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Stephanie Howell

reading, organizing, shopping, momming too close to the sun. Home is wherever the Army sends us.

One of Those Perfect Italian Moments

I’ve been a bit frustrated lately. It’s tough sometimes being in a country where you don’t speak the language, even though you desperately want to.

Let’s be honest. I am an extrovert. I crave conversation, I crave being around and communicating with other people. That’s damn hard when you don’t speak the same language as everyone else does. A smile only goes so far. 🙂

It’s tough learning to drive in a country where the rules are all different. Where cyclists fly out NOWHERE in front of you at every turn. White knuckles, to say the least.

Its tough getting used to a “it gets done whenever it gets done” way of life when you’ve depended so long on efficiency.

With that being said, it all balances out.

The beautiful things about this country FAR outweigh the frustrating ones.

And the other day when I was a bit down (missing my family and friends, feeling aggravated) I had one of those perfect Italian moments.

I sat at my kitchen table, drinking coffee and listening to the church bells pealing. This was my view:

Right then and there I decided to combat the blues with a little neighborhood walk.

I loaded Cate and Lucy into the wagon and first we stopped by the little produce store on our block. I looked up how to say everything I wanted…I’m determined to try to speak Italian as much as possible.

I managed to communicate quite well and I didn’t even feel embarrased or frustrated!

One thing I’ve noticed here is that you make an effort…if you really try to speak and learn Italian, the locals really appreciate it and respond in a really positive and helpful way.

Then we went into a shoe store and got the girls sneakers. Again, I did okay on the Italian and that made me feel even better.

Sidenote: I kept thinking “There are so many stores called Saldi here!” and then I realized Saldi means “sale”. Ummm. Way to go Stephanie. Bahaha.

After some retail therapy, we went into Gelaterie Sofia and had arugula, cheese and prosciutto sandwiches. Accompanied by a nice cold Fanta, of course. The Fanta here is amazing. A bit bitter and not sugary sweet like American orange soda.

We also shared a mushroom risotto that was INCREDIBLE. You should have seen Cate and Lucy devour it. More,Mommy…MORE!


Then we had to get gelato. Of course.

The girls were screaming FRAGOLA GEYATO! FRAGOLA GEYATO! So strawberry it was.

I loaded them in the wagon and we walked back home.


I was eating my gelato, pulling my babies through town, and I was so happy.

People stopped us every few steps to fawn over the twins. They love love love children here. Even a group of 20 something guys stopped and were going on and on about how cute they are. HA!

A Canadian couple stopped me to ask for directions and I actually knew the answer!

Nuns paused to talk to us, A man on a bicycle gave the girls a flower as he rode by….

and it was just PERFECT. A perfect Italian moment.

The kind of moment I’ll hold on to when I’m frustrated and overwhelmed and in over my head.

Ciao Ciao!

S

Comments

  1. I can’t imagine the frustration of that language barrier. And now that you know what Saldi means, hello more shopping!! I hope my little package arrives for you soon (I’ve never sent to an APO before hope I did it right!)

  3. Its kind of funny in a way- I save your posts to read when I am feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with my day in – day out life. The images and stories of your day (even the frustrating ones) are full of the beautiful adventure I crave. Also…I am the QUEEN of efficiency so I would be FREAKING out too. I love that you are able to stop and find the joy. Thanks for sharing with us.

  5. I *heart* your posts! You have such a great way with stories. Thanks for sharing your journey!

  6. I am proud of you on so many levels. And one of the things is that you find joy in the what ever situation you experience. Your strength will be passed on to the Angelgirls as they are already becoming interesting vivacious strong children. It is not always easy, I’ve been with you when it’s not, & many times feeling very far away. I miss you bunches. Good luck on the window boxes. May they bloom where they are planted, they have good examples of that in the Howell family. Ciao, Bb

  7. Your mom is a gem. Her post was so sweet. That WAS such a perfect Italian moment. I read your posts to escape from my own world, which is a great life, don’t get me wrong. I think we all crave that connection and easy conversation, which isn’t always so easy in a foreign tongue. I am super impressed with how you are managing to pick up Italian at the age of 35!! Faye just started K and spends half her day in a classroom where only Mandarin is spoken. Talk about foreign. I am in awe of you both!

  8. Love how you handled having the blues! Your positive attitude is inspiring!
    So enjoy reading about all of your adventures, thank you for sharing them!

  9. hugs Steph – I am so happy that you found some joy in your day – and seriously who wouldn’t love the girls!!

  10. Big hugs from your friend in Georgia — so love your posts and photos. Probably the only way I will ever experience Italy — and it is so so beautiful as seen through your eyes. We miss you over here but I’m sure you’ll make many friends there along with many beautiful memories.

  11. Sounds like so much fun! I agree that everywhere you go there are good and frustrating things. And that’s just in the US. I bet you and the kids will pick up the language quickly. What a great experience. The girls are getting so big. They look adorable in their wagon. Are the prices similar to prices in the US (food, restaurants, clothes)? Thanks for sharing!

  12. I love this!! Because of your positive, uplifting attitude, I think you could be happy and content wherever you live!! And who WOULDN’T fuss over those beautiful girls?!? I’m enjoying getting to know Italy through you 🙂

  13. Have to agree with the poster above. It is easy to see why you are such a positive person and positive role model for your chickies. You have a perfect example, first leading and now supporting you. #bbrocks

  19. Steph, you are so brave. Moving to a foreign country must be so hard, but then to navigate it for your children as well… You are amazing.

  20. You are doing such a great job under difficult circumstances. Yes, it’s beautiful there, and yes, you should and do appreciate where you are and the adventure you are on. But….sometimes it’s just hard to navigate through the every days, especially when you just crave your old familiar surroundings. (Big sigh…) <3

  23. Bravo to you for choosing joy rather than letting yourself getting sucked into the sadness whirlpool. As we prepare for our relocation to South Africa, I take strength from your example. 🙂
    Carmen.

  26. You are an utterly amazing woman Stephanie, so very inspirational. Sorry you are missing your friends and family. But you do know how to find joy I think. Your children are so very blessed to have such a wonderful mama. Especially one who buys them fragola geyato.

  27. with the bad, comes the good. And eventhough you were having a bit of a rough patch…you turned it around and made it all good…..these are some beautiful memories your girls will have forever….you are awesome! hugs!

  28. Glad you stepped out for the day and had a wonderful time. You’ll learn the language just like you did today, force yourself and it will become easier the next time. Glad all is ok, missed you; I keep checking so it was good to hear from you. Take care and God bless, love from OKC

  31. Oh, Stephanie, Europe rocks, especially Italy! In a while you’ll wonder what you ever worried about & will want to stay FOREVER! X

  33. So glad that a walk around your beautiful neighborhood with your littles cheered you up in the best way possible! 🙂

  34. Just love you and your blog. I’ve commented many times that I appreciate your positive attitude about all things life and children. I’m so grateful for your willingness to take us all along on this journey of yours!

  36. Makes me long even more for Italy! Lived there for two years ages ago, but I’ll never forget the friendly italians. They are the nicest people! And just like you, I always felt that if you make an effort and at least TRY to speak italian, they lavish you with friendlyness!
    Luckily we’re off to the italian iland Sardinia (Sardegna)on Saturday for a short vacation! Yay!

  37. Something about this post made me tear up. I don’t know. I think it’s so nice to read about someone who is still finding joy in what others might consider a terribly stressful situation. I SPEAK Italian and yet the thought of taking my 4 kids to Italy, so far from most of my family, fills me with anxiety. Yet here you are–making it an adventure and appreciating this opportunity to live in the country and to be with your family. It’s lovely. And inspiring. And the fact that the twins are asking for fragola gelato rather than strawberry? That’s awesome. Love it. Go you. 🙂

  39. I know how you feel and I only moved from Houston to Austin. Gotta just keep swimming, keep trying and keep your head up. I try to remind myself to smile. And, yes, hold on to the little moments that matter.