I know I've been here a while now because I'm starting to crave cheeseburgers and mexican food. However, I'm feeling more settled every day. Last night I had an Italian couple come up to me and ask for directions to a restaurant and, get this, I knew where it was and gave them directions in perfect Italian. I mean, c'mon.
The job with ApartmentsFlorence is going very well and I love working there. Plus in mid-October I will officially start guiding the wine tours. And I love love love babysitting Lorenzo. He really doesn't speak much at all - even in Italian. But he's adorable, so loving and such a great break for me during an otherwise crazy day. I want to take some pictures of him but I think it's a little premature in the babysitting relationship. Don't want to creep anyone out, you know.
As far as Oktoberfest goes, I'm actually speechless...I don't want to go into detail about exactly how much beer I drank and the debauchery that ensued, but those of you who know me well...use your imagination. But Munich was beautiful and it was great to see my dad, grandparents, aunt and uncle and other family and friends. We had a wonderful time together but then it was very difficult to watch them go and have to say goodbye, not knowing when I will get to see them again.
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| Dad, me, Grandpa & Grandma Roberts at dinner |
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| Cake and a haircut |
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Bit O'Culture
Salutations & Expressions
We all know Italians in general are an affectionate and passionate people, but I myself didn't realize that this also carries over into their greetings, salutations and signatures whether bumping into someone on the street, writing and email or text, or chatting on the phone.
First of all, the double cheek kiss is the common greeting for pretty much everyone. Friends, people you're introduced to, coworkers, neighbors, whomever - kiss everyone! It can be an air kiss, cheek touch or lip-to-skin contact. Linger for a bit if they're cute. Whatever you want, just kiss away!
Then with friends and people you know, it's common to be greeted with a "ciao bella," "ciao carina," "buongiorno cara," etc. (hello beautiful, hello dear, good day/good morning dear). But I think this is mostly true for women.
Then there are multiple expressions to follow up and ask how someone is doing:
1. Come stai? How are you?
2. Tutto bello? or Tutto e bello? Literally translates to "is everything beautiful" but kinda means, is everything good.
3. Come va? How's it going?
4. Tutto bene? Is all good?
Then there's the signature for emails, texts, etc. This still confuses me a bit though. You pretty much see "baci" or "xx" from all friends. Basically this just means "kisses." If you're flirting or want to use a term of endearment of affection, you can say, "ciao tesoro(a)," which literally means "treasure." Or you can throw in more xxxx's or say "tanti baci" which means many kisses. This is a good way to flirt a little bit. Not that I know personally or anything. I mean I might go overboard at times but who's really counting?
And don't forget the "ciao ciao", or "bye bye" when leaving somewhere. Actually just use as many ciao's as you want. When hanging up the phone or parting ways after an aperitivo, just start shooting off those ciao's. "Ciaoooo, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao, ciao!"
So ciao ciao amici! Baci per tutti! (Kisses for all)
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