of joy. What an honor to be a part of such an organization.

(See pics)
Sign they walked around the base of the stadium
This is the only pic that Wiggles didn’t pose for!
Nancy (holding the baby) was Janelle’s Maid-of-honor
Look at that cute lil baby!
Ola & Vita Gustavsen (Newlyweds)

After the clapping was done, I went back on my search for Maurice & Aleece. I went over to watch the “March of the Delegates” as they headed to their buses. I just knew for sure they would be there. However, I idnt see them. Yet, as I walked I saw a familiar face. Let me digress.

On Wednesday night just before this convention, I asked Alfreda about finding Samantha Jones. She lived with us in Decatur and we hadn’t talked to her in like 15 years. I figured she would be on Facebook somewhere, but there were over 500 “Samantha Jones” and I couldn’t search them all. So, I just gave up. I tell you that to say this.

The familiar face I saw was SAMANTHA JONES!!!! When we looked at each other we screamed and hugged and of course I cried. I told her the Facebook story and she said “Wow!” and I said “I KNOW!”
What are the odds? I haven’t seen or heard from Samantha in 15 yrs and I had just asked Freda about her. She gave me all of her contact information and I gave her mine and we are supposed to chat when I get back to the States. I wish you could have seen us hugging and crying. It was beautiful.

It did also reinforce my belief that we are on “The Erica Show” it has the same premise as “The Truman Show” with Jim Carey. If you don’t know ask me about it.

I had to start my journey back to Janelle & Danny so we could leave, but I made one more pass through “DelegateLand” for Maurice & Aleece. I never saw them, but look at these beautiful sings of love from the brothers and sisters that I did see. (in the pic slideshow)

“We will never forget you!”
“How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity. (Ps. 133:1)”
“See you in paradise. Greetings from you brothers in the Uppper Harlem Congregation”
“See You In Paradise”
“We thank Jehovah for you!”
“Christian Love from Your brothers in the USA”
“We Are A Big Family”

I ask you, please show me another religious organization where you find the following:
1) If you say I am your same religion you are embraced and exchange phone numbers and addresses.
2) You can take your songbook from your local congregation and fly 5 or 10,000 miles away, go to a convention, hear the song number, and be able to sing harmoniously with the crowd.
3) You can take your Sunday Meeting Bible Study Aid from your local congregation and fly 5 or 10,000 miles away, go to a convention, and be have the same magazine as the Albanian sitting beside you.
4) You go to a convention in your hometown & save your program. You go to an International Convention 5 or 10,000 miles away and the manuscript talks deliver the same information in your native tongue as well as the language of the country you are in.

How well, we as Jehovah’s people are cared for. We truly are a people no part of this world.

Notes:
*Make a list of ones you want to meet in the resurrection and list the questions you want to ask.*

Singing at the Spanish Steps

Bagpipes

Baptism

Baptism Procession

Kingdom Song on Friday Morning

Convention Post 1

“Keep On The Watch!”
International District Convention of Jehovah’s Witness in Rome, Italy
Olympic Stadium
August 7 -9, 2009

How did I get to go to the International Convention? I was not a delegate, but my congregation here in Rome, Acilia Inglese (Acilia English) was assigned to that convention. Seeing as I didn’t go to mine in the states, I needed to attend here.
To begin let me say this: what adversity befell me over the weekend, it couldn’t destroy the joy I derived from being there. All thanks goes to Jehovah.
Having been raised as one of Jehovah’s Witness I have taken a lot of things for granted. I have never missed a convention or an assembly and when there, I would hear, but I wouldn’t HEAR. I knew I was a part of a Christian brotherhood, but not like this. Here’s the story
Wednesday night, after talking to Freda & surfing Facebook for my long lost friend Samantha, I got in the bed. I noticed that my ankles were VERY swollen. As big as I am, I have tiny ankles, and they were huge. I called Freda & left her a message because she was at the mtg and then I rubbed them down with IcyHot and put on some socks.
When I awoke on Thursday morning they had gone down some, but by arrival at Janelle’s they were back to big. Over the course of the day they stayed the same too big size. That night I prayed to Jehovah that I would be okay by morning for the convention. I repeated the IcyHot application and left it with Jehovah.

August 7, 2009
Friday morning, my ankles were back to normal size and I got dressed and was ready when Danny & Janelle arrived. I got to see scenery on the ride there and little cars full of people with lapel cards on. We found a parking space rather easily, but we had to walk a little ways to the Convention site and that wasn’t good for the ankles. At our seats I tried all kinds of ways to stretch out my legs but only one thing worked - placing them over the empty seat in front.
After getting into a fairly comfortable position I was able to look around and admire my surroundings. English Sign Italian Sign
Some seats stayed empty where the sun attacked & in the afternoon they were full.
I tried to actually focus and pay attention , but the little girl next to me kept smiling and making me want to take pictures of her.
After some time, by ankles had grown and I needed to get up and walk a little. It also was the time that cute little girl needed to eat so we left together.
In the nursing mothers room, I met another cutie named Jemima and her mom Favour. They were from Nigeria. She posed for a picture and then she was off. ( I did see them again a few times over the course of the weekend.)
When she was done we went back to our seat. After a while it was time for Janelle to handle some mommy business.
Soon lunch was upon us and I sat in my seat with my legs stretched while I ate. I talked to the couple on the row behind me. She was from Alaska & he was from Sicily. They invited me to come and visit after October 3rd for a few days. We’ll see how that goes. I also met Renee Simmons from Riverchase Congregation in Birmingham, AL. She knew quite a few of the people that I knew from when we lived there. She gave me some parting gifts and said be sure to email.
After lunch, the spreading had gone into my feet. So we made our way to the bathroom – A LONG LINE. While waiting we met a delegate from Australia, Peruvian Missionaries, and saw the cutest little girl in some kind of native garb. Of course I took pictures.
From there I was made by someone (Janelle) to go to first aid because my ankles looked really bad. Unlike first aid at our conventions in the states there was a doctor there and nurses. They were dressed in their assembly clothes, but they had stethoscopes and stuff. They took my BP and it was 180/100. Yes that’s high. Yes I had taken my medicine & no it wasn’t time to take it again. They made me stay there and elevate my ankles and drink water. They instructed me to take my BP medicine right then and wait. Yes they had elevated beds to lay on.
They had a television in there and speakers so the infirmed could keep up with what was going on.
I was told this was a common ailment for Americans when they come to Italy. Something about the heat & humidity causes an adverse effect on us. That coupled with the fact that my body wasn’t used to walking everyday may have caused me to swell. After an hour they took my BP and it was lower, but still high 150/90. They kept me the rest of the day.
The Brother-Doctor told me to sleep with my feet elevated and keep them that way whenever possible. HE also pulled out his sneakers and told me to wear those type shoes for the rest of the weekend and not try to be cute.
If you know me he aint say nothing, but a WORD!!! Like Noah I did “just so.”
Despite the difficulties it was a good day. However, I didn’t get to see Maurice & Aleece. Maybe tomorrow.

A moment to discuss blessings from Jehovah for Friday August 7th:
1- I got up on time so I didn’t make Danny & Janelle late.
2- I went to the International Convention
3- The swelling wasn’t unbearable.
4- The temperature was 87°. How is this a blessing? Well Janelle said in 2001 at the International Convention the heat made most people miserable. She kept asking me if I was prepared to be hot and I said yes, but I had faith that Jehovah would fix it so that his servants we be able to enjoy the convention despite the heat. In fact my exact words were “Jehovah will provide. No arguments I win.” So when the temp was in the high 80’s, that was a blessing. The friends behind me commented on how “cool” it was . . . BLESSING!

August 8, 2009
I followed the instructions given to me in First Aid and I slept with my feet elevated. I put IcyHot on them, wrapped them with saran wrap, and put on socks. When I got up Saturday morning they were still big but looked a little more normal. Sadly I still had cankles – where the calf merges with the ankle. Janelle said it was only on one foot, but I had it nevertheless.
Once again I was ready when they got to the apartment to pick me up and we were off. We went a different way this time and I got to see much cooler sights. The nerd in me was glad to see the historical things.
Once at the convention Danny dropped off at the front gate so our trek was much shorter, but the ankles couldn’t handle it anyway.
I got to sit my seat for a little while before I had to go and lay in First Aid. I was not alone with my condition today. There were 5 sisters from the US & Canada with the same ailment. Some skinny, some fat, and one average. There was even a BROTHER! Saturday was rough on a lot friends. The temp got up to 89 so it aggravated those already afflicted even more.
Whenever I could go to my seat I would, but they wanted me to stay there because of the fluctuating of my BP.
When I was out I took as many pictures as I could with various delegates.
Look at my ankle. They rubbed some cream on me and wrapped it to reduce swelling.

Attendance: 48,209 (AM)
257 Swedish
466 Japanese
8260 English
39809 Italian

Highlights:
Bethel Speaker: Sam Heard of the Governing Body
Joel Reets of Sharpsburg, GA gave the talk “Young Ones Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”

Lenny Kravitz

Sunday – 07.26.09

Last night I felt like a lonely tourist for real. So, Christina & her family went away for the day and night. I’m such a quiet tenant, they forgot I was down here. When they left they turned off the computer and router, thus leaving me with no internet. It was horrible. I couldn’t call anyone, text anyone, or just surf the internet. I never want another night like that again. I felt five thousand miles away.
Anywho, I had to pray to Jehovah real hard to help me get up for the meeting. Since Raizza (Raisin) wasn’t home I needed to catch the bus to Janelle’s and arrive by 2:45 for the 3:15 meeting. The buses don’t print a schedule so I had no idea what time the bus was coming. I didn’t get up until 1:30. I had to rush and shower and leave. I wanted to be at the bus stop by 2:15 so if it took too long I would still be able to walk and make it to their house on time. I made it by 2:15 and the bus came at 2:17. I had prayed to Jehovah and he answered yet another prayer.
So I got to their house on time and we went to the meeting. I commented a few times and it was nice. Giacomo Maffei told me that he really enjoyed my comments. That was nice cause he said I answered his auxiliary questions with just what he was looking for.
After the meeting Janelle brought me home and said she would be back in an hour so we could go eat first then head to see Lenny. An hour and a half later, she returned and we headed into Eur – the upper middleclass area.
We parked and the caught a bus. We went to this pizzeria/bistro called Bacco. The food was the best I have had since I have been here. I had some type of ravioli stuffed with cheese, but this was a FAR CRY from Chef Boyardee. I was in a cheesy sauce with zucchini and small tomatoes. Janelle ordered gnocchi. As she said, her food was good, but mine was better. Then she ordered this chocolate cake with a chocolate sauce filling and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was magnificent! I don’t have a love affair with food like some of my friends (Janelle, Chandice, & Mindi), but it was so very good. I wanted to dive into the empty plate and roll around.
We had to get a rush on because it was 9 and the concert started at 9. We ran to the bus stop Erica style – slowly. When we arrive and made it to our seats Lenny was just taking the stage. We jumped up from our seats and screamed as Americans do. This was quite contrary to Italians at a concert. The man behind us politely tapped Janelle and told her that we needed to sit down. She politely ignored him and we kept jammin’. He tapped again and said he couldn’t see. To avoid any confrontation we moved down another row and were able to stand with no complaints. It was still very strange because as I looked around most people were sitting. The row in front of us was standing, but not moving. No dancing, no clapping, just standing. I couldn’t tell they were at a concert. Look at the pics.
No matter how strange they were Janelle and I stayed true and represented for real concert goers.
I got the ladies next to me to jump up and sing and dance.


Even the people behind us joined in the fun and began messing with me by saying “We love you Lenny!” what made it extra funny was the fact it was a man screaming.
Lenny performed very well. He kept us on our feet and rockin’. The audience was strange, but the performance wasn’t.
All in all the concert was great.
Afterwards, Janelle and I rode around downtown and I once again got to admire where I am. My love for this country grew as I saw the sights uncrowded and remembered why I love Rome.

I'll post pics later!

A dopo!

Monday

Janelle had been promising me we would go downtown for a while. I wanted very badly to buy postcards to send home to all of you and let you know I’m thinking of you. So after an extended morning and long afternoon we left. We rode around looking for a parking space and then got on a bus in front of the Coliseum and were off. I got to see via del Corso in the day. Still A LOT of people. I found the postcards that I have been dying to get. I hope to mail them soon, but there is no telling how long it will take for you all to get them.
We did a lot of walking. Baby Wiggles was EXCELLENT! She watched all the people and stayed awake. She was her usual happy self and wasn’t fussing. It was great. We stopped to eat at the first McDonald’s in Italy. I took pictures. There used to be a fountain there, but they put up some pretty flowers instead. They serve gelato and pastries for desert as well as the traditional Mickey D’s menu.
After lunch, we went to the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) - another huge tourist spot. Across from the steps is a street called via di Condotti. Down this street is almost every famous designer you can think of!

I am not a shopper, but MAN oh MAN!!!! I wanted a Sugar Daddy or somebody’s check card to shop away!!!!
As we were proceeding back, we saw a very familiar sight. There was a small group of Spanish people walking. They all wore a small blue & white lapel card. Me, being the dork I am, I ran up to them and was all excited to see fellow believers of Jehovah doing exactly as we were told: Wear your lapel cards while out and about. They were visiting before going to Paris for the international convention. They were from the Spanish Congregation in the Bronx, NY. Of course! We took pictures.

Also, I took a picture with the local Carabinieri. They’re a cross between the local police and the Army – a glorified SWAT team.
Before I close let me show you all a purse that I want to get before I leave. Its from a store named Furla. I am taking donations. Just email me for details on how to deposit into my account.
There will be a big gap in time between this post and my next one. I start babysitting next week and will be spending my days in the house. The next few post will be about the International Convention. I can’t wait to share!

We went into this mall looking building. Once inside, we were surrounded by all the fancy stores with Italian names. Most were closed for the evening, but we went directly into JAM. Talk about cuteness! I couldn’t even pull out my camera to take pictures cause I was pulling things to see if they fit fat folks. . . . :o( No they didn’t, well, the skirts didn’t, but the shirts did. I bought one, but you won’t get to see it until I get back. Clothing bought in Italy gets worn in the states!
Anywho, we walked around and Janelle got a REALLY cute skirt. I hope to steal it when I leave along with her Furla purse. When we left there we went walking down “Tourist Boulevard.” I mean whatever you want you can find it there: postcards, shot glasses, spoons, hats, shirts, shoes, cards . . . EVERYTHING! I found a couple of postcards that I really liked and picked them up. We proceeded on past all these familiar sights and I was there . . . again at the Trevi Fountain.

Of course I went into dork mode and my eyes got all teary and I giggled and giggled and tapped Janelle and this turned into my first trip to Italy. I pulled out my camera and started snapping away. I had Janelle take a pic of me.

Danny took a pick of me and Janelle.
Some stranger took a pic of me and Janelle so that we would take a picture to her.

I didn’t throw any money into the fountain, but I did admire its beauty and detail. I took a deep breath and remembered the last time I was there. I promised myself I would come back and with Jehovah’s aid I did. Wow- dreams do come true . . . . SOME dreams come true. Im still waiting on James to come around or the green-eyed, SPIRITUAL, Wealthy, brother to ask me to marry him. We’ll see. 2 ½ months to go.
A piu tarde

Sunday
Let me tell you what the wonderful friends here in the Acilia English congregation did for me today before the meeting. They had a luncheon for me! Well, I say for me, they say for the Circuit Overseer and his wife. I think there was something lost in translation because when I got there it felt like it was for me.
I took tons of pictures. I met new people: Tiffany (I call her Amanda) and her Australian fiancé Jeremy (I call him Gregory cause he called me Angelina cause he couldn’t remember my name).

I told them they could call me “H.R.H.” or “Her Royal Highness” and to bend at the waist when they bow. It was funny then and its funny now. I also got to see Christian and Susie’s awesome house. I think when I marry my Wealthy brother I want to buy the 4 villas surrounding them. Their home was gorgeous. I’m gonna live next door. I took a couple of pictures of the beautiful yard.

After my very encouraging party we went to the meeting.
Janelle and I walked back to my place from her house that evening. We went the long way and passed a small vineyard around the corner. The owner is . . . wait for it . . . LUIGI!!!! So Italian and co nice. He posed for pictures with his bucket of vegetables standing next to the grapes on the vine. Of course, I took a picture by the grapes.

I’m hoping to get to stomp some grapes in September when Marsha and Tesa come. We’re going to Naples and that is harvest time around those parts. Would that be nice?
We also found a picturesque spot for some idealized Italian scenery across the street from another beautiful villa around the corner. I posed for the camera and gazed off into the distance searching for my Italian Stallion. Is he there? Do you see him?
Wasn’t that a great first week? I hope you had fun because we continue next week.
A piu tarde!

Tuesday
Nothing major has been happening here. I had planned on going to the beach, but never made it. Tonight though was nice.
Raizza (I call her Raisin so I can remember her name), Janelle & Danny’s niece had a talk and a demonstration tonight, so her mom (Christina, the landlord) and little brother (Gabriel) came as support. She did fabulous! She’s a regular pioneer, works, and does multiple parts on the meeting. I smell a missionary!!
Tonight was also Kim and Jolene’s last meeting before they leave. Oh wait! I haven’t told you about them. Kim is a pioneer from California and she and Jolene came here after the International Convention in Germany. They opted to spend 10 days in GLORIOUS Italy. They’ve been my roommates since Tues the 14th and stayed until the 23rd. I didn’t talk to Jolene much, but I talked to Kim. Wanna hear a funny? It’s a small world. SO when Kim told me where she was from in California, I started scurrying through my mental folder to think who I knew from there. The conversation went a little like this:
“I know a few friends from California, but Im trying to think someone is from your neck of the woods. Do you know anyone in Georgia?”
“No, not that I can think of.”
“Do you know any Rhodes?”
“Yeah, but they’re in Ohio.”
“Emma Rhodes?”
“Yeah. That’s her name.”
“Well, her and her daughters have been in Georgia for a few years. I am good friends with her eldest daughter Rachel.”
And the rest is history. She gave me all her contact information to give to Emma when I get home, but aint it a small world?
Well, this was they’re last meeting so I took a pic with Kim. Jolene was somewhere in the crowd saying her goodbyes to the friends.
When we got home I slept long and hard after a few phone calls home.

Wednesday
Last night I made plans with Raizza (Raisin) to go in service this afternoon. When 3:30 rolled around I was ready to go. From what I understood, field service in the English congregation is like service in the Spanish congregation in the states – census work.
Raisin had 2 territories- one in Eur and one deep in the bad side of Rome (she said its comparable to NY). Y’all know Im scary so we did the Eur one.
Sure enough census work. We didn’t have to walk much because the marked for English homes weren’t that close together. We spoke to one lady who was busy, but she said we could leave her an invitation to the convention in her mailbox. I took a picture of my first time in field service in Rome, Italy. (hee-hee) Im excited! This my version of being a missionary. Starting service at 330 and getting to sightsee while we do it. Great!
In the end we hit rush hour traffic and Raisin had to get back for another appointment. It fun and provided an experience for the blog. What a day!

Saturday
I kept the baby yesterday and today I got paid in pastries. YYYYYUUUUUMMMMM!!!!! I know you cant really tell from the picture cause they looked smushed, but they were so good. The tray lasted until Wednesday.
Tomorrow is Lenny Kravitz in ROME!!!! I’m so excited!!!!

Thursday
There is nothing to report except it was long, tiring, and hot. There was a heat advisory to stay in if possible so I did until mtg time. I barely stayed awake at the meeting. Wiggles was there to entertain me. Look at that face!!! And she loves me. I think I make her laugh!
Tomorrow night is scrabble and drinks at Janelle’s and maybe a movie. We’ll see.
Friday
I packed my bag to head to Janelle’s. I sat down to send email and there was a buzzin at the door. It was Janelle! She saved me a walk. We sat for a brief moment ate hagendaas chocolate something or another and went to her place.
She mixed these slammin’ Pina Coladas! They had brandy and rum, ooohhh, but first was the Bailey’s Crème de Caramel & the vanilla ice cream. One & ½ of those and you got a funny board of scrabble. Even with the alcohol, Sherika would be proud.
We drank watched Benchwarmers and played with the baby. What a night! Laughter with a good friend - Rome is feeling every bit more like home.
Tomorrow – Shopping!
A piu tarde!

Saturday

Okay so last night we stayed up LATE! It was fun though!!! I wouldn’t mind doing it again soon. This morning we woke up late. Janelle made some whole wheat pancakes that were scrumptious. I thoroughly enjoyed them. I don’t remember much about the morning. Janelle was sleepy. I was sleepy. The baby was sleepy. Therefore, we all took a nap. Did I see Danny this morning? I don’t recall. Anywho . . . sleep!
According to plans, we are going shopping tonight on via del Corso. All I know is that means we get to ride into the city center.
Lights! Lights! Lights! We passed what seemed to be an outside concert - people in a field with a stage. It reminded me very much of Music Midtown. I have no idea what type of music was being played, but the audience was jammin’!
Further into the city we passed what looked like THOUSANDS of tourists. They were strolling around the Coliseum and just enjoying the fact that they are in Rome. We found a parking space and hopped out of the car.
SIDE POINT: The FINEST man I have seen since I have been here rode past us. He was all hugged with his woman in the car. I wanted to shake her hand because he was gorgeous.
We walked down all these side streets that looked familiar. We passed L’Archetto. Janelle took me there the last time I was here. Once again we ran into a cavalcade of tourists. They were going in the other direction to see the Trevi Fountain. Slow down, slow down . . . we’ll get there too, but first shopping!

Wednesday – The True Adventure Begins

There is a lot to catch you up on so let’s rush right in.

Janelle, being the awesome friend that she is, loaned/gave me her bus pass. It gets you on and off the local bus/train. So I prepared for my journey into the city alone. OOOOOOO –scary! I don’t speak the language and I look like a tourist. Will I get got? Will I get Taken? You know how I like to talk to strangers. Well, this was different.
My alarm went off at 10:30 A.M. and I hit snooze. I got up at 10:50, showered and dressed. I made it out of the house by 11:50 and watched the bus pull off from the bus stop. I walked on down and admired the villas in the neighborhood and some of the scenery that reminded me where I was. See the pics.
Following Janelle’s directions, I took the bus to the Acilia station and got on and went to the last stop. I changed at the station and went Piramide (Line B) all the way to Termini. Marta ain't got nothing on the Rome inner city train and bus. Can you say HOT?! SMELLY?! And CROWDED?! It was worse that Decatur station on a bad day. My first thought was: Shouldn’t these people be at work. They can’t all be on vacation like me.
Anywho, when I got to Termini station, I went up and out and I was there! All the familiar sights of being in Roma! The noise, the smells, the buildings. Everything was bustling as though the citizens knew I was arriving and wanted everything to be ready. It was 94 degrees and I could have walked to my destination, but that was too much like right. So I hopped in the first available cab said a prayer to Jehovah that he not kill me and we were off.
I passed 266 via Cavour (Hotel Matisse) where I stayed last time I was here. I waved and got a little teary eyed as we rounded the slight curve. There it was, still standing, and looking a little better than I left it . . . the Coliseum. This time there were no pictures outside the closed gates. I was going inside. My arthritic knee was a little less stiff today and I sprang from the cab and moved at rapid speed for me. I fought the crowds and ignored the people selling guided tours just so I could get in line and guide myself. There was that one distraction. I couldn’t help it he was just so cute in his little uniform and charming. He got me to thinking “James Who?” See the pics.
Once through the gate I had to choose: audio tour or lonely silent wandering thru the ruins? The line for the audio tour was shorter and it only cost 4,50 euro more. So, I got a little recorded woman that I only heard say “Welcome to the Coliseum.”
All I can say about the tour was it caused me to reflect. Standing outside of one of the prisoner holding cells there was the lingering thought: “My brothers and sisters were in there and they remained faithful to the death. How will I fair during the Great Tribulation? I know they were made of much better materials than me.” That then led to a personal conversation between me and Jehovah. So start planning your trip to see what emotions a visit evokes and you and hope they remain long enough to change you.
After a couple of hours in there I finally exited. I was a little inspired and refreshed and I felt more at home in the eternal city.
“Rome . . . Roma, mi amore. Sorry it took me so long to return.”
I made my way across the street and bought some gelato, 2 scoops – lemon and vanilla. Smooth, creamy, and succulent. It served its purpose to refresh me for my trek back to Dragone.
I was burning up and tired of people bumping into me. After clenching my messenger bag purse (Target $10) I finally got a seat on the last train to the Acilia station. I dozed a few times on the 20 minute ride. I kept waking up to make sure there were no puncture wounds on me from a gypsy trying to tranq me and steal my cute purse or my faux jewelry.
In the end I made it to Janelle & Danny’s. I kissed the baby and chilled with Janelle. What a day!
Did you enjoy our excursion? Were you moved by the ruins? Well rest up cause tomorrow is another day!
A presto!

Getting Into a Routine

Aaahhh . . . Bonjourno!
I hope you recovered well from our adventurous trip here. After my nap on the first day of arrival Janet woke me up and said it was after 4 and wanted to walk in the heat. I needed to learn the route to Janelle’s house and see how long it would take me on a REALLY slow walk. So we set out. Janet made sure to have the Traveler’s dictionary in hand. I had no plans on talking to anyone.
There were no surprises along the way and nothing to write home about . . . well there was that nice villa down the road. I’ll put a picture in.
Janet was feeling hungry cause she slept through that delicious light morning meal so we stopped in a little store. The convenience stores here are quite different from the States. They are little holes in the wall. You can get a soda, wine – of course, some chips, and a pastry of some sort then keep on moving. They are ideal for field service breaks. There is nothing to keep you lingering and you can just get back to the territory. Anyway – that’s what Janet did. She bought some chips that looked like they would be nasty and sure enough they were. I didn't even taste them. She said they were VERY salty and threw the bag in the trash. She also got a beverage and we kept trucking down the road.
Each car that passed was moving at lightening speed and I got flash back to the taxi ride on my first visit here . . . . . . . . “I DON’T WANNA DIE! JEHOVAH PLEASE DON’T LET HIM KILL ME!” That’s another story.
Finally, we get to Janelle’s house. I know it’s hers because Lidl (we call it Costco) is directly across the street. She nor Danny was home from work so I got to meet her mother-in-law and baby Jiselle. What a cutie!!! She recognized my voice and laughed and smiled. I found out later that she laughs and smiles at everyone. I wasn’t that special. Now if she cries and spits on you that’s something to write about cause it never happens.
Janet and I ended up going grocery shopping at Lidl (Costco or Aldi) to kill time until Janelle got home. She finally got home and now the real trip begins.

Tuesday

Janet spent the night with Janelle so she could ride to the airport with Danny and head back home. She’s great, right? She flew over here, dropped me off, and went back. I love her. Hands down, she’s great!
My daytime Tuesday was spent catching up on sleep and getting ready for the meeting.I walked down to Janelle’s house and got there at 6:05. We talked for a few minutes and then rushed to change into meeting clothes. She had a talk that she didn’t tell me about. The meeting begins at 7 here, which was interesting and nice. That way if you want to socialize after the meeting you get home at 9:30 and not 10:00.
While the meeting was going on I became a typical tourist and pulled out my camera. I turned off the flash and snapped away. They have the circuit overseer this week so every time they changed speakers I took a picture. Janelle did good on her talk, but I couldn’t take pictures cause I had the baby. I did, however, get to read a scripture – Hebrews 4:12. He called on me as soon as I raised my hand. Freda should come here!
After the meeting lots of people introduced themselves and I barely remember what they said. I’ll get a refresher on Thursday, but does it matter? I have 3 months to learn their names!!! :o)
Not an adventurous day, but a day in Italy nonetheless.

Ciao!

Departure, Arrival, & Settling In - Proof that I'm A Grown Up!

Where do I begin? My voyage was set to begin on 07.08.09 but it got pushed back to 07.12.09, no matter . . . I AM HERE!!!! I am all poised to ROCK THIS NATION!

The Plane Ride
Janet Moore was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule and fly over here and drop me off. Due to my fear of flying that was a VERY good idea. However, shout out to Dr. Perry for prescribing Xanax - the wonder drug that got me so relaxed I was able to lean my seat back and close my eyes. I didn't go to sleep on the plane, but I got very, very close. I think that extra roomy, extra comfy Business Class seat with the large, soft, blanket made a big difference.

After a very smooth take-off (could've been the drugs, but I barely knew we were moving), dinner was served.
First Course - Thai Chicken & Coconut Soup (Hot & Delicious) It was creamy tomato based. I couldn't even tell it had coconut in it. I hate coconut, but ate mine & Janet's. Again, it could've been the drugs. Can you taste it? Remember you're on this trip too!
Main Course - Roast Beef & Herbed Chicken Breast w/stuffed egg, grilled peppers, asparagus and tomato. The beef was cooked just the way I like it - light brown, then pink, then red center. It melted in my mouth. The chicken was even good and it wasn't from Popeye's and I ate it!
Dessert - Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, & pirouline cookie.

I chilled in my seat and then the 2 cans of Minute Maid Apple Juice sent me rushing to the loo. I don't like to walk on the plane because I am convinced my 300 lbs will be the weight to throw the plane off balance and send it tumbling out of the sky. However, since I didn't want to wet my clothes I went. Lo & behold, I made it! The plane didn't fall out of the sky or shake when I sat.

Breakfast - Fresh Fruit, English Muffin topped with spinach, scrambled eggs, & cheddar cheese with turkey Canadian bacon. Delicious!

I had an awesome flight attendant, Melissa. She checked on me and made sure I was comfortable and not freaking out. I LOVE BUSINESS CLASS! Thank the LAWD for buddy passes!

Right across the aisle from me was Jay & Shirley. They were honeymooners married for just 8 days. Jay is a jet pilot. So with him on one side and Janet, airplane mechanic on the other, I knew to watch them to see if I needed to freak out. Jay was full of jokes and stories that eased me where the Xanax didn't and Janet slept.

Aaahhh - The inflight movie Janet chose - TAKEN!!!! How hilarious is that. If I get Taken while here Liam Neeson has to come and save me or his counterpart Steve Cassell. Cause in the movie the girl's dad attempts to save her so why shouldn't mine?

Settling In

When we finally get a taxi and arrive at MY Apartment, I crashed, much like I am about to do now.
Is your appetite whet? Would you like to hear more? Well keep checking back for more updates.

Til then . . . ciao!