Strangers

I’m beat. 14 hours of train rides and I finally got to Paris.

And of course it couldn’t possibly have gone smoothly…that would be too easy!

First started with the stomach cramps as soon as I got on the first of 5 trains. Let me tell you people that the lavatory in a second class cabin on a midnight train is not a pretty place to be.

Then there was the fact that the sleeper train had no more cabins, so it was the jump seat in the aisle for me.

Then the running up and down stairs with two suitcases looking like a mad woman from lack of sleep (see above)

Now, it might seem like I’m complaining alot, but I actually have a positive point to make. I have been so blessed and touched by the kindness of strangers on this trip.

Every single step of the way there was someone to help me with my bags, let me have a seat, help me find my platform, give up thier seat for me.

A sweet woman watched my bags while I was in the bathroom, three old guys insisted on sitting on one side of the sleeper car so that I could have a whole side to sleep, and countless people went out of thier way to not only point me in the right direction, but also take me there and show me what to do when I got there.

This could have been a nightmare and instead it was just a few bumps in the road. I have been trying to do my part to pass the buck to show people love!

I hope we can use this influence of strangers to spread the love all over!

Au Revior

Attitude

Sorry this was supposed to be in earlier

Italian women have a reputation for being, how should we say this…confident. They walk around with huge sunglasses, not acknowledging any other human being on earth, or bothering to go out of their path. This could possibly be seen as an attitude problem.

I am here to tell you folks to please forgive these poor women. They have adapted these behaviours for a good reason and you would too!

As is my general Texas nature I like to say hi to people and smile at people on the street. After just two days in Rome my smiles are gone and I’m hidden behing huge sunglasses.

You see the men in Rome (I’m sure not all, but in my experience a good many) have a confidence problem too. They take every smile, every hello, even every look as an acceptance to thier unspoken (or sometimes very loudly spoken) invitation.

Yesterday the man at the Gelateria tried to hug me!!! Now I know that the personal space bubble over here is generally smaller anyways, but seriously???? Buy some deoderant and get some manners!

Well I’m off to go prancing around Rome in my big sunglasses and aloof attitude for a few more hours before my train leaves!

Trouble in Paradise

Wait. What? Huh? Are you serious?!?!?!

This is supposed to be my dream come true. This is what I’ve always wanted. So what’s happening?

In case you haven’t noticed I haven’t been aound much. Some of it is because I have been at the beach, but for the most part it is because I have been working for 12 to 16 hours a day. I have shared a room with three children and I have hardly slept.

Now if you thought that’s where my complaint was you were wrong. I have been almost completely denied internet and phone access or any time to myself. I have had to sneak away to make the few calls I have.

Things have gone horrible south around here. I was informed today that my daily duties in rome would be washing the floors (no mop, just a rag) of a two story house almost completely tile, I am to clean the bathrooms everyday, and serve the family meals as well as the regular household chores…

Cinderella what????

This is not what I bargined for so I discussed it with the family.

This is the part where it gets bad: They blew up!!! They have kicked me out and told me that I have one week and now they refuse to speak to me.

So I am back in Rome on my own and trying to make some really hard decisions. I am putting this in the Lord’s hands. He brought me here for a reason and now I will find out what I need to do. I have lots of options.

Now I’m homeless and jobless again, but this time its in Rome! Here’s to more of my bantering and touring!

 

Pray for me!

CIAO

Anti-Fan Mail

Okay I know that sounds harsh, but really, here is my letter:

To the makers of Italian swimsuits:

I have spent five beautiful days on an Italian beach. Everthing was beautiful; the beach, the sunset, the people. However, I do have one concern and that is Italian swimsuits. As Italian struggle with the concept of modesty anyways I would appreciate it if you would do your part to help.

I’m not sure your aware, but the women’s bottoms seem to be missing about an inch from each side in both the back and the front. Now I’m not really a prude, but considering I was at a family resort I felt a little more like I was at a semi-nude beach!!! Also, I know you might not be aware of this, but its okay…no really its okay if a swimsuit top is not completely made of strings. Even better for the over 60 crowd they make these swimsuits in other countries called a one piece…no it doesn’t mean no top, but it does cover bellies and bottoms.

In regards to men’s swimwear. I am almost at a loss for words, however I will share the few I do have. Please refrain from making anymore ‘bannana hammocks’ the Italian men are far to fond of them for good taste. And when I say men I mean ALL Italian men. All shapes. All sizes. All ages.

Please, please, please for the sake of my burning eyes address this issue as soon as humanly possible!

Best Regards,

Kaylie