WHAT IS THIS??? WHO IS THIS?? AND WHAT IS HE DOING???
Seriously? The Bunga-Bunga Parties and the lawsuits and the accusations of inappropriate business dealings and...and... and...how is this possible? Every Italian I talk with says this is a sham, a joke---but 1000s of people showed up at the PDL party nominating event last week. Seriously?? Italy's not in enough trouble economically? Now to put this buffoon back in the public eye, on the world stage to represent this country in crisis?
People are suffering. Businesses are closing. The youth can't find work. Tourism is down. The retirement age has been raised to 67. Pensions have been cut. But Berlusconi has persevered...Why???
Austerity measures are in place--one, very Italian--the "bridge holidays" have been
cut--(Wednesday holiday, the bridge holidays are Monday and Tuesday). Property taxes have been raised--however, to assess the taxes one owes, one must go to a Commercialista to ascertain the tax. ( Our Commercialista charged us 2000 euro to determine that we owe...100 euro.) One does not receive a tax bill in the mail; one is expected to show up at the Post Office or Bank and pay. Many Italians aren't going to go to that trouble. Hmmm, how 'bout assessing taxes and mailing the bills to the house?
On a more interesting and/or entertaining note! WHAT IS THIS THING??
I'll give you $1 if you can find out what these things are....I've asked the locals and they are vague (maybe it's my understanding that is vague...) but they are the oddest things and have been in the fields during Spring and Summer.
WHO IS THIS?
6:30 on a Friday evening, Dr. Mazzone spent 40 minutes with me--assessing my poor ole finger and assuaging my fears. A consummate professional, he understands the inner workings of the hand as well as my insecurities. I left feeling relieved and confident as I prepared for 10 sessions of physical therapy. (100 euros)
AND THIS IS...?
Amid quotes from Dante, information on the Mafia, Italian colloquialisms, and film talk, Stefano made me work my finger. After 10 sessions, I can make a fist--not a tight one, yet--but a fist! He understands the workings of the hand and was able to analyze the problem and work toward solving it...the sessions were entertaining and productive. I'm gonna take that fist and do something useful with it! (100 euros)
I have nothing but praise for the Italian (and Spanish and French) health systems. I was well-treated, respected, cared for, and ultimately, healed--for very little money and a great deal of attention and care...what more can anyone ask of a Health Care System?? Fingers crossed ours becomes as good.
WHAT IS THIS BEAUTIFUL THING?
Lazy Friday afternoon, lazy evening ahead, Russian singers and dancers to perform in an hour...what else to do than sit, have some wine, people watch, and enjoy the local color?
WHAAAAT????
Straddling two continents comes with its burdens...while we have another 3 weeks here, we feel like we're winding down, finishing one phase and gearing up for the fast-paced SoCal life. We are embracing each and every moment, relishing the country and the people and the sights; but beneath it all is the ever-present, "do I need to pack my down coat or should I leave it here?" "Should we have the pellet stove cleaned now? Or wait until next year? When will we be back? Will we need it 24 hours a day upon our return?" "What shall we do about renewing our permessi di soggiorno?"
But if I take a minute to stop and think and relive the highlights of our time here, the one thing that stands out is the people, our visitors and new friends. We've had some great adventures and wonderful visits...soooo, beneath is a link to some pictures of THE PEOPLE AND ADVENTURES: February, 2012-August, 2012. If you're interested, give it a click. (Once you arrive at the pix, on the top left there's an option for Slideshow--If I were you, I'd hit that button (slideshow) to move it along, ...but if you want to linger on each and every picture, my pleasure!)
https://picasaweb.google.com/114517299259040603283/ThePeopleAndAdventuresFebruary2012August2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPmU58exo9DxyQE&feat=directlink
Phew! So much to say, so many things to do, so many people to meet and new places to visit, and old friends to cherish...I am thankful I am able to share it all with you!
 |
| Look Familiar? "I am NOT a Crook," Sylvio Berlusconi said as he was nominated for Prime Minister of Italy...AGAIN. |
People are suffering. Businesses are closing. The youth can't find work. Tourism is down. The retirement age has been raised to 67. Pensions have been cut. But Berlusconi has persevered...Why???
Austerity measures are in place--one, very Italian--the "bridge holidays" have been
cut--(Wednesday holiday, the bridge holidays are Monday and Tuesday). Property taxes have been raised--however, to assess the taxes one owes, one must go to a Commercialista to ascertain the tax. ( Our Commercialista charged us 2000 euro to determine that we owe...100 euro.) One does not receive a tax bill in the mail; one is expected to show up at the Post Office or Bank and pay. Many Italians aren't going to go to that trouble. Hmmm, how 'bout assessing taxes and mailing the bills to the house?
On a more interesting and/or entertaining note! WHAT IS THIS THING??
I'll give you $1 if you can find out what these things are....I've asked the locals and they are vague (maybe it's my understanding that is vague...) but they are the oddest things and have been in the fields during Spring and Summer.WHO IS THIS?
 |
| Dr. Mazzone, hand surgeon, "You're golden! You can't expect better healing than this after 35 days." |
AND THIS IS...?
 |
| Stefano Venturini, Physical Therapist that's my finger he's bending and twisting and scrunching--you can't see my tears. |
I have nothing but praise for the Italian (and Spanish and French) health systems. I was well-treated, respected, cared for, and ultimately, healed--for very little money and a great deal of attention and care...what more can anyone ask of a Health Care System?? Fingers crossed ours becomes as good.
WHAT IS THIS BEAUTIFUL THING?
 |
| Our aperitivi on the main piazza in Ascoli Piceno--it's a tough life, but someone's gotta do it! |
WHAAAAT????
Straddling two continents comes with its burdens...while we have another 3 weeks here, we feel like we're winding down, finishing one phase and gearing up for the fast-paced SoCal life. We are embracing each and every moment, relishing the country and the people and the sights; but beneath it all is the ever-present, "do I need to pack my down coat or should I leave it here?" "Should we have the pellet stove cleaned now? Or wait until next year? When will we be back? Will we need it 24 hours a day upon our return?" "What shall we do about renewing our permessi di soggiorno?"
But if I take a minute to stop and think and relive the highlights of our time here, the one thing that stands out is the people, our visitors and new friends. We've had some great adventures and wonderful visits...soooo, beneath is a link to some pictures of THE PEOPLE AND ADVENTURES: February, 2012-August, 2012. If you're interested, give it a click. (Once you arrive at the pix, on the top left there's an option for Slideshow--If I were you, I'd hit that button (slideshow) to move it along, ...but if you want to linger on each and every picture, my pleasure!)
https://picasaweb.google.com/114517299259040603283/ThePeopleAndAdventuresFebruary2012August2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPmU58exo9DxyQE&feat=directlink
Phew! So much to say, so many things to do, so many people to meet and new places to visit, and old friends to cherish...I am thankful I am able to share it all with you!
