Pompeii

We have been so consumed with getting settled, we made it a goal to be 80% done by Friday so we can take a trip out of Napoli and go to Pompeii. We did our best to do some homework on our visit, but it was completely different seeing the real thing. It was a place of respect for those who lost their lives and the city that was lost.

 

Just to give you some background...here's an excerpt from wiki

 

Romans took control of Pompeii around 200 BC. On August 24, 79 AD, Vesuvius erupted, burying the nearby town of Pompeii in ash and soot, killing 20,000 people, and preserving the city in its state from that fateful day. Pompeii is an excavation (It: scavi) site and outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement. This site is considered to be one of the few sites where an ancient city has been preserved in detail - everything from jars and tables to paintings and people was frozen in time, yielding, together with neighbouring Herculaneum which suffered the same fate, an unprecedented opportunity to see how the people lived two thousand years ago.

 

 

Taking a walk back into time...

 

 

Leilah's 6th Birthday!

The first person in the family to have a birthday here is our sweet Leilah bear!!! We felt so bad because we were in between deliveries and the house was full of boxes. Andy and I worked all night to clear out the kitchen and living room for Leilah's B-Day. It was important that she knew that it was a special day and that we want to celebrate.

Leilah wanted to take some B-Day treats to her class. I was not ready to start baking. I went into a small panic because this would be the time I would run to Target to buy some mini cupcakes or something. Luckily, my friend mentioned a bakery just down the street from the house.

The Bakery is AMAZING!!!! Too many doce to choose from. We asked for the little cookies and the lady asked asked "how many kilos?" At first, I wasn't sure if she understood what I wanted because the only kilo I know of is something that's illegal (another adjustment). Thanks to my smart hubby...he just started speaking Italian and we got the cookies and she wrapped it up nice and pretty!

We offered to take her bowling or to see a movie at the base. Instead, she asked to stay home, watch a movie (Wreck it Ralph) and spend time as a family. Sigh!!! I really love this age. :0)

 

 

A gift from Erny and Maria (our neighbors). They really love children here!! 

This little girl is blessed to have these kiddos as her big brother and sister!!!

Proud parents!!

 

 

 

 

After talking with Nonna and Nonno, we kicked off our family movie night with a B-Day song!

 

 

 

Moving Time!!!

After 29 days in TLA...we finally moved into our house. We were told that we did really good because most families (during summer PCS season) stay in TLA for minimum 3 months. I couldn't imagine living off our suitcases for that long. We have been very blessed to find the best owner and property manager in the market here. We picked house #1! 4 beds, 4 baths, 3 story (including basement) and drive in garage to keep our cars safe.

Here are some pics of our craziness for the past few weeks.



Lago Patria...is where the AF sent us and what we call home!

 

Here is a pic of our fancy keys! This is just for the entry door(s), alarm and gates.

Each door in the house has a key. Never thought I would see one of these...feels like we have keys to a castle or something.


 

 

 

The kids were really excited for our HHG to arrive. There's Andrew running to greet the movers.

 

 

Our crates arrived in Germany in one shipment, however, our HHG arrived in 5 separate deliveries. Somehow, the truck only picked up a couple at a time. We didn't have that much weight and Personal Property couldn't explain why. So we had about 2 weeks of random delivery dates, quick unpacking and clearing out for the next delivery, and inventory check. We were really nervous because this would be the best way to lose something.


As you can see. We have our priorities in order. Couch (with tv) and beds...first to set up!!

 

I have 5 dish packs full of kitchen items. Unfortunately, this is all going down to the basement. No storage. :( 

California misses up so much...they sent us a Mexican!!! Just kidding. Our movers were REALLY awesome and wanted to have some fun. He didn't want to put on the LA Dodger hat though. :-/

 

 

First room to set up was the kids room. Lots of boxes in between, Leilah has 2 tall boxes full of stuffed animals. Can you say hoarder??? 

 

 

Due to the high cost of electricity, we need to rely on natural light. I was always a fan of that anyway. We don't have the traditional gigantic steel entry door, instead we have the 2 glass doors. I wasn't a huge fan in the beginning, but now with the light coming in, this is my favorite part of the house. 

 

 

We have some AWESOME neighbors. Our property manager has the best family, they are so good to us. Maria (Erny's wife) made us a pizza as a housewarming gift. I am telling you...it was the best pizza EVER!!! I asked if she can teach me how to make it.

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTMENTS!!!

 

There have been a few adjustments...nothing terrible but is makes you realize how wasteful a person can be. We are slowly learning how to conserve electricity, take luke warm showers (girls get 10min, boys get 5). It has been completely mind blowing on how wasteful we are.

 

 

Radiators - Never used one of these before. Now this is our lifeline on staying warm in the house!!

This is a handy dandy trick we learned from our friends here. To keep our 2nd floor warm (mostly used for shower time and bedtime), we put up a shower rod with heavy curtains (9 ft tall) and it will help keep it warm. When I say warm, I'm talking about 64*. This Cali girl is use to keeping her house at 72* (another adjustment).

Stuffa - this is a our little best friend. So our evening routine is about 30 min prior to shower time, we put on the stuffa (facing the bathroom), turn on 2 wall heaters and the kids are good to go. This little guy helps keep the cost down on gas and electricity. The bombola is a propane tank, so there is a risk. However, possibly getting a 800E electricity bill is a risk too!!

 

 

Concrete walls - Picture hanging is an art here. You have to use thin short nails to hang items. This wall is a casualty of the kids coat hanger. We tried twice, but no luck! 

Plugs/Outlets - We knew about the European plugs, but did you know that you still need an adapter for the Italian plug? Something really simple, like charging an iPhone looks something like this! We decided to buy some items at the 220V and not even try to do the transformer or conversion. It looks like a fire hazard.

 

 

I am so proud of my hubby. I know he is in the military and he should know how to build a fire but nobody can build a fire like an Italian. They are really good at it!!! Andy asked our awesome neighbor Erny how he builds his fire and after one tutorial...tada!! Nice job boys!

 

 

TRANSFORMER FAIL!!!!

We had a transformer for the kids' tv. Unfortunately, it was a bad one and it blew out their tv. I never saw so much smoke come out, I thought it was on fire for a minute. First I laughed really hard, then I grabbed a basket to get it out of the room.  Poor kids!!!

These are just a few and there will be more adjustments I am sure. Everyday we learn something new here.