On our way to Italy

It all started at 8:30 a.m. at the Hampton Inn hotel in Smithfield Va on July10,2012. We had our delicious American breakfast, bagel eggs, cereal, fruit, juice, and of course, many cups of coffee it took to get our tired bodies going. (We were up until a bit after 1 a.m. papers,papers, and more papers)  A 9 passenger van picked us up due to all the luggage we carried with us- 11 suitcases and 2 car seats, and I didn't even mention our carryon luggage. Once we arrived at the airport, a guy with a big heavy duty flatbed luggage carrier asked if we needed help. He must have noticed the large van pull up to the drop off area, open its doors and see the back end full of luggage to the top of the roof. He smiled at us as we nodded. We were thankful we didn't have to muster the energy to get it to the security place on our own and he was glad to get the tip coming his way. The day had just begun and we were already weary from the move. The girls sat on the carry-on luggage while the boys took the larger load through security. As I'm sitting there taking everything in, I looked over to my left and noticed James was trying to help load a suitcase on the belt. He was having a difficult time, due to the weight of it, when I hear the security guard in a strong firm voice tell him many times to just drop the suitcase and he started walking towards my little boy. James was so determined to get that luggage on the belt he was clueless of what was going on around him. I quickly called James to come stand next to me, hoping the guard wouldn't grab my sweet boy and take him to the "airport jail", but understood the importance and the tone behind what was being said. We didn't have to wait much longer. I was happy when it was time get out of the waiting scene and back to walking, with luggage on backs and babies in hands.

We got on the plane at 11:30a.m. heading towards Philadelphia. Stopped at Philadelphia for 45 minutes, and went to Baltimore for 9 hours. Yes, nine hours of waiting for our rotater flight to leave for Aviano. This is where our stroller would have been nice to have for Isaac, it was left in the hotel closet:( Our arms and legs were jello once we actually arrived at Aviano. In Baltimore we had to gather all our luggage to go through customs. Our first stop was the USO (a place set up for those in the military to relax in while waiting for the plane. Very nice to have when you need to wait long hours for your rotater flight. It has free snacking food, cheep vending, T.V. area, and of course a child's room with toys, cribs, and cartoons. They also would keep your luggage for you while you waited for the time to tick to board your plane.) We found another nice gentleman that had a large flat bed luggage carrier to carry our load, and even paid the $5 for three little carts for our own carry-on luggage. We didn't know how far it was to the rotater flight and knew we needed to save our backs and energy for the long trip. Once we got to the USO, we dropped the luggage off and Ike told James to put the $5 cart near the door- they weren't allowed in the USO- airport rules. He did what he was told. We left to go eat and as we went to gather our carts, we noticed one was gone. Somebody stole the cart. Ike questioned the guy next to our carts who looked a bit suspicious, but of course there was no confession:( So we loaded all our carry-ons to two carts and went on our way. We had a nice dinner with the usual Isaac crying and many bathroom breaks:) -really wouldn't want it any other way- and went back to hang out with new toys and cartoons. A couple hours later it was time for us to move towards getting our luggage through customs. We grabbed our large load and headed that way. When we got there, we saw a very, very long line all waiting for the same thing- to check their luggage in. The nice gentleman who carried our luggage said, "Follow me. I'll take you a faster way." We didn't understand what he meant, but followed hoping he was right. He was right. He took us to the family waiting area:) Yay, there were only three-four families ahead of us and I am thankful the military understands traveling with little ones. They definitely do the best they can to take care of us. We went through customs and waited for our departure.  It seemed like a long wait until we were actually able to board, but boarded on time 10:45 p.m.. Even though the late hours were catching up to us, there was excitement in the air as we boarded the plane for Aviano. We were seated on a large plane with each row holding 9 people. We had a six and a half hour flight to Ramstein, Germany Airbase. I was sure the children would sleep the whole way because of the long day and late hour. The two little ones were asleep before take off and the older ones including Ike fell asleep after the first snack. I was just too excited, or the coffee was still in effect, to even rest my eyes, so I read and watched a movie until dinner. After dinner my eyes started getting heavy. As I was drifting off to sleep, Isaac started tossing back and forth, back and forth. I tried to situate him into a position he felt comfortable in, but his eyes popped opened, looking a little too bright for this late at night. He was wide awake with the rest of the plane sleeping. He really enjoyed the window- open then shut, then open then shut,then open then shut- so much fun he just had to laugh really loud. I know it sounded louder to me than the others, but it was loud when everybody else was trying to sleep. It took me awhile of worrying about waking the whole plane up before I remembered the leap pad was in a bag across the plane. Once I got to it and got it out, it kept him quiet for a good while so I could try to sleep with the rest of the passengers. I was glad when breakfast came. I knew if I could make it to breakfast, that meant one thing- we were closer to our first stop. We only had about an hour left of the flight when Isaac decided it was time for rest again. I tried to sleep while he was, but at that point all the other children were stirring and I knew I wouldn't be able to rest until the next plane. I was so glad to be at a stopping point where we could stretch and gather ourselves once again. That joy only lasted until we departed from the plane. When we got off we were told we had to unload everything and go through customs again with ALL luggage. My heart sank with exhaustion and it took every ounce of me to politely smile and encourage the kids that, "It will all be worth it."
Little Isaac was so tired he had no self-control at this point. It was funny, but not, as we passed by people. ( Remember he had no stroller so he was either walking hand in hand with somebody, on my hip, or sitting in somebodies lap. At this point, he was walking hand in hand with me because I could no longer carry him.) Every time we passed by somebody he would throw his arm back and slug them in the knee. I am trying not to laugh while saying "Sorry" to everyone we passed and reminding him to be gentle. The men in the line of fire were very gracious to our little guy by laughing it off while Isaac used their knee caps as target practice, it didn't help with the teaching process.
That being said it was a bit more challenging this time around going through customs. They didn't have the family friendly line and English wasn't spoken well. It was hard to understand what the security guards were telling us.  We had to wait in a long line while we showed the Germans our passport in order to enter the airport. During that time an American had split one of the dividers open, so people were trying to enter through the split area with there "special pass". One of the tall rough looking guards gets up out of his office, obviously upset, goes to the line divider, yells something that sounded like "We need to get some order in here," moves the line divider back to the appropriate spot, goes back to his office area and continues on as if nothing happened. All was silent as you watched people look at each other with question in there eyes.  That guard was the same guy checking our passports. It made me a bit nervous knowing he was in charge of letting us pass-or not- but when I saw him give the next person in line a little smile the anxiety left and tiredness took over again.
We were all tired, and I mean every person on the plane. After clearing through the area where they checked passports, we had to go find an empty spot on the floor big enough to hold all of our luggage, yet still be out of the way for the people passing by with their own large load. We found a clearing in the tiny room, dropped our carry-ons and waited for the larger load. Ike and James, the men that they are, grabbed the larger loads of luggage while the girls, Isaac and I waited by the rest of the luggage. The background was quite the site, children screaming, people rushing for cart carriers, and a bit of confusion going on around us. As I stepped back to look at the crazy picture, I just had to smile and think of the means to the end. It will all be worth it- I secretly hoped. We got the luggage onto the plane again, after the third time through security, but now we had to go back through security ourselves. It was difficult to wait patiently, knowing we had just done this twice and not understanding their logic for the whole process. Once we made it through, we were glad to be back on the plane and heading towards Italy. Most were silent as we entered the plane glad to get away from the chaos. Isaac fell asleep the hour it took us to get to Italy and the other children were quietly peering out the window looking for the Alps.
We were greeted by many families who were wanting to make us feel comfortable and welcome in the new country- Ike's boss and his family, a few other co-workers and the key spouse. They showered us with food, wine, and answered questions. It's times like these that I'm glad we belong to the Air Force. It was so nice walking into warm welcomes and cheerful smiles. They took us to our hotel where we could rest our sleepy bodies.

We've had one day here and are so excited to start house hunting. Tomorrow we are going on a tour of the town called the Benvenuti tour. It will be exciting to see what this little area has to offer. So far, we haven't run into many speaking Italian,since we are still on base, but I'm positive tomorrow will be our big experience with Italians. We were however, at the BX getting a stroller, when Samantha wandered off a little, I was in the restroom trying to figure out those new "toilette". I guess she was touching something because when I came out of the bathroom an Italian man had her by the arm and was trying to say something to her. We think he was saying "Don't touch." She looked a little scared, but was still determined to show daddy the pretty waterfall she saw. I hope she learned her lesson- to not wander from daddy- especially in a new country where we don't know the language:) The BX and the stroller incident was a bit funny so I thought I better add that as well. We needed a stroller- something that is critical when you don't have a car and your arms still feel like jello from the travels the day before. The only stroller we could find was a bright pink one with butterflies on it- unless we wanted to spend $130 on a boy stroller. We were stuck with the little girl stroller for our little boy. James was devastated, part from exhaustion and part from that natural protection over his little brother. He downright did not want that stroller for his brother. The girls didn't like it at first, but then started to "play" with it and called him Isabella. James would have no part in that little game. I laughed and reminded the "boys" yes, including Ike, that it doesn't make him any less a boy if he rides around in a girl stroller. Besides, girls don't go around slugging people in knee caps. I think were good on that part:)

 

First day in Italy-July 14^th 2012

Our day started off a lot earlier than planned.  We had just arrived to Italy two days prior with this being our second night here. You see, we went to bed at 9p.m. the night before, exhausted from traveling, but  awoke to a baby needing comforting.  As I was caring for that special little one, I see another one use the bathroom, then another, then another.  Yes, all were awake now. It was 12a.m. and nobody seemed to be tired, our bodies thought it was daytime.  I told them to go back to bed hoping the sleepiness wouldn’t wear off, knowing we had a long day very early that morning.( It was our first day in the Italian community.)   They obediently went to bed with a little sparkle in their eye and before you knew it, I heard little squeals of quiet laughter coming from the girl’s room.  I headed straight for their room ready to admonish them trying to catch the laughter before it got out of hand.  As I opened the door, my thoughts slowed down and I was reminded to use this time wisely.  Treat it special.  Give them grace.  When I peered in at the two precious little non- sleepy eyed girls, all I saw was excitement.  Excitement about being in a new country and ready to go explore and see what God has to offer them in this new place.  I didn’t like all the excitement at 12a.m. knowing we had to wake up in 7 hours, but thought I better use this time to make precious memories with them rather than waste it in harshness and lack of understanding. I brought them out to the living area where we all laid in the boys bed, snuggled under the covers and talked about our hopes and dreams in this new country.  I won’t forget that moment; in a new country, all snuggled with the most precious people in my life, sharing our moments together, just as a family should.  It made me realize how often I lose those special moments.  I get wrapped up in the busyness of life and the goals I place on myself and my children and forget about the little joy’s God places along my path to enjoy and relish in.  I put that in the back of my memories so that I wouldn’t forget the lesson I learned once we were back in routine.  I promised myself and prayed for God’s grace to help me grab moments like these and use them wisely in making our home a place to feel loved, cherished and make sweet memories in.  As we were talking, the man of my dreams comes out, not able to sleep as well.  He joins the rest of the memory making crew.  I finally get to the point where I can no longer keep my eyes open so I head to bed.  The family was up until about 3a.m.  Once back in bed we slept peacefully, until forced out of bed the next morning by 7. 

We dragged ourselves out of bed trying to get excited about going into the towns of Italy, but the lack of sleep was wearing on us all.  I started wondering if we made a mistake in taking the tour so soon after arriving to the country, knowing that most people took this tour after they were here almost a week.  We couldn’t back out now, so I prayed for strength and patience for all of us.  As we stepped out the door, I instantly realize our tank tops, flip flops, and dresses were not the thing to be wearing.  It’s cold and drizzling rain. I regretted not looking at the weather channel and tried to encourage the children to be tough, it will all be worth it.  We all went shivering, dodging raindrops on the way and running to the bus.  We were a bit behind schedule.  Once we got to the bus area, I looked around and saw we passed by two Italians talking nearby.  I felt a bit uncomfortable and insecure just knowing they were true Italians.  I don’t know why the uneasiness. I guess just the vulnerable feeling that goes along with entering a new setting.  We asked if this was the Benvenuti tour bus.  They nodded and we entered.   We all sat together excited but still shivering and out of breath from the run to the bus.  Our tour guide was amazing.  She was Italian and spoke very good English.  She made us all feel comfortable and at ease.  Her and her co-worker enjoyed the children as well, and I think all of us gave a deep sigh of relief knowing this would be a fun trip after all.

 We went to many different towns.  The rain put a bit of a damper on the tour because we didn’t get to stop and walk in all areas that had been planned, but the experience of just driving and getting to know the area was well worth it-even if we weren’t able to stop and walk around. 

This is a two lane road.

Spring of Gorgazzo at the base of the Alps.

The bus was so big compared to the roads that it was as if we could reach out the window and touch the walls of the passing buildings while driving down the road.  It all looked like the movies.  Tall structured buildings, houses and stores built right next to each other, walls against walls, with cobblestone walkways and little alleyways in between.  We passed by the most amazing sight of clear sparkling water, a little spring coming out of the Alps. It was called the Spring of Gorgazzo.  It was an underground spring, coming directly out of the foot of the Alps, scuba divers would dive deep into it, about 600 ft.  There were only 3 springs like this in Europe.  They all meet up into one river that ends up in Venice.  This was an amazing view, but something we had to view out the bus window because of the rain.  I put a check in my notebook making sure that would be a stop we would make as a family later on in the week. Our next adventure was to learn how to buy a train ticket.  Ike was very studious with this experience and took care of everything.  I still have no idea how to do this, but know that my trusted better half will teach me when I need to know.  The trains were quick to open the doors and just as quick to close them.  The Tour guide reassured us that the Trains would not leave us if it took us awhile to get our "pink" stroller through the door even if the doors closed before we could enter.  We were relieved to have accomplished that small goal and relaxed in the seat of the train as it took off quickly to our next destination.

The rain had stopped as we departed the train, so we enjoyed walking through the town of Pordenone. I felt enlivened as I walked down the streets.  We saw cute little old ladies in dresses riding there bicycles ,ringing their bell as they warned us they were passing and heard the accordion playing music in the background.  We even passed a new instrument I haven’t seen before.  It was a hand held instrument, about a foot long where he would blow air through a tube while pressing down piano looking keys to play the different tunes. I’m sure it’s a common instrument, just something I haven’t seen.  I’m looking forward into finding more information out about it.  As we entered the center of the city, the tour guide told us most cities in Italy will have a church directly in the middle of the city.  That's where we were headed.  We went into a Catholic church called, The Saint Mark Cathedral, built in the XIIIth century.  It was small, but very elaborate.  Beautiful paintings! To our non-educated eyes, we couldn’t understand the meaning of some of the paintings, but nonetheless they were detailed and amazing.  Gold plated structures, statues and columns engraved with different types of patterns on them, there were engraved archways with paintings on the ceiling and around the walls, and gold plated chandeliers. They were in the middle of reconstructing and preserving some of the art work in this church because of an earthquake in1811, but still an amazing part of history. After we left the church, we went to a chocolate factory where we saw the most amazing pieces of chocolate, which I call edible art.  Italians can even make art out of chocolate, quite spectacular if you ask me.  
 The weather was starting to look better and wasn’t as miserable to walk in, but our tired eyes were getting heavy and hungry tummy’s were making our walk a little slower with each step. We finally heard the word lunchtime and were excited to try our first real Italian food.  We had the choice between chicken or fish.  I had chicken while Ike had fish and the children had pasta and chicken nuggets.  Yes, they do have chicken nuggets in Italy. They even have a McDonald’s-not something I’m looking forward to trying at this point. Maybe one day I will be grateful for it, but not yet. Our food arrives in different courses.  Our first course was pasta noodles with tomato sauce and a type of creamy rice with vegetables in and, of course, white and red wine to go with the meal.  It seemed like the Italians like to take their time while eating. They had a little play area set up for children whom might need a little break from sitting.  Isaac made good use of that little area.  The others would have joined if their mommy would have let them, but it really was for little guys not older ones.  After we had our first course we waited around a bit and talked before the meat course came out.  We then talked some more before the dessert came out.  Tiramasu, doughnut covered in cream and a lime sherbet ice cream served just to adults. ( We didn’t know it had alcohol in it and let the children try it)  It didn’t taste like it had alcohol.  It was delicious!  The whole eating process took about 1 ½ hours.  It was all amazing food and some place we would like to go back and experience when the babies weren’t so tired.  Towards the end, little ones were all melting and parents were glad to get into the comforts of a moving vehicle heading for a new destination in hope that the children would sleep on the way. 
 Our last destination would be a winery.  It was quite a ways out into the country and as I looked around the bus I saw mostly men sleeping, with a few babies scattered abroad joining the land of dreams.  The minute the bus stopped, the stir was welcomed and the excited tourists fumbled their way down the stairs to listen to the next guide and try some delicious wine.   We tried many types of wines.  My favorite was a red bubbly wine with a sweet taste.  I had never been wine testing before, so I watched curiously to the etiquette of wine testing.  The swishing of the glass, smelling of the wine, dumping of the old wine, and eating of the bread all took to me well and I enjoyed testing it out. On the way back to the base, we stopped by a little shopping area.  Our family decided to buy some water.  Oh, how we were thirsty.  Ike grabs a big jug of water, pays for it, opens it up and I take a big guzzle.  It just about came back up.  It was “frizzante” water (water with carbonation)- something I think tastes like aspirin water.  Yuck!  I couldn't drink that water and head back into get some real water.  The cashier was watching us just laughing at our expressions, but gladly helped me find “naturale” water.  I realize when I go to pay, that this is the first time I’ve set eyes on a Euro.  Ike just gave me a handful of change when I asked for the money to get a new bottle.  I had no idea what I was looking at. I gave the cashier a weak smile and put my hand out as if saying I have no clue what I’m doing just take what you need. I felt like a child again buying something for the first time with my own money and not knowing the value of each coin. She sympathized with me and took, what I suspect, was the correct amount. We had our laughs, said our farewells, and went back to the base. What an adventure with many more to come. J

Another picture from the church

This was one of those paintings where the eyes followed you.  Yes, it was a bit creepy.

Isaac crashed with Ike not far behind- on the bus