Wonderful Feeling!

Tonight I was able to serve with my SOS (Students Over Self) group at an organization called "Feed My Starving Children".  For those unfamiliar with the organization PLEASE check it out.  It's truly fantastic and such a wonderful opportunity!  http://www.fmsc.org/  The group we went with today were members of the SOS Exec Board at school...and what a remarkable group of students!  WOW!  They are all so dedicated and involved not only with SOS but with so many other great programs/teams at the school.  It was great to hear them work together and challenge each other during this event.  Since I am a new sponsor to this group it was nice to be able to put some faces with some names (especially the names of the leaders!).

We met at the packing location around 5:45 to gather and the fun began around 6:00.  We actually packed the food (chicken (not real chicken...flavoring and such!), veggies, soy and rice) from 6:15-7:15.  We then all cleaned the area and met for closing at 7:25.  It was wonderful!  I believe we packed 36 BOXES of food...each box contained 36 BAGS of food...each bag of food provides a full meal for SIX children (under the age of 5).  If you do the math...we packaged 1296 bags of food which equals 7,776 single meals for children...OR the equivalent of feeding 21 children for a year!  Holy moly!!!  What was really unique was that we were able to pray over the boxes at the conclusion of the event.  We didn't HAVE to...but those who wanted to were welcomed to do so!  What an amazing feeling to know we helped that many starving children in only a matter of an hour!  I do hope I will be able to volunteer there again!  I'm already starting my list of who I can bring with me next time!!!  :)  Watch out...YOU might be on it!  :)

The Great Play-doh Adventure!

In my Foods 1 class this week we got them right into the kitchens and working away...but I wasn't quite ready for them to cook actual food...so what better starter lab then Play-doh!?!  We made it yesterday and today they were challenged to color it (they got to wear gloves so they didn't dye their hands) and then mold it into something they did over the summer.  We then shared our shapes and made further introductions!  :)

Such a fun adventure!  And my classes are great...but I've already said that a few times!

Today was a little crazy at school though...for the first half of the day we were running the building "old school" style...just not by choice!  We had no air conditioning, no power in the back gym or auditorium, no internet, no computer storage (we couldn't access ANY of our files!), no email, etc.  As the day progressed we were able to get a back-up generator (about the size of a semi) to get things back up and running.  It was interesting...due to our lack of email...we were all given updates each hour via the P.A. system.  Since we didn't have access to computers most teachers had to count on Plan B.  Oops!  Good thing my classes didn't need a computer today!  :)  AND I wore a tank top and capri pants...which means I was rather cool throughout my day...unlike some teachers in long-sleeves and jeans!

All in all it was a GREAT first week and it's fun to finally be back in the "swing" of things!  Next week the activities begin!!!  :)

And it begins...

I have to say...I LOVE MY JOB!  I am so lucky to get to wake up and walk into an office full of friends!  :)  Such a blessing.  Although ALL my work friends aren't at FHS anymore :( I know they are with me as I teach!  This has been our first week back at school...and I definitely made my summer as long as I could.  Getting back on Saturday night and starting back at school on Monday was a little tough but the girlies I teach with are A-MA-ZING and have totally helped Stella get her groove back!

This year my schedule is a little different than it has been in the past.  I am only teaching 2 different classes!  In past years I have taught 3-4 different classes and have been the coordinator for the Internship program (which is like a pre-student teaching experience).  Currently I am teaching 2 sections (classes/hours/periods) of Child Development and 3 sections of Foods 1.  It's kinda nice to come in, teach, hang out with my awesome students, and leave at the end of the day!  Next week I will start my sponsoring duties with Culinary Club and Service Over Self (SOS).  I'm looking forward to meeting the new club members!

As far as my students go...they are great!  Truly fun to be around...granted it's only the first week and things will settle down and be back to crazy in no time I'm sure...but this is fun while it's lasting!  :)  In my Child Development classes I have all girls (with the exception of 1 boy...check out his odds for a homecoming date!!!!!).  Foods is a little different...more boys than girls for sure!  And my advisory period (like a freshmen home room) is 21 boys 8 girls!

I'm getting back on US time...I didn't think I was jet-lagged but I guess going to bed at 7:30 and sleeping all night should have been an indication!  I'm trying to keep myself awake longer...but I just feel so refreshed when I go to bed early and wake up at 5:30.

Tomorrow is our first home football game of the season and I'll admit...it's a little bittersweet knowing that I don't have any responsibilities tomorrow night!  I do not have to be there.  I can go if I'd like...but I'm not following anyone else's timeline of where I should be when.  I don't know if it's a good thing or a sad thing.  It's just a different thing.  This is definitely a year of new, exciting, fun changes!  :)

Home Sweet(?) Home

I have to say...the transition home (Illinois) has been a little bittersweet.  I miss Dave every day (granted it's only been a few) and it's tough to know that we have a large expanse of time until the next time we see each other...but rather than looking at it that way, I like to focus on the fact that every day that passes means we are one day closer to seeing each other!

So, about that transition...here are the things I was nervous about...and how they've worked out:

CATS:
So, Tucker spent the last 6 weeks at my parents house and I was beginning to worry about his transition back to my apartment...less space to run, less people contact (dad works from the house and mom was at home recovering from knee surgery), and another cat to contend with.  Let's just say...the first re-introduction was NOT a good one!  Poor things!!!  They really did not remember each other!  AT ALL!  :(  I felt like the world's worst pet parent.  There was lots of hissing and spitting and swatting and growling...all night.  Poor things!  They were just scared and had to "talk it out" according to blogs I was reading.  I kept Tuck in my room all night and just let them spend small amounts of time together!  I think it worked...because now they are back to being mostly buddy buddy...or at least tolerating each other!  YEAH!

WORK:
This is the first year I have ever been this unorganized!  I even had one student (a past student who was using my 7th hour class as her study hall...fine by me...great way to spend her lunch!!!) comment that she was very surprised that I didn't even have a powerpoint to introduce my class!  Oops!  I felt AWFUL for my co-workers as I was very reliant on them to get me through today...tomorrow is all ready to go...should be back to normal after this week!  Promise!  But I do owe a few co-workers dearly!

LONELINESS:
I knew it was going to be tough to get used to not having Dave with me every day...and I think being tired and stressed is making the adjustment a little tougher.  Each day does get a little easier and I'm sure there will be good days and there will be bad days.  But for now...I'm focusing on the positives and the reassuring feeling that Dave is just a computer screen away!  Not good for a hug but at least we can see each other and hear each other's voices!

All in all, it was a fantastic summer...but I am very much looking forward to this school year!  So many fun things to look forward to...Fremd's 50th Anniversary, teaching only 2 classes (well, 5 periods...but only 2 subjects this time), getting into a new routine, teaching Sunday School and being a high school youth group leader...lots of changes this year.  All good things!  I'm anxious (in a good way) to see what the future has in store for me!  :)

Ladies and Gentlemen...I give you...John Denver

All my bags are packed...I'm ready to go.  

I'm standing here...outside your door.  

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.  

But the dawn is breaking...it's early morn'.  

The taxi's waiting...he's blowin' his horn.  

Already I'm so lonesome I could die

So kiss me and smile for me.  

Tell me that you'll wait for me.  

Hold me like you'll never let me go

I'm leaving on a jet plane.  

Don't know when I'll be back again.  

Oh babe, I hate to go...

I don't like the second verse...sorry!!!

Then there's a great guitar solo...

Now the time has come to leave you

One more time let me kiss you

Close your eyes, I'll be on my way

Dream about the days to come

When I won't have to leave alone

About the times, I won't have to say...

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh baby, I hate to go

Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again

Oh baby, I hate to go...

Not sure why that song is so on my mind right now...but I have a strong feeling it's because I'm leaving tomorrow.  I'm very sad to leave Dave here in Cheltenham...but I have so much to look forward to...

-work beginning again (soon!!!!)

-family

-friends

-a loving kitten

-so many good things to look forward to!!!  

SMILE!!! It's all going to be okay!  I just know it!

Rain+Cold=Laundry!

Yes, you heard(read) it correctly!  I am spending my 2nd to last full day in the UK doing laundry!  I was all ready to go out and purchase an ironing board and iron (so that I could help Dave a little with his work shirts before I left) but looked outside around 8am and it was quite crummy out...now...2 hours later...it's still pretty miserable and dreary out there.


I have to say...and some might call me crazy...that I really do enjoy doing laundry!  It's just such a good feeling to have nice smelling clean clothes (although a friend of mine would be inclined to say "clean doesn't smell"...but let's face it...some laundry detergent just smells really good...and that's how Dave's is...a slight hint of lavender!  Lovely!)!  PLUS, I realized that if I am to pack tomorrow (insert really really really big sad face here) I do want all my clothes to be clean...and not wet!  


I'm being very domestic today...and really enjoying it...probably because I know I have to leave soon and return to the "real" world of the working class!  


UPDATE ON WEEKNIGHT ACTIVITY:
Last night we went out for drinks with a lovely Italian couple that Dave knows.  It was great fun...they really are super sweet!  Kath (the girl I've been out with a few times now) also joined in for some "good bye" fun!  It was really nice that they were all able to join us for a drink!


Tonight we are going to grab take-out with Will and Vanessa and their puppy Charlie!  :)  YEAH!


Then tomorrow night we've decided will be just us!  I'd like to go out to dinner...but it may be just as wonderful to stay in and get as much of each other as we can for the last few hours!  Gosh...I'm just going home...it's definitely not like I'll never see him again!  Geesh!!!  I need to get a grip!  Sorry for those reading...this is kinda like a free therapy for me!  (Hence the daily updates!!!)  

Wednesday's a MUCH better day!

Today has been much better!  I'm coming to term with my return to the states and realize that it really isn't good bye...it's just a farewell until the next time we are together!  Dave said I could keep my keys...which means his winter girlfriend better watch out...I could show up at any time!!!  Hehehe!  He's also offered to let me keep a bunch of things here (easier to pack for home anyways).  So, I'll probably leave some summery clothes that I won't be wearing at home along with my shower stuff (no need to have to bring it back and forth) and my blowdryer...as it won't work in the states anyways!

I've been a busy bee today...realizing that I only have a few more days here to explore I've decided to make the most of it and explore more than I have in the past!  Finding new places for lunch, groceries, pet toys...we're having dinner with friends that have a puppy and wanted to get them a thank you...nothing says thank you for having us for dinner like a new chew toy...oh...and a bottle of vino!

We (well Dave) booked our travel plans to the airport on Saturday.  He's a superman through this...as we know I can get emotional and he's letting me have my small pity parties but makes sure they don't last very long!  THANK YOU DAVE JOHNSON!!!!

Happy to report that I am ready to spend the next few days living it up as best I can!!!

PS. I've added a few new pages to my blog!  That was an accomplishment as I wasn't sure I would be able to pull it off!  But I figured it out all on my own!!!!!  Yeah me!!!  I've got (as if you can't see for yourself) the places I've been, the start of my bucket list, a few things I'm thankful for, and the things I value in life!  Check it out!  :)

Is Tuesday Too Early For Tears?

Okay...I just have to get it out there.  I'm sad.  Well, sad and excited if that's even possible.  As an adult I know it's completely possible to feel multiple feelings all at the same time...but that doesn't make it any easier.  


As much as I miss my family, friends, bed, tucker, etc. I'm still not all that ready for this summer to end.  I know as a teacher I do have a nice set-up...work really hard to 10 months and get 2 months off...I'm really not complaining...at all.  I'm just not ready to give up what I've been enjoying all summer.


I know that my friends would agree...they aren't ready either...
-not ready to leave their new children 
-not ready to set the alarm for a time we haven't seen realistically since June
-not ready to learn 150 new names
-not ready to start it all over again (whether at the same school or a new one)
-not ready to say good bye to their puppies
-not ready to grade
-not ready to reinstall all the procedures that our students were just starting to remember at the end of last year
-not ready for cooler weather (well...maybe some are!)


But this summer will be the hardest one for me to end.  I'm just not ready.  I want to come home...I do.  But I don't want to leave this.  Leave Dave.  Leave England (never thought I'd say that!).  Leave the flat that has become our home.  Leave the friends I've made.  Leave...


I tried to start packing today as I realize that it may be a process and I got as far as taking out the suitcase, opening, sitting down on the floor and crying.  I don't know what came over me.  I still have TONS of time left here with Dave...but it's just all been such a wonderful experience this far that I'm not ready to say good bye or even see you later.  Nope...I won't do it.  Not yet.  Not on a Tuesday anyways!  Nope.  I think I'll try again on Friday.  But not before.  There are way too many things to be happy about that we can't focus on the good-bye...not yet anyways.  


But then it's like I'm bi-polar or something...because the amount of sadness I feel when thinking about leaving is the same amount of excitement I feel at the same time.  So let's list a few things I'm looking forward to...
-seeing my family
-seeing my friends
-snuggling with Tucker
-re-introducting Tucker with his litter mate Izzi (they've been apart all summer too!)
-school to start (I really do love my job and do get excited to see my students again)
-movies with my mommy
-living it up in Milwaukee as much as I can with my baby brother, who's already a SENIOR at Marquette (where has the time gone!?!?)


See there is a light...but I'm just not ready to focus on it yet.


Can you tell I flip back and forth a lot with my emotions?  Dave's a trooper and let's me have my moments (as I promise to keep them few and far between) and for that I am truly grateful!  This summer is definitely one to remember!  :)  


Okay...pull it together Kate!!!  Blink back the tears.  You're a big girl.  People leave vacations (and loved ones) all the time.  This is not a first...and certainly won't be a last.  Blink back the tears and SMILE!!!!!  


And go start dinner!!!  :)

Back to Normalcy!

Not that you can even call my summer normal!  We had a blast in Rome and Paris but I have to say…it’s kinda nice to be home.  We’re almost unpacked and it only took 2 days to completely get through the laundry…although the apartment looks like we just moved in!  AHHH!!!  I finished the grocery shopping and I have to say…I’m excited to be cooking dinner at home this week!  We’ve got parmesan crusted chicken breasts and salmon with a lemon pepper sauce plus some salads, fresh fruits, and bread with oil and vinegar.  Ahhh, the goodness of home cooked meals!  Such a simplicity but oh so yummy!  And I was pleasantly surprised that the grocery bill (knowing we’d be gone for a week we made sure not to leave a whole lot in the apartment) wasn’t too bad!  But really, I only bought what was really necessary…bread, milk, juice, fruit, veggies, chicken, salmon, etc. 

What’s a little sad though is that in less than a week I’ll be heading home…which means school is starting and summer is over.  And it will be a really long time before Dave and I see each other again.  Major bummer.  But as we agreed…we can’t be sad now…we have to enjoy these next 4 days as much as we can and get as much out of them as possible!  

Rome Day 7...August 9, 2011

Since there was someone else renting the apartment beginning this afternoon we needed to be our by 10:00.  We arranged for a cab to take us to the airport and then realized that we’d have a lot of downtime seeing as our flight to Zurich wasn’t until 3:00.  We were at the airport by 11:00.  We couldn’t check-in online for some reason and Swiss air doesn’t allow for in-person check in prior to two hours before flight time.  So…we waited.  We looked at our pictures, ate some lunch, looked through some stores…and then it was our time to wait in line.  We had no issues with either flight.  The worrying came when we got back to London and learned that the tube (underground metro-type system) was a mess due to both construction and the effects of the rioting.  Although we were in NO DANGER from the riots (it was still early in the day as well!) we could see the effects from them.  There were riot shields out and extra visible police at the stations.  We didn’t know what would be easier/faster 1-the tube or 2-a taxi.  But seeing as it was the heart of rush hour we decided to try our luck on the tube…if it was awful…we’d get off and switch to a cab.  And wouldn’t you know…it was JUST FINE!  Even the station they said was closed due to over-crowding was fine when we were there.  We even made it to Paddington Station in time to catch the earlier train to Cheltenham!  And had time to grab a few bagel sandwiches!  It was a long day of travel…throughout three countries but we made it home just fine!  And are happy to have a little down time before I return to the States. 

Rome Day 6...August 8, 2011

WARNING...This post is LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also...some pics may not be suitable for children...sorry!

On our last full day in Rome we decided to make the trip south to check out the excavated remains of Pompeii!  I’d read about the event throughout grade school (Dave in high school) and we really wanted to make a point to see the area. 

Getting there – Since Pompeii is about 30 minutes outside of Naples it was a little more challenging to get to…not to mention Rick Steves expresses major caution if you take public transportation (and because I’m a flake and didn’t plan it all out to well that was what we would be taking)!  We took an early (well early for us…7:30) train from Rome to Naples.  Then a commuter train (think the metro) from Naples to Pompeii.  The entrance to the ruins is just a few minutes walk from the metro station so we weren’t worried about that.  We managed just fine and were there in no time at all!  Since we took the early train, we paid a little more but it was an express train so it was only an hour rather than the 2-2.5 hours it typically would take.  Both trains were just fine and we didn’t really see what all the worry was about!  To save some dollars we took the long train home…and it was delayed by 30 minutes!  Grrr…but oh well…nothing we could do about it!

The ruins –in a word…WOW.  It was incredible!  I kept thinking…can you imagine being the person to discover these?!?!  Crazy!  They were out of the free guidebooks in English so Dave went and got a real guidebook from the bookstore.  We also picked up a map (which we actually didn’t end up using as we just followed Rick Steves and his guidance).  Here’s the rundown of the things we saw…

**Porta Marina-once a town directly on the water you could actually see the brass rings and holes in the brick-work where they would tie up the boats at the marina!

**Streets-the cool things about the streets of Pompeii are the markings in the middle of them.  There were large stepping-stones that acted both as pedestrian walkway and as a marker of which type of street they are.  The markers (or stones) were large enough to stand on and small enough that the carriages and carts were able to go over them.  One stepping stone meant that it was a one-way street.  Two stones meant it was a regular two-way street.  Three stones signified that it was a major thoroughfare.  It was neat for Dave and I to try and identify which streets were which! 

**Forum-the center of it all!  Churches, political offices, large stores, court type system offices, etc.  This is where it all happened on a daily basis.  Where people came to make deals, get married, sell goods, and gather to chat (maybe!).  It is the most ruined area of Pompeii and it’s still fantastic to stand in. 

**Basilica-this was the court…not a church!  Interesting.  It was once a large building with concrete and marble pillars.  You could actually see how the pillars were formed as some of them we ruined in an earthquake and were being repaired. 

**Via Abbondanza-Pompeii’s main street…like the “Main” Streets in the US or the “High” Streets in the UK.  It was lined with shops and stores.  It was a pedestrian-only street. 

**Fish & Produce Market-a large rectangular room with lovely frescos on the wall depicting fish and poultry and produce…kinda like a menu or ordering board.  Very cool!

**Plaster Casts-these were humbling.  A little creepy at times but very neat.  We actually got to see the remains of victims whose lives were taken by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.  We saw 3-5 actual individuals and then a plaster cast of a dog.  There was one cast that was particularly interesting; it was the one we got to get the closed to as it was encased by glass.  You could actually see some of the bones in the feet and a few of the teeth as well as a portion of the skull.  Dave’s not a huge fan of mummies and I think was a little weirded out by the fact that I was taking as many pictures as I was.  But it was fascinating!  I think it’s the bio-major in me.  I couldn’t get enough of it.  The bones were porous and just what I expected the inside of a dry, old bone to look like.  But how do they know what these victims looked like?  And how did they get the casts?  Both good questions…and both ones I asked…good thing Rick knew what we were thinking and was able to answer, “When Vesuvius erupted 2,000 Pompeii citizens suffocated under ash, their bodies buried in volcanic debris.  While excavating, modern archaeologists detected hollow spaces underfoot, created when the victims’ bodies decomposed.  By gently filling the holes with plaster, the archaeologists were able to create molds of the Pompeians who were caught in the disaster.”  Very interesting!  It was really neat to be able to physically see the casts that I’d seen in pictures so many years ago. 

This one's tough...it's the dog...you kinda gotta look at it upside down...
The top of the dog's head is resting on the bottom of the case if that helps!

Yup...he's (she's) real!  

Not people...but still really neat things they've uncovered!

This one got to me.  They were trying to cover their mouth to
prevent the ash from entering their lungs...found in this crouching
position...just sad... :(

One hand was covering their mouth the other was reaching
what we presume was up...to pull themselves up out
of the ash

Ignore the creepy stare from the lady...this one has teeth!!!

real teeth

arms up...possibly climbing...got that presumption b/c
the hands are gripped around something

actual skull

**Baths-Every good town has a good gym!  Complete with a work-out exercise area, a steam room, cool and hot bathing areas…not a bad deal.  There are 6 public baths that have been uncovered throughout Pompeii.  It was really a neat building!

**Fast-Food Places-many ancient Romans didn’t actually cook for themselves.  They would stop at these store-fronts to pick up their meals.  And…get this…they knew about the danger zone!  The pots that would store the food would keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold!  Can you believe that?!?!?  CRAZINESS!  But it made me quite happy! 

Short door!  

**House of the Tragic Poet-LARGE home that you can actually walk through (unlike a lot of the homes in Pompeii).  Visitors can view tiny bedrooms, simple bathing rooms, wood-burning kitchens and interior garden areas.  This home begins with side-by-side storefronts that the family probably owned.  Really neat…it was also two stores and built near a well.  

Notice how the roof is still in place!  Crazy!

Kitchen!  Hmmm...leaves a little something
to be desired...

**Aqueduct Arch-an aqueduct carried fresh water down to the town from the hillside.  I’m not really good at understanding how this arch works…but it stores water (kinda like todays water tower I guess) and helps regulate water pressure.  There are three areas fresh water was provided throughout the town.  1-private homes  2-court and official buildings  3-public water fountains.  If there was ever a water shortage they would turn off the water allotted to 1 & 2…but always allowed water to 3.  It was the believe that even the poor should have fresh water.  What a noble idea! 

**House of the Faun-This is Pompeii’s largest home…with super grand views of the hillside.  That’s about it!  There was a fake bronze statue…the real thing is in the museum.  This house has 40 rooms and covers 27,000 square feet.  It takes the space of an entire city block…but this time around it doesn’t have a roof…so it looks even larger.  The home also has two beautiful mosaic tile floor-pieces.  And great frescos on the walls. 

Hard to see...but it's a battle scene

Because everyone needs a grotto in their yard...duh 

Oops!  No more roof!

**Bakery and Mill-what foods teacher wouldn’t like this area!?  I had to grab pics by both the mills and the wood-burning stove (think original brick oven style cooking!).  It was fantastic. 

**Brothel-Yup…even Pompeii had one!  And surprisingly (or maybe not) it has the largest crowd.  I’ll keep it PG but lets just say that the paintings on the walls displaying potential “orders” were quite vivid!  The stone beds and pillows though don’t look very inviting!  It was neat…and well preserved!  We missed it (due to the large tour group following us) but apparently there are names of some of the women who worked there on the wall…and notches above the rooms that identify how many “orders”(?) each room had taken.  Such a system…I guess. 

**Amphitheater-just like the Colosseum only…without the under-ground area.  It was large and you could easily identify the different seating areas for the different classes.  You can even see the boxes for special guests!   

Side-note…a lot of the major findings are no longer located in the actual ruins as they have been moved to the museum in Naples.  Frescos, statues, sculptures, mosaic tiles, etc.  You could see replicas of the actual ruins but it wasn’t really the same. 

The guidebook said to allow 2-3 hours…it took us 5 and we didn’t even see everything we could have.  Of the entire city of Pompeii only about ¾ of it have been uncovered and only about 2/3 of that are included in the guides…but with the detailed map you are allowed to go anywhere you want (within reason!).  You shouldn’t go down blocked roads or climb on the ruins (but there really aren’t people there to tell you not to!).  It would be very simple to get lost there if you didn’t have a map…or even if you did as all the walls and columns kinda begin to look the same.  But no worries…with Steve and our maps we were just fine!  Plus we stayed on the well-beaten path.   

My sentimental moment – All of a sudden I was standing there…surrounded by thousands of years of history, looking up at this mountain (volcano as Dave kept having to remind me) and it hit me!  This bustling town of 20,000 something people had no idea what was in store for them.  They really didn’t.  They went about their daily lives with no awareness that they were looking up at a massive volcano…not a mountain!  It’s so sad.  After the plaster casts of victims and the dog and walking through the homes and business I just couldn’t really take it.  Dave was off filling up the camel back (best decision ever made…bringing it…we drank 6 liters of water between the two of us that day!) and I began to lose it.  I could feel my eyes welling up at the thought of it all.  Dave got back, looked concerned, and asked me what was wrong.  I couldn’t even say it…I just pointed towards the volcano and made what I’m sure looked like a crazy person trying to land a plane gestures around me…and HE GOT IT!!!  He gave me a big hug and just smiled.  He totally let me have my moment.  And that ladies and gentlemen is why he’s a keeper!  He was so patient and told me that it’s okay.  I knew it was but it was just kinda sad.

Oh the dogs!  There are TONS of stray dogs just roaming around Pompeii.  And even more signs that say please don’t pet (very difficult for me as they come right up to you and are quite cute) or feed the stray dogs.  However, you CAN adopt them!  But I’m not sure how they would clear customs in the US and I REALLY don’t know how Tucker would react if I came home with a puppy.  I think they want Italians to adopt them…but I THINK you can give them a donation…which we forgot!  Bummer.  I would have definitely given a few euros to the “Save the Pompeiian Dog” foundation!!!  But I’m sure you’ll all be happy to know…NO…I didn’t get a dog…but they really were sweeties. 

A note about Naples – not a place I’d want to spend my vacation!  Unless you found a place on the beach where you didn’t have to leave…then it’d be fine…but the area we saw of Naples (around the train station) was less than desirable.  Dave’s Italian friends gave him some pointers on Naples…are you ready?

1.Don’t go out after dark (comforting I know!)

2.Keep your valuables close

3.Don’t go down side streets or streets that give off a funny vibe…I wasn’t sure of what this meant until I got the heebie geebies from a street…then it made TONS of sense

SO…needles to say…although pizza was invented here…not really a place I’d like to make my home-base for a vacay!  Give me the coast any day!  Yes please!  But I think I can forgo a full Naples vacation.  Now those Napoli-loving readers out there…please feel free to change my opinion!  I’m fairly open…and I don’t mean to knock something I haven’t really tried…I’m sure there’s loads of history and lovely things to do and see…please…someone…comment and change my mind!  :)

OTHER RANDOM PICS FROM POMPEII THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO POST: 

Back at home in Rome we were greeted with live opera music!  It was a preview for later that evening…and they were FANTASTIC!!!  I couldn’t believe the voices on those individuals.  We made a purpose to go home, shower, clean ourselves up a little (I kept saying I felt like a beggar I was so incredibly dirty…it was actually driving me insane!) and headed back out to eat and listen to the music.  We found a cute little restaurant near the Spanish Steps (where the concert was to be held) and ordered our meal.  We were savvy travelers in Pompeii and had packed sandwiches and chips (actual chips…not fries) for lunch so we wanted to splurge a little on dinner.  As we were about ½ way through our meal an older (well not OLD…but a few years older than us…think 40/60…yup…age difference) couple sat next to us.  We ended up striking up a great conversation that lasted well into the concert…the 4 of us left and headed for gelato…by the time we had all gotten our gelato the music was just ending…so we ate outside and chatted a little while longer before we said our goodbyes and parted ways!  It really was a fantastic evening!