Christmas Time is Here...

Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year...

What's this time of year without a little Charlie Brown?!?


I think I have watched it every year at Christmas time... only to find out that James has never seen it! A must fix!

But before we get to all that... Since Thanksgiving, we had game night with some of James co-workers, some I knew, some I didn't. It was a blast. We chatted, ate home made Mexican tacos, then played Catch Phrase (awesome), followed by Quelf;

(a random and must experience kind of game!)

I was also able to take a trip to the Naples Duomo...


This is the side chapel, with the Roman pillars still in tact.

In Italy they aren't allowed to tear down old structures, only work around them... and why would you? They are clearly still functional... and very cool!

I also brought James and our new buddies, Danielle and Stephen (who I met at the game night), to the Eat, Pray, Love pizzeria.


We then walked around Naples some and walked down a popular shopping market/alley (Spaccanapoli), where you can buy pretty much anything and everything! And they were awkwardly welcoming;

*Scratches head*

And Santa stopped in for a visit...


Moving on... being in the Christmas spirit, and Mommy's baking-less *tear,* I took the time to try out my Grandmother's old fashioned fudge recipe... Oh, sweet success!


Charlie Brown time!
On "our" Christmas Day (Dec 22) we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas to get into the Christmas spirit and then opened our gifts! We decided to celebrate early because we would be in Rome for the next two days and then at our friends' house all day on Christmas.

Don't laugh... this was the extent of our Christmas decorations;


Oh wait, there was a wreath on the door and a bowl with pine cones and red, green and silver disco balls on the table...
I know, I over did it this year, hah!

OK, time to open- you first!


I think this is the only present James had absolutely NO clue what was inside, go me.


James did a wonderful job wrapping... I wonder what's inside??


I actually didn't see that part because he had it against the wall, strong work James!

I'm official Navy now, hah!


After playing with our new toys a bit, we packed for Rome and went to bed.

The next morning we headed out around noon (via train) and got to Rome about two hours later.
But not before a cappuccino of course!


Upon arrival in Rome, we checked into our hotel, which was conveniently close to the train station, grabbed some pizzas and were on our touristy way!
Day one was mostly spent on an open top/Hop- on, Hop-off bus because we didn't know where to go or our way around. Our first hop-off was at the Colosseum.


We rented audio guides and it was a little hard to figure out where we were supposed to be, but once we figured it out it was pretty interesting ;-)


I didn't know they tortured Christians as entertainment at half time... so sad :-/

Next stop - the Spanish Steps!


Then a window shopping pitt stop... at Tiffany's ;-)


And a stop at the beautiful Trevi Fountain


Hugs and high fives for Santa...


Break for banana and Nutella Crepes...
(Danielle and Stephen's first experience... which started an unsatisfiable craving within them... no joke...)


Finally, dinner at Hard Rock...
We were all craving American burgers... and most importantly; free water WITH free lemon slices, Mmmm. Oh the little things!


The USA holdin it down...

(American Embassy in Rome)

Then we walked to the hotel and passed out!

Now onto day two!

We started off with a nice breakfast spread, as the hotel served continental breakfast (again I forgot to snap a picture, though this one was not quite as good as the previously mentioned...). There were several pastries, Nutella (of course), bread, ham slices, cheese slices, cereals, juice, milk, and all sorts of coffee drinks. Then we headed to the train station and hopped on the metro towards Vatican City!


I really wanted to see the live Nativity in Vatican city. I read and heard that it's a pretty big deal for Italian Catholics, it's kind of like a pilgrimage or something. It begins at dusk, so we planned to spend the whole day at Vatican City. Which, by the way, is it's own country, weird, I know. I tried to get them to stamp my passport, but they weren't havin it... And yes, I'm kidding about the passport.
Anyway, we made a quick run through the museum... well, probably more like a long stroll, as it's a rather large museum, regardless... We finally made it to the beautiful Sistine Chapel... where we didn't take pictures because you're not allowed to *whistles & twiddle thumbs* ...
I saw my first real mummy!


And looked into Medusa eyes...


Then headed down the cool stairs...


...and out to stalk the Pope!


With no luck on a sneak peek *shrugs,* we went inside Saint Peter's Basilica, where it is believed that Peter and some late Popes are buried underneath.

I think it's also the biggest church in the world... but don't take my word for it, Google it for yourself...
Regardless, it was quite a site!

(Sorry you can't see us but you get the idea...)

You can't really see it... and even if you could see it, not sure you could read it, but the scripture "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church..." (Matt 16:18) is engraved up there under the windows... If you can see the "TV ES PERTVS..." that's it... or you can just take my word for it :-)


That scripture is in the dome right above the platform area;


Random group shot in the Basilica...


The original plan was to stay til dusk then head out, but the rain would not let up and we couldn't take it anymore, so we grabbed some lunch, Italian hot chocolate and headed out.


I hope you had yourself a Merry Christmas!
We sure did :-)

Italian Life Continues...

So, I think I'm getting kind of used to living here, because I forget that I randomly do some note worthy things... so, sorry that I continually fall behind, but here we go again...

I took a one-day cooking class offered through the base, at a local restaurant (forgot the name, I do apologize...), where we learned how to make an authentic Italian meal (Macaroni Grill who?);

Some kind of parm and broccoli pasta with pork (and no, there is no pesto despite the green look) and on the side- grilled eggplant and zucchini, and my favorite- bruschetta!
I don't remember the actual name of the main dish, but I do have the recipe! The chef spoke only in Italian, so we had an interpreter- though I'm pretty sure he knew English because he laughed at some of the comments people were making!

Later that week we were informed that if you want something here, just buy it. You can always take it back, but if you decide to sleep on it, it might not be there when you return to buy it, and then you have to wait possibly months before it's restocked. So with that, we decided to see if the NEX had the MAC we were going to buy for ourselves for Christmas... they did! And only one, so we took the advice we just received and had an early Christmas purchase!

Of course, we're not going to open it up and use it until Christmas... oh wait, no- we were definitely like little kids without parents that night ;-p


At the cooking class, I spend a lot of time talking to a fellow Navy wife and her visiting parents, and they invited me out for pizza with them at a later date. The pizzeria on the agenda was the place Julia Roberts ate at in her recent film Eat, Pray, Love...

The pizza maker-

I will return as often as possible and anyone who visits me can expect that to be on the itinerary :-)

I prayed, ate and loved that pizza!!! It's the best I've had in Italy yet!

My Julia Roberts pose...

Oh, and a guy (who worked there) decided to make me take a pic with him... thanks?

Hm... I kind of want it right now...

Speaking of food- Thanksgiving was great! A wonderful spread- compliments of our good friends the Fields! Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of all the food... nor all the tons of leftovers, however, I did capture a few moments of the fun!

We played the board game "Quelf." I didn't win, but I was definitely a good sport, as this me doing ballet for a minute... with my ninja headband/belt on... watch out! Oh yes, and Keda with her lovely helmet! Yeah, I know, we look a little SpEd here, but hey, it was fun! Oh, and there's a little glimpse at all the food in the background! Well, the containers and foil anyway...

Next on the menu - The Royal Palace at Casserta (or Palazzo Reale di Caserta).

It was modeled after the Palace of Versailles (you can refer to my Paris blog; http://signorakeaton.blogspot.com/2010/09/well-always-have-paris.html), as Charles wanted it to be bigger and better than his rival ancestors in Versailles. Its's a beautiful place, and he may have succeeded in the bigger and better-ness but, the French know how to preserve and keep much better than the Italians... just saying. Although, it was very nice not to have to fight the crowds of Versailles!!!
Chapel:

Everything was marble, but what really got me was the patterns and different marbles used- especially for the floors!

Not gonna lie, I thought about stealing this birdcage/clock... how awesome?!?!

Can I get this tub installed in my apartment?

Gorgeous table!

Italians are very family oriented... thus explaining why they were the first to include everyone in their nativity scenes!

Nothing like an Italian crowd!
Unfortunately, we didn't dress weather appropriate, so we're saving the gardens for a warmer day!

Can't wait!

*Side note: This castle was used in Star wars and Angels and Demons
Oooh, Ahhh

I also couldn't wait to part with the "Mo."

I didn't greet the Mo, I mean James, with a razor that day- just some hair bleach (which only brought out the red)! What was the point of having it if you can't have fun with it! Then I kissed that thing goodbye!

Next stop... Christmas!

Fall fun...

To kick off October we had a little pumpkin party;

Mine was already rotting on the inside, so we decided to just leave him be. Instead, my task was the pumpkin seeds!

Gooey- Bleh! But once the seeds were cleaned, salted and in the oven we watched an episode of House. About 30 minutes later I realized I forgot to set the timer- Our little party was not a success on my end!
Not to mention the pumpkins all went bad in a about a week!


A few days after tossing the pumpkins in the garbage it was time for me to fly home! I was there for 10 days, and just in time for the arrival of my newest nephew Logan. He is such a sweet baby and I miss him already!

I also got to take my other nephew to our Church's Harvest party, which he was way excited about!

As was my bff, who helped out. That's one gorgeous pirate!

I also got to witness my nephew learning to use the potty, haha! How darling!

And finally, I had to say goodbye to a dear friend;

We had good times ol' girl, sorry to have to end it this soon!

It was great to hang out with the world's greatest fam and to see all my friends and church family. I landed back here on Nov 3rd, to James who was on day three of supporting "Movember" (http://us.movember.com/). This pic is more recent, however...

I can't wait til November 30th! I just might greet him at the door with his razor that evening! Regardless, it is great to be reunited with my love again, though when I returned, I was even more homesick than before I went home. *Tear*

So, to help me get back into the excitement of being in Italy, James signed us up for a weekend get-a-way in Emilia Romagno. I must admit, I was excited to get out, but I wasn't sure I was excited about the different parts of the trip. However, it ended up being awesome!
After the eight hour drive, our first stop was at a Parma-ham factory. It's a top of the line ham here. We got a tour of the factory and an in-depth walk through of the process. Luckily we only saw pigs legs and nothing more! Though nothing on the pig goes to waste apparently. Parma-Ham is a two year process!
Ham Anyone?

Each leg is worth 350 Euro!


After that we went to a traditional balsamic vinaigrette place. Once again we got to learn how it's made. Traditional balsamic takes a minimum of 12 years to make! So, chances are, if you've only had store bought, you've probably never had the real stuff- now days they just make imitation because it's a lot quicker. I felt kind of lied to when I found that out! It was so good we had to buy a bottle. We bought the 16-ish year old bottle for 60 Euro! Kind of steep but well worth it! It's good for 25 years and you're not supposed to refrigerate it.
Taste test!


Finally, we grabbed some pizza and went to our hotel. The next morning we got breakfast in the hotel (Italian continental breakfast is no joke! Sorry I didn't think to take pics!) and headed out to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory/store. It's top of the line Parmesan cheese, Mmmm. For this kind of cheese, it has to age for at least a year but this place let's it age for two years! The flavor is so strong and oh so good!

Us with one of the owners and tons of cheese... and the mustache...

Each wheel is worth 300 Euro!

Then, our final stop was the Ferrari Museum!

Normally I wouldn't go for a yellow car, but I'd be willing to make an exception...

All the cars were, of course, amazing!!!

And now I want one more than ever!
They have a place where you can test drive them (15 mins for 60 Euro) but we decided that we would wait til we could bring my sister and her husband, as I'm sure they'd LOVE it! And maybe my dad too... we shall see! I can't wait!!!

And now we're back on track...Whew...

Dormant?

We finally visited the local volcano this weekend, Vesuvius- the one that destroyed Pompeii in 79 A.D. We can see it from base on a daily basis, well, as long as it's a clear day- so it's about time we made it there!

Little back ground: now there is Vesuvius, the volcano, and Mt. Vesuvius, the mountain right next to (semi-connected to) the volcano. Before it erupted in 79 A.D. "they say" it was all one enormous volcano, but the eruption was so massive that it caused it to split... Viola! And then there were two...
We had nothing on the agenda for our Saturday, and the miserable summer weather is gone so we were on our way! The drive to the base of the volcano is quick and easy. The drive up however, is about 15-20 minutes of slow driving, steep skinny streets and sharp turns. Not to mention there were quite a few tour buses going up and down- I would hate to be them on those hillsides! Although, it was of course worth it, and the views are incredible.

However, the volcano can be rather shady and the clouds like to congregate at the top, so when we got to the top the views weren't so clear... But that will come later.
Eventually the street dead ends into a parking lot, where you pay a few Euro, park and then hike up! (which you also have to pay for...) The hike is steep!!! I might have turned back but there was a group of old people behind us- that'd be embarrassing! So onward ho! The hike was about 15 minutes at my hurry-let's-get-this-over-with pace. Once at the top you can circle the top of the crater and check out the many views in...

and down the volcano...

...etc...

Notice the clouds... so cool :-)

Once we were done, we thought that instead of walking back down, it might be easier to just roll down into the abyss...

Ok maybe not- we've all heard not to walk into the light...
But with the steam (or whatever that was) coming out of the center, I did question the trust we put into the people who say that this volcano is "dormant."

But hey, what do I know about eruption calculating?
PS. Please don't tell my mom ;-)
XOXO