Settimana Bianca

So every year around this time all the schools in Rome (and maybe Italy, I’m not sure) get one week off from school. It’s called ‘Settimana Bianca’ or the ‘White Week’ apparently named so because everyone goes to the mountains. My family, of course, took an extra week, so one week down, one week to go on this unbelievable winter break.

We’re in Cortina d’ Ampezzo, which is famed for holding the Olympics in the 50s, being the set of a stunt scene in For Your Eyes Only and is known as the play place for Europe’s jet-setting, filthy rich. In keeping with the “mind-blown by this lifestyle” theme, I’d say that sounds about right.

Schedule-wise, it’s much like being at home since the kids are gone with their ski instructor from morning to mid-afternoon. So during that time I keep myself entertained with of course the scenery, window shopping (since I definitely can’t afford anything at any of the stores here and am not much of a shopper anyway, so that’s fine), reading some random books I found in my room that happen to be in English (I’ve discovered Danielle Steel books are silly and unrealistic but entertaining nonetheless), and multiple trips to the post office. And if you know me at all, more than my fair share of naps. I think if I want to ski I have to pay for it, which isn’t possible so there’s that.

The girls are tired of skiing already. First world problems? They complain every morning but then seem to have had a good time when they get back. Coming into these two weeks I was worried I’d loose it but they’ve been decent and we’ve had lots of fun. They’ve discovered my iPhoto files so we’ve spent lots of time looking at all my pictures and videos of friends, family and adventures. It makes us all happy but me a little heart sick as well. Worth it to keep them quiet and entertained. So far their favorite is a video Amanda and Mary Beth made one time when they brought Kobe, Amanda’s dog into the dorm. It’s hilarious and Amanda, I don’t even mind the puppy talk J

The condo is actually pretty modest. I think it’s a time-share, which would mean my family can’t decorate or furnish so I’m sure that has something to do with it. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms with a kitchen, dinning room and den. It looks stuck in the seventies complete with green, shag rug and orange bedspreads. I was surprised and very grateful to get my own room and don’t at all mind sharing a bathroom with Edward and Merci. But thank goodness for locks or I would have been walked in on somewhere near seven times by now.

The first week Nona Kicca was here. Nona means grandma and she’s Alessia’s mom. I LOVED her. She was so spunky and kind and definitely did not put up with as much wild outrageousness from all four of the kids. Marco got here Saturday night and besides the addition of cigar smoke (I happen to kind of enjoy it, for reasons I’ll keep to myself in this public forum) there hasn’t been much change to our routine or dynamic here. I don’t know how long he’s staying but Alessia said she’d be mad if he didn’t stay at least 2-3 days. Tomorrow Nona Laura, Marco’s mom, arrives tomorrow with Luca, Marco’s older and mentally handicapped brother. Both will stay until we all return to Rome on Saturday.

Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone for your comments! I really do appreciate and enjoy them. It helps me to feel a little less like I’m talking to myself (a habit that has unfortunately increased since I live mostly by myself J).